Building 26, Longze Garden, downstairs.
Jiang Tao carried a large number of packages and walked into the building entrance,
took the elevator up to the 12th floor, and knocked on the door of apartment 1203.
"Jiang Tao, youāre here."
Jiang Yi opened the door, saw Jiang Tao carrying various toiletries outside, and greeted him with a smile.
Jiang Tao had called her in advance this time, so he wasnāt in any limited edition attire.
He was wearing a set of simple cotton home clothes.
"Teacher Jiang, is your foot feeling any better?"
Jiang Tao smiled while greeting Jiang Yi and gently closed the door after stepping inside.
"Thank you for the medicine, itās much better after using it."
As Jiang Yi spoke, she gently brushed her hair aside.
Even though it was broad daylight, a slight awkwardness lingered as she and Jiang Tao were alone in the room.
"Haha, just thanking the medicine? What about my contribution?"
Jiang Tao laughed heartily and joked with Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi quickly responded, "Of course not, thank you very much."
"Haha, just kidding with you, just like when you taught our class back in the day."
With just one sentence, Jiang Tao dragged them back to their university days.
Back then, he was 19 and she was 24, both at the best age of their lives.
Time has flown; Jiang Tao is now married with children, and Jiang Xue is old enough to run errands.
But Jiang Yi still seems to be single.
Though Jiang Tao was curious about Jiang Yiās current relationship status, he didnāt pry.
Everyone has the right to choose their own way of living, without any good or bad.
"Almost ten years have passed without seeing each other. Meeting you this time was quite a surprise."
Jiang Yi looked at Jiang Tao tenderly, comparing him to the Jiang Tao of the past in her mind.
The Jiang Tao of the past was young, proud, and disenchanted with the world.
But due to his rural background, he had neither upward mobility nor enough talent to break through his shackles.
After graduation, he faded into the crowd like most classmates, becoming just another piece of societyās foundation.
Now, Jiang Tao is mature and stable, successful in his career, exuding a sense of confidence.
It seemed as if there was nothing he couldnāt achieve if he set his mind to it.
This confidence and the charm of a successful person.
Even for someone older and more mature like Jiang Yi, it was very attractive.
"I didnāt expect to run into Teacher Jiang at Eddy. You used to teach college students, why teach little kids in a kindergarten now?"
As soon as Jiang Tao finished speaking, Jiang Yi seemed reminded of some unpleasant memories.
Her vibrant complexion seemed to dim considerably.
"Sorry, Teacher Jiang, did I say something wrong? Please donāt mind, I have a loose tongue."
Seeing the change in Jiang Yiās expression, Jiang Tao awkwardly smiled and dropped the topic.
Jiang Yi forced a smile and said, "Itās nothing, just some things are better left in the past."
"Alright, letās not talk about it anymore. Whatever unpleasantness, let it stay in the past."
"Iāll put these things down first, and then talk to you about something."
"Oh? Is it about Xiao Xue?"
Upon hearing Jiang Taoās words, Jiang Yi first thought of Jiang Xue.
"No, Teacher Jiang, why donāt you rest on the sofa? Iāll just put these things down."
Jiang Tao spoke while walking straight to the door of the master bedroom and opened it.
After entering, he put the bags he was carrying directly on the bed inside the bedroom.
His āexcuseā for coming today was to bring daily necessities for his sister.
A true performance has to complete all the steps; he had to act accordingly.
To prevent Jiang Yi from misunderstanding that he had any ulterior motives toward her.
He stayed in the bedroom for about 5 minutes, calculating that enough time had passed, before coming back to the living room.
When he came out, Jiang Tao saw Jiang Yi sitting on the living room sofa, holding a book full of English words.
With Jiang Taoās current level of English, he couldnāt even make out the title of the book.
As if sensing something, Jiang Yi looked up and met Jiang Taoās gaze, signaling to him with a smile.
"Teacher Jiang, yesterday I brought the Eight Treasure Pickles you gave me back home for my family to try out."
"Everyone loved your Eight Treasure Pickles."
Jiang Tao, not treating himself as an outsider, plopped down on the sofa opposite Jiang Yi.
"Iāll give you some more when youāre leaving."
Jiang Yi closed the book in her hands and smiled at Jiang Tao, utterly generous.
"Haha, Iām not here today to beg for Eight Treasure Pickles."
"Teacher Jiang, I think your Eight Treasure Pickles have a unique flavor. Would you sell your recipe? Iād like to buy it."
Jiang Tao didnāt beat around the bush, directly getting to the point with Jiang Yi.
"Huh? You want to buy my secret recipe?"
Jiang Yi was surprised and puzzled upon hearing Jiang Taoās words.
Youāre someone who sends their daughter to a noble school and drives a Benz, and yet you want to sell pickles?
Jiang Tao nodded affirmatively, "Yes, I want to buy your secret recipe."
Jiang Yi laughed, "If you want to learn, I can teach you."
"Itās not some special secret recipe, no need to buy it."
"I just finished a jar I pickled before, so Iāll make another batch and teach you along the way."
Although Jiang Yi was in need of money, she didnāt find it necessary to sell a pickle recipe.
Jiang Tao was momentarily stunned upon hearing Jiang Yiās words, but then he understood.
Of course, the Eight Treasure Pickle Secret Recipe inherited by Jiang Yiās family was highly valuable in Brother Tongziās evaluation.
But to Jiang Yi and her family, it might not seem that special.