Chapter 582: Chapter 582: Block Her at the Door

As soon as Zhu Cuiying began filling Zhu Hongyun’s head with all sorts of negative talk about Qiao Xiaomai, Zhu Hongyun already had an unfavorable opinion of her.

Afterwards, because of Qiao Xiaomai, Zhu Hongyun found himself growing irritated on several occasions.

However, as long as Qiao Xiaomai was not mentioned, the atmosphere at home was still quite pleasant.

But then, the royal decree had arrived ordering the confiscation of their family property. This order stripped away the illusion of harmony that had prevailed in their home.

Underneath the mask, everyone’s hidden agendas were laid bare.

Even if their lifestyle eventually returned to its former state, could they really forget the discord, no, the filth of this period?

No, they could not forget. Each time they thought of it, they would always feel strange.

Therefore, the atmosphere at home could never return to what it once was.

“They won’t stop doing things because of my difficulties, my distress does not factor into their considerations. But you, you consider my feelings, you do not initiate any scheme, which is already a relief.”

The person he loves on one side, his family on the other, Qiao Xiaomai only responds but never initiates trouble. This allowed him relief.

As the youngest in the family, he had no control over anyone’s actions.

Qiao Xiaomai actively thinking on his behalf was very nice.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai blinked her clear, peach blossom eyes, “Do you think I’m selfish?”

“Not selfish, reciprocation is equitable.”

Looking at how his mother and sisters-in-law behaved, asking Qiao Xiaomai to be tolerant with love is a lot to ask of her.

Reciprocation is equitable.

Qiao Xiaomai processed these four characters in her mind and began to laugh, “A wise person.”

“I’m glad you could tell me these things.”

The ox cart was parked in the back alley of the Extreme Flavor Residence. Seeing that no one was around, Tong Sanlang lifted Qiao Xiaomai’s hand and kissed it, “Between husband and wife, we should always be open and transparent, with no reservations.”

At his words, Qiao Xiaomai’s smile widened, “Indeed.”

“Shall we go home?” asked Tong Sanlang.

“Aren’t we going to confront her at the entrance of the Zuixian Building?” Qiao Xiaomai said.

“Let’s not, I’m afraid it would expose the informants from the Extreme Flavor Residence,” replied Tong Sanlang.

“What if she stubbornly refuses to admit it later? How about we pretend to go to the Zuixian Building to buy something?” Qiao Xiaomai questioned.

Thinking about Zhu Hongyun’s possible reaction, Tong Sanlang nodded, “Sounds good.”

“Then let’s go, buy some abalone, shark’s fin, and sea cucumber to cook Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,” she suggested.

She was preparing such a grand dish to show her sincerity when she unexpectedly caught Zhu Hongyun selling the recipe for braised pork to the Zuixian Building. This sudden discovery was like a bucket of cold water dumped on her sincere heart.

The plot was perfect.

Then, Tong Sanlang straightened up, snapped the reins, the ox lifted its hooves, and they started towards their destination.

It was mid-afternoon and the sun was blazing hot. Qiao Xiaomai held an umbrella for them both as they quickly reached the Zuixian Building.

They didn’t go to the back door of the Zuixian Building, instead they parked the ox cart at the entrance. It was off-peak mealtime, so they weren’t worried about blocking the entryway.

Everyone knew Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang at the Zuixian Building. Seeing them arrive, the waiter approached them with a flattering smile, “Ah, what can I assist you two with?”

“Where’s Shopkeeper Zhou? I’d like to buy some things from him,” Qiao Xiaomai replied with an equally radiant smile.

“The shopkeeper’s in the kitchen, I’ll go and fetch him.”

The waiter said, and hustled off to the kitchen.

In no time at all, Shopkeeper Zhou came out, his face beaming like a flower, showing no sign of anything unusual.

“Miss Qiao, what a rare visit, it’s been a long time,” Shopkeeper Zhou gestured for Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang to take a seat.