When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. What else can we do?

They've already gotten themselves into a lot of trouble, but they're not afraid of this one.

Gu An'an used a clever escape tactic, using the excuse of cooking for Fu Lingshu to leave the vortex of the storm, leaving the two of them to cause trouble.

Liu Jiuniang, who had been busy in the kitchen, finally noticed Gu An'an coming over and pulled her aside to ask, "What do you plan to do with Xiao Wu?"

When Xiao You said those things before, Liu Jiuniang thought it was because the two young men didn't get along and were badmouthing each other.

Who would have thought that Xiao Wu would do something like this?

I guess he took the snacks home and opened them to eat first, then saw the silver hidden inside and kept it.

The thought that Xiao Wu might have starved to death long ago if it weren't for Gu An'an's kindness in taking him in was unbearable.

Now that he's so greedy for money, he almost harmed Gu An'an, Liu Jiuniang felt a surge of anger.

"Let's talk about it after we're done with this."

Gu An'an wasn't in a hurry; she still had questions to ask.

Seeing that she understood what was going on, Liu Jiuniang didn't say anything more.

"I'll take care of it."

She knew all of Gu An'an's recipes, so cooking these dishes wasn't a problem for her.

"I'll do it." Gu An'an came to the kitchen to avoid Lin Zixing and Fu Lingshu.

It's a bit unreasonable not to cook.

She deliberately avoided it, even letting Xiao You serve the dishes.

"That guy surnamed Lin has already left."

They've left?

It seems these two don't have much to say to each other.

Gu An'an came out of the kitchen, intending to ask the diners next door about the scholars of Anping County, but was stopped by Fu Lingshu's quiet call, "Manager Gu, can you say a few words to me?"

What's meant to happen will happen. Gu An'an sighed, "Miss Fu, do you find the dishes unpalatable?"

"No, the dishes are certainly good. Although they can't compare to the skills of the imperial chefs, they are fresh and delicious." Fu Lingshu was quite meticulous when eating, and she never took off her veil.

Each time, I would lift a corner and savor it slowly.

After more than a year of practice, she has become very skilled and no longer gets food and soup stains on her veil like before.

"Even Lin Liulang likes Gu Niangzi's cooking, so how could I dare to complain?"

Gu An'an could detect a hint of resentment in his words, "Young Master Lin has always been very supportive of my shop's business."

"Is that so?" Fu Lingshu laughed. "I just heard that Young Master Lin injured someone for Manager Gu."

Her bright, beautiful eyes burned like fire as she stared intently at Gu An'an, as if trying to uncover her secrets.

"Young Master Lin is truly a hero who helps those in need. I was just saying I'd send these recipes to his residence as a small token of my appreciation."

Fu Lingshu's expression softened slightly, her gaze less sharp than before. "Is that so?"

Gu An'an smiled but remained silent for a while before finally speaking, "I won't disturb Miss Fu's meal, I'll go ahead now."

This is truly a severe case of Stockholm syndrome; she's really gotten herself into trouble.

However, as she stepped into the next room, Gu An'an smiled again and said, "Did you all enjoy your meal? I apologize for startling you all and ruining your appetites today. Please feel free to order anything else you like; it's on me."

"I can't possibly accept that." She had barely finished speaking when she ordered a few more dishes.

Gu An'an smiled and agreed, then instructed Liu Jiuniang to prepare the dishes while she chatted with others about hiring a tutor.

"If your son wishes to pass the imperial examinations, he can consult with Scholar Sun for his essays."

"What Sun Jinshi? Sun Hanzhou has long been stripped of his academic titles. Don't mislead Manager Gu. If it delays the young master's studies, can you bear the responsibility?"

A Jinshi? Cao Juren is just a Juren and he's already so arrogant, but Sun Hanzhou is actually a Jinshi.

Gu An'an couldn't help but ask, "Why was he stripped of his academic honors?"

"Isn't this just disobedience and insubordination? But we were just overhearing a comment, who knows?"

Gu An'an had an idea in mind, said a few more words, and then left.

After the customers in the shop left one by one, and even Fu Lingshu was taken away by her servants, Gu An'an closed the shop door.

This matter had nothing to do with Xiao You, but Gu An'an still kept her there. "Speak."

Xiao Wu knelt down with a thud. "I was blinded by greed. Boss, I'll accept whatever you want to do, just please don't be angry."

Summer clothes are already thin, and she is very petite. Kneeling on the ground, she looked like a tiny ball, so pitiful.

However, this pitiful person is even more hateful.

Gu An'an's face darkened. "That's all?"

Xiao Wu timidly raised her head, "I... I really was tempted by the silver."

Gu An'an smiled without saying a word, which made Xiao Wu feel a sense of unease. He lowered his head and didn't know what to say.

Liu Jiuniang, watching from the side, was anxious and furious. "If it weren't for Xiao Gu, you'd be wandering the night somewhere, a wronged ghost. You almost killed her this time, and you still won't tell the truth?"

"I...I told you, I really didn't lie to the boss." Xiao Wu kowtowed repeatedly. The already thin man felt dizzy after several kowtows.

I almost fainted.

Seeing this, Liu Jiuniang felt a pang of sympathy. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Gu An'an cough lightly.

"You said you fled from Songjiang Prefecture, and your stepmother wanted to sell you to a wealthy family as a concubine."

Xiao Wu nodded repeatedly, but dared not look up at Gu An'an.

"What kind of business did your family do before? You said your stepmother ordered you around all day, what kind of work did you do?"

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