Chapter 531: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 531: A Joyful Meeting (2)
After finishing the last apple, Yan Junyu continued to eat with increasing delight, unable to stop. By the time he realized, he was already quite full, having devoured half of the entire basket of fruit. Mo Yan watched with amusement as Yan Junyu’s eyes twitched at the sight.
Noticing Mo Yan’s teasing gaze, Yan Junyu felt a bit uncomfortable but quickly composed himself. He directed some of his guards to go up the mountain to pick more fruit while the rest were to transport the fruits to the city.
With Aunt Tong at the orchard, Mo Yan didn’t go herself. The dozen or so strong laborers were much more efficient than the women and children from the other day. Within three hours, the entire orchard was picked clean.
After weighing, the total amount of fruit was 4,600 jin. These fruits were rarer than the pears and peaches and thus fetched a much higher price. With the quality surpassing that of the tribute fruits, the price was even higher.
Mo Yan estimated that the 4,600 jin of fruit could sell for about 2,000 taels of silver. According to the contract, even though half of the profit would be shared, she would still make 1,000 taels. After deducting the costs of land, reclamation, and planting, she still earned 900 taels. Earning so much in the first year of fruit-bearing was already quite impressive.
Next year, when the trees grew more, the yield would be at least five times more. By then, the profits would be even greater. However, when the winery was established next year and could produce wine, whether to keep or sell the fruits would depend on the situation. In any case, planting these fruit trees was a guaranteed profitable venture.
By noon, Yan Junyu showed no intention of leaving. Mo Yan hinted a few times, but seeing that he seemed oblivious, she resigned herself to the fact and went into the kitchen to prepare several of her signature dishes. Otherwise, she would appear impolite.
Yan Junyu had never tasted Mo Yan’s cooking, but he had enjoyed the fruits, vegetables, and live chickens she often sent. He was naturally eager to try the meal.
When the dishes were served, their aroma made one’s mouth water. Yan Junyu wasted no time. As soon as everyone was seated, he picked up his chopsticks and grabbed the nearest dish, the oil-soaked eggplant.
“Mmm, I didn’t expect you to have such culinary skills. Not bad!” Yan Junyu praised, his eyes filled with amazement and evaluation.
He had eaten oil-soaked eggplant countless times, but never had he tasted one so tender and flavorful. It surpassed even the renowned vegetarian dishes from the capital’s Su Xin Village.
This girl not only had courage and intellect but also surpassed many chefs in culinary skills. He wondered just how many surprises she still had in store.
“It’s just simple home cooking. As long as Young Master Yan doesn’t mind,” Mo Yan modestly replied, calmly eating while allowing him to scrutinize her. She also served him several more dishes, politely encouraging him to eat more.
Yan Junyu shook his head in amusement and continued to enjoy the meal. Every dish was excellent, even including the celery he disliked, which he ate a lot of. By the end, he was once again stuffed.
The meal lasted longer than usual. Yan Junyu, full and content, reclined lazily in his chair, resembling a pampered cat.
Mo Yan observed him and felt that he was quite down-to-earth at this moment. Every time they met before, although he didn’t deliberately act superior, his lofty demeanor was deeply ingrained, giving a sense of distance. It was different now, feeling more genuine.
As they chatted and relaxed under the vines, the atmosphere was much warmer compared to the morning. After a while, the hunters, who had gone into the mountains early, returned.
Excited and laden with their catch, the hunters initially didn’t notice the unfamiliar presence in the house. When they finally caught sight of Mo Yan and Yan Junyu under the vines, they realized there was an additional guest and had no way to avoid it.
“Is this… Xiao Hua?” Yan Junyu’s eyes widened as he saw Xiao Hua charge in. He sat up straight, uncertainly asking Mo Yan.
It was understandable for Yan Junyu to question this. Xiao Hua had changed dramatically since he last saw it. Its fur had gone from pure white to a striking silver, and it had grown much larger. Standing there, its dangerous aura was palpable.
If it weren’t for the familiar silly expression on its face, Yan Junyu would have had a hard time recognizing it as the beloved pet he had raised for years.
Just as Mo Yan was about to answer, Xiao Hua suddenly darted towards Yan Junyu like an arrow. Clearly, it had recognized its former owner.
Weighing over 250 jin, Xiao Hua’s powerful pounce would have knocked Mo Yan down and left her gasping for air.
Yan Junyu, who had practiced martial arts since childhood and had quick reflexes, swiftly managed to catch Xiao Hua before it could reach him. He skillfully reduced its force and held it securely, allowing Xiao Hua to nuzzle and whine against his neck.
“Alright, alright, stop licking. Your bloody smell is almost suffocating me!” Yan Junyu tilted his head back, trying to avoid Xiao Hua’s enthusiastic licking.
“Woo woo! Woo woo woo!” Xiao Hua continued to insist on licking, either because it was thrilled to see its former owner or simply because it wanted to tease him.
...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com
Watching the scene, Mo Yan felt a pang of jealousy. It seemed like Xiao Hua was showing affection in front of her, making her feel like a mere onlooker.
After a while, when both Yan Junyu and Xiao Hua finally settled down, Yan Junyu’s purple jade crown was askew, his face was damp, and his clothes were smeared with mud stains shaped like plum blossoms.
Yan Junyu, looking at Xiao Hua with mild distaste but also with a touch of satisfaction, patted it away.
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