Chapter 264: Chapter 264 Wufu Plays Dumb
Wufu had come to Huayang County Town twice before, yet he had never visited the so-called top-ranked Hongfu Tower. Now, thanks to Ah Jiuās good fortune, he was patronizing it for the first time and indeed, the establishment was impressively unique and oozed character.
The private room they were seated in was also decorated with paintings and fine landscapes. Facing the street, one could see from the window the central axis of the entire Huayang County, the bustling Dongyang Street, and further in the distance, a river lined with willow trees could be seen.
"Still donāt know what kind of tea you like? Puāer, Da Hong Pao, Laojun Mei, pre-monsoon, first flush?" asked Ah Jiu, trying to ascertain Wufuās preference.
Wufu withdrew his gaze from the street and said, "Iām not picky, but I wouldnāt drink the bad stuff if thereās good available."
What kind of attitude was that?
"Then how about a pot of Oolong?" asked Ah Jiu with a smile. "Now that itās autumn and the weather is dry with the leftover heat from summer, drinking green tea is best, as it can promote saliva production and relieve dryness."
Upon hearing this, Wufu knew this person was particular and nodded, "The guest should follow the host."
Ah Jiu glanced at Yuan Ye.
Yuan Ye immediately went to make the arrangements.
Liu Jin watched the entire exchange, inwardly admired their tacit understanding, and thought how long it might take to achieve such a level of rapport. He realized he had a lot to learn.
Thinking this, he straightened his back and paid attention to every move of his young lady.
When Ah Jiu caught sight of him, she looked at Wufu and said, "I tried to invite you before, but your servant said you were busy with some matters. Have you taken care of everything now?"
Wufu replied, "Itās all taken care of, I was just about to head home. I hadnāt expected you to be in Huayang County too."
"I came out for a leisurely excursion, and it just so happened a servant also needed to come here, so I decided to stay," said Ah Jiu, taking the tea offered by Yuan Ye and personally pouring a cup for Wufu. "Try this tea. Itās from Fujian, and itās said to be tribute quality."
Wufu took a sip and the heat made her tongue waggle.
Ah Jiu, caught between laughter and helplessness, said, "Take it slow, thereās no rush."
"Itās delicious!" scorching hot.
Ah Jiu handed her a tangerine.
Wufu effortlessly accepted it, without the slightest embarrassment, leaving everyone in the private room gaping.
Hoo Die couldnāt hold back and blurted out before Ah Jiu could respond, "You, you little vixen, did you hoard all of the Flower-Picking Thiefās five hundred taels of reward money?"
Wufu had just put a slice of tangerine in her mouth. Upon hearing this, she glanced at Ah Jiu and saw him pouring tea with his eyes lowered, as if he hadnāt heard the question. Thus, she understood that he was also implying something.
She swallowed the piece of tangerine and feigned ignorance, "What are you talking about, guard brother? What five hundred taels of reward money?"
Furious, Hoo Die pointed at her and accused, "Youāre still playing dumb. You let me watch over Coffin Guy and went to claim the reward yourself. What a cunning vixen you are!"
"Hoo Die!" Ah Jiu rebuked.
Hoo Dieās face changed slightly, and his lips moved without making a sound.
"Itās my failing for not instructing properly, letting my mouth run wild," said Ah Jiu, bowing apologetically to Wufu. "I offer my apologies to you."
"Master..." Hoo Die was panic-stricken.
Ah Jiu looked at him and said, "If you were outwitted, donāt remain resentful. Take the sting as a lesson, and buy some wisdom for the future. If you persist in this attitude, I can no longer trust to employ you, and I will have Uncle Hoo take you back."
Scared pale, Hoo Die immediately knelt down without a second thought.
Ah Jiu ignored him and continued drinking his tea.
When Hoo Die realized what was happening, he reluctantly bowed to Wufu and apologized, "Miss, I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me."
Wufu looked at him and then at Ah Jiu. Was this a cue for her to respond or was it all just an act?
Regardless, since they had apologized, Wufu wasnāt going to hold a grudge and grandly waved her hand, "You are overreacting. Ninth Master is right, you must learn from your mistakes. Life will tell you that not all loss is in vain. Let me also give you a word of advice, āTo suffer a loss is to gain a fortune.ā"
Upon hearing this, Hoo Die almost spat out a mouthful of old blood, yet he still had to grit his teeth and show his gratitude.