Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C303. Parting Sentiments (2).

Chapter 303. Parting Sentiments (2)

"It's more than good enough," Hua Yizheng declared with a sharp nod, stroking his beard with deliberate weight, his tone firm and final. "I'm telling you, this is already remarkable. You've got a kind heart—don't sell yourself short."

"I can't possibly foresee everything you might need," Hua Zhi interjected with an easy confidence, a glimmer of charm in his eyes. "If there's something you want, just tell me outright. No hesitation, no second-guessing. If it's within my reach, I'll get it for you, no questions asked. And don't go thinking you're being a burden—I don't see it that way at all." Hua Zhi smiled. "I'm very good at making money, so you don't have to worry about me not being able to afford it."

Hua Pingyang forced a smile, though the faint sting of bitterness lingered in his chest. "Well, I have to hand it to you—I’ve never seen anyone sing their own praises so unabashedly. But don’t worry, we’re not about to hold back on you."

Hua Zhi opened the large package she had brought. Inside were four smaller packages of different sizes. Without hesitation, she grabbed the smallest one, her hands moving with brisk efficiency as she began to unpack it. "This," she announced sharply, holding up the contents, "is powdered mushroom. A sprinkle of this while cooking will elevate the flavors to something extraordinary. There's an entire cart of dried goods in the caravan – mushroom powder, dried mushrooms, even some dried seafood. I've also gathered recipes. The servants just need to follow them.

She opened the second package, which was a box, and handing it directly to her grandfather with deliberate flair. "Tea. Plenty more of it in the caravan, but I brought this for you to sample first."

Hua Yizheng's eyes lit up as he opened the box, the rich aroma hitting him before he could even examine the contents. He took a deep breath, letting the scent linger, then gently sifted through the tea leaves. "Doesn’t seem like this year’s harvest," he murmured thoughtfully.

"That’s because it isn’t," Hua Zhi replied, her tone edged with defiance. "It’s last year’s batch. Someone managed to steal these from the ruins of the old house—the stuff those looters thought wasn’t worth their trouble."

With a nonchalant air, as if discussing the day’s weather, Hua Zhi tore into the sizable package. The clinking and glinting left no doubt in the Hua family's mind about its contents.

Effortlessly composed, she began stacking the gold bars with methodical precision, each one identical in size and gleaming dangerously under the light. "These are best reserved for bribery,” she declared, her tone sharp and unyielding. “If you plan to use them yourselves, break them into smaller pieces first. Flashing full bars around is practically an invitation for trouble." Her words carried the kind of edge that could slice through stone.

She moved on to the next package, peeling it open to reveal tightly rolled bundles of silver notes. Without skipping a beat, Hua Zhi continued, her voice carrying an air of casual authority, "These notes come in various denominations. Sure, they won't buy you the world in a place like this, but they'll smooth out the rough edges and make life a little less unbearable for everyone."

The father and sons stood there, watching and listening, their hearts caught in a storm of tangled emotions. They wanted to speak, to voice something—anything—but every word felt unnecessary, even trivial, in the weight of the moment.

Hua Pingyang broke the silence, his voice sharp yet measured. "So, you’ve started another venture at the estate east of the city?"

"That’s right," came the curt reply, tinged with an edge of pride. "I’m cultivating mushrooms there. This one here is from that batch. The two travelers who arrived with the caravan? They’ll stay and work here. They’ve brought spores, and I want them to try their hand at growing them locally. If they manage, we’ll have an extra crop for the winter—something fresh when the cold bites hardest."