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Chapter 399: Aunt Zhang’s Help

Gu Zi gestured for Aunt Zhang to take a seat. There were small stools scattered around the courtyard. Setting her basket down, she picked up a hoe and continued to dig trenches in the soil. She planned to use these trenches to plant the seedlings. Three trenches were dug in a small patch of earth, each perfectly sized for the fennel, mint, and coriander she intended to plant.

Aunt Zhang watched her. Gu Zi was clad in a white shirt and blue casual pants. Her beautiful, seaweed-like hair was tied back with a band, and she wore a wide-brimmed straw hat. Underneath the hat was a stunning face that drew the gaze of those around her. Sweat from her digging had dampened her collar, adding a certain charm to her appearance.

She worked with a serious dedication. Despite her delicate appearance, her digging was surprisingly efficient. Aunt Zhang, a countrywoman, had seen many city girls in her time, most of them pampered and delicate, but none were as hardworking as Gu Zi.

A woman like Gu Zi was a rare find. The more Aunt Zhang watched her, the

more she liked her. She approached Gu Zi and said, “You’ve dug these trenches well, but if you want to grow mint properly, this soil won’t do. It needs to be mixed.”

Gu Zi paused her work, wiping the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief. She laughed and said, “Ah, could you help me mix the soil then? I thought as long as there was soil, the plants would grow. It seems I still have a lot to learn about farming from you.”

Aunt Zhang laughed heartily, more than willing to assist. She glanced around the courtyard, spotting a pile of river sand that Gu Zi had previously used for a clay oven. Aunt Zhang fetched some of it, then went with Gu Zi to gather some decomposed leaves. She also brought some organic fertilizer from her home.

“Having soil is enough for plants to survive, but to thrive, they need the right kind of soil. For mint, you need a base of leaves, river sand, and organic fertilizer. I’ve already prepared the mint seedlings at home, so you can plant them directly.”

As Aunt Zhang spoke, she began to mix the soil. Gu Zi was not one to stand by idly. She pitched in, working alongside Aunt Zhang.

She also listened attentively to Aunt Zhang’s advice, taking note of the key points like a diligent student listening to her teacher.

In that moment, Aunt Zhang felt an immense sense of pride. She realized that she wasn’t entirely useless in front of Gu Zi.

This was the comfort of being with Gu Zi. Even though she was knowledgeable, she was not arrogant. She would listen attentively to Aunt Zhang’s advice on things she didn’t understand. Who wouldn’t like a person like that?

Aunt Zhang assisted Gu Zi in planting the mint, then proceeded to help her sow fennel seeds. “Fennel is a delicate plant,” she explained, “We usually grow it from seeds. When transplanting seedlings, it’s crucial to move them with the soil attached, like this. This plant thrives in loose, fertile, sandy soil, so we’ll need to prepare the ground accordingly…”

Aunt Zhang was a seasoned farmer, her movements deft and efficient, outpacing Gu Zi significantly. Yet, Gu Zi was no slouch. Her quick learning ability enabled her to keep up with Aunt Zhang’s rhythm. The two of them worked together harmoniously, their collaboration seamless.

“Weeding and watering are inevitable later stages,” Aunt Zhang continued, “You must avoid using pesticides. Fennel requires manual weeding, but your plot should be manageable. As for coriander, pay attention to watering. In spring and autumn, it needs watering twice a day, while in winter, once every three to four days should suffice.”

With Aunt Zhang’s assistance, Gu Zi’s small plot was soon fully planted. “Aunt

Zhang, you’re truly skilled,” Gu Zi praised, then asked, “By the way, where’s Shi Tou today?”

She remembered the little boy who usually ran ahead of them whenever they came here. His absence today was unusual, and she found herself missing him. Aunt Zhang, preparing to leave with her basket, replied, “He’s been feeling a bit under the weather these past few days, not quite himself. He was asleep when I left home, I’m not sure if he’s awake yet.”

As Gu Zi walked out with Aunt Zhang, she suggested, “Why don’t you bring him over? I can make him something delicious, it might help with his cold.”

Knowing her grandson also enjoyed visiting Gu Zi, Aunt Zhang didn’t refuse her kind offer. If it could make her grandson feel better, she was more than happy to oblige.

Before long, Shi Tou came running over on his own, presumably just out of bed. His hair was a mess, and he clutched a packet of opened spicy strips, which he handed over to Su Le like a treasured gift.

Seeing this, Aunt Zhang looked a bit uneasy. She was worried that Gu Zi might find it unhygienic, considering Shi Tou had opened the packet two days ago. He had planned to save it for Lele once his cold was better, hence he hadn’t

finished it..