The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 331: Defending the Eight Front Teeth (5)_1

Chapter 331: Chapter 331: Defending the Eight Front Teeth (5)_1

Old Scholar Fang, however, felt there was something unbelievable about what he said. To have met by chance, and just because of a skateboard, to have made a handcart and such, he considered Pei Qin a sister? Others might believe it, but Old Scholar Fang did not.

Shen Songming himself didn’t believe it either!

Thinking of the Jade Hairpin intended for Pei Qin’s coming-of-age ceremony and the exquisite clock and musical box displayed in the room, Shen Songming reflected that not even in wealthy families had he heard of such things. Old Scholar Fang, worried that Shen Songming was toying with Pei Qin, proposed, "In that case, later we’ll have Qinqin return the Jade Hairpin and those two valuable items to Young Master Shen!" He directly pointed out the Jade Hairpin, leaving Shen Songming with no room to hide.

Shen Songming didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty; instead, he looked at him with a twitching corner of his mouth. He had only presented Pei Laoda, who was somewhat destitute, with some respectful gifts; he hadn’t even seen her wearing them! As for the clock and musical box, Shen Songming really wanted to tell him: Pei Qin made those! She made them herself!

But he didn’t trust Old Scholar Fang. If the old man knew of Pei Qin’s value, it was hard to guarantee he wouldn’t become envious and scheme. He seemed almost as crafty as an old fox. Shen Songming frowned, unsure how to explain to him. Deciding it was easier, he turned around to speak with Pei Qin instead.

Old Scholar Fang felt even more dubious of him now. Nothing offending had been said yet, but if rumors started to spread, Shen Songming could just walk away, leaving Qinqin and her brother in trouble!

Shen Songming pulled Pei Qin aside, telling her about Old Scholar Fang’s request to return the three valuable items.

Pei Qin gave Shen Songming an up-and-down look, then went to speak directly to Old Scholar Fang, "...Earlier when they asked me about making things, I knew the principles of skateboards and handcarts, suggested a few improvements, and their problems were solved. After they made the items, they sent me a set of samples to try out."

Old Scholar Fang looked at her with a mix of astonishment and doubt, "That clock and the musical box, you were involved in their creation?"

"Mhm!" Pei Qin responded, "Without my suggestions, their family couldn’t have made them successfully! As for the Jade Hairpin, if one day I run out of money, it could still be pawned!"

Old Scholar Fang’s mind buzzed, dumbfounded by how many skills his granddaughter possessed! If the Heavens had gifted her with the brain of a genius, why did they also give her the body of a girl!? If she had been born a boy, Rongniang would still have hope... even if she remained a widow for her entire life, there would be something to look forward to!

In that moment, Old Scholar Fang’s sorrow was hardly concealed. A daughter, after all, was destined to marry into another family!

After moving the clock onto the table in front of him, Old Scholar Fang, guided by Pei Qin, wound the clock and tightened the spring in the musical box, listening to the tinkling melody that it produced, he sighed deeply.

After a while, the clock struck the hour, beginning to chime ’dong, dong, dong’.

Old Scholar Fang watched the swinging clock, "If it also rings like this at night, wouldn’t it disturb people’s sleep?"

"It only chimes during the day!" If it chimed at night, Pei Qin would feel like smashing it.

Old Scholar Fang nodded, still feeling that the two items were somewhat too valuable. However, since Pei Qin had contributed to them, receiving these samples seemed justifiable, and he didn’t mention it further. He did suggest that Pei Qin return the Jade Hairpin to Shen Songming, also to gauge her intentions. If she truly wished to follow Shen Songming, it wouldn’t be an easy path.

"They’re my possessions now, why would I return it! It’s just an item, after all!" Pei Qin refused to return it. The jade of the hairpin appeared to be of good quality, certainly worth a fair amount of money.

After hearing her response, Old Scholar Fang felt a bittersweet ache. What was to be done now!? Their family status was far inferior to that of an official in the Capital Jingcheng; following him was bound to involve hardship!

Seeing Pei Qin’s resolute demeanor, Old Scholar Fang remained silent for a while. This girl was not one to be persuaded easily, but this path was truly not an easy one!

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