Wen Congrui had just finished his lunch and left. Miss Wufu let out a long sigh of relief. Eating this midday meal with the young master had nearly suffocated her, as he didn’t utter a single word.
Hardly had Wufu returned to her own workshop when Shopkeeper Lin followed her in, examining her from head to toe.
"What’s the matter?" Wufu touched her face in confusion. Did she have some rice stuck to it?
Shopkeeper Lin, with a beaming smile, said, "The young master has just ordered this old man to meet any requests you might have, Miss, without question."
It was truly peculiar. The Fourth Young Master was known to look mild-mannered but in fact kept people at a distance. Why then did he seem to favor Wufu, even instructing him to take special care of her?
Wufu responded with an "Oh," seemingly indifferent, "I will make any requests if I have them. Also, Shopkeeper Lin, I will be accompanying my mother to a wedding feast tomorrow, so I won’t be coming over."
"Understood," Shopkeeper Lin agreed without a second thought.
Wufu continued, "The work is now a step ahead, and we are at a critical point. I hope you will keep a close watch on my room, Shopkeeper Lin." She didn’t want anyone sneaking in to cause trouble, aware that many did not accept her.
Shopkeeper Lin responded, "Rest assured, Miss, everything will be fine."
On the official road to the prefectural city, a horse carriage leisurely made its way.
Inside, a young man was engrossed in a book, his hand outstretched without even lifting his gaze, and a cup of tea immediately appeared in his palm.
"Speak, what do you want to say?" Wen Congrui sipped the tea from the cup before placing it on a small table inside the carriage.
Nan Shan glanced cautiously at his young master before saying, "Today, young master seems in a good mood. Is it because of Miss Wufu?"
Wen Congrui frowned and looked his way.
Nan Shan smiled, "This servant noticed the young master added an extra bowl of rice."
It was the midst of the hot summer when the young master was most prone to loss of appetite. Yet, after dining with Miss Wufu, he had surprisingly added an extra bowl of rice, while usually having one bowl would be considered good enough.
Wen Congrui’s hand, which was flipping through the book, paused as he said, "You are being meddlesome!"
The tone was gentle and indifferent, but it made Nan Shan’s heart skip, and he quickly kneeled down, "This servant has overstepped, I beg the young master to punish me!"
Wen Congrui glanced at him, "Get up."
"Thank you, young master." Nan Shan settled back in his seat, nervously refilling his master’s tea.
He thought the young master would not return to the topic, yet he started speaking again.
"Today, Shopkeeper Lin arranged a good meal, refreshing and appetizing."
It was a non sequitur.
But Nan Shan would not argue, just followed along, "Shopkeeper Lin is skilled at managing people and handling such matters, that’s why he won the young master’s favor to become the shopkeeper."
"A capable person is naturally noticed," Wen Congrui commented lightly.
Just like Miss Wufu. it was because of her abilities that she caught people’s attention.
"The young master is always right," said Nan Shan obsequiously.
Wen Congrui did not respond to this, instead turning his attention back to his book. But he could no longer concentrate on the words; the scene of their lunch played before his eyes.
Although Wufu didn’t say anything, he knew she had struggled mightily and had wanted to speak throughout.
Over the years, he had become accustomed to dining alone and didn’t have the habit of chatting while eating, so there was nothing to say.
Later, she probably realized this and just focused on eating, enjoying the meal. Despite the hot weather, she could still eat two bowls of rice, which made him feel cheerful and prompted him to add another bowl.
After all, isn’t eating alone less enjoyable? Wen Congrui thought of his own words, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, and he set down the book and leaned back on a bamboo pillow to rest his eyes.