Early the next morning.
As Zhao Ya had just gotten out of bed, Song Renqiang came over with some people.
"Commander Zhao, the house has been cleaned and prepared overnight for you. You can move in now."
Zhao Ya nodded.
Actually, it didn’t matter to him where he lived, though it was a pity about the stove that Zui’Er had worked so hard to set up.
Noticing Zhao Ya’s gaze, Song Renqiang laughed heartily.
"This time, the house arranged for you is not only spacious but also comes with a kitchen. If your wife enjoys cooking, she can make full use of it. I have also instructed that fresh seasonal vegetables will be sent to your kitchen regularly."
Even Zhao Ya had to admit that Song Renqiang’s work was meticulous, leaving no stone unturned, and he was exceptionally skilled at reading people’s expressions.
He only casually glanced, and Song Renqiang could guess his thoughts and make arrangements accordingly.
No wonder he was thriving in the Song Family and had become the head steward of the household; indeed, he had some abilities.
Zui’Er had also packed her luggage by now, carrying a small bundle as she followed Zhao Ya to their new residence.
Along the way, Zhao Ya chatted and laughed with Song Renqiang, although most of the time it was Song Renqiang talking and Zhao Ya occasionally responding.
"Commander Zhao, look, this is your new residence!" Song Renqiang said with a smile.
Zhao Ya looked up to see a very imposing courtyard before him, much better in condition and environment than before.
And as soon as they entered the courtyard, it was indeed as Song Renqiang had described: not only spacious and bright but with a kitchen, backyard, and even a small garden.
Zui’Er was overjoyed, turning around excitedly, especially satisfied with the kitchen.
Song Renqiang exchanged a few more words with Zhao Ya before politely taking his leave.
"Do you like it?" Zhao Ya asked.
"Uh-huh, it’s really big here!" Zui’Er said excitedly.
Zhao Ya felt this was familiar; it seemed like Zui’Er had said the same thing to him the night before.
"As long as you like it!" Zhao Ya said with a smile.
The new home soon welcomed its first guest.
The round-faced maidservant Xiaoman came in carrying a brocade box, followed closely by Song Peiwan.
Today, Song Peiwan was wearing a new blue dress, which made her appear less aloof and more youthful and energetic.
Seeing it was Song Peiwan, Zui’Er was so frightened that she wanted to hide, but Zhao Ya pulled her back and then cupped his hands with a smile to greet Song Peiwan.
"Why has the young lady graced us with her presence?"
Song Peiwan’s eyes sparkled as she smiled and said, "With Commander Zhao moving into a new home, naturally, I came to offer my congratulations. Why? Am I not welcome?"
"Of course not. It’s truly an honor for me to have the young lady visit personally."
The maidservant Xiaoman suddenly giggled and then said to Zhao Ya.
"Commander Zhao, to congratulate you, my lady has been busy all morning and hasn’t even had a sip of water. Aren’t you going to offer my lady some tea?"
"Chatterbox, you talk too much." Song Peiwan blushed and scolded Xiaoman.
Xiaoman chuckled, not concerned at all.
She had been with Song Peiwan since childhood, and although nominally a maidservant, their relationship was more like sisters, so she wasn’t afraid of a little scolding.
Zhao Ya felt a bit embarrassed by her words, so he quickly invited Song Peiwan into the living room.
Once Song Peiwan was seated, Zui’Er intended to serve some water but was stopped by Zhao Ya.
"Let me do it!"
"How can that be, you...?"
But Zhao Ya didn’t listen to her. He picked up the tea tray and brought it into the living room.
"Sorry, we just moved in, and many things aren’t prepared yet. I can only offer you some hot water, young lady."
With that, Zhao Ya placed the tea tray down and naturally poured Song Peiwan a glass of water.
Song Peiwan said nothing, just watched with a smile.
Only when Zhao Ya passed the cup to her did she reach out to take it, and then she said, "With your rank, Commander Zhao, you should have servants. What? Wasn’t the steward going to prepare them for you?"
"No, Steward Song offered to send over some maids, but I turned them down. To be honest..."
Zhao Ya laughed, "I’m not used to being waited on; I have thin fortune."
Indeed, Song Renqiang had mentioned several times about sending over maids, but Zhao Ya had too many secrets and naturally couldn’t accept, so he gently declined them all.
After hearing Zhao Ya’s words, Song Peiwan stayed silent, merely looking at the glass in her hand with interest.
Since she said nothing, Zhao Ya also remained quiet.
The living room fell silent.
Xiaoman looked curiously at her mistress, then at Zhao Ya, not understanding why both were as silent as gourds.
After a moment, Song Peiwan raised her head, "Was that girl just now Zui’Er?"
"Yes!"
"She’s really beautiful."
"I think so too."
Seeing Zhao Ya’s calm expression, Song Peiwan suddenly smiled sweetly and then stood up to say.
"Since Commander Zhao has just moved, I assume you have a lot to do, so I won’t linger. This is a small gift, a token of my goodwill."
Xiaoman placed the brocade box on the table and then followed Song Peiwan to leave.
Zhao Ya didn’t push or try to make them stay; he simply stood up to see them off.
When they reached the courtyard gate, Song Peiwan suddenly turned back to Zhao Ya and said.
"Oh, and today’s tea service was very satisfactory. Next time I come, you’ll serve me again, won’t you?"
Zhao Ya was taken aback.
But Song Peiwan didn’t care about his reaction, "It’s settled then."
With that, she smiled and left with Xiaoman.
After she left, Zui’Er, who had been hiding in the kitchen too afraid to show herself, suddenly poked her head out and exclaimed, "The young lady is so beautiful!"
Zhao Ya: "...."
Then, with a helpless expression, he gently knocked Zui’Er on the head and turned to head back to the living room.