Chapter 7: Remarkable Appearance

Ying Shuo immediately composed himself, trying to guess what was running through this young lady’s mind.

“By all rights, having just helped her, she should be grateful.”

“The maid beside her is one of Ruan Qingzhu’s people, here to deliver a message.”

“At Jiang Lanfeng’s age, girls are most susceptible to infatuation; after reading a few old romances, they begin to pine and sigh…”

Could it be that because Ruan Qingzhu invited me to her boudoir, this little one is jealous?

Well, after all, since ancient times beauty is matched with talent. I just improvised a poem on the spot—surely worthy of being called the Little Immortal Poet of Qingfeng County. It’s only natural someone might fancy me.

With this, Ying Shuo suddenly understood, nodding to himself. He coughed twice and spoke in a serious tone: “Manager Ruan’s gracious invitation is not something I should refuse. However, since I agreed to Miss Jiang’s request today, I must keep my promise. How could I let other matters delay you?”

“Let’s eat quickly and get on our way.”

With that, Ying Shuo found an empty private room and stepped inside.

In truth, he wasn’t trying to be a paragon of virtue; he was simply famished. If he were to faint from low blood sugar in front of a beauty, what would people think? How could a man allow himself to be seen as weak?

“Waiter, bring the dishes!”

“Right away!” The server, recognizing Ying Shuo, hurried to bring the dishes without delay—one couldn’t afford to neglect such an esteemed guest!

Ying Shuo praised the prompt service. Seeing the spread of delicacies before him, he called for Miss Jiang to join him, then dug in with gusto.

The clattering of bowls and chopsticks was deafening, leaving Jiang Lanfeng and Ruan Qingzhu’s maid utterly dumbfounded.

Jiang Lanfeng’s heart brimmed with admiration: “As expected of Young Master Ying—single-minded, trustworthy, unconcerned with trifles!”

The maid was equally astounded: “Are there still such good men in the world?”

“Is this for real?”

“Are there really men who feel nothing at the thought of entering a lady’s chamber?”

Unsure what to do, she could only bow and return upstairs to report to her mistress.

“Oh, he really is quite a character.” Ruan Qingzhu’s brows relaxed, then drew together thoughtfully.

Since ancient times, talented men have been known for their amorous nature—it’s almost a trait of manhood. To find one unmoved by beauty and steadfast in his word is indeed rare.

Yet she couldn’t help but wonder further.

Could it be that my charm is less than a few plates of food?

With that thought, Ruan Qingzhu quietly instructed, “Papaya, go downstairs again and say that I wish to see Sister Jiang. Have Young Master Ying accompany her—there’s no need to stand on ceremony.”

Papaya nodded and turned to go.

“Also, today is Eight Treasures Restaurant’s chance to make a name for itself. Make sure all the chefs are on duty. If any guest complains about the food, deduct one tael from the monthly wages.”

A hint of anger in Ruan Qingzhu’s voice did not escape Papaya’s notice.

“That’s odd, Miss has never docked the staff’s pay before…”

Though she didn’t know the reason, Papaya wisely went to deliver the message.

Jiang Lanfeng had only eaten a few bites—she wasn’t hungry to begin with. Hearing Papaya say Ruan Qingzhu wished to see her, she was delighted and eager to go at once.

By now, Ying Shuo had piled the plates as high as the candlestick beside him.

“Hic.”

He let out a satisfied burp. Seeing Jiang Lanfeng’s expectant gaze, Ying Shuo casually remarked, “If Miss Jiang wishes to catch up with an old friend, I have no objection.”

The two went upstairs together. Ruan Qingzhu’s private chamber was just around the corner, its huanghuali wood door open, a scent of incense drifting out distinct from the restaurant’s usual bustle.

Entering, Ying Shuo saw a graceful figure seated at a zither. She wore a clean, elegant green dress, her face veiled, posture poised and alluring. Her chest rose and fell gently with each breath, emphasized by the silk fabric that revealed as much as it concealed, her waist so slender it could be encircled with a single hand.

Truly, she wore a robe of green gauze, half-concealing a willow-slim waist.

The incense filled the room with a dreamy haze, adding to Ruan Qingzhu’s air of mystery.

Ying Shuo couldn’t help but marvel at the scene.

This was no ordinary restaurant—this was paradise on earth!

“Big Sister Ruan!”

Jiang Lanfeng tiptoed joyfully across the room, lifting her skirt as she rushed to Ruan Qingzhu.

Ruan Qingzhu extended a slender, jade-like hand to greet her, and Jiang Lanfeng fell into her arms, pouting playfully.

“Big Sister Ruan, did you miss me? Ever since the last archery party, it’s been so long since we’ve met.”

Ruan Qingzhu tapped Jiang Lanfeng’s nose affectionately. “You, always thinking about going out. I heard you’ve been at odds with your family over your studies…”

“Oh, let’s not talk about unhappy things, Big Sister Ruan.” Jiang Lanfeng pouted, adorably fierce.

“All right, we won’t talk about it.” Ruan Qingzhu couldn’t help but laugh, her resolve to lecture her friend instantly melted by the girl’s sweetness.

The sight made Ying Shuo’s nose nearly bleed—he was practically ready to tear off his robes.

If not for his training in the Green Satchel Classic, boosting his constitution and willpower, he’d have been mistaken for a scoundrel and thrown out by now.

A scene of such unrivaled beauty was not something a humble scholar like him should ever have witnessed.

In the past, even glimpsing it from afar would have been something to boast about for days!

To be in the midst of it—he felt he might ascend to the heavens.

“Young Master Ying, please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable.”

After a few words with Jiang Lanfeng, Ruan Qingzhu finally turned her attention to Ying Shuo.

He did not stand on ceremony, choosing a jujube-wood chair and picking up a cup of tea.

“Good tea! If only it were iced tea, it would be perfect!” Ying Shuo couldn’t help but sigh.

On such a sweltering day, the ancients still drank hot tea. Back in university, nothing beat a cold iced tea on a summer day.

“Young Master Ying, what is this ‘iced tea’ you speak of?” Ruan Qingzhu asked curiously.

“It’s a new tea from my hometown—one sip and you’re cooled to the core, your heart soars!”

Jiang Lanfeng interjected, “Sister Ruan, not only is Young Master Ying eloquent, he’s also a disciple of a miracle doctor. Today, I was riding fast and my horse lost control—I nearly crashed into Young Master Ying and broke my leg. Luckily, he was nearby and, holding no grudge, healed my foot. Otherwise, I would only be able to speak with you lying down!”

She recounted the events in detail, looking so pitiful and endearing.

Listening, a strange light flickered in Ruan Qingzhu’s eyes as she looked at Ying Shuo.

“A disciple of a miracle doctor? I wonder if he could cure my illness?”

She rose and walked toward Ying Shuo as he was checking the information panel in his mind.

His mysterious coin count had reached sixteen, likely because his poetic performance at the banquet had earned him fifteen more.

Finally, the mysterious shop was open to him.

Ying Shuo was excited. “Let’s see what this is all about!”

He instinctively reached out to manipulate the interface, though a mere thought would suffice.

As luck would have it, Ruan Qingzhu was standing right before him, and his outstretched hand accidentally brushed away her veil.

Feeling the soft, elastic skin at his fingertips, Ying Shuo quickly pulled his awareness back to reality.

“This…”

Ruan Qingzhu’s lovely face was revealed in all its glory—beauty like the moon among clouds, hair coiled in misty locks, her complexion pale as snow, eyes deep and clear as autumn water.

But at the corner of her left eye, there was a conspicuous, bright red birthmark—impossible to ignore.