Chapter 26 Three-in-One Three-in-One

Fang Zhiyue withdrew from Si Yao's arms.

A hint of uneasiness stained his cheeks.

I don’t know what’s wrong with Sister Yao lately. She always likes to pull him around, which is really inappropriate.

But she always looks frank.

He wanted to say something, but was afraid of making a big deal out of nothing, so he had to hold it in every time.

This can't go on any longer...

Fang Zhiyue stepped back again, increasing the distance between them.

"Sister Yao, I'm already 21 this year, and I'm well past the age of marriage. How could anyone be interested in me? I know you mean well, but I really don't have that intention. All I want in this life is to see you get married and have a daughter. That would satisfy me."

"Also, Sister Yao..."

He struggled inwardly, but finally said, "We should be more careful in the future. It's not good for people to see us hugging..."

After Fang Zhiyue finished speaking, he immediately lowered his head and didn't dare to look at Si Yao.

She saw that he seemed eager to draw a line between them.

Si Yao suddenly felt a surge of anger in his heart, and he felt that things were out of his control.

She sneered sarcastically, "My little father doesn't care about kisses, but he cares a lot about these insignificant things."

"What?"

Fang Zhiyue looked up in surprise when he heard this.

Si Yao had already stood up and left the cabin.

Only leaving him with an indifferent back.

He stared at the closed hatch, and suddenly a strange feeling arose in his heart.

He couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

*

After that unpleasant parting, the two fell into an inexplicable cold war.

Fang Zhiyue watched Si Yao finish his breakfast and then leave, leaving the cabin to him.

She pursed her lips, stood up and chased after him.

He found Si Yao at the bow of the boat and slowly walked behind her: "Sister Yao..."

Hearing this, Si Yao turned around.

Her dark eyes fell on him, and she said nothing.

Fang Zhiyue felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze, and rubbed his fingers together in front of him. "...It's cold outside today, so we should go back to the cabin and avoid catching a cold."

"Little father, don't worry about me."

Si Yao said in a cold tone, "It's really not right for a single man and me to be in the same room together. I forgot about these rules before because I wanted to get close to my father. Since you mentioned it that day, I must pay attention. Please go back."

"No, it's not..."

When Fang Zhiyue heard this, he couldn't help but feel anxious.

"I did not mean that……"

"Little father, there is no need to explain—"

Si Yao interrupted him, his eyes calm: "I was rude before, I should apologize to my father."

She looked like this.

Fang Zhiyue was becoming more and more at a loss.

Her face flushed red as she hurriedly said, "No, I don't blame you. I was the one who made a fuss that day. You were clearly trying to comfort me, but I still missed you so much. Yes, it's my thinking that's wrong, Sister Yao, don't be angry."

“Is this okay…?”

He took a deep breath, looked at her expression, and whispered, "Let's just pretend that what happened that day never happened, and continue to get along like before. Sister Yao is willing to be close to me, and that's what I want."

Si Yao heard this.

His expression was obviously relieved. "Is what my father said true? My father won't mind anymore?"

Fang Zhiyue paused slightly in his heart.

Finally, he nodded and said, "I don't mind. We will be like before."

"Well then..."

Si Yao finally smiled. "Father, just remember what you said. But you can't just pretend that what I said about my cousins ​​that day didn't happen. Although you don't care about your own happiness, I can't. From now on, I will introduce you to others as my cousin who is staying at the Si family."

See her bring up this matter again.

Fang Zhiyue was somewhat reluctant.

But seeing that she finally smiled, he didn't want to get into another argument because of this matter.

Whatever, she brought it up for his own good.

Fang Zhiyue nodded, "Whatever you want."

Nothing will change anyway.

When Si Yao finished speaking, his eyes darkened for a moment, so fast that it was impossible to catch the moment.

The dark eyes fixed on him for a long time before they retracted.

She said in a gentle voice, "Let's go back to the cabin. The wind is picking up."

The two walked back.

On the way, they happened to meet the boatwoman who had been delivering meals to their cabin.

She smiled and greeted the two of them, "Ms. Si, are you and your cousin out for some fresh air? There are some rough waves on the river today, so be careful."

"Thanks for the reminder."

Si Yao smiled back, "We're just about to go back to the cabin."

The boatwoman nodded and walked away hurriedly.

It was not until she walked away that Fang Zhiyue still felt a little uncomfortable.

He and Yao Jie'er are obviously father and daughter, but they call each other cousins, which he always feels awkward about.

"What's wrong, little father?"

Si Yao noticed that something was wrong with him and asked with his head down.

Fang Zhiyue shook his head and quickened his pace towards the cabin.

At night, a big storm arose on the river just as the boatwoman had said.

The ship was tossed and turned by the wind and waves.

The passengers in the cabin were also shaking and feeling dizzy.

Fang Zhiyue had never experienced this.

He was so scared that he clung to the pillar.

"Little father..."

Si Yao walked behind him, stretched out his arms and locked him between the pillar and his arms. The veins on his arms hidden under the green shirt were bulging, and he looked full of strength.

"Turn around and hug my waist."

Fang Zhiyue was so frightened that he was at his wit's end.

After hearing Si Yao's words, I subconsciously followed him.

He turned around and buried himself in her arms, wrapping his arms tightly around her slender waist.

His head was also pressed against her waist and abdomen.

Si Yao felt her lover actively throwing himself into her arms, and could smell the faint masculine scent wafting from her arms.

His throat rolled up and down twice, and he closed his eyes in ecstasy.

I just hope this storm lasts a little longer.

The whole night was spent in a bumpy ride.

Fang Zhiyue didn't know when he fell asleep.

When he regained consciousness, the wind and waves outside had stopped and it was daybreak.

He sat up drowsily and got out of bed.

When I saw Si Yao walking in from outside, I suddenly remembered what happened last night.

Her cheeks immediately turned red.

He, how could he fall asleep in Sister Yao'er's arms...

"Are you awake, little father? The wind and waves have died down, and the ship will dock in an hour. You can pack your bags in advance."

"Have you reached Yunzhou?"

After hearing what she said.

Fang Zhiyue's attention was quickly drawn to him, and his eyes lit up slightly.

Si Yao looked at his happy expression.

I couldn't help but laugh.

*

An hour later, the ship docked at Yunzhou's pier.

Si Yao led Fang Zhiyue off the boat.

When I stood on flat ground again, I felt like I was in another world.

Fang Zhiyue was stunned for a long time before he came to his senses.

Si Yao didn't rush him, but waited quietly for his reaction.

Seeing him come back to his senses, he smiled and said, "Little Father, take a good rest today. Tomorrow I will take you around Yunzhou City."

"Let's go—"

She led the way forward, "Let's go back to our residence first."

The pier was not far from Jingshui Lane, and they soon arrived at their residence.

Si Yao knocked twice, and Shi Qi, who stayed here, quickly opened the door.

After seeing Si Yao, he immediately bowed: "Madam——"

Si Yao nodded slightly.

Then he introduced Fang Zhiyue behind him, "Young father, this is the guard I bought from the matchmaker. She is very familiar with Yunzhou City. When I'm not at home, you can tell her if you need anything."

Sometimes when Qi, a stranger, was around, Fang Zhiyue nodded with a somewhat restrained expression.

He looked at the mansion with its magnificent gates and green tiles in front of him——

The further I walked in, the more I felt that this house was magnificent. It was a hundred times better than the Si family's.

Standing there, I felt uncomfortable all over, as if I were a country bumpkin entering the city.

Fang Zhiyue just felt that he didn't fit in here.

“This will be our new home from now on…”

Si Yao noticed his uneasiness and soothed him gently, "Little father is the male owner of this place. The management of this house still depends on little father."

"Isn't this house a bit too big?"

Fang Zhiyue looked at her and whispered, "This will cost a lot of money..."

"Don't worry about the money, little father. I've already paid the full rent for a year. You can just stay here without worry."

Si Yao chuckled.

Leading him towards the room that had been prepared for him long ago, he said, "This west wing is my father's room. I live across from you, separated by a courtyard. If you need anything, you can call me."

She opened the door and led him in.

There is a collapsed bed against the wall opposite the door, with a small table on it. Fang Zhiyue can stay here on weekdays to carve his walnut carvings.

After entering, there are flower and bird screens on both sides. The left side is the place for washing and bathing, and the right side is the place for sleeping.

Compared to the house he lived in when he was in the Si family, this place looked more like a boudoir for a young man.

Fang Zhiyue was a little flattered. "Yao, Sister Yao, this house is too good. There's no way I can live there. Just find me a room to live in."

"I prepared this specifically for you, Little Father. I personally arranged everything here. Don't you like it?"

Upon hearing this, Si Yao deliberately looked sad.

"No, no, I like it very much."

Fang Zhiyue quickly explained, "I just think it's so good."

"Since you like it, then just stay here with peace of mind. Your happiness will be my greatest comfort."

Si Yao smiled, and after seeing the fatigue in his eyes, he didn't want to stay any longer: "Okay, you've been on the boat for so long, little father, wash up and have a good rest. If there's anything, we can talk about it later."

After she finished speaking, she left the room and considerately closed the door for him.

In the yard, Shi Qi was still standing there waiting.

Seeing Si Yao coming out, she bowed again: "Lady, who is this gentleman?"

Shi Qi spoke carefully.

Although he heard her call the other party "little father", he did not dare to make a conclusion about their relationship.

"From now on, just call him Master."

Si Yao said casually.

No further explanation was given.

She looked at her and asked, "Are you all right? What did the doctor say?"

Shi Qi lowered his eyes in gratitude, "Thanks to the lady who found a doctor for me, my tendons in my hands and feet have been reconnected, and all the other injuries on my body have healed as well."

"That's good..."

Si Yao nodded and said, "I will go to Yunyin Academy to study soon. You will stay at home and protect the safety of the master."

"Remember to record everything he does every day." Her eyes darkened.

After settling Fang Zhiyue, Si Yao did not go back to his room to rest.

Instead, she went directly to Yunyin Academy with the letter given to her by Master Qi.

Yunyin Academy is the most famous academy in Yunzhou City. It is located in the most quiet area of ​​Yunzhou City, surrounded by green forests, pines and cypresses.

The mossy stone steps wind their way upwards, seemingly endless.

Si Yao was wearing a green shirt and walked up the stairs slowly and leisurely.

When the sun passed over the treetops in the east, I finally saw the gate of Yunyin Academy.

This is not the day when students start classes.

When the guard guarding the academy gate saw Si Yao, he immediately stepped forward and stopped her.

"My lady, this is Yunyin Academy. Only students of this academy are allowed to enter."

The two guards had stern expressions and exuded an aura of inviolability.

Si Yao stopped and calmly took out a letter from his sleeve. "I am Si Yao, also known by my courtesy name Yuzhuo. I am here to visit the great scholar Liang Qiu from your academy. I have a letter for you two to pass on to her."

"Si Yuzhuo?"

The academy guards had obviously heard of this name.

After all, he was the champion of the autumn examination in Yunzhou City.

The two men took Si Yao's place in their arms, then took the letter from her hand and softened their attitude. "It's you, Mr. Si. Please wait a moment. I'll deliver this letter to Master Liang right away."

One of them turned around and walked into the academy with the letter.

The other returned to his post.

About half an hour later, the guard came back jogging, panting slightly, and said to Si Yao, "Master Si, come in with me. Master Liang is waiting for you in the residence."

Si Yao nodded at her and followed her into the academy.

Yunyin Academy is truly the best in Yunzhou. Its setting is truly beautiful, combining the rustic charm of a farmhouse with the rich, exquisite beauty of Su Shi's gardens. The scenery is truly delightful and refreshing.

Si Yao followed the guards all the way around the lush path, walked across the covered bridge and pavilion, and finally stopped in front of a quiet courtyard.

The guard stopped at the gate and gestured to Si Yao behind him, "This is Master Liang's residence. You can go straight in."

After saying that, he didn't stop.

He turned around and left, and disappeared in a moment.

Si Yao looked up at the ink-colored plaque above his head, on which were written two large characters in bold and unrestrained style - Liang Ju.

She withdrew her gaze and walked in.

As soon as I entered the yard, I saw an old woman in coarse linen clothes and a bamboo hat sitting by a small pond fishing.

He didn't turn around when he heard the noise, but just stared at the fishing rod in his hand.

Si Yao paused for a moment, then three steps away from the old woman, he gave a student's greeting: "Student Si Yuzhuo greets Master Liang."

She hunched over and lowered her head.

The old woman fishing seemed not to hear anything, her eyes still fixed on the water.

Time passes by little by little.

Si Yao had no choice but to ask again: "Student Si Yuzhuo has met Master Liang——"

This time the other party finally responded.

But he tutted his tongue impatiently, "How can you be so tactless, little girl? Didn't you see that the old woman was fishing? The fish that was about to be hooked was scared away by you again."

She muttered in an unhappy tone.

Si Yao slowly straightened his back, looked at the float on the water, and calmly pointed out: "Master Liang, you are wronging me. Your hook is not baited, so how can the fish in the pond take the bait?"

She looked at her calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

Liang Qiu didn't expect to be exposed by her, and was silent for a moment.

Then he threw the fishing rod in his hand, stood up and walked towards Si Yao.

"You're quite a coward, girl! Aren't you afraid that I might get angry and refuse to accept you as my student? Or do you think you're invincible just because of that letter from your teacher?"

She stared at her with sharp eyes, and her whole body was full of imposing aura. But Si Yao was not afraid, and her eyes remained calm and peaceful.

"If Teacher Liang really cared about a junior like me, I wouldn't even be friends with her. As for that letter, it was the teacher's last token of gratitude for her students, and I certainly can't let her down. As for Teacher Liang's thoughts, I gladly accept them."

"oh?"

Liang Qiu raised his eyebrows. "If I don't accept you as my student, you don't care?"

"yes."

Si Yao responded without hesitation: "The student has no regrets."

She finished her words.

Liang Qiu didn't say anything for a long time.

Suddenly, he burst into a hearty laugh and patted her shoulder fiercely: "Good, good, you are a person with a good temper! This old woman likes it. What your master said is absolutely right. You really have a good temper towards me."

“Come, come, come—”

She grabbed Si Yao's arm and dragged her into the house. "Let's have a good talk, teacher and student. I've wanted to take in a student for fun for a long time, but I never met anyone who could sleep. Now I've finally found you!"

The contrast between before and after is so great.

Even someone as calm as Si Yao couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

She was forced to follow him into the house.

Liang Qiu pushed her to sit on the chair and pulled a chair over to sit over himself.

Very uninhibited and bold, "After hearing your name at the Luming Banquet, this old woman wanted to meet you. I wanted to see what this Jieyuan who didn't attend the Luming Banquet looked like. He was just as wild as this old woman. Now that I see you, I'm really impressed."

"Girl, you are better than this old woman!"

She laughed again, "You dare not even give the prefect face. I was even worse than you back then."

Si Yao: “…”

"Master Liang...you are so kind."

“Eh—”

Liang Qiu glared, "Why call me Master Liang? Call me Teacher! From now on, you will be my last disciple. Don't worry, I will teach you everything I have learned."

Hearing this.

Si Yao immediately stood up from his chair.

He solemnly bowed to her as a student: "Student, Si Yuzhuo, greets the teacher."

“Okay, okay…”

Liang Qiu raised his hand, a smile on his face: "Since you have accepted me as your master, a gift is essential. Here - take this talisman and keep it safe."

She took out a green jade token from her bosom and put it into Si Yao's hand.

The Liang family of Xuyang is a family of scholars with a history spanning a century. Over the past century, they have produced six prime ministers, making them a truly powerful and influential clan with a rich and profound heritage.

This jade token is the identity symbol of every member of the Liang family.

All officials have to give him some respect when they see him.

Si Yao naturally knew how valuable this talisman was, so he quickly refused: "How can this be done, teacher? How can a student accept such a precious gift..."

"Here you go, just take it."

Liang Qiu, however, stuffed it into her arms, not allowing her to refuse. "She is like a teacher and a mother. Since you have accepted me as your teacher, you will be a member of my Xuyang Liang family from now on. To prevent some people from looking down on you and offending you, keep this talisman well. Remember, as my student, Liang Qiu, you must not suffer any loss when eating outside!"

"Alright, you stay and have lunch with me, and you can go back today. Three days from now, Yunyin Academy will officially open for classes. Come find me here then."

The two of them walked out of the yard together and headed towards the academy cafeteria.

After dinner, Si Yao bid farewell to Liang Qiu and left the academy.

She did not return to Jingshui Lane, but went to Confucius Hall first.

"Junior sister, here——"

When Mu Tong saw her from afar, he stood at the door of the Confucius Hall and waved to her fiercely.

When she came closer, he raised his fist and brought it down on her chest: "Why did you leave without even saying goodbye? Do you know I was almost scared to death? The Luming Banquet is so important, and you dared not go! Do you know how ugly the prefect's face must have been when he didn't see you, the top scorer?"

"There's something urgent at home, and I can't delay."

Si Yao's lips curled up into a faint smile, "Besides, didn't I leave a letter for Senior Sister? Don't worry, the prefect won't bother with a nobody like me. Although I'm the top scorer in the exam, I'm still a commoner after all. How could the prefect look down on me?"

"What about Yunyin Academy? Those great scholars also have some complaints about you. Aren't you afraid they'll make things difficult for you?"

Mu Tong felt that it was too early for her to feel relieved.

"It just so happens that a good friend of yours is at Yunyin Academy. I've already written a letter asking that great scholar to accept me as his student. Don't worry, Senior Sister."

"real?"

Mu Tong looked at her with suspicion.

Si Yao couldn't help laughing, "Senior Sister, do you think I would lie?"

"Well... okay."

Seeing her calm and composed look, Mu Tong no longer worried about the matter.

He quickly moved on to other things. "By the way, we're going to be staying at Yunyin Academy for the next two years. Have you found a place to live? How about moving in with me? The people living around here are all students like us. You know Zhou Rusheng, Zheng Minxuan, Kong Mengruan, and others."

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister, but forget it..."

Si Yao politely declined her offer, "I've already found a place to live and have already brought my family over. I won't bother you anymore."

"family?"

It was the first time that Mu Tong heard her mention family matters.

I couldn't help but be curious, "When can I find a time to go and pay my respects? I haven't met anyone in your family yet."

"good…"

Si Yao did not refuse and agreed: "When I have free time, I will clean up and welcome Senior Sister to come home."

"Okay, okay, as long as you agree..."

Mu Tong was overjoyed and put his hand on her shoulder. "Let's go to Yunting Restaurant for a drink. I've invited Zhou Rusheng and the other three. You were late last time, so I'm going to make up for that drink this time."

The two of them headed towards Yunting Restaurant.

By the time it was over, all the lanterns were hung at the entrance of the restaurant.

Si Yao's eyes and eyebrows were slightly drunk. Looking at the four people stumbling around, he called the waitress of the restaurant and asked her to help send them to their residence.

The waiter took the money and assured him, "Don't worry, ladies. I will definitely take the four ladies to their residence safely."

Si Yao nodded.

Then he said goodbye to the four of them and walked in opposite directions.

At this time, the lights were just coming on, and the curfew in Yunzhou had long been lifted. The streets at night were even more lively than during the day.

Si Yao walked against the flow of people.

The cool night breeze blew over her, making her drunkenness even more intense.

She covered her lips and burped lightly, looked at the vendor selling candied haws not far away, and walked straight over.

My father hasn't tried the candied haws from Yunzhou yet, so I'll bring him a bunch...

*

Bang bang bang——

Bang bang bang——

The rapid knock on the door woke up Fang Zhiyue who was already asleep.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Then he heard Si Yao's voice coming from outside the door: "Little father, little father, little father——"

Each cry became more urgent than the last.

Fang Zhiyue quickly put on his shoes and ran to open the door.

As soon as he opened the door, a strong smell of alcohol hit him in the face, choking him and making him cough twice.

"Sister Yao, how much wine have you drunk?"

Si Yao staggered into the house.

She took his hand and sat on the small couch together, "Little father, have some candied haws."

Like a magician, she pulled out a wrapped candied haws stick from her sleeve and passed it to Fang Zhiyue.

The corners of his eyes and eyebrows were all flushed with alcohol, and his usually elegant face also revealed a bit of romanticism.

"I'm not a child, why did you bring this to me..."

Fang Zhiyue looked at the candied haws in front of him and felt a little amused.

"Sister Yao, are you drunk? Let me help you go back to your room to rest."

As he said this, he was about to stand up and help her.

Si Yao pulled her down again, holding the candied haws and looking at him stubbornly: "Eat——"

Fang Zhiyue: “…”

I had no choice but to reach out and take it, then take a bite.

"Is it tasty?"

Si Yao stared at his moving lips, his black eyes unblinking.

Fang Zhiyue gritted his teeth at the sour taste, tightened his face and spit out two words: "Delicious."

"Yeah…"

Si Yao murmured softly: "Then I'll try it too..."

Then she followed the mark he had bitten, held his hand and swallowed the remaining half into her mouth.

Fang Zhiyue widened his eyes slightly, but it was too late to stop him.

"hiss……"

Si Yao frowned and complained aggrievedly: "It's so sour."

She raised her eyes to look at Fang Zhiyue, staring at his pink lips, "Is what my father eats different from what I eat?"

Fang Zhiyue hasn't reacted yet.

I just felt my vision go dark and someone bit my lips lightly.

When his vision returned, Si Yao had already withdrawn and licked his lips with the tip of his tongue.

It's like reminiscing about something.

"you--"

Fang Zhiyue's eyes widened again in shock.

Her little face flushed red, she covered her mouth fiercely, and looked at her in disbelief: "Sister Yao, what are you doing?"

Si Yao looked at him drunkenly.

He blinked innocently.

"You, how could you kiss me!"

Fang Zhiyue was a little angry and felt a little irritated.

Before he could say anything more.

Si Yao suddenly pounced on him, lay on his shoulder, and fell asleep with smooth breathing.

Fang Zhiyue: “…”

The breath was stuck in my throat, and I couldn't swallow it or spit it out.

*

The next morning, Si Yao woke up and found himself sleeping in Fang Zhiyue's room.

She pressed her hungover forehead and slowly sat up.

I searched the room but couldn't find him.

I could only get up and leave the house.

Unexpectedly, I ran into Fang Zhiyue walking from the corridor.

"Little father, where have you been?"

"Also, why am I sleeping in my little father's room?"

There was a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Fang Zhiyue panicked when he saw her, and was a little surprised when he heard her words.

Sister Yao, have you forgotten everything that happened after you got drunk?

He mumbled, "You came back last night reeking of alcohol and brought me a string of candied haws that you insisted I eat. After I finished eating, you fell asleep. Seeing that it was already late, I didn't call Shi Qi and simply let you sleep in my room for the night."

"I see..."

When Si Yao heard him mention candied haws, several scenes flashed through his mind.

Her eyes suddenly became deep.

She gave him a meaningful look and asked, "Besides this, did anything else happen?"

"No!"

Fang Zhiyue replied immediately.

After saying this, I realized that my reaction seemed to be too big.

He quickly added, "...you kept staring at me while I ate the candied haws, and then you went to sleep after I finished."

"Yeah?"

Si Yao continued leisurely and chuckled, "I'm glad I didn't do anything disrespectful to my father. Otherwise, I would be really uneasy."

"…What disrespectful thing could you possibly do to me…"

Fang Zhiyue's eyes flickered slightly and he forced a smile.

"You, you must be feeling very uncomfortable. I, I made a bowl of hangover soup and will bring it to you now."

Having said that, he quickly changed the subject and ran towards the small kitchen.

No matter how you look at it, the back figure looks like someone is fleeing in panic.

Look at him in such a panic.

Si Yao was in a very happy mood.

After breakfast, Fang Zhiyue wanted to hide back in his room.

Si Yao spoke first to stop him, "Little father, how about I take you out for a walk today? Although Yunzhou City belongs to a lower state, it is a hundred times more prosperous than Qinghe County. And I need to do some shopping for the family."

"…good."

Fang Zhiyue couldn't find a reason to refuse, so he had to stop.

Si Yao smiled slightly, and without delay, took him out of the house.

The two of them left Jingshui Lane and crossed two covered bridges before arriving at the most bustling and prosperous street in Yunzhou City.

Fang Zhiyue felt a little uncomfortable at first.

After seeing the bustling street market, I quickly blended in and kept looking at the shops on both sides.

"Authentic Yunzhou fried glutinous rice balls! Delicious and inexpensive, only two cents each!"

"Sudi Cloud Brocade, shining brightly, my dear, come in and take a look!"

"Yue's Restaurant opens today! Drinks are free for all diners! Come and take a look, sir!"

Loud and low shouts came together from all directions, creating a majestic and positive atmosphere.

Si Yao grabbed his arm and stopped in front of the glutinous rice ball shop. "Little father, would you like to try this? It's a specialty of Yunzhou."

"Lady, buy one for your husband. Everyone who has tried ours says it's delicious!"

The owner of the glutinous rice ball shop spoke sweetly to Si Yao.

His square face looked like it could have eight wrinkles when he smiled, and he was so enthusiastic.

"I, I'm not—"

Fang Zhiyue quickly began to explain.

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Si Yao.

She smiled and handed the boss four copper coins, "Let's fry two."

"Okay!"

The boss took it immediately and put the glutinous rice balls into the pot with swift movements. After a while, they came out of the oven with steam rising from them.

"Hold it carefully, be careful not to burn it. It's delicious, so remember to come back next time."

Si Yao thanked the enthusiastic boss.

Pulling Fang Zhiyue away.

After the glutinous rice ball in her hand cooled down a bit, she handed it to him: "Little father, try it quickly. It's not hot anymore."

"Why didn't you explain to the boss just now?"

Fang Zhiyue didn't rush to eat after taking it, but was still thinking about what had just happened.

"Explain what?"

Si Yao didn't seem to notice, and a look of confusion appeared on his face.

Fang Zhiyue had no choice but to repeat what the glutinous rice ball shop owner said, "...it was the boss who said I was your...husband, why didn't you explain it to her?" He, he was her little father.

Hearing this, Si Yao seemed to just react.

She chuckled softly: "The boss is just a stranger to us. She just said it casually. Little father really doesn't need to mind it."

"alright--"

Si Yao gently changed the subject, "Hurry up and try this glutinous rice ball. It won't taste good once it gets cold."

Seeing her nonchalant look.

If Fang Zhiyue brought it up again, it would seem like he was making a big deal out of nothing.

He had no choice but to suppress the discomfort in his heart and slowly took a bite of the glutinous rice ball in his hand.

The glutinous rice balls are sweet and soft, with red bean filling in the middle and a chewy outer skin, giving them a very special taste.

Fang Zhiyue's eyes lit up.

"How is it? Does my father like it?"

Si Yao looked at his son and asked again.

Fang Zhiyue puffed his cheeks slightly and nodded: "Delicious."

The two continued to walk forward.

Si Yao stopped in front of a small stall and stared at the colorful strings displayed there.

She took out the small figurine sculpture that she had been holding in her arms and asked the boss, "Can this thing be used as a necklace?"

"Sister Yao, what are you doing?"

Fang Zhiyue saw her actions and asked in confusion.

Si Yao turned her head and smiled at him, "This is a gift from my father. I want to hang it around my waist. It would be more suitable to match it with a belt."

"This little thing is really exquisite!"

The vendor couldn't help but praise it after taking it.

He took it in his hand and looked at it carefully, then smiled at Si Yao and said, "You can wear it with a brocade belt. My lady, please choose one first."

Hearing this, Si Yao looked at Fang Zhiyue again.

"Little father, please help me choose one."

She looked at him with gentle eyes.

Fang Zhiyue couldn't say no, so he could only help her choose.

Finally, she picked out a dark blue silk cord tied with a peace knot. "Is this one good?"

Si Yao gladly accepted and gave the selected brocade to the boss.

The boss had nimble fingers and quickly finished the small figurine carving and the thread, then handed it to Si Yao with both hands.

Si Yao did not put it back in his arms, but wore it directly around his waist. The green robe and the dark green belt complemented each other, and the ancient small walnut carving in the middle was very eye-catching.

The more Fang Zhi stared at her, the hotter his face became for some reason.

I always feel like something has changed.

"Sister Yao..."

He hesitated and said, "This little walnut carving doesn't quite match your clothes. Why don't I buy you a jade ornament?"

Along the way, he saw many people dressed like scholars like Si Yao, with various beautiful jade pendants hanging around their waists.

Maybe it is a fashion and habit among literati.

“No need.”

Si Yao refused and touched the little doll on his waist, "I really like this little nuclear sculpture made by my father."

She couldn't let it go and played with it.

Fang Zhiyue couldn't persuade him and had to shut up.

The two of them strolled from dawn until the lights came on.

Fang Zhiyue rubbed his aching legs and said to Si Yao, "Sister Yao, it's getting late. Let's go back."

"Are you tired, little father?"

Si Yao stopped, turned around and went back to him.

Fang Zhiyue nodded at her, "It's true..."

"good--"

Si Yao didn't say anything more this time, "Then let's go back today."

They returned along the same route.

When they passed a place, a crowd of people suddenly rushed in from the front and separated the two.

Before Fang Zhiyue could call out Si Yao's name, he was dragged back by the crowd.

If someone hadn't pulled him up in time, he would have almost fallen to the ground.

"My dear, are you okay?"

A deep female voice suddenly came from above.

After Fang Zhiyue stood firmly on his feet, he looked up and saw a woman with a pretty face standing in front of him.

She had just helped him out of kindness.

He immediately thanked her: "Thank you, Madam..."

The woman smiled at him kindly and was about to say something when a half-grown child suddenly ran up to her and hugged her legs.

He shouted to the woman, "Mom, I want to see a magic show. Take me to see a magic show!"

The woman quickly picked up the child and before leaving, kindly reminded Fang Zhiyue, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. The Red Moon Restaurant has a circus troupe every night. My dear, it would be best to avoid this place next time you pass by."

After she finished speaking, she took the child and left.

Fang Zhiyue hadn't looked away yet.

Si Yao came over and asked, "Little father, who are you talking to?"

"Sister Yao!"

Fang Zhiyue turned around immediately when he heard her voice.

Si Yao's gaze was still fixed on the receding figure of the woman. She lowered her head to look at him and asked again, "Who is she?"

There was a hint of coldness hidden deep in his eyes.

"Hmm? Are you talking about the lady from earlier?"

Fang Zhiyue didn't notice her strangeness and replied honestly, "That lady is a kind person. I was almost fallen when I was swept away by the crowd, and she helped me up in time."

"Little Father really doesn't know her?"

Si Yao's eyes were still fixed on him.

Fang Zhiyue just thought her words were strange, "How could I know her? This is my first time in Yunzhou. Sister Yao, what's wrong with you?"

“…Nothing.”

Si Yao was silent for a moment, then responded slowly.

She grabbed his hand, held it tightly, and walked in the opposite direction.

Fang Zhiyue was caught off guard and wanted to shake her off after he realized what was happening.

Unexpectedly, Si Yao held on even tighter, "Little father, do you still want to be swept away by the crowd? I'll hold you so that we won't be separated."

After saying this, he continued walking forward.

When Fang Zhiyue heard this, he suppressed his discomfort and could only let her hold his hand.

The two of them returned home like this.

As soon as he entered the door, Fang Zhiyue pushed her aside and walked into the room.

Before he closed the door, Si Yao suddenly said, "I'm going to Yunyin Academy the day after tomorrow and won't be home until the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you want to go out again, remember to bring Shi Qi with you."

"good…"

Fang Zhiyue responded, and then added: "...If you need anything at the academy, please remember to write to me."

Have a good night's sleep.

I went shopping all day yesterday, and today I found out that Yue had been staying in the house all day carving walnuts.

The next morning, he got up early and made a hearty breakfast.

After eating, Si Yao set off for Yunyin Academy.

Classes started at Yunyin Academy today, and students flocked to the academy.

The long stone steps in front of the academy gate were filled with people.

Most people walked in twos and threes.

Si Yao, who was walking alone, was a little eye-catching.

The eyes of people around her fell on her intentionally or unintentionally.

She looked straight ahead and took it calmly.

As soon as he entered the academy, he was caught red-handed by Mu Tong who was guarding the door.

Zhou Rusheng and three others were standing beside her.

"Junior sister, you are finally here. The four of us have been waiting for you here for half an hour."

Mu Tong put his hand on her shoulder and patted her twice as if to vent his anger.

Si Yao dodged it nimbly.

Her expression was calm, "It's too early, Senior Sister."

"How dare you say such a thing."

Mu Tong immediately covered his chest with his hands as if to show off, looking hurt.

Si Yao was too lazy to pay attention to her and interrupted her performance: "Okay, I still have to go to the teacher. See you later."

Having said that, he was about to leave.

Mu Tong stopped him in time, "Wait, why are you in such a hurry? I forgot to ask you last time, who is the teacher you were talking about?"

She looked at her with curiosity.

Zhou Rusheng and the other two had the same expression.

Si Yao paused, but didn't want to hide it from them, so he told them directly: "Master Liang."

"What, Master Liang!"

Mu Tong and the other three were all shocked.

A woman in a long gown who happened to be passing by the five of them heard this and her face immediately turned ugly.