"I have important matters to attend to. Please enjoy your meal."

Hongli had already stood up. Su Yushan was caught in an awkward situation, unsure whether to leave or stay. Just as she was in a dilemma, Hongli spoke:

"I just met your younger brother in the palace. He asked me to pass on a message to you. Please come with me."

Su Yushan felt as if she had been granted a pardon, and immediately got up and left Lanzhao Courtyard with Hongli.

On the way, Su Yushan asked curiously, "What's wrong with Jiafeng? Did something happen at home?"

Hongli said it was nothing, "It was just an excuse, did you really take it seriously?"

She had just considered this possibility, but of all people, Hongli had to bring up Jiafeng, which made Su Yushan tremble with fear. "Okay! You scared me. I thought something had happened to Jiafeng!"

"I only entered the palace today, so I can only use him as an excuse."

Su Yushan looked at him gratefully, "Thank goodness you brought me out, otherwise I would have been so embarrassed standing there!"

He squeezed her hand and chuckled, "How could I possibly leave you alone?"

After saying this, he instructed Li Yu, "Have the kitchen prepare another bowl of hot and sour tripe soup and send it to the study."

Su Yushan asked in surprise, "Aren't you full?"

"I've finished eating. I was afraid you'd feel awkward and not have eaten enough." Hongli knew that she loved this salty soup the most, so he gave the order specifically.

Su Yushan was indeed not full. She had planned to have some snacks when she got back, but Hongli had already thought of this and made arrangements for her.

When the two arrived at his study, Hongli was busy at his desk, while Su Yushan sat at a round table beside him, pruning his yew bonsai when she had nothing to do.

Before long, the tripe soup was served. The sour soup and the spiciness of white pepper collided together, along with the soft and tender tripe, making it an ultimate enjoyment for the taste buds.

Su Yushan was completely satisfied as she drank her soup, and Hongli across from her clearly saw her happily hopping on her little feet.

She was so happy enjoying the delicious food that Hongli hesitated to speak to her, afraid of disturbing her enjoyment.

Although he didn't say anything, Su Yushan could tell that he wasn't paying attention to his book at all; he was absent-minded and clearly preoccupied. So she pretended to close her eyes briefly and fidgeted with one hand on the table.

"I've done some calculations, and it seems you have something troubling you! Why don't you tell me, and I'll offer some guidance?"

With a wry smile, Hongli cooperated perfectly, saying, "Since you can calculate, then you should calculate what's bothering me?"

"You must be troubled by love, right?" In reality, Su Yushan knew nothing and was just guessing. This was a common phrase used in fortune telling, which covered many layers of meaning and was usually correct.

However, Hongli was not fooled. "Too vague. Be more specific."

Now it was Su Yushan's turn to be unhappy. She raised her chin slightly and said with a coquettish snort, "I'm giving you a way out, so just take it and confess. Do you expect me to guess? I'm too lazy to guess! Are you going to tell me or not? If you don't, I'm leaving!"

If it were anything else, Hongli wouldn't hide it from her, but this matter is different. In the past, when he wanted to be honest with her, she would say that some things are better left unknown. Therefore, Hongli was not sure whether Yushan wanted to know the truth.

If she finds out, will she feel resentful? But if I don't tell her, will she misunderstand?