Chapter 781 - 777: Startled

Gu Jiaojiao was startled just watching.

Although she herself was a bit delicate, she could at least carry water. This Fang Ziyin was even more delicate—it was obvious she didn’t even know how to cook.

Fang Ziyin was stubborn, though. She tossed the bucket into the well, but it was as if the bucket was working against her, refusing to take on any water no matter what she did.

Gu Jiaojiao: ...

’Fine!’

’Looks like I’ll have to do it myself.’

Gu Jiaojiao walked over and took the rope from Fang Ziyin’s hands. With a gentle flick, the bucket floating on the surface tipped over. Well water poured in, and it was full in an instant.

The bucket Gu Jiaojiao was lifting was a small one, so it didn’t take much effort.

She normally never had to fetch water, so this was one of the rare occasions she had to do so.

Fortunately, her technique was practiced, and she pulled up a full bucket of water with ease.

Fang Ziyin quickly took it and obediently began to wash the grapes.

After being washed, they had to be laid out to dry.

Once dry, the grapes were crushed, mixed with sugar according to the proper ratio, placed in a jar, and sealed.

After about half a month, you would open the seal to check on it. If it was ready, it could be drunk. If not, you would seal it again for a few more days.

The process was simple, but it still took up the better part of the day.

By the time they finished, Fang Ziyin’s face was flushed, and a fine sheen of sweat had appeared on the tip of her nose.

Gu Jiaojiao brewed a pot of herbal tea and brought it out. After just one cool cup, the exhaustion seemed to melt away.

Fang Ziyin’s eyes lit up. "This is good stuff."

Summer was naturally sweltering, but after that one cup of herbal tea, most of the oppressive heat seemed to dissipate. Fang Ziyin had tried many herbal teas before, but this was the first time she’d had one so effective.

Gu Jiaojiao was not stingy. "I’ll pack some for you to take when you leave. You can brew it yourself at home."

Fang Ziyin nodded eagerly, a smile touching her lips. But before it could fully form, she remembered what she needed to say and immediately suppressed it.

Gu Jiaojiao truly hadn’t expected Fang Ziyin to be so hesitant.

She had been waiting for the better part of the day, yet Fang Ziyin still hadn’t said anything.

’Any longer, and the others will be home.’

Gu Jiaojiao had no choice but to take the initiative. "You came here today because you have something to tell me, right?"

Fang Ziyin was silent for a moment before nodding. "It’s about Bai Shu."

"He... he works very hard. We first met five years ago. We were recruited in the same batch. We only saw each other briefly then, and we didn’t meet again after that."

"I was assigned to the song and dance troupe and had to train every day. Jiang Baishu went somewhere else, and we didn’t see each other again for a whole year."

"Later, I went on a performance tour and saw Jiang Baishu again. Since we were recruited together, we recognized each other and said hello."

"By that time, Jiang Baishu was already a squad leader."

"To get promoted two ranks in one year is really incredible."

"At first, I just thought Jiang Baishu was outstanding. Then, half a year later, I went home and heard his name from my father."

"My father was full of praise and admiration for Jiang Baishu. I asked a few more questions out of curiosity, and he told me all about him in detail. The more I heard, the more I felt that this man was truly special."

"After that, I heard more and more about Jiang Baishu, until... until he went out on a mission."

"It was only then that I realized I had fallen for Jiang Baishu. I worried about him constantly for three years, and during that time, I also worked my way up to become the lead performer."

"This time, I heard that Jiang Baishu had returned, so I specifically took leave to come home. But then I heard the news that he was planning to leave."

"I was so anxious that I followed him here."

As Fang Ziyin spoke, she grew more and more embarrassed. She didn’t dare to look Gu Jiaojiao in the eye, because what she was about to say was far too selfish.

"I know this sounds very selfish, but... could you please try to persuade Jiang Baishu to go back?"

"I know it’s hard to take care of the children, and I’m willing to help. I have a monthly stipend of 25 yuan, and I’m willing to give you 20 yuan every month as a token of my gratitude."

Gu Jiaojiao shook her head.