Xiuxiu used to be tormented under Chen Chunhua's care, and always looked like a thin, malnourished little chick.

However, since Wang Xiuxiu arrived, she has taken good care of herself.

During her time at the Cheng family's home, she was well-fed and warmly dressed every day, her face regained its color, and her body became more plump.

At the tender age of seventeen or eighteen, she may not be stunningly beautiful, but she can certainly be described as a charming young lady.

Her skin was fair and delicate, and her eyebrows and eyes revealed a touch of elegance. In particular, her slender hands, with palms as white as snow, were like carefully sculpted works of art.

Her nails were neatly trimmed and rounded, with a faint sheen. When she picked up a needle and thread, her hands seemed to come alive, moving nimbly between the threads like butterflies in flight.

However, it was precisely these skillful hands that inadvertently brought her a lot of trouble.

Although Wang Xiuxiu tried her best to avoid it, she was still caught red-handed by Grandpa Cheng, who happened to be returning home.

Wang Xiuxiu was taking measurements for the First Madam at the time, preparing to tailor a new dress for her.

The servants in the room had all been sent away by the First Madam to do other things, so no one announced when Master Cheng entered.

As a scion of a prominent family, the eldest son of the Cheng family had been accustomed to seeing graceful and beautiful women from Jiangnan since childhood.

A woman of average appearance like Wang Xiuxiu shouldn't have left a deep impression on me.

However, when he saw Wang Xiuxiu's hands, he couldn't help but be stunned.

These hands are like carved white jade, long and slender, as if they could melt with a gentle touch.

These fingers are so soft and flexible, if only...

Unpleasant images involuntarily surfaced in Grandpa Cheng's mind, and his eyes became heated as a result.

Although Wang Xiuxiu had her head down, she could still feel that burning gaze.

She felt nauseous, as if she were being stalked by a venomous snake, and couldn't sit or lie down comfortably.

However, knowing that the First Madam was right next to her, she could only pretend to be calm and act as if she hadn't noticed the person who had come.

Madam Cheng was originally happily preparing to welcome her husband, but as soon as she saw his lecherous expression, she immediately knew what he was up to.

Her face instantly darkened, and she was burning with anger. The first thing she did was to glare fiercely at Wang Xiuxiu.

But seeing Wang Xiuxiu's seemingly oblivious expression only intensified his frustration.

The First Madam took a few steps closer, blocking Master Cheng's view, and spoke with familiar concern for him: "Why did you come back so early today, my husband? Have you finished your work at the yamen?"

When Grandpa Cheng was called, he came back to his senses and turned his head away somewhat awkwardly. He then began to talk to Madam Cheng: "Yes, there wasn't much to do today, so I came back early."

However, as he spoke, his gaze kept drifting to Wang Xiuxiu's hands.

Those jade-like hands seemed to possess a magical power, drawing his gaze and making it impossible for him to look away.

The First Madam naturally noticed this and felt it was all Wang Xiuxiu's fault, and she was extremely angry with her.

"Since you are tired, my husband, why don't you go and rest first? I'll have someone send some snacks over later."

Although Mr. Cheng was somewhat reluctant, he couldn't stay any longer since the First Madam had told him to leave. He could only nod and turn to leave.

However, before leaving, he couldn't help but look back at Wang Xiuxiu, his eyes filled with a mixture of greed and reluctance.

Seeing how much he still lingered there, the First Madam was so angry she nearly fainted.

As soon as Cheng Dalang left, Wang Xiuxiu knew that a storm was brewing.

As expected, Madam Cheng sat at the table, gave Wang Xiuxiu a cold look, and said with a hint of warning in her tone: "Xiuxiu, you should stay away from the master in the future, so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble."

After saying that, she narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing and waiting for Wang Xiuxiu's reaction.

To everyone's surprise, Wang Xiuxiu looked up with a bewildered expression, seemingly unaware of what had happened.

Madam Cheng: "..."

"Go back to your room! From now on, you are not allowed to come into the main room without my permission!"

"Yes, madam."

Wang Xiuxiu curtsied and slowly withdrew.

Seeing this, Granny Lu quickly stepped forward to comfort him: "Madam, don't be angry. You know Master's temperament best. No matter how unruly he is, he wouldn't dare to mess around with the people in your room. Besides, Xiuxiu is an honest and timid girl. She would never dare to do anything to betray you."

Madam Cheng snorted coldly, still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand.

She knew her husband's character all too well; he was a womanizer who couldn't resist beautiful women.

Over the years, if she hadn't kept a close watch on things, this huge Cheng mansion wouldn't have been enough for all his concubines to live in!

Even so, Madam Cheng still habitually blamed women for everything, as if those women were born to be femme fatales who seduced her husband.

Today I wanted to vent all my anger on Wang Xiuxiu, but looking at her silly and clueless appearance, I couldn't vent my anger at all!

The First Madam was on guard, and Wang Xiuxiu was even more delighted to hide in her embroidery room and not go out.

When Yu Dai had free time, she would come to talk to her. When Wang Xiuxiu had free time, she would ask Granny Lu for leave, go out through the back door, and eat and play in the market.

She could ask for leave once a month, and Granny Lu would usually grant it if she knew she was obedient.

Every time she goes out, Wang Xiuxiu changes into the simplest clothes and puts on a veiled hat to try not to attract attention.

Looking at the everyday life outside, Wang Xiuxiu was very happy.

The streets were bustling with people, filled with the shouts of vendors, the laughter of children, and the enticing aromas of food.

Find a teahouse, order a pot of tea, and listen to the opera downstairs; before you know it, a morning has passed.

The storyteller in the teahouse was engrossed in his tale, and Wang Xiuxiu was so absorbed that she didn't even notice her tea getting cold.

It was certainly enjoyable, but there was also a slight sense of regret.

The storyteller's tale is divided into two parts. I've heard the first part today, but I don't know when the second part will be told.

Wang Xiuxiu stretched and slowly went downstairs.

Passing by a nut shop, I picked out some pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and other nuts to take home for Songsong to enjoy.

Songsong loves these nuts the most. Every time she sees them brought back, she wags her tail excitedly like a puppy.

Not far behind Wang Xiuxiu's embroidery room was a bamboo grove.

This plant was specially transplanted here by the First Madam under the guidance of a feng shui master when the courtyard was renovated a few years ago.

Planting bamboo behind the house is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring wealth and good fortune.

Whether Madam Cheng liked it or not, Wang Xiuxiu still liked this design very much.

Opening the window in the morning to the fresh scent of green plants is an incredibly pleasant experience.

The bamboo leaves swayed gently in the wind, making a rustling sound, as if they were whispering something.

More importantly, the bamboo forest provided Songsong, who had always been by Wang Xiuxiu's side, with a good place to play.

Before leaving Taoyuan Village, Wang Xiuxiu knew that she would be living in that secluded mansion in the future. Not wanting Songsong to suffer with her, she released it back to the mountain.

Unexpectedly, once they boarded the carriage, they discovered that Songsong had somehow slipped into their bundle without anyone noticing.

Having no other choice, they had to bring it with them into the Cheng residence.

Fortunately, they later discovered this bamboo grove, and during the day when there was nothing else to do, Wang Xiuxiu would let it play there.

Songsong is a very punctual little squirrel. At night, Wang Xiuxiu doesn't even need to look for him; he will go home on his own.

Fearing that snakes might be hiding in the bamboo grove, Wang Xiuxiu bought a lot of sulfur outside the mansion and scattered it in the grove.

Songsong is clever and knows how to hide from people, so Wang Xiuxiu is quite at ease with it.

First, go find Granny Lu and deliver the spiced peanuts she asked you to bring.

Before leaving, Wang Xiuxiu gave Granny Lu a small packet of dried hawthorn.

I heard this from Yu Dai a few days ago. Granny Lu has been feeling bloated lately, so she bought some food when she passed by the grocery store.

After putting her things back in the house and tidying them up, Wang Xiuxiu opened the window and picked a few bamboo leaves.

Wang Xiuxiu picked out the one that looked best from the bunch, brought the bamboo leaf close to her lips, and gently blew on it a few times.

A moment later, the rustling sound of bamboo leaves being trampled could be heard coming from afar.

Songsong ran and jumped happily in the bamboo forest, its big tail like a broom, sweeping across the ground, raising a bamboo leaf, and causing a small "leaf rain".

From a distance, its fluffy, round body looks like a cute, moving ball of fluff.

As soon as Songsong got to Wang Xiuxiu's side, he rubbed against her affectionately.

Then, she raised her head, widened her adorable eyes, and tried to charm Wang Xiuxiu, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.

Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to gently tap its nose: "Oh my~ Mommy's baby~ So cute~"

Wang Xiuxiu held it in her arms and gently stroked its back.

Songsong was well cared for by Wang Xiuxiu. Its fur was soft and fluffy, and it moved around as if it were a warm cloud.

Songsong squinted its eyes comfortably, making gurgling sounds in its throat, as if expressing its satisfaction.

Songsong came home early, and Wang Xiuxiu sat at the table to peel nuts for it.

She peeled the nuts one by one and handed them to its paws.

Songsong held the nuts and chewed them earnestly, her little mouth moving as she looked incredibly cute.

"Eat slowly, don't choke." Wang Xiuxiu's tone was full of affection.

Songsong seemed to understand, raised its head, winked at her, and then lowered its head to continue munching on its nuts.

Outside the window, the bamboo leaves still swayed gently in the wind. Wang Xiuxiu sat at the table, watching Songsong eat with relish, and felt only satisfaction in her heart.