My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 32 Part 3

“You said no one would be in the shop today! You scared me to death!”  

The girl pinched Fang He’s arm hard once Huo Shu was out of sight. “If he tells Father, we’re done for!”  

“Brother Huo doesn’t know you. He won’t tell Master.”  

Qiao Qiao’s heart still pounded. Though she’d heard her father mention this apprentice, this was her first time seeing him.  

To avoid suspicion, she’d never come to the shop before.  

Fang He took a deep breath. “Don’t worry. Go home first. I’ll come find you after closing.”  

Afraid Huo Shu might see her again, Qiao Qiao nodded, quickly picking up the food box. “Then I’ll go.”  

“Go on.”  

After seeing her out, Fang He turned back to find Huo Shu carrying water outside.  

He rushed over eagerly. “Brother Huo, let me help you.”  

“No need.”  

Fang He was talkative and skilled at flattery, even first-time customers could become regulars after a chat with him, making him a natural at business.  

But though he talked a lot, he rarely chatted with Huo Shu. First, because Huo Shu naturally discouraged conversation, and second, because Butcher Qiao clearly favored Huo Shu more. Fang He always felt they were in competition, so he remained wary.  

Huo Shu had only taken up this trade for the Ji family’s sake and had no strong feelings about it. But he had always been diligent. Once he started something, whether he cared for it or not, he did it properly.  

He could handle the work seriously, but as for socializing, he didn’t bother forcing it. He let things take their course.  

Thus, they had been working at Qiao the Butcher's place for some time, yet the two of them still remained in a state of mutual unfamiliarity, even somewhat distant.  

"Just now, that one just now..."  

Fang He, who was usually eloquent, found himself at a loss for words when faced with Huo Shu's attitude.  

Just as he was thinking of how to phrase it, he heard Huo Shu say, "Men should marry when grown, women should wed when of age, it's nothing to be ashamed of."  

Fang He raised his eyebrows in surprise and glanced at Huo Shu, realizing for the first time that Huo Shu might not be as unapproachable as he seemed.  

"Thank you."  

"Could you... not tell the master about this?"  

Fang He hesitated before pleadingly looking at Huo Shu.  

"If you marry, he should be happy. Why keep it from him?"  

Huo Shu said this but, seeing Fang He's troubled expression, added, "If you don’t want to speak of it, forget it. I’m not one to pry into others’ private matters or gossip."  

Fang He hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice. "She... she’s the master’s second daughter."  

Huo Shu’s brow twitched. No wonder the person had looked familiar earlier, she was Butcher Qiao’s daughter.  

Suddenly, he understood. "You came here to learn the trade because of her."  

"Brother Huo sees clearly."  

Fang He said, "Qiao'er and I have known each other for a long time. I was planning to propose, but she told me her father insists his sons and daughters can’t inherit his trade, so he only wants a son-in-law who can. If not, no amount of betrothal gifts will sway him."  

"I had no choice but to grit my teeth and come here."  

The Fang family was originally from Tongzhou City. Though not a wealthy, aristocratic household, they had been running small businesses for generations, mainly dealing in tea. By Fang He’s generation, they already owned six or seven shops in the city.  

They certainly weren’t lacking in food or clothing. In fact, they lived much better than ordinary families.  

The first time Huo Shu saw him, he noticed his hands didn’t look like those of someone from a poor family. Fang He had been quick-witted enough to claim his family had fallen on hard times, hence why he was learning butchery.  

"Brother Huo might laugh, but ever since I picked up a knife at the master’s place that day, I’ve never dared again. I just hide in the shop now."  

Fang He sighed. "I know the master probably already has a poor opinion of me because of it. Since that path is closed, I can only try to do better here."  

Seeing his honesty, Huo Shu sincerely advised, "Keeping it hidden won’t work forever. Speak up sooner. If he sees your sincerity, Master Qiao will consider it carefully."  

"This is your affair. I won’t interfere."  

Fang He exhaled. "Thank you, Brother Huo. I plan to talk to the master about Qiao'er once he returns from Nanyu County."  

Huo Shu nodded curtly in acknowledgment.

Just as the two finished speaking, Ji Yangzong arrived.  

"How’s business?"  

"Village Head Ji, welcome! Please sit."  

Fang He had seen Ji Yangzong at the Qiao family before and quickly greeted him. "Are you here to buy meat, Village Head?"  

Ji Yangzong waved his hand. "Today, the village delivered tax grain to the city. I came to find Huo Shu so we can return to the village together."  

"Master Qiao left the shop in your hands."  

"Village Head, you flatter me. The master taught me this trade, it’s only right I do my part."  

Fang He then turned to Huo Shu. "Brother Huo, if you have matters to attend to, go ahead. I’ll handle the shop."  

Huo Shu nodded and left with Ji Yangzong.  

The two walked out of the city. The streets were noisy, and they exchanged a few words about Fang He before falling into silence.  

Passing by the carts at the city gate, Ji Yangzong didn’t suggest riding. Instead, he walked alongside Huo Shu down the official road.  

Neither spoke as they walked.