"Tang Shunyan, let’s go to the restaurant up ahead for a meal, shall we? You haven’t dined with me at a restaurant yet. Well then, since Lady here is in such a good mood, um, Lady will graciously treat you to a meal!"
Someone burst out laughing, but Meng Zhaojun paid no mind to them, her gaze fixed on Tang Shunyan, beaming brilliantly!
Upon hearing Meng Zhaojun’s laughter, everyone else had different expressions.
Those who were aware of the situation thought this little girl was far too cunning, holding onto the little boy’s money while claiming to treat others to a meal—what shameless words could only be spouted by someone with an incredibly thick skin!
Admirable, truly admirable!
These were the thoughts of those around Tang Shunyan.
Those with Meng Zhaojun, as shameless as her, felt that the Young Master of the Tang Family treating their mistress to a meal was an honor for her.
Indeed, one’s entourage reflects one’s own character.
Tang Shunyan didn’t want to wander about with this girl anymore, unsure of what improper things she might do next. It was better to find an excuse and slip away!
"Let’s not. We are nearly at the age where men and women should not sit together at meals, and besides, eating at home is likely better than eating out."
Meng Zhaojun rolled her eyes heavenward, then uttered another shocking statement:
"Tang Shunyan, are you also such a prude? We just sat together at the brothel sipping tea, and now you’re talking about separating men and women? Do you see my current attire? Do you think it will lead people to suspect you, the Eldest Young Master, of ’the passion of the cut sleeve’?"
Originally, Tang Shunyan’s face was just cold, but upon hearing Meng Zhaojun’s words, his complexion turned from red to black, and he cursed without reservation, "Ridiculous, are these words even something you can... verbalize?"
Meng Zhaojun’s innocent look suggested that the previous words weren’t her fault, but caused by Tang Shunyan’s refusal.
"Well, there’s nothing I can do about that! Why did you refuse? I’m not scared... of anything, what are you afraid of?"
Meng Zhaojun spoke and grabbed Tang Shunyan’s hand without waiting for his consent, shaking it back and forth.
Tang Shunyan was stunned by Meng Zhaojun’s bold move; his entire face turned beet red, and whereas he had been cold and stony-faced before, now he seemed as bashful as a little girl!
How could Tang Shunyan, a young master from ancient times, compete with Meng Zhaojun, whose soul had crossed from another world? Her audacity was unmatched.
What Tang Shunyan couldn’t accept was her excessive warmth, a violation of the Confucian principle that a gentleman should "use his mouth and not his hands." Though they were not of an age to be separated at meals, holding hands felt a bit too intimate.
Without thinking, Tang Shunyan forcefully pulled his hand out of Meng Zhaojun’s grip.
"Hehe, why so shy? It seems like our roles have switched! I should be the one feeling shy, not you!"
Meng Zhaojun’s expression was just asking for a scolding; the pot calling the kettle black—clearly, she was the one who had overdone it, yet she was blaming others...!
"This one time only... hmph."
Having said that, Tang Shunyan pridefully mounted the carriage, not caring about the even cruder words Meng Zhaojun might say next, ignoring them completely.
They had delayed for so long at the entrance of the shop, located on the busiest street and in front of the busiest shop, talking back and forth.
The volume wasn’t high, but those who had drunk too much could hear them quarreling over a meal.
One was inviting so unabashedly and freely, while the other, despite having free food offered, still seemed displeased—was this the logic of rich kids?
If it were regular folks, they’d gladly accept an invitation to dine without hesitation.
Of course, the onlookers didn’t understand their circumstances and simply thought Tang Shunyan was being finicky!
What Tang Shunyan didn’t know was that after that day, gossip among the higher-ups would say that a certain young master was much too prudish, refusing even when invited out and blushing at that, what does it matter if a man’s hand is held by another man!
Could such a young kid really have such strange thoughts, like ’the passion of the cut sleeve’?
Not every onlooking observer could see clearly that both were dressed as Young Masters, while in reality, they were one male and one female.
The tales circulating outside, those who heard them pretended not to hear, as explanations often lead to more suspicion and amplify the issue!
The onlookers couldn’t recognize the two individuals’ true identities, they only saw them as wealthy Young Masters.
Meng Zhaojun boarded the carriage, and with just a short ride, they arrived at the restaurant; indeed, to travel by carriage seemed the safer choice.
Such is the cautiousness of children from wealthy families, taking care in every step they take.