Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots-Chapter 1424 - 243, Proposing Marriage (40)

It must be said that He Xiaodong and He Chengfang were indeed skilled at cultivating grapes. With Lin Yuan’s support in all aspects this year, the grapes in the vineyard grew larger and sweeter than in previous years.

Looking at these plump, round grapes, Liu Limin’s mouth was so full of joy that she could hardly close it.

In previous years, the villagers of He family village would pick the grapes and then, as payment, the grapes would be distributed among them. However, since it was the grape harvesting season, almost every street was filled with grape vendors, so the villagers couldn’t really make much money.

But this year was different. Lin Yuan and Liu Limin weren’t like that old rich miser. They cultivated grapes to make red wine, naturally, they wouldn’t distribute the grapes as payment anymore.

Moreover, they employed the women who stayed at home to do the work – picking and washing the grapes.

The simplest way to make grape wine was like this: wash the grapes clean and let them dry, then crush them, squeezing out the flesh and juice of the grapes, and finally, add white sugar according to a certain ratio.

After two months of gradual fermentation, the grape flesh in the large pot began to react with the white sugar, then fermented and soured, slowly turning into grape wine.

Although this method didn’t allow for the grape wine to be preserved for a long time, there was no difference in taste and color when compared to grape wine. Later on, many people used this method to make grape wine at home.

As for the strength of the wine, it was based on the amount of white sugar used; naturally, the more sugar, the higher the alcohol content.

Regarding the grape wine, Lin Yuan had given Liu Limin two percentage formulas – one for a higher alcohol content and one for lower, ensuring that both men and women could enjoy it.

The finished grape wine needed to be stirred every day, otherwise the grapes at the bottom wouldn’t ferment fully and would spoil. Also, once the pot developed the scent of wine, it was necessary to filter the fermentation mixture with fine cheesecloth, removing all the mash, such as spoiled grape skins and seeds, leaving only the clean juice.

Because they made so much, the workload was not small. Thankfully, the villagers from He family village were very diligent and responsible, sparing Liu Limin from worry.

One day, as Liu Limin was in the courtyard of the villa, leading everyone in stirring the fermentation mixture, He Xiaodong suddenly ran in, her rosy cheeks exceptionally charming. After months of interaction, Liu Limin had grown very fond of this smart and hardworking young girl.

"Xiaodong, what’s happened, you seem so happy."

He Xiaodong smiled mysteriously. She glanced at the busy sisters-in-law and then whispered into Liu Limin’s ear, "The one who should really be happy is you!"

Liu Limin, busy stirring with a large wooden stick, first thought of the prospect of a big business deal coming her way.

"What is it? Did our grape wine attract a big customer? You don’t have to be that happy. We will definitely have many more customers in the future. Won’t you be so happy you’re over the moon by then?"

The women working all laughed at Liu Limin’s joke, their laughter ringing out merrily.

Unoffended by Liu Limin’s teasing, He Xiaodong also laughed and said, "If only we really could have as many big customers as Miss Liu says! But, you guessed wrong today, it’s not a big customer who has come, but a handsome man!"

A handsome man?

The working women all stopped their tasks curiously, craning their necks to look at her, guessing who the visiting handsome man might be.

Liu Limin bowed her head, knowing full well who the visitor was, but she didn’t show it, continuing, "Oh, a handsome man, you say. Is he as handsome as Cheng Fang?"

He Xiaodong was taken aback, her cheeks suddenly flushed red as she stamped her foot and scolded, "Miss Liu, I’m talking about something serious here, but since you’re making light of it, I won’t cover for you anymore. Go have a look, that handsome man has come to propose!"

Crack!

Liu Limin’s wooden stick suddenly collided with the wall of the large urn, and she abruptly lifted her head, her eyes wide with shock, "What did you say? Propose? Really?"

He Xiaodong thought she was just too thrilled and chuckled, "Of course it’s real. The old master and Madam are already in the front yard! And so are the eldest master and his wife..."

Before she could finish, Liu Limin ran off toward the front yard like a madwoman.

Instantly, the women in the back yard huddled together, chattering away excitedly.

"Xiaodong, what kind of handsome man is he? Is he worthy of our Miss Liu?"

"That’s right, our Miss Liu is not only beautiful but also smart and has a nice temperament. Not just any man will do!"

"Oh my, at first, when I saw Miss Liu this old and not yet married, I thought she might have some, cough cough, issues. But now, it’s great; it turns out Miss Liu has someone in her heart. Look how fast she ran off! Haha."

"Exactly, let’s just wait to celebrate at the wedding feast!"

However, He Xiaodong suddenly furrowed her brow, "I was just thinking about how handsome that man was, but now it occurs to me that when the old Madam and the eld’s wife saw that handsome man, they didn’t look too pleased. Do you think they might disapprove of his proposal?"

As soon as she said this, the women began to murmur among themselves. Miss Liu was of age and still unmarried; could it be that the two Madams disapproved of this match?

Women inherently have a streak of gossip in their veins, and no matter where they are from, they can’t help but crowd around to catch a glimpse of such events.

No one knew who suddenly suggested they sneak a look, but several women immediately agreed, each abandoning their wooden sticks and stealthily making their way toward the front courtyard.

"Hey, eavesdropping like this isn’t really appropriate, after all, it’s their private affair!" He Xiaodong called out uncertainly, but no one listened to her. She stamped her foot and, with a hardened heart, followed them.

As Liu Limin, filled with excitement, arrived at the front yard and was about to enter, she suddenly stopped. She straightened her clothes and hair, took a deep breath, and then slowly walked in.

Indeed, many people were already gathered in the living room.

Seated at the head were Liu Huaiqing and Lady Fan, on one side were Liu Siliang and Zhao Suxin, and on the other side was Xia Hen in his white attire.

Seeing Xia Hen in white again, Liu Limin was momentarily dazed, as if she had returned to Liu Ji’s winery in Zhuma Town.

Only back then, Xia Hen reeked of alcohol, capricious and carefree. Today’s Xia Hen, however, was sitting obediently in his chair, but his restless hands betrayed his current disposition—it seemed the fellow still couldn’t sit still.

"Second Sister, you’re here!" Zhao Suxin was the first to spot Liu Limin. She stood up and walked over to Liu Limin’s side, gesturing with her lips toward Xia Hen.