The books within the bookcase are new and outdated, some are hardcover, that are price some huge cash at first look, and a few are thread-bound, which appears to be like somewhat tough. Most of them are transcribed copies. Typically, it’s not positive that the ebook will likely be vendor. The bookstore boss at all times asks somebody to transcribe it, as a result of whether it is opened, hundreds of copies will likely be printed.

Zhao’er was aware of the boss, and greeted her with a smile as quickly as she entered the door. The unusual factor was that the boss acknowledged her, and when he noticed her, he smiled and requested her if she got here to purchase paper for her brother.

Bringing this up is a bit outdated.

Initially, Zhao’er felt sorry for Xue Tingxiang, so she saved some cash to purchase paper for him to follow calligraphy. Who would have thought that this paper was far more costly than she imagined. Even the worst yellow bamboo paper prices 40 Wen a knife, however that day Zhaoer collected all the cash on his physique, however solely 30 Wen.

With the intention to get the boss to promote the paper to her at a lower cost, Zhao’er labored with the boss for a very long time. He even made up the pretense that he had a hard-working and studious youthful brother, however sadly his mother and father died and his household was poor, so the boss agreed to promote it to her cheaply. Later, she got here to purchase it just a few occasions, all on the earlier value, however she grew to become acquainted with Boss Chen.

Boss Chen praised her for her noble character, incomes exhausting cash, however nonetheless supporting her youthful brother’s training. Often, when she comes to purchase paper, she nearly at all times buys half and offers half away.

Usually, Zhao’er would settle for this type of discuss with a cheeky face, however at this time with Xue Tingxiang round, she was inevitably somewhat embarrassed, for concern that Boss Chen would slip up and make the little man look down on her for mendacity.

Zhao’er has suffered, so she is aware of the abilities of survival, however the little man does not, particularly the scholar may be very pedantic, so each time she encounters such a scenario the place the 2 folks’s concepts battle, she is going to at all times subconsciously go away. Keep away from these.

Inside a day, two folks mentioned that they have been his youthful brothers, which made Xue Tingxiang very sad. Naturally, he did not discover Zhao’er’s hidden ideas. When he got here again to his senses, Zhao’er had already talked with the boss, and even confirmed him the copy of “Hundred Surnames” that he had copied in a single day.

“That is your brother? He appears to be like good-looking, however somewhat thinner.” Boss Chen is a middle-aged man in his forties, with a goatee and stylish physique. Sporting a scholar’s shirt, he does not appear to be a enterprise boss, however a scholar.

“He was sick for some time some time in the past, and he acquired higher just lately.”

“No surprise I have never seen you right here for a very long time.” Whereas speaking, Boss Chen took the manuscript that Zhao’er handed over, whether or not it was certain or paper high quality, it was very poor.

He knew in his coronary heart that this type of peasant boy couldn’t write superb characters, however he admired this younger man named Zhao’er, so he deliberate to not criticize an excessive amount of even when he actually didn’t do properly, simply say some delicate phrases and refuse it. up.

If the extent isn’t dangerous and the phrases can nonetheless be learn, it’s not inconceivable to provide him some informal work, simply as a assist.

However when Boss Chen noticed the writing on the yellow bamboo paper, he was nonetheless stunned.

“He wrote this phrase?” Boss Chen checked out Xue Tingxiang in shock, and went to flip by way of the manuscript in his hand.

His expression was so bizarre that Zhao’er had a nasty feeling in his coronary heart. She could not assist questioning if the little man’s handwriting was not good, in any case, nobody had ever praised the little man’s handwriting, even Xue Qingshan mentioned that his handwriting was like a spring worm and autumn snake.

Though Zhao’er does not know what spring worms and autumn snakes are, she understands the unhappy look on the little man’s face, and he or she is aware of it means poor writing.

However she did not suppose it was the little man’s fault. He even needed to decide and use the paper that would follow calligraphy. Can he write properly? It was that point that she misplaced her mood, collected greens and bought them within the city, and saved a sum of cash to purchase Xue Tingxiang’s first piece of paper in her life.

It was a complete knife, not just a few items given as a charity from Xue Qingshan or Xue Juncai.

Zhao’er’s head felt chilly for some time, and he or she could not assist questioning if she was too blind to the little man at abnormal occasions, or if she flattered her an excessive amount of. She was not afraid of anything, however she was afraid that if Boss Chen mentioned one thing disagreeable later, the little man wouldn’t have the ability to stand the blow.

Pondering of this, she hurriedly turned her again and made a gesture to Boss Chen, main him apart, then mentioned to him in a low voice: “Uncle Chen, if my youthful brother’s handwriting is admittedly dangerous, are you able to…”

“Are you able to do one thing?” Instantly, Boss Chen understood and mentioned with a smile: “You child too, even when you have a coronary heart of affection and affection, you shouldn’t deceive him, however level out his shortcomings, in order that he’ll to make progress.”

His voice was a bit loud, Xue Tingxiang over there should have heard it, Zhao’er blushed, however Na Na did not know what to say.

Boss Chen mentioned once more: “However your brother’s handwriting is admittedly good, he should be a well-known instructor.”

He walked as much as Xue Tingxiang in just a few steps, and saluted with cupped fists: “I do not know who my little good friend is your instructor?” He mentioned hesitantly in his eyes, as a result of the poor boy in entrance of him, who was wearing coarse fabric and quick brown, actually did not appear to have the ability to study from anybody. Well-known lecturers.

Simply his phrases…

Since Boss Chen runs a ebook store, he’s both a interest or a ancestral enterprise. The truth is, Boss Chen has each, which could be considered the origin of household training. He additionally handed the examination a number of occasions when he was younger, however he stopped at being a scholar. Nonetheless, he was not inquisitive about being an official, so he rotated and took care of his ancestral enterprise. Additionally it is an incredible factor in life to satisfy just a few literary buddies, play chess, drink tea, style calligraphy and portray collectively.

From his perspective, though this son’s handwriting is immature, he already has a robust character.

We should know that the form is simple to get, however the spirit is tough to seek out. Grasp Yan and Grasp Liu have at all times been collectively known as “Yan Jin Liu Gu”, which is sufficient to present the traits of Yan physique. Nonetheless, Xue Tingxiang’s calligraphy has already possessed its fundamentals. So long as it doesn’t go astray, in time, he will certainly be an incredible calligrapher of a era.

How did he know that Xue Tingxiang intentionally hid the sting of his pen as a way to conceal himself, and it took a lot of the night time to complete copying the ebook that would have been copied in half an hour at most. In any other case, if the phrase is taken out, Boss Chen will certainly suppose it’s somebody’s calligraphy.

Simply when Boss Chen was fascinated about it, Xue Tingxiang had already answered: “I haven’t got a instructor.”

“Simply copying?”

“I have been to “Yan Qinli Monument” earlier than.”

Xue Tingxiang did not lie, he did solely copy “Yan Qinli Monument”, this set of copybooks is Xue Qingshan’s favourite treasure, and he by no means let folks contact it. And the explanation why he was fortunate sufficient to see and contact it as soon as was that Xue Jun, who was nonetheless younger at the moment, was proven off in entrance of him.

Due to this incident, he was extraordinarily impressed with “Yan Qinli Monument”, and even grew to become obsessive about it. Later, after some cash at residence, Zhao’er purchased a set with him, and the primary font he realized was Yanti.

“Simply got here throughout “Yan Qin Li Monument”?”

Xue Tingxiang nodded.

Boss Chen’s eyes grew to become brighter, and he sighed after a very long time: “Maybe you have got a expertise on this area that’s troublesome for others to surpass. I hope you follow exhausting and do not slack off. That is all, let’s speak about enterprise. Your handwriting is excellent. In my view It is handed right here.”

He walked contained in the counter, took a ebook and handed it to Xue Tingxiang.

“I’ve a duplicate of “College Chapters and Sentences” right here. You possibly can take it again and check out it out. I’ll present the pen and ink. After copying, if the completed product isn’t inferior to the usual of this ebook, I’ll pay you a tael of silver.”

“One tael of silver? Uncle Chen, is not that an excessive amount of?” Zhao’er requested in shock.

Uncle Chen laughed: “Are you aware what number of characters are on this ebook? And have you learnt how a lot cash I’ll resell this ebook for?”

After ending talking, he continued to say to Xue Tingxiang: “It’s affordable to say that it’s to be copied in my ebook store. Should you take the ebook again and duplicate it, you must pay some pledged cash or issues. I do know your brother properly, so overlook it.” Effectively, how lengthy do you suppose it is going to take to complete copying?”

Xue Tingxiang hesitated for a second, and mentioned: “Since Boss Chen has guidelines right here, how concerning the boy copying right here? I simply hope that Boss Chen will likely be extra versatile. Are you able to let the boy learn just a few books right here in his spare time?”

Boss Chen was stunned for a second, after which he understood. He took a deep have a look at this skinny however neither humble nor overbearing boy.

“Can!”

“Then thanks Boss Chen first, don’t be concerned, the boy will certainly not harm the books right here.”

Zhao’er stored silent till the top of the dialog, after which pulled Xue Tingxiang apart to talk.

“Do you actually wish to copy books right here? It might be good to take it residence. If you’re afraid that Boss Chen will not permit it, I nonetheless have some cash to pledge.”

“You do not suppose it is a good place.”

Xue Tingxiang seemed again on the room stuffed with books, he himself had solely learn a restricted variety of books, and within the reminiscence of ‘Xue Tingxiang’, many reminiscences about this facet have been blurred.

However life is his, and he needs to maneuver ahead step-by-step. It does not imply that he has a dream, and he will certainly be the chief assistant sooner or later, and he will certainly have the ability to cross the Jinshi examination. In any case, even Xue Tingxiang within the dream needed to put in quite a lot of exhausting work and undergo many detours earlier than he might attain the primary rank of official residence step-by-step.

After all Zhao’er understood what he meant, however she was very fearful about out of the blue leaving the little man outdoors alone. She was fascinated about discovering an excuse to remain right here with him, however Boss Chen mentioned from the facet: “Okay, you do not have to fret about your brother, are you able to lose it with me? You do not have to promote greens to work at this time? Hurry up. “

Within the eyes of Boss Chen, Zhao’er is a hard-working brother who helps his youthful brother by promoting greens within the city.

“Uncle Chen, I am leaving now.”

She hurriedly took out a dozen or so copper cash from her pocket and handed them to Xue Tingxiang: “I ought to come to seek out you for lunch at midday, if not, you should purchase it your self, proper right here…”

“Copy books right here, and you’ll have a light-weight meal at midday.” Boss Chen interrupted once more.

Zhao’er was nonetheless rambling: “You continue to have the cash, you should purchase no matter you need, and I’ll decide you up within the afternoon.”

“You’d higher decide up your work and end it first, don’t be concerned your brother will not lose it.”

This Uncle Chen!

Zhao’er could not go on speaking anymore, and ran out of the bookstore nearly in despair.

After the particular person had left, Boss Chen teased with a smile: “Your brother treats you very properly.”

Xue Tingxiang smirked, “It is fairly good, like somewhat hen who does not care about her chicks. For some motive, he really considered this sentence.

After that, underneath the steering of the store assistant, he went to a room behind the store.

The structure of this room is straightforward, however it’s elegant. It may be seen that Boss Chen is a chic particular person. The most effective factor about this home is that there’s a giant window dealing with the skin yard, and there’s a set of tables and chairs, which is totally completely different from Xue Tingxiang’s creativeness of being hidden in a darkish room with out mild.

The clerk even introduced a basin of water for him to scrub his palms, ready pens, ink, paper and inkstone, and so forth., and mentioned he might name him if he had something to do, so he went down.

Xue Tingxiang got here to the water basin, dipped his palms within the water, rubbed them gently just a few occasions, and wiped them dry with a fabric towel beside him, earlier than going to the desk and sitting down.

He grinds the ink first. Grinding ink can properly alter folks’s feelings and obtain a ‘quiet’ state.

After the ink was polished, his thoughts was empty at this second. He rolled up his sleeves to put in writing, and his palms have been empty, solely to comprehend that he was sporting a brief brown at the moment, the place there have been no sleeves, so naturally he was not afraid of staining the sleeves.

All this was only for a second, he did not care about it, and wrote quietly.

However Boss Chen, who was standing outdoors the door, was somewhat skeptical, and could not assist however surprise if this son was from a well-known household, nevertheless it’s a pity that his household has fallen, moderately than a poor child. His phrases and deeds, and even his demeanor, do not appear to be these from a poor household in any respect.

After considering for some time, however unable to determine why, Boss Chen shook his head and went again to the entrance.

The mule named Daqing shook its head and snorted, which appeared to imply that if he dared to deduct my rations, I might decelerate and let him carry it by himself.

Zhao’er laughed loudly, pointed at Daqing and mentioned, “Look, even Daqing protested.”

Jiang Wu seemed sideways on the woman who was smiling wantonly, with an odd gleam in her eyes. Thankfully, Daqing knew the best way and was docile, in any other case he would have ordered all three folks within the automotive into the ditch beside the highway.

Seeing this scene, Xue Tingxiang’s face was as darkish as the underside of a pot.

He was each aggravated and indignant, he really forgot about Jiang Wu.

In that dream, Jiang Wu has been coveting Zhao’er.

Jiang Wu was two years older than Zhao’er, however he by no means married. If Zhao’er hadn’t been his baby bride-in-law, the Jiang household would have come to suggest marriage a very long time in the past.

Even so, Jiang Wu by no means gave up, and as soon as even approached him and instructed him that he needed to marry Zhao’er, telling him to not be so egocentric, and letting Zhao’er go free. She additionally mentioned that she and Zhao’er would help him to check collectively and deal with him like a youthful brother, that is how he knew about it.

Shocked and aggravated, he additionally remembered Zhao’er’s reluctance to marry him. He mistakenly thought that Zhao’er had an affair with Jiang Wu, so he borrowed his mother and father’ orders to forcefully marry her. Later, by probability, Solely then did he notice that he had wronged her.

This matter has at all times been a scar between the 2, regardless that it was by no means talked about once more, there’s a hole between them. Afterwards, he was busy beginning his profession, whereas Zhao’er was busy operating enterprise. The 2 met solely as soon as in a very long time, and even once they met, they seldom talked once more till he went to Beijing to hurry for the examination after profitable the examination.

The he within the dream as soon as thought after Zhao’er died, if he hadn’t been so despicable again then and compelled Zhao’er by his mother and father’ orders, Zhao’er would not have died.

However this type of thought is sort of a superficial thought, it simply handed by in a flash. Right now, fascinated about it, he’s most likely despicable in his bones. Even when he isn’t the Xue Tingxiang in his dream, he by no means considered letting him go.

She was presupposed to be his, and when he nonetheless half understood, somebody would at all times level to her and say, that is his future spouse, is not it?

“Brother Jiang Wu, you’d higher have a look at some roads, this highway is uneven, do not lead us all right into a ditch.”

Xue Tingxiang’s voice efficiently interrupted the chatting and laughing of Jiang Wu and Zhao’er, as if a really ignorant particular person out of the blue appeared, making the already heat environment out of the blue settle down.

Zhao’er laughed dryly: “Take a look at me, I used to be so targeted on speaking to you concerning the enterprise that I forgot that you simply have been nonetheless driving the automotive. Thankfully, Daqing is sensible, in any other case I might have fallen.”

Da Qing known as out, trying very complacent.

Jiang Wu seemed again subconsciously, simply in time to satisfy the younger man’s darkish eyes. These eyes made him inexplicably responsible, however quickly he regained his confidence.

He knew that the canine of the Xue household did not prefer to recruit kids, and he additionally knew that the second bed room couple of the Xue household initially recruited kids as daughters, not baby brides. The kid bride-in-law was solely handed on from the villagers to the villagers, and it grew to become true due to the entrustment of the second spouse of the Xue household on the finish of their lives.

Not solely that, however he additionally knew that Zhao’er solely regarded the opposite celebration as a youthful brother, and had no intention of marrying the opposite celebration.

The younger man was undoubtedly skinny and skinny, though he was good-looking, there was nonetheless a little bit of childishness on his face. Such a younger synthetic the sturdy and highly effective Jiang Wu inexplicably really feel condescending. He smiled heartily and mentioned indifferently: “Do not be afraid, you canine, Brother Jiang Wu drives the automotive daily, and you’ll stroll again together with your eyes closed.”

Xue Tingxiang didn’t communicate, however lowered his head with the corners of his lips pursed.

Seeing this, Zhao’er instantly understood whether or not the title Gouzi made the little man really feel uncomfortable once more. However dealing with Jiang Wu, she could not present a chilly face, she might solely smile and say: “Brother Jiang Wu, let me inform you that the canine has a reputation, it is known as Tingxiang, Xue Tingxiang.”

“It is a chic title.”

“Yeah, so do not name me Gouzi Gouzi sooner or later, it is bizarre.”

Whereas talking, the automotive had arrived at Yuqing Village.

Jiang Wu inertially circled to the top of the village earlier than stopping, Zhao’er and Xue Tingxiang acquired out of the automotive.

“When will the enterprise be finished? Inform me a time, and I’ll decide you up when the time comes.”

“Aren’t you going to be busy within the city tomorrow, and people garments should be tidied up. Once I’m prepared, I am going to go to your home and provide you with a letter.”

Zhao’er additionally thought that two days later can be the day when Xue Tingxiang and Xue Juncai competed, and he or she wouldn’t be within the temper to do enterprise till this matter was over.

“OK.”

*

Now that the matter was settled, they mentioned goodbye to one another.

Jiang Wu drove the automotive residence, whereas Zhao’er and Xue Tingxiang went residence collectively.

Xue Tingxiang did not say something alongside the best way, however simply walked silently.

Zhao’er glanced at him: “What is the matter? You appear somewhat sad. Did Brother Jiang Wu name you indignant simply now? He did not know you have been well-known. I instructed him that he would by no means That is what it is known as.”

He suppressed the jealousy in his coronary heart, and mentioned in a muffled voice, “Why have you learnt him so properly?”

“Brother Jiang Wu, we have identified one another since we have been younger. You forgot that Heizi was introduced again by his canine after he gave start to a cub. Brother Jiang Wu is a really good particular person and has helped me loads.”

Xue Tingxiang did not communicate, however stopped.

Zhao’er walked ahead for some time, solely to comprehend that he hadn’t adopted.

She got here again in just a few steps, and requested suspiciously: “What’s fallacious with you, why are you so bizarre?”

He held his breath: “Do not forget, you’re a man.”

Zhao’er was stunned for a second, then checked out him and laughed. However he simply smiled and did not communicate, which made Xue Tingxiang indignant and aggravated.

Do not give it some thought, she should have considered one thing good.

Seeing his truthful face flushed with anger, Zhao’er hurriedly mentioned: “Okay, do not be indignant, I do know I’ve a person.”

There was a teasing style in her voice, understanding that she was coaxing him, his coronary heart nonetheless jumped a number of occasions.

With the expertise within the dream, Xue Tingxiang knew that this was not the time to be awkward, apart from, there was Jiang Wu watching over him, so he did not wish to repeat the expertise within the dream once more.

He could not assist however reiterated: “I am additionally doing it in your personal good, lest folks within the village see and make irresponsible remarks.” He did not dare to take a look at her, however stared on the floor beside him, with some confidence in his coronary heart. Distracted.

Seeing him confessing himself like an grownup, with a good face and a barely infantile face, I do not know how you can trick him and wish to rub his head.

She did the identical, and mentioned on the identical time: “Effectively, properly, you might be proper, I’ll hearken to you.”

He out of the blue grew to become extra indignant, and a way of powerlessness and discouragement got here to his coronary heart.

Why does she at all times deal with herself like a baby!

*

Early the following morning, Zhao’er and Xue Tingxiang went out.

Once I arrived, Dongliju had simply opened, Xue Tingxiang went to the clear room yesterday to proceed copying books, however Zhao’er went to the yard behind the store.

She mentioned with Boss Chen and borrowed this place to pack her garments. Zhao’er had seen these garments earlier than, they have been all outdated garments, since she needed to become profitable, she could not afford to promote them poorly, so she got here right here at this time primarily to do that job.

She borrowed the bamboo mat used for drying books from the store, poured out the massive bag of garments, first sorted them into males’s and ladies’s types, after which divided them into a number of piles in line with texture and thickness, after which started to verify the garments one after the other for harm. The place.

If there was a gap someplace, she would sew it up with the needle and thread she introduced. Zhao’er’s needlework is fairly good, however she will’t do embroidery or one thing, and he or she’s positive with stitching and making garments.

She managed to scrub up a pile, and seeing that the solar was shining outdoors, she went to fetch water from the properly within the courtyard. There’s a pulley within the properly, so it is vitally handy to fetch water. Zhao’er fetched a basin of water, soaked the garments within the large picket basin, wiped the cleaning soap locust water and scrubbed it.

After washing and rinsing, the rice soup within the kitchen can also be prepared.

Though Boss Chen and the others do not prepare dinner within the store, they at all times want a spot to boil water for tea and so forth, so the store additionally turned on the fireplace, and Zhao’er borrowed the range to prepare dinner an enormous pot of rice soup.

She introduced out the boiled rice soup, poured it into the picket basin, and added some water into it, it’s best suited whether it is barely sizzling. Fang poured all of the washed garments into it and stored stirring with a stick.

Stir properly, put half a cup of tea, decide up the garments from the picket basin, fetch water and rinse once more.

That is the so-called starched garments. The garments which have been washed are sticky and sticky. So long as they do not fade, they appear to be new ones. Some people who find themselves fastidious will iron it with an iron, however since there isn’t a such situation, Zhao’er doesn’t intend to take action.

Throughout this era, Boss Chen got here in. Seeing that Zhao’er was in full swing, he pointed to the assorted garments hanging out within the yard and mentioned with a smile, “It is good for you, you are taking my place as your personal. You make it appear to be a laundry room.”