Arc 2: Part 22
The savory smell of lamb soup wafted in the air. However, he couldn't muster any attention for the growling of his stomach, his eyes remained locked on her.
When exactly did it begin that he kept her in his thoughts — not for the meals she prepared, but out of longing for her as a person?
A flushed and jittery guard appeared next to him, rushing forth excitedly, “Miss, please take a rest, I got this!”
He snatched the large soup spoon from the young woman's hand. Surprised, she chuckled a few words in response. The guard blushed even more but resolutely stood in front of her.
"You have already prepared lamb soup for us; you must be tired. We can't let you do this mundane task of distribution!"
Little Thirteen called over the butler for consultation.
The butler, with his plump and rosy cheeks, grinned so cheerily that his eyes disappeared. Energetically, he responded, "Sir, you must not be aware, Miss is just great! Fearing that we might be cold, she prepared the lamb soup herself! It tastes too good!"
As he spoke, the butler's jovial laughter grew.
He was an old servant from when Xiao's father was alive. When Lady Ji brought her two girls into the house, the father-son masters had no objection, but the staff looked down upon the girls.
Later, the eldest was proud, and the second daughter was gentle. Gradually, everyone's perception changed. Things stayed stable for a while. However, a few years ago, the eldest seemed to become cunning overnight, and the second daughter seemed increasingly weak.
The elders in the mansion left one by one. Alongside the chaos of helping the young master establish a foothold in the Capital, the two young ladies of the house were overlooked. Today, many servants saw the eldest lady for the first time.
"That's good, isn't it? We are all part of Xiao's mansion. If the servants admire and respect the ladies, it will make it easier for them to manage the household. It's all good!"
The butler mused joyously, "The two ladies will soon reach marriageable age. With no elders in the house, their marital affairs will be entrusted to you, sir! But rest assured, the ladies are warm-hearted. No matter whom they marry, they will surely be welcomed!"
"Coming of age? Marriage?"
Xiao Lingchen didn't understand, but he gradually clenched his fist.
He suddenly felt an unease, as if his exclusive treasure was suddenly discovered by others.
He was very displeased.
Eagerly, Little Thirteen looked at Xiao Lingchen, muttering, "Sir, it's quite cold today..." He was hoping that the sir would let him have a bowl of the lamb soup.
All along, the eldest lady cooked only for the sir. No matter how much he craved it, he didn't dare to covet.
But now, the eldest lady was personally distributing the lamb soup to everyone, and he could also have a bowl. How wonderful that was!
Perhaps the butler had spoken too much. The babbling guards around Tong Su suddenly noticed him and turned their heads. Hastily, they put down their bowls and stood straight, "Sir!"
"Brother? You're back?"
Tong Su looked up, surprised and happy. Her eyes sparkled, her face full of sincere joy, "That's great! Did you eat well in the palace? I have specially prepared a simpler lamb soup for you, would you like to try?"
The lamb soup she had prepared was mainly to keep everyone warm. It was cooked with lots of pepper to bring out strong flavor, but was not suitable for Xiao Lingchen who was slightly weak.
Specially prepared for him?
Like a spring breeze dispelling the cold, and like timely rain moisturizing the dried, the indifference and unhappiness in Xiao Lingchen's heart disappeared instantly.
He couldn't see the smile in his own eyes, and he didn't know how pleasant his voice sounded at that moment.
"Sounds good, I'll wait for you in the courtyard."
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