Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1232: I Was Wrong!

Brother Cheng dashed towards the dining area. Since Gu Jin'an was back, he was going to return to his work at the county bank that night. The family was preparing dinner, planning to have a final meal together before seeing him off to the county.

Thus, when Brother Cheng’s shout echoed, everyone in the household heard it.

Third Grandma poked her head out, inquiring, "Brother Cheng, what is it? Did Third Miss prepare something delicious for you? What could it be?"

Brother Cheng was taken aback, his composure momentarily faltering, but he quickly recovered and replied, "These are pastries from the Capital. They are a special treat found only there, a token of thanks to Big Brother for his assistance these past few days."

"Capital pastries? We’ve never seen those before. Bring them here so we can have a look." Third Grandma and the others were quite curious about the appearance of pastries from the Capital.

Gu Jinli arrived with Da Gou and Ergou, a playful smile gracing her features as she met Brother Cheng’s gaze. Without ceremony, she took two boxes of pastries from his grasp. "Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, let’s try these esteemed pastries from the Capital and see if they are as delightful as they say."

"Indeed." Third Grandma was visibly thrilled, her eyes fixated on the two boxes of pastries. She mused, "The finest pastries I've ever tasted, aside from those you crafted yourself, the ones brought by Master Qi, and the exquisite treats from Futai Building, I have yet to lay eyes on pastries from the Capital."

Gu Jinli chuckled, "Well, let's find out now. We can savor them before dinner."

With that, she cast a subtle glance back at Brother Cheng.

The young boy was on the verge of tears. Oh, how could this be? Those were his errand rewards from Third Sister, his pastries, and now Second Sister had absconded with them, leaving only Big Brother’s box untouched.

He promptly rushed over, his lower lip jutting out in a pout, and lamented, "I haven't even tasted one yet."

Gu Jinli, disbelieving, countered, "Really? Then why do you reek of pastries?"

Brother Cheng hastily explained, "Ah, I shared them with Brother Wang and the others in the carriage. I only had a single piece of each."

He couldn't possibly contend with Brother Wang and the others when it came to snatching food, could he?

Furthermore, Big Brother, concerned about my nourishment during childhood, always ensured I ate heartily. Consequently, for years, he's monitored my intake, allowing me to eat only until I'm ninety percent full, even with pastries – no more than three pieces at a sitting.

If the pastries happen to be particularly large, I'm restricted to consuming only half a piece at a time.

These two boxes of pastries were intended to finally appease my cravings, but now Second Sister has claimed them.

Gu Jinli observed Brother Cheng’s crestfallen expression, her smile widening. Little fellow, you'll thank me later. If your sister hadn't decided to impart this lesson and preemptively secured your pastries, Big Brother would have surely reprimanded you severely upon learning the truth.

Big Brother's feelings for Third Miss are a secret that should not be divulged. If Third Grandma and the others were to become suspicious and probe further, Big Brother would unleash his fury upon you, causing a dreadful scene.

"Wow, are these indeed pastries from the Capital? They are remarkably exquisite." Third Grandma's gaze fell upon the two distinct types of pastries within the box, her eyes sparkling. "This green one bears a resemblance to the crystal cakes Xiao Yu crafts, and the round one looks like a mooncake, yet it's fried. How did they achieve such a perfect spherical form? Did they employ an iron mold?"

Third Grandma gestured towards the 'Small Heavenly Crisp,' her finger pointing hesitantly, refraining from touching.

Gu Jinli replied, "That's likely the case. To achieve such a uniformly round shape when frying, a mold would undoubtedly be necessary."

With that said, she presented two pastries each to Third Grandma and Third Grandpa. "You two, please try these. They are pastries from the Capital, quite precious."

She then retrieved several bowls from the table, portioning out the pastries. "Here's for Mom and Dad, for Big Brother and Big Sister, and this portion is mine."

As she meticulously divided the treats, she casually savored a 'Small Heavenly Crisp,' causing Brother Cheng to anxiously exclaim, "Second Sister, what about my share? Why am I excluded?"

This manner of distribution is far too cunning!

Gu Jinli cast a glance at him and declared, "Do you truly believe your Second Sister would be unfair? Here is your portion, take it. It's just enough for everyone in the family."

The customary number of pastries in Great Chu follows tradition, often presented in sets of six or nine. Third Miss had packed nine pastries per set. With eight members in their family, one pastry for each would be allocated, leaving her to reluctantly keep the extra one for herself.

Ah!

Brother Cheng glared at his Second Sister with indignation. "Then why does Second Sister get to consume an extra pastry?"

Is this what you call fairness? It's evident you're merely using the distribution as a pretext to claim an additional piece for yourself. These were gifts from Third Sister—oh!

Gu Jinli: "Why, is it because your Second Sister took an extra one? Don't you want to share and just hog them all? Gu Jincheng, after all these years of our care, feeding you every day and sending you to school, you can't even spare a single piece of pastry for us..."

blah blah blah.

Brother Cheng: "I was wrong, Second Sister, I'm sorry!"

Gu Jinli nodded with satisfaction, finally releasing him, "Hm, that's more like it. I knew our Brother Cheng wasn't a gluttonous child."

Then she added, "Didn't you say Master Ouyang's family sent gifts for Big Brother? Come, let's take them to him."

And see some gossip on the way.

"Hmm~" Brother Cheng was a little dejected, but he still took his and Big Brother's pastries and said to Third Grandpa and Third Grandma: "Third Grandpa, Third Grandma, we'll go find Big Brother first, and then we'll come back for dinner."

Third Grandpa and Third Grandma loved watching their antics and just laughed, saying, "Go on, go on, your mom and Sister Xiu are still busy in the kitchen, it'll be a while before dinner."

Brother Cheng nodded and followed Gu Jinli.

Da Tuan was already holding Master Ouyang's family's gifts, waiting by the path. Seeing them approach, he followed them to Gu Jin'an and his brother's courtyard. Even before they entered, they saw Gu Jin'an leaning against the gate, watching them.

"Big Brother!" Brother Cheng adored Gu Jin'an. Seeing him, he happily ran over: "Big Brother, you're finally back, I've brought you a nice gift from Third Sister."

With a 'bang', Brother Cheng felt a thwack on his head. He looked up at Gu Jin'an: "Why did Big Brother hit me?"

Gu Jin'an: "What are you shouting about? Have you forgotten what I told you before?"

His fondness for Third Miss was one-sided, and now Third Miss held no affection for him. If Brother Cheng blurted out something that revealed his feelings, it could damage her reputation.

Even if he could not marry Third Miss, he had to preserve her reputation.

"If your Second Sister hadn't already dealt with you, I would have punished you today." Gu Jin'an, after taking a bath, had been ready to head to the dining room for dinner, but before he could even enter, he heard Brother Cheng's voice. After listening outside for a while, he returned to his courtyard to wait for them.

"Big Brother." Brother Cheng glanced at Gu Jin'an, then lowered his head: "Sorry, I got too excited and forgot your instructions, nearly causing trouble. I won't do it again."

"Just because you were too excited? Or were you eager to see some drama?" Gu Jin'an knew his little brother too well. This little guy had been learning from Xiao Yu, and now harbored a fondness for seeing spectacles and gossip.