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Zhong Xu finally noticed Shuxiang standing nearby, who was carrying Wen Yao on his back. Seizing the opportunity to change the subject, he asked, “What happened to Wen Yao?”
“She... drank too much.” Di Jiang maintained a straight face.
“... “ Zhong Xu’s expression darkened, and he sneered. His eyes seemed to say, “Only in a household as uncouth as yours would an unmarried girl get drunk in broad daylight and parade around the streets shamelessly, truly a disgrace to public morals.”
Di Jiang clearly understood Zhong Xu’s implication. She stamped her foot and feigned indignation, “We are common folk. Let’s not judge colleagues with noble standards.”
“You...” Zhong Xu glanced at her, tossed out a phrase, “The young cannot be taught,” then quickly picked up his basket and ran off.
Watching his retreating figure, Di Jiang didn’t chase after him but instead covered her face and laughed, her laughter causing flowers to sway chaotically. “This Shopkeeper Zhong is really interesting. What’s the use of running so fast? There’s only one inn in this entire village. We’ll bump into each other sooner or later. We’ll meet again tonight!”
Shuxiang stood aside, hesitating for a long time. Though not one for gossip, he finally couldn’t resist voicing a question that had troubled him for a while: “Shopkeeper, you... don’t have feelings for Shopkeeper Zhong, do you?”
“What? Feelings?!” Di Jiang’s expression faltered. After thinking for a moment, she forced a laugh and said, “I like him, and I don’t. I won’t explain further. You understand it yourself—it’s a lesson. Comprehending it will greatly benefit you.”
“And if I don’t comprehend it?”
“It won’t harm you either.” Di Jiang remained nonchalant.
“Oh...” Shuxiang nodded blankly, following Di Jiang as they continued walking. The three soon returned to the inn.
“Miss Di is back?” Innkeeper Meng greeted Di Jiang warmly upon seeing her. Noticing Shuxiang carrying Wen Yao behind her, she hurriedly asked, “Oh, what happened to this young girl?”
“She’s fine. She’ll be alright after resting for a while,” Di Jiang scanned the inn and smiled, asking, “Has Zhong Xu returned?”
“You know each other?” Innkeeper Meng was surprised. “He just came back and has already placed an order for dinner here tonight.” Saying this, she picked up a ledger from the counter and showed it to Di Jiang. “Would you like to dine together? More people mean more dishes. Ten copper coins per person, no cheating.”
“That’s great. Shopkeeper Zhong and I come from the same place, so it’s natural to dine together for a livelier atmosphere. Thank you, Innkeeper Meng.” As Di Jiang spoke, she signaled Shuxiang to pay. Shuxiang immediately counted out thirty copper coins from the money pouch and handed them to the innkeeper.
Seeing this, Di Jiang added, “Count out ten more.”
Following orders without questioning why, Shuxiang handed over more coins. Innkeeper Meng accepted the coins, puzzled, “Why? Are we expecting more guests tonight?”
Di Jiang shook her head, “This maid of mine has a big appetite, one serving won’t suffice. Please prepare an extra portion.”
Innkeeper Meng suddenly understood and laughed heartily, “No problem! Eat your fill here!”
“Thank you.” With that, Di Jiang led them upstairs.
Once inside the room, Shuxiang carefully laid Wen Yao on the bed and covered her with a blanket. Having done all this, his face didn’t redden, nor did he pant—he appeared as though carrying her had been effortless, as light as a feather.
As evening fell and the market ended, smoke rose from every household in the village, filling the air with the aroma of food. Even in her sleep, Wen Yao smelled these scents, her appetite stirred, and she abruptly sat up in bed.
“So hungry!” Wen Yao shouted, startling Di Jiang and Shuxiang, who had been dozing nearby.
Wen Yao looked around in confusion, “When did we come back? Weren’t we treating Old Pan?”
“You were knocked out by Sister Li.” Di Jiang smiled at her.
“Me? How could I be knocked out by her? Ow...” Wen Yao exclaimed excitedly but felt a sharp pain on her forehead. Reaching up, she touched a large swollen bump.
“See? I told you—you were knocked out by her broom!” Di Jiang innocently pointed at Shuxiang, “Shuxiang carried you back. Don’t believe me? Ask him.” Turning her head, she sincerely looked at Shuxiang.
Mechanically nodding, Shuxiang lowered his head, avoiding eye contact with them.
“See? I’m not lying. Shuxiang doesn’t lie.”
“...” Wen Yao thought about it, feeling something was off but unable to pinpoint what.
At that moment, a call came from downstairs: “Dinner is ready! Miss Di, Master Zhong, you may eat now—”
“Dinner!” Hearing those words, Wen Yao’s eyes lit up instantly. Forgetting how she fainted or returned, she put on her shoes and rushed downstairs. Di Jiang and Shuxiang exchanged a glance behind her, both shaking their heads helplessly, inwardly laughing at her complete gluttony.
The three sat down at the long bamboo table downstairs. Eight dishes were already laid out, full of color, aroma, and flavor. Wen Yao, starving beyond measure, tried reaching for chopsticks several times. Each time, Di Jiang mercilessly pushed her hand away: “Don’t be rude. Wait until everyone is present before starting the meal.”
Wen Yao looked at Di Jiang with teary eyes, but Di Jiang showed no intention of relenting.
Helpless, Wen Yao ran to the kitchen, found Innkeeper Meng, and grabbed a steamed bun to munch on, temporarily appeasing her growling stomach.
Not long after, Zhong Xu walked in from the courtyard, glanced at Di Jiang, and chose a seat farthest from her.
“Master Zhong, why sit alone over there? Can you reach the dishes?” Di Jiang moved three seats closer, sitting next to him. She then instructed Shuxiang and Wen Yao, “Move the dishes over here. This side is near the aisle, with good air circulation—it’s no wonder Master Zhong likes this spot.”
Zhong Xu’s face turned grim, turning his head away, refusing to look at her.
Obediently, Shuxiang and Wen Yao moved the dishes over, then sat close to Di Jiang. Seeing this, Innkeeper Meng brought another large bowl of soup.
“Boss Meng, why so many dishes?” Di Jiang exclaimed in surprise. “There are so few of us. Will we be able to finish? It’d be wasteful if leftovers remain.”
Innkeeper Meng laughed, “No worries. Boss Zhang from the dye shop also ordered a meal here. He has a big appetite too!”
“That’s good. No waste is best.” Di Jiang smiled, got up, and served Zhong Xu a bowl of rice.
“Thank you.” Zhong Xu awkwardly nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“You’re welcome.” Di Jiang nodded at Zhong Xu, then turned to Wen Yao, “Serve me a bowl of rice.”
Still chewing on her bun, Wen Yao resented Di Jiang’s favoritism and sneered, “Can’t the shopkeeper serve herself?”
“But I’ve always had you serve me.”
“I don’t want to serve anymore. Is that okay?”
Di Jiang smiled slightly, “No.”
“You! Always exploiting me! Bullying the weak and fearing the strong!” Wen Yao slammed her chopsticks loudly onto the table, emphasizing each word.
“I’m not bullying the weak and fearing the strong. I can’t control myself in front of someone I like.” Di Jiang’s expression was earnest, without a hint of embarrassment.
Seeing their banter and realizing he was the one suffering, Zhong Xu glanced at his bowl filled with white rice, feeling awkward. Just as he considered returning the bowl, Innkeeper Meng laughed loudly from the side, “Let me serve! Let me serve! Such a small matter—no need for everyone to lift a finger. I’ll handle it!”
Saying this, Innkeeper Meng served five bowls of rice, placing them neatly on the table. Di Jiang repeatedly thanked her.
“No need to be polite—it’s just a small effort.” Having finished serving, Innkeeper Meng retreated to the door and called back, “I’ll go fetch Boss Zhang. You start eating first.”
“How can we do that? Let’s wait for everyone to arrive before eating together.” After Zhong Xu spoke, Di Jiang nodded in agreement. Thus, Wen Yao and Shuxiang put down their chopsticks.
“Ten copper coins is quite a bargain,” Di Jiang remarked, looking at the table full of dishes. “Scholar Village is deep in the mountains, with simple folk. It’s much more genuine than many restaurants in Taiping Prefecture.”
“Indeed.” Shuxiang nodded.
Wen Yao chimed in, “A meal like this in Taiping Prefecture would cost at least eighty copper coins, and the portions would be halved!”
Di Jiang nodded, “The plates might look prettier there, but the smell is about the same.”
“Exactly,” Wen Yao sneered, annoyed. “Remember when we ate grilled fish at Gongde Workshop? A tiny yellow croaker cost us one silver coin, and we barely saw any meat—it was such a rip-off.”
“Yes, and that time we ate Jiangnan cuisine at Juxian Studio—it was outrageously expensive too~” After Shuxiang spoke, Wen Yao seemed to recall many instances. In a short while, the three almost criticized every gourmet dish in Taiping Prefecture. Listening along, Di Jiang turned to Zhong Xu, “Master Zhong, which restaurant in Taiping Prefecture do you think is the best?”
Zhong Xu’s face alternated between pale and red. After pondering for a while, he replied, “I usually eat at home and rarely dine out.”
Di Jiang “Ah~”ed and nodded, “It seems Changsheng’s cooking skills are impressive, capturing your palate.”
Zhong Xu shook his head, “I usually cook myself, and Changsheng handles the dishes.”
Upon hearing this, Di Jiang exaggeratedly “Ah~”ed again and praised, “Master Zhong’s culinary skills are admirable. I must visit your home someday to personally taste your cooking.”
“...” Zhong Xu suddenly blushed, turned his head away, and ignored her.
With the enemy retreating, Di Jiang advanced. She propped her cheek with one hand, staring intently at him. Zhong Xu didn’t avoid her gaze, keeping his head turned, enduring the piercing stares behind him without flinching.
“Hahaha... The more, the merrier! I love a crowd!” A hearty laugh echoed from outside. The next moment, Innkeeper Meng entered with a plump old man in his fifties or sixties. The old man scanned the room and locked his gaze on Di Jiang.
Feeling uncomfortable under his stare, Di Jiang coughed lightly. Only then did Boss Zhang snap out of it and bow to everyone apologetically, “I apologize for keeping everyone waiting. Let me make amends! Little Meng, bring wine—I’ll self-punish with three cups!”
“Alright~” Without hesitation, Innkeeper Meng went into the kitchen to fetch the wine.
Since entering the room, Boss Zhang had been staring at Di Jiang, his eyes practically spitting fire.
Though outwardly calm, Di Jiang inwardly chuckled three times. Unbothered, she stared right back at him, wondering what he intended to do.
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