Chapter 17

The two men clearly did not believe him, taking it as mere modesty.

Before long, Zheng Huaili arrived with Young Master Wang. Seeing that Rong Xi was unfamiliar to him, he knew Rong Xi was the one who made the sugar, and a smile appeared on his face.

At the same time, Duan Changjin and Hu Yulin took their seats after exchanging greetings. Zheng Huaili politely asked, "May I know this gentleman's honorable name?"

"My surname is Rong. Rong Xi."

Zheng and Wang were instantly stunned, exchanging looks.

Ever since Rong Xi had arrived in Linxi, his name had become a topic of conversation among the common people. Zheng and Wang had also made several comments about him, both condemning his conduct.

At the thought of this, cold sweat broke out on Zheng Huaili's back. He hurriedly asked, "May I ask, Young Master Rong, did you come from Linxi?"

Rong Xi knew what he was thinking. His expression remained calm as he nodded in reply.

Hu Yulin, on the other hand, felt displeased. Yet when he recalled that he himself had once been no different from these two, he felt even more remorseful and ashamed.

Rumors could melt gold and blind the eye. Had Eldest Brother not possessed such a steadfast will and exceptional talent, even after being sent to Linxi, he would have had no foothold there.

"Did that white sugar truly come from Young Master Rong's hands?" Zheng Huaili still had his doubts.

It was not that he looked down on Rong Xi. He simply could not imagine that the son of an official from the capital would understand the crafts of artisans.

"Indeed." Rong Xi leisurely sipped his tea. Even under suspicion, he showed not the slightest displeasure.

Seeing this, Zheng Huaili and Young Master Wang believed him a little more.

"To be frank, I came today for the method of making white sugar. If you are willing, I am prepared to offer fifty strings of cash in exchange for it." His attitude was sincere, and the price was fairly generous.

Hu Yulin's narrow eyes curved slightly. "Shopkeeper Zheng is generous. However, you and I both know that once white sugar appears on the market, it will surely win the favor of the nobility. If you obtain this method, wealth and profit will come rolling in. Fifty strings of cash are merely short-term gains."

Before Zheng Huaili could refute him, he turned to Rong Xi and said earnestly, "If Eldest Brother is willing, I wish to purchase this method with twelve percent of the profits."

"Young Proprietor Hu, you are not a sugar merchant. Why are you competing with me for the sugar-making method?" Zheng Huaili asked with a frown.

Hu Yulin's lips curved upward. "Simply because I desire it. If Shopkeeper Zheng lacks sincerity, then please do not disturb Eldest Brother and me while we make our agreement."

Ever since honeycomb coal briquettes and coal stoves had become wildly popular, the Hu Clan's momentum had grown increasingly fierce. Everyone could see that the Hu Clan no longer wished to rely on charcoal as its foundation and seemed to be expanding into other trades.

Could it be that the Hu Clan had also set its sights on white sugar?

At this thought, Zheng Huaili was secretly alarmed. Compared with fifty strings of cash, twelve percent of the profits was clearly far more tempting.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "I am willing to give Young Master Rong thirteen percent of the profits."

Rong Xi suddenly chuckled. His voice was clear as the wind through the forest, washing away the restlessness in their hearts.

"The Zheng Clan has made sugar for a century and has more experience in this field. Brother Xuan Shi, I apologize to you."

Hu Yulin sighed mournfully, feigning disappointment.

Delight bloomed in Zheng Huaili's heart like spring flowers as snow and ice melted away. He immediately asked, "When would Young Master Rong be willing to make the agreement?"

White sugar was novel. Even if he received only seventy percent of the profits, it would still be enough.

After the two sides made their agreement, Rong Xi secretly explained the sugar-making method to him in detail. Zheng Huaili felt as though enlightenment had been poured into his head and understood at once.

"Though this method is simple, it is truly difficult to conceive. I greatly admire Young Master Rong's talent."

Eager to try making white sugar, Zheng Huaili did not wish to linger and departed with Young Master Wang.

Once their figures had vanished from sight, Hu Yulin slapped the table and laughed heartily, utterly delighted.

At last, he had managed to help Eldest Brother a little.

Rong Xi was just about to bow in thanks when Hu Yulin caught his wrist and said, "Eldest Brother, there is no need for this. We are brothers. Helping you is only natural."

"I am deeply grateful for Brother Xuan Shi's kindness."

In this other world, it was his good fortune to have met several good friends.

After the three talked for a while, Rong Xi remembered a personal matter and rose apologetically. "I wish to speak with Madam Jiang. Please wait here for a moment, brothers."

"Another new dish?" Duan Changjin asked.

"It has nothing to do with dishes. It is a personal matter." With that, Rong Xi headed alone for the back kitchen of Gourmet Pavilion.

There were no customers in the shop at the moment, so Madam Jiang should not have been busy.

Watching his figure disappear, Hu Yulin and Duan Changjin exchanged a glance. He had a private matter to discuss with Madam Jiang, and he was avoiding others besides. What sort of private matter could it be?

Their eyes immediately widened. Could it be...?

In the back kitchen of Gourmet Pavilion, Madam Jiang was studying new dishes.

When she saw Rong Xi arrive so suddenly, delight appeared on her face.

"What brings Young Master Rong here?" She hurriedly washed her hands and asked with a smile.

Rong Xi seemed somewhat embarrassed. His gaze drifted about, unsure where to settle, and he stammered, unable to explain himself for a while.

Hu Yulin and Duan Changjin, who had secretly followed him, hid outside the door and worried on his behalf.

If it was so difficult to say, then it must be just as they had thought. Perhaps Eldest Brother had feelings for Madam Jiang.

However, Madam Jiang was two years older than Eldest Brother, and their statuses were worlds apart. Hu Yulin did not think highly of the possibility.

Seeing Rong Xi's slightly flushed face, Madam Jiang could not help but laugh openly. "If it is difficult for you to say, you can write it down and tell me that way. I studied for a few years and can read."

She saw that Rong Xi was shy, but there was no sign of romantic feelings in his eyes. She knew there was another reason for his embarrassment.

Rong Xi took a deep breath, scratched his head, and smiled. "It is fine."

After saying that, he stepped closer to Madam Jiang and lowered his voice. "Could you teach me needlework?"

He had once seen Madam Jiang embroidering handkerchiefs and knew that her needlework was excellent, which was why he asked.

Great Wei had no close-fitting undergarments, and he truly could not get used to it. Previously, he had no choice but to make do. Now that he lacked neither money nor time and knew Madam Jiang, he wanted to give it a try.

Only Madam Jiang heard his quiet words. The two men outside did not catch them clearly, which only made them suspect something even more.

Madam Jiang was greatly surprised and said softly, "If Young Master Rong needs anything, I can sew clothes for you."

The two continued whispering, leaving the men outside so anxious that their hearts itched.

"Madam Jiang, just consider it a way for me to pass the time with needlework when I have nothing to do," Rong Xi said. He truly did not wish to have a young lady sew his close-fitting clothing for him.

Once he said this, Madam Jiang stopped trying to persuade him. Smiling brightly, she said, "If Young Master Rong has time, would you accompany me home?"

"Thank you, Madam Jiang!"