"Xiaxia, what does it say on this paper?" Ms. Wang asked, holding the sheet of paper.
Yang Chuxia took a look at it, her face distorted with each word she read. Whatâs with these demands? The eggs had to be cooked to 70% perfection, as if he was frying a steak. He wanted a fish dish with the green onions cut into three pieces, and no more than two chili peppers in it. No ginger and less sugar. As for the soups, he wanted three varieties â sweet, salty, and spicy â as if three kinds of soup wouldnât make him burst. Also, the rice had to be cooked perfectly, not too soft nor too hard.
"Mom, he said he wonât be eating dinner anymore, so just prepare our usual dishes." Yang Chuxia smiled and handed the paper to Ye Ziâan. Ziâan took the paper and ripped it up without even looking at it.
"Hey, why did you tear it up?" Ms. Wang obviously didnât believe her daughterâs words, since she gave her a suspicious look. She had initially wanted Qingrui to check the request, but Brother An had torn it up.
Ye Ziâan said, "Auntie, listen to Xiaxia, youâre doing the right thing."
While Xiaxia was looking just now, he had read it all and concluded that the young man was a real lord, expecting people to serve him constantly.
Ms. Wang, observing the same expression on the childrenâs faces, shook her head and decided to take her time to figure out what to cook. After all, the young master was an esteemed doctor, someone she mustnât offend easily.
Finally, dinner time came. Mu Shaoling and his servant arrived in the dining room, seemingly right on cue, ready to eat as soon as Wang gave the go-ahead.
Yang Chuxia initially thought that Young Master Mu would frown upon the dishes that didnât suit his taste. However, he didnât react at all, eating and drinking whatever was served.
Especially the fish dish, Ms. Wang, not knowing he had requested the green onions to be cut into three pieces, had chopped them finely and scattered it over the fish, making the dish look fresh and delicious.
"Auntie, this fish is really well-made. Itâs on par with the chefs in the royal palace." Mu Shaoling actually praised Ms. Wangâs cooking.
At his words, Ms. Wangâs heart swelled with happiness, and she urged him, "Please eat more, eat more as you like."
After dinner, Mu Shaoling didnât go to Ye Ziâanâs house. He just sat nearby, listening to Yang Chuxiaâs familyâs conversation and occasionally joining in. He casually asked about the number of families in Yangshu Village and whether they were all locals.
As bedtime approached, Old Yang couldnât help but head to sleep first. Yang Dachuan and Ms. Wang were also ready to go to bed, but hesitated due to the guestâs presence.
Yang Chuxia saw this and told her parents to go back to their room first. Yang Qingrui had already returned to his room to practice his writing, leaving Xiaxia, Brother An, Mu Shaoling, and his servant in the living room.
Mu Shaoling didnât say anything, just played with a bead in his hand while his servant stared straight ahead, not looking sideways. Ye Ziâan and Yang Chuxia whispered lowly, their heads close together.
Finally, Mu Shaoling couldnât take it anymore and said, "Hey, you two, are you done yet? Ye Ziâan, donât you need to go home?"
"Yeah, itâs getting late, Brother An, you should go home." Yang Chuxia winked at Ye Ziâan.
Mu Shaoling, seeing the pairâs little act, snorted coldly and walked forward. After a few steps, he turned and urged, "Are you going or not?"
Ye Ziâan ignored him, instead weakly asking Yang Chuxia, "Xiaxia, do I really have to go? It would be nice if I could sleep here with Qingrui. You know I donât know any martial arts. What if Iâm sound asleep, and he suddenly slit my throat?"