So Qing Jun really isn’t Xu Buhui’s child!
And because Qing Jun also has silver hair, it makes them certain that Qing Jun is the illegitimate child of another Xu family man.
Moreover, Chen Ye also grasped the implication in Xu Qingsong’s words: "You mean... the Xu family has a way to treat Qing Jun’s mania?"
"Steward Chen, you truly have foresight!"
Xu Qingsong’s tone turned gentle again, with a hint of compassion, as if he was genuinely concerned about Qing Jun’s condition,
"This concerns Qing Jun’s life and future, both of us must be cautious. You should carefully consider, Qing Jun’s constitution, without the Xu family’s guidance and suppression, as he grows older, the consequences... would be unimaginable."
He deliberately emphasized the words "consequences would be unimaginable," his eyes full of sincerity.
"I hope Steward Chen will consider carefully. Besides, Qing Jun is ultimately a member of the Xu family... Steward Chen, you will understand."
Having said that, Xu Qingsong said no more and left calmly with his attendants.
He was certain Chen Ye would compromise as long as he truly loved this disciple.
Of course, relying on blood ties, forcibly taking Qing Jun would not be impossible.
But since offense can be avoided, why cause it?
As he left, Xu Qingsong glanced back at this Spirit Plant Steward, a cold smile playing on his lips.
It’s better not to, refuse the wine of favor only to be forced to drink the wine of punishment...
Chen Ye stood there, watching Xu Qingsong’s retreating figure, his brows furrowed in deep concern.
The words of Xu Qingsong, like a thorn, were deeply buried in his heart.
He recalled that in the original plot, Qing Jun indeed seemed to have some mental issues.
And the Xu family is supposedly of True Dragon Lineage, perhaps they truly have a way?
...
The setting sun, like blood, cast a hazy light over the Luoli Courtyard.
Chen Ye stood outside the courtyard for a long time before pushing open the gate.
A rush of the aroma of food immediately assailed his nostrils.
"Master, you’re back!"
A small, fluffy figure poked her head out from the kitchen, it was Qing Jun.
Her small face was smudged with bits of soot, like a little flower cat caught stealing food.
But her bright phoenix eyes sparkled with excitement, waving a spatula not much smaller than her face.
"Hmm, Master is back."
Chen Ye stepped forward, habitually wanting to pat her little head, but Qing Jun deftly dodged.
"Hmph!"
The little girl still bore a grudge against Chen Ye, refusing to let Master pat her head, who always scared her!
She pouted, seemingly very unwilling:
"I promised to make lots and lots of delicious food for Master today, hurry and come in with Qing Jun! Otherwise, Qing Jun will eat it all alone! This is today’s delicacy!"
The little girl pulled Chen Ye to the stove, pointing at a golden-hued fish emitting a tantalizing sweet and sour aroma.
Although the fish had a few slightly charred spots, clearly indicating the heat control wasn’t perfect, that sweet and sour aroma was genuinely enticing.
Chen Ye felt warmth in his heart, squatting down to look at Qing Jun’s soot-smudged yet still lively little face, he softly said: "Our Qing Jun is amazing, being able to make sweet and sour fish for Master."
He reached out and gently wiped the smudge from her cheek with his sleeve,
"But next time, be careful not to turn into a little flower cat."
"I’m not a little flower cat!" Qing Jun puffed her cheeks, but the smile on her lips couldn’t be hidden.
She picked up a clean pair of chopsticks, grabbed a small piece of the tenderest fish belly, carefully blew on it, then stood on tiptoe, holding it to Chen Ye’s mouth: "Master, quickly eat it!! No hesitations allowed!"
Chen Ye, seeing her expectant little eyes, opened his mouth and ate the piece of fish.
The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour to the taste. Although it couldn’t compare to his own cooking, the sentiment behind it was priceless.
"Hmm! The sweet and sour fish made by our Qing Jun is the best Master has ever eaten!" Chen Ye generously praised.
"Hee hee!"
Qing Jun beamed, happily shaking her little head,
"Of course! Qing Jun will make more and more delicious food for Master in the future!"
Seeing Qing Jun’s vibrant and adorable demeanor, Chen Ye felt a mix of emotions.
"Qing Jun, Master... has something to tell you."
"Hmm?"
Qing Jun, still holding the spatula, joyfully preparing to serve herself a piece of fish as well, tilted her head curiously at his words,
"Master, what’s the matter? Did Qing Jun’s fish taste so good that Master wants to eat it every day?"
"Qing Jun,"
Chen Ye squatted down, trying to level his gaze with hers, softening his voice even more,
"Master is wondering, would you like to... go to a very big place? It’s much more grand than our Luoli Courtyard."
The little girl blinked, full of anticipation at these words: "Of course, I’d also love Luoli Courtyard."
"That place is the Xu family, that’s where Qing Jun’s parents are."
Qing Jun’s little face initially showed expectation, then turned to confusion.
Seeing Master’s heavy expression, the little girl immediately understood something,
She lowered her head, her small hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, the spatula clattering to the ground: "Master, are you sending Qing Jun home?"
"Qing Jun’s family came for her... That Aunt Mao is actually Qing Jun’s mother, much more powerful than Master."
"Oh... but what’s the point of being powerful?"
"Then there will be someone to back Qing Jun up?"
"Only Master bullies Qing Jun... Qing Jun will reluctantly forgive Master, so there’s no need for anyone else to back me up..."
"Hmm, also Master is quite poor, while the Xu family is very wealthy, with lots of Spirit Stones..."
"What can Spirit Stones do?"
"Spirit Stones have many uses, Qing Jun can have whatever she wants with them..."