Chapter 557: Chapter 558: The Third Brother Across
The servant had a keen eye for quality.
Yun Jinnian’s remark also made it clear that he intended to reward the servants with tea. His gaze swept over them, taking note of the numbers, and he walked to the doorway to quietly instruct a few people. Those few immediately set out to carry out their tasks.
Before long, the tea was steeped and served.
Yun Jinnian’s was of the highest quality, with Mrs. Yuan’s and the others being slightly inferior.
Mrs. Yuan and her companions also found the tea exceptionally good.
When the fabric was brought over, Jinnian smiled and said, "Nanny, everyone pick your own, two outfits per person. When we cut the fabric, we’ll cut some extra for making the tops of shoes or perhaps use it to make lace edges!"
Mrs. Yuan hurriedly said, "Miss, even if these fabrics were made into clothes for us, we wouldn’t be wearing them out. It would be better to give us something more ordinary!"
Hearing this, Jinnian felt that Mrs. Yuan made sense and after a moment’s thought, "Then each of you take two bolts of this brocade to save for future clothes, and make two outfits from ordinary cotton fabric!"
Mrs. Yuan seemed to want to say something, but Jinnian had already made a final decision, "That’s decided, then. Pick whichever colors you like!"
He sipped his tea in small gulps, observing the passersby on the street.
Utterly relaxed.
Little did he know, he had already caught someone else’s eye at that moment.
Feeling watched, Jinnian turned his head and saw Dai Hanbo.
"Dai third brother?"
Dai Hanbo lowered his gaze, then quickly looked up again, nodding politely to Jinnian across the street.
Jinnian also nodded back, lifted his teacup, and gestured a toast to Dai Hanbo from across the street.
Dai Hanbo felt a wave of nervous excitement, hastily lifted his teacup, and toasted to Jinnian before taking a sip of his tea.
He had never found the tea of this establishment anything special.
He had come to this restaurant today to meet a friend, who was late. Out of politeness, he had already waited for two hours, and his friend was yet to arrive, but instead, he ended up seeing Jinnian, who was buying fabric in the Jinshang Pavilion.
He wished he had the opportunity to accompany her in buying clothes and fabrics, to stroll through the streets with her, to buy everything she liked.
But, considering himself a gentleman, he dared not desecrate a fair lady.
Just being able to glimpse her from afar satisfied him greatly.
Looking over at Jinnian again, he saw her leaning by the window, watching the people on the street or occasionally nodding to a servant.
Dai Hanbo let a contented and gentle smile play on his lips, not even realizing that his friend had arrived.
"Brother Dai, I’m really sorry, I was delayed by some trivial matters!" His friend arrived, drenched in sweat and profusely apologizing.
Dai Hanbo shook his head, "It’s alright, have a seat!"
He was, in fact, somewhat relieved by his friend’s tardiness.
The friend sat down, attempting to chat with Dai Hanbo, but could tell Hanbo’s mind was elsewhere. Following Hanbo’s gaze, he saw Jinnian by the window across the street.
He inwardly sighed at the sight of such a stunning beauty, understanding why even the serene Dai Hanbo was moved with worldly thoughts.
He did not disturb Hanbo, leisurely sipping his tea.
Jinnian could feel Hanbo’s gaze on her, yet it wasn’t very focused, as if it were just an occasional glance.
Jinnian didn’t read too much into it.
She set down her teacup to help Mrs. Yuan choose the colors of the fabric.
She also selected two bolts each for Mrs. Han and Bai Que before paying the Silver and leaving the Jinshang Pavilion.
Dai Hanbo watched Jinnian go and felt an impulse to follow her out, but he also knew that doing so would reveal his feelings.
Upon leaving the Jinshang Pavilion, everyone was in high spirits, and Jinnian suggested they go buy accessories.
They all happily agreed.
Even the typically composed Ru Yue was blushing with anticipation, whispering excitedly with Shi Jiayu.
Hemei, Henuan, Hongxiu, Hongdou, and Hongye all came from the same place, sharing a strong bond and unity that made it hard for outsiders to intrude upon.