Flipping through the accounts book in hand, Dongfang Ming replied without looking up, “In the afternoon.”
He snapped the book shut and set it aside, before reaching out for a perfectly framed portrait.
“Ming Yan, what do you think of this picture? Does it look like Liu Duo?” As he admired the portrait of the woman in question, his mouth curved into a smile.
Ming Yan glanced at the picture and said, “Yes, it is very much like Madam Ye.”
He did not understand why his master, who had excellent craftsmanship, could doubt his own superb painting skills.
He recalled his suspicions and went on to ask with caution, “Master, about Madam Ye…”
But he was unable to form words for the latter half of his question. A servant should not be second-guessing his master’s intentions, after all.
Dongfang Ming picked up on his hesitations and asked in a gentle manner, “Yes, what about Madam Ye? Go on.”
He was curious to know why Ming Yan was fumbling with his words.
With that, Ming Yan plucked up some courage and asked, “Master, do you have feelings for Madam Ye? But she’s already a wife to four husbands!”
“…” Dongfang Ming just looked at him without an immediate reply. He slowly scrolled up the portrait.
Silence fell in the carriage after Ming Yan’s inquiry. He did not look at Dongfang Ming’s face.
He was already regretting it. Have I gotten too full of myself? How could I ask Master something like that? I hope he’s not angry.
Dongfang Ming set the portrait aside and looked out the window, taking in the scenery. When he spoke, he had another question for the man. “Ming Yan, if I say I do have feelings for Little Duo, what will you do?”
In the beginning, he only harbored curiosity for the woman who could draw adorable animals. After getting in contact with her and getting to know her a little better, that soon grew into admiration and recognition.
He found himself to be attracted to a woman like Liu Duo. Among the women he was acquainted with, he was most willing to spend time with her.
Ming Yan gulped, not daring to sell himself short. How should he answer this?
“Master, please don’t joke with me. It’s really not funny.” He smiled dryly.
His master’s question struck fear within him, as sweat began to gather on his forehead.
This contrasted with common sense!
Dongfang Ming chortled. What came next was a quiet reply both to himself and Ming Yan. “Joke? Yes, I guess it isn’t really a good joke.”
Silence fell again.
Ye Ling placed Liu Duo’s breakfast on a tray and was about to bring it up to her when Liu Ran passionately offered to help, “Ling, let me help with that.”
“No need,” Ye Ling shook his head, “Ran Er, I’m heading upstairs. If anyone comes to sell tomatoes, you can help with the recording and not delay them, alright?”
Before Ye Mo left, he told Ye Ling not to let Liu Ran call for or bring breakfast up to his sister, because Liu Duo was not wearing anything under the blanket.
They wanted to put on her clothes for her last night, but she did not cooperate due to exhaustion and just slept. They wanted to try again in the morning but dared not wake her up.
“Sure thing.” Liu Ran went back to his books by the table.
After that, Ye Ling carefully took the tray upstairs.