After the waiter settled Song He'er into a room, he also arranged for a waiter to wait outside the door for her to serve.

Song He'er did the math. Not to mention that the dishes were more expensive than in ordinary restaurants, the round-trip boat fare also had to be included. If she hired a servant to wait on her as she was now, the cost over the next few days would be no less than a hundred taels of silver.

Ah, if only I could own a restaurant like this soon...

"Miss, would you like your food served now?"

The servant's voice came from outside the door.

"Bring me a few of your local specialties to try. I don't need too many, just four small dishes with soup will do."

"Yes, may I ask if you need someone to serve you the dishes? We also have some pipa music here. If you don't want to see anyone, you can have them play it outside the door."

Song He'er didn't want too many people to serve her, after all, she still wanted to find a chance to see Ruan Wenxiao. With so many eyes on her, she would have no chance at all.

"No need for that, miss. You can leave after you finish serving the dishes. I prefer quiet when I'm resting."

The servant nodded obediently, "Yes, I understand."

Having said that, the servant turned to leave.

"Wait a moment."

"Is there anything else you need to tell me, young lady?"

"I have something I need you to give to your young manager."

The servant was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and after a long while, he finally replied, "Is the young lady referring to Young Master Ruan?"

"Um."

"But our young master went out for drinks today, and we don't know when he will be back."

"No rush, just give it to him when you see him. As for the money next to him, consider it my way of thanking you."

The servant took Song He'er's handkerchief and an exquisite purse, and smiled sheepishly, "Don't worry, young lady, I will definitely handle this matter beautifully."

"Remember, never mention this to anyone."

The servant nodded respectfully. "Don't worry, Miss, I know what's important. Even without you, many young ladies from the noble families who frequent our Qionglou have sent gifts to our young master, but he simply ignores them..."

Halfway through his sentence, the servant realized he had misspoke, so he chuckled and quickly explained, "Perhaps he will accept the young lady's gift! Please don't worry, I'll be right there."

Song He'er smiled and watched him leave the corridor outside the private room.

Song He'er waited alone in the room until dark. The dishes had been served at noon and were now cold. Every hour, a maid would come to ask if the guest needed tea or snacks, or if the dishes needed to be heated up.

The maid asked four or five times, but Ruan Wenxiao still didn't come.

Could it be that the servant failed to deliver the item to him?

As darkness fell, if she didn't see anyone soon, she would have to spend the night there. Fortunately, she had informed Qin Xiaoniang before leaving, so staying here for the night wouldn't be a problem.

Song He'er waited and waited, until she herself became sleepy.

Just as she decided to take a nap, the door was suddenly opened.

A fragrant aroma wafted over, but Song He'er found it somewhat pungent...

"You're quite composed, aren't you!"

.........

My darlings, the update is late today and the word count is a bit low, but I'll make up for it tomorrow~

The book is currently in its final stages, so please keep a positive attitude while reading, kids!