Sincere Gratitude
Lily Evans watched Belle carefully jotting down notes, a look of approval appearing on her face.
Belle is so smart and eager to learn—her future is limitless. But... remembering Belle's past hardships, Lily's mood dimmed. Could it be that Belle is destined to throw herself into business all her life, never finding her own happiness?
Just as Lily was lost in thought, Eugene Jr. lifted the curtain and came in, saying, “Miss Lily, there are quite a few villagers gathered at our courtyard gate. Everyone’s brought something to show their respect for you.”
“Oh?” Lily raised her brows. “It’s cold outside, quickly invite them in.”
Eugene Jr. immediately headed out, and once Belle finished her notes, she followed as well.
As they turned out of the main hall, Eugene Jr. glanced at the notebook in Belle’s hands and smiled, “Belle, what’s that you’re holding? I always see you taking it out to write and draw—is it your treasure?”
Belle’s tone was polite, her smile gentle yet distant—graceful but reserved: “It’s nothing, really. I just have a poor memory, so I write down anything important so I won’t forget. Just now, my lady taught me something, so I wrote it down.”
Eugene Jr. nodded, praising, “Belle, you truly are diligent and eager to improve.”
Belle didn’t reply, remaining silent as the two walked to the front gate and invited the villagers in.
As soon as the villagers entered, their chatter filled the air. Some brought homemade pickled vegetables, some brought steamed buns, others brought dumplings they’d made—all piled high on the table.
“Miss Lily, these are just some homemade snacks—they aren’t worth much, but we wanted to thank you for finding us a way to prosper.” Mrs. Jewell rubbed her hands together earnestly. “Clearwater Village has been poor for generations. I always thought we’d stay this way, but then a saintly soul like you came along and led us all to make money. We’re all so grateful! Please, you must accept these gifts!”
The other villagers chimed in, “That’s right, Miss Lily! It’s all from our hearts, you mustn’t refuse!”
“These pickled vegetables are the best from our jar—all hearts of cabbage. My mother got up before dawn to pick them, Miss Lily, you must try some!”
“These are charcoal briquettes my father made—they burn clean with no smoke. We picked out a whole batch for you.”
The villagers spoke over one another, their enthusiasm overflowing. Lily Evans looked at them, moved. Truly, giving roses leaves lingering fragrance on the hand—her small acts had benefited so many, and her heart was glad.
Lily didn’t refuse and accepted everything, then asked Belle to fetch some homemade pastries as a return gift.
Everyone left in high spirits. Belle stayed behind to tally the gifts, muttering, “Hmm, everyone came—how come Sam Evans’s family didn’t?”
Sam Evans’s family, of course, referred to Sam Evans himself. Even Lila Green and Tofu Beauty had sent gifts through someone, but Sam Evans’s family hadn’t shown any appreciation.
“Maybe they’re just too busy,” Lily replied offhandedly, but she made a mental note—most likely, it was her third aunt Susan Evans causing trouble.
Lily wasn’t after the villagers’ gratitude or their small gifts, but these thanks spoke volumes about people’s hearts.
Sam Evans and his two children were honest and kind, but his wife Susan Evans was a tough character.
Before, when Lily gave her benefits, Susan Evans was all smiles and gratitude, but now that Lily shared the good fortune with the whole village, who knows what Susan Evans was thinking.