It was Ah Jiu’s person who came looking, leaving an address for a residence and saying that they invited Wufu to come over for a gathering.
"It’s him?" Wufu realized, tilting her head and muttering, "How is he also in Huayang?"
"Miss, you really know him?" Liu Jin’s eyes sparkled brightly.
Although today’s visitor was just a young servant passing a message, the servant’s demeanor was far more grand than most, not only in his clothes but other aspects as well. To be a servant of such stature, he must be pretty impressive, right?
Liu Jin got very excited upon seeing Yuan Ye, thinking that if one were to be a servant, one must be like Yuan Ye—imposing.
Upon further thought, if even a servant was that imposing, how incredible must his master be?
Who would have thought the lady would know such a person!
"Know him? Well, I do. That master, he could be considered your Miss’s first employer." Although it was only one hundred taels, that money was easily earned from him without doing much.
Liu Jin was somewhat puzzled but didn’t pay it much mind and asked, "Miss, so what about tomorrow?"
Great, he should be able to go along with the lady tomorrow. He’d need to learn well from them how to serve properly.
"Oh, I’m not going," she said.
"I should dress nicely... What?" Liu Jin was taken aback, staring blankly at his lady, stuttering, "Not, not going anymore?"
"I have to catch the Flower-Picking Thief, don’t I? When will I have time to go drink tea? I need to find that guy quickly," Wufu said, leaning back on the bed.
"Miss, you were out all day today, did you find anything?" Liu Jin asked after hearing her.
"Hmm, a bit of a clue," Wufu pursed her lips. "Go get some water for me, I’m quite tired."
Liu Jin hurried out upon hearing this, but as he reached the door, Wufu called out to him again. "Right, I can’t go tomorrow, but since they sent someone with the message, it’s only proper to give a response. You go on my behalf tomorrow. Just say, I’m a bit busy with something."
Liu Jin’s eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly.
The autumn day was gentle and sunny, with clear skies and refreshing air.
"Switch to the Wuyi’s Da Hong Pao," Ah Jiu glanced at the small garden and then at the richly colored Pu’er tea in his cup, before tilting his head slightly and instructing Yuan Ye who stood beside him.
Yuan Ye was momentarily startled, but then nodded in agreement.
As he turned to give the order, he overheard Ah Jiu’s murmured words: "Pu’er isn’t quite suitable for a young girl’s taste; Da Hong Pao should be fine, right?"
Yuan Ye snarked inwardly, what does a farm girl know about the quality of tea?
The sunlight was just right as Liu Jin arrived at the residence Yuan Ye had mentioned. Following the person leading the way into the house, his curiosity was piqued, but he dared not look around too much, using only his peripheral vision to take in his surroundings.
Yuan Ye was taken aback to see Liu Jin arrive alone.
As Liu Jin spotted Yuan Ye, he moved forward a few steps, about to kneel.
"Our Ninth Master is over there," Yuan Ye slightly sidestepped and gestured with his chin towards a small pavilion, saying, "Follow me."
He walked ahead, and with a slight bow to Ah Jiu, he said, "Master, Miss Wufu’s servant has arrived."
"Your servant pays respects to Ninth Master, may you be safe and auspicious," Liu Jin said smartly, kneeling to kowtow.
Yuan Ye raised his eyebrows, impressed; the boy was quite savvy and clever.
Ah Jiu paused, then looking at the small figure not yet ten years old, smiled faintly and said, "Stand up and speak."
"Thank you, Ninth Master," Liu Jin straightened up, glancing cautiously over. When he clearly saw the person sitting before him, his eyes shone as brightly as if they had captured a falling star, completely dazzled.