“Ling Xi’s always clumsy. She might bump into you by accident.” Lin Xiao’s tone was perfectly sincere, his handsome face calm and respectful. No one could tell he was doing it on purpose.
Ling Xi, however, fumed when she heard him.
“Lin Xiao! Don’t insult me like that! I’m not clumsy at all. Apologize to me right now or I’ll be really mad!”
Seeing Ling Xi’s little outburst, Lin Xiao could only look helplessly at Madam Fu. Madam Fu laughed softly, understanding Lin Xiao’s intention—he was simply worried the girl might knock into her. She overthought it.
“Miss Ling Xi, don’t be upset. Mister Lin is only looking out for you.” She turned to smooth things over. “Everyone, let’s not stand around. Let’s go to the dining hall. Surely you’re all hungry by now.”
Everyone agreed. Patron Fu came to his wife’s side, supporting her gently as they walked hand in hand, showing genuine affection. Watching them, Zhang Nu couldn’t help but think they seemed truly loving. Otherwise, how could they look so happy?
Lin Xiao, however, stared at the couple with thoughtful eyes, a hint of envy flickering there—yet buried deep. Ling Xi couldn’t possibly know what he was thinking; she was still pouting at Lin Xiao for “insulting” her.
Zhang Nu glanced at the two, shaking his head with a smile. These two really were like quarreling soulmates—if they were to reach the happy ending they deserved, they still had a long way to go.
Soon, they all sat down at the table. The servants had already prepared a rich meal.
“I didn’t know when you’d arrive, nor what you don’t eat,” Madam Fu said warmly. “So today’s dishes may be simple. Tomorrow, you can tell me what you like or dislike—I’ll have the kitchens do better.”
Ling Xi shook her head quickly. They weren’t picky, having such good food already made her feel very lucky.
“It’s fine, Madam Fu, this is enough for us. We’re not picky about food.”
Hearing this, Madam Fu covered her mouth and laughed gently, her gaze toward Ling Xi full of soft fondness.
“Then eat plenty, child,” she said, personally placing food into Ling Xi’s bowl.
Ling Xi nodded earnestly and accepted the food, digging in with bright eyes—she was famished. She ate so quickly that she barely paused to breathe.
Lin Xiao, seeing her devour her meal so shamelessly, looked away, pretending to be disgusted. But the moment she started choking, he silently handed her a cup of water.
Zhang Nu saw him acting cold with his words but warm with his actions, and couldn’t help but smile. Lin Xiao had truly fallen for Ling Xi—whether he knew it or not. Watching him, Zhang Nu found himself wondering: when would he meet his own destined one? Maybe it was far off—or maybe closer than he thought.
After dinner, it was already nearing midnight. Patron Fu spoke up.
“It’s almost time to rest. Everyone should get a good night’s sleep. We’ll talk more in the morning. Rest is the priority tonight.”
Everyone nodded and returned to their rooms.
But in the third quarter of the hour, they quietly gathered again in Zhang Nu’s room. Zhang Nu looked at Lin Xiao—he wanted to know exactly what Lin Xiao meant earlier.
“Lin Xiao, what did you want to tell me just now?”
Lin Xiao turned his eyes to Ling Xi. Some things were better told by her, after all, she had discovered them first.