The City Lord's Mansion.
Upon hearing that Anle had arrived, Madam Feng happily led two maids over from the kitchen. She wore a deep purple robe that trailed on the ground, with an embroidered collar and front opening. She was dignified and proper, and her makeup was just right, not gaudy, but rather exuding a graceful and dignified air.
Although she entered the room quickly, her steps were elegant, and her demeanor was graceful. She looked to be only in her early thirties, in the prime of her life, with a noble air. A golden tassel crown adorned the center of her hair, giving her the dignified and elegant air of a matriarch.
The two maids behind him each carried a pastry.
"Lele is here!" Madam Feng greeted Anle with a smile that was both warm and dignified, her eyes sparkling with joy.
He then glared fiercely at Feng Yan, who was sitting opposite Anle.
"Why didn't you tell me before Lele came over? I could have made some more pastries."
Feng Yan: "..." He also acted on a whim.
Anle glanced at the pastries brought by the maid and smiled, "Madam Feng, I just came over to sit for a while."
"Given our relationship, why are you being so polite with me? Why call me Madam? From now on, just call me Auntie." Madam Feng lifted her robe and skirt, sat down next to Anle, took Anle's hand, and smiled warmly.
"Lele, come and try this. It's freshly baked pastry, made entirely by myself without any other hands. In this Red City, people can't usually taste something as good as mine."
Anle was not at all reserved. He took a piece from the plate with a relaxed and comfortable demeanor, looked it over, and thought it was quite exquisitely made.
He popped a piece into his mouth, took a bite, and smiled at Madam Feng.
"Aunt Feng's cooking skills are quite good. It tastes sweet but not greasy. I have some special ingredients here that are also used to make these pastries and desserts. I'll bring some to Aunt Feng another day. If Aunt Feng makes them with her skillful hands, the taste will definitely be even more exquisite."
Madam Feng was delighted by Anle's unpretentious words and said, "If you like it, take it all with you when you leave."
"You absolutely must send this special ingredient to my residence so I can try it. Now that you mention it, I'm curious to know what kind of special ingredient it is!"
"It will definitely surprise Aunt Feng. I will write down the simple recipe for this pastry and bring it to her."
Upon hearing this, Madam Feng's phoenix eyes shone brightly.
"There's also a small recipe! That's great! I like to tinker with these things when I have free time, so I'll definitely have to try it out."
The two chatted like a mother and daughter, while Feng Yan was left out and relegated to the background.
Outside the living room, a servant hurried in to report.
"Madam, Young Master, the City Lord of Green City has arrived with Miss Linglong. The Patriarch requests your presence."
Feng Yan nodded, and the servant bowed and withdrew.
"Mom, I'm going over for a bit. You two continue chatting."
Upon hearing this, Madam Feng waved her hand dismissively at Feng Yan.
"Go ahead, go ahead."
He turned and glanced at the maid beside him, then gave her another order.
"Take those remaining plates of pastries from the kitchen upstairs."
From the moment she heard that the Lord of Green City had brought Miss Linglong to their door, Madam Feng's attitude remained lukewarm, and she did not show any particularly enthusiastic reaction.
Only after the two maids left did Madam Feng take Anle's hand and sigh. She didn't hide anything from Anle, treating her like her own daughter, confiding in her about everyday life and sharing her innermost thoughts.
Madam Feng had no daughter, so she felt close to Anle. In addition, Anle had given her such a generous gift, which made her feel even more that the child was honest.
I'm not afraid to tell her what's on my mind.
"Lele, I'm not afraid to tell you this, but I wish I had a daughter like you."
All these years I've been hoping for a sweet little girl, but alas, I'm just not destined to have one. I've prayed to gods and Buddhas, but I still haven't been able to have one.
I heard there's a living deity in Green City who can grant any wish. So this rascal Yan'er invited the little deity from the Green City Lord's family over, wanting Miss Linglong to take a look at me and pray to the gods to grant me a child.
I think this is hopeless. Even if she really is a little celestial maiden, she's still not a goddess who grants children.
Anle smiled. She had seen the young lady Linglong from the Green City Lord's family once before. She was just an ordinary girl who was only a few years older than her. At most, she seemed a bit more arrogant than ordinary girls. It was quite interesting that she was invited over as a goddess who brings children.
But she couldn't say this to Madam Feng.
Madam Feng is a kind person and treats her well. At this time, she can't be mean to her, but she also won't say anything nice for the New Year.
Madam Feng lowered her eyes slightly, her expression filled with sorrow.
Seven years ago, she also had a child, a daughter, who would be about the same age as Lele. However, not long after she became pregnant, the unborn child died in the womb.
Over the years, she has always longed to have another child, a daughter as lovely as Lele.
After praying for so many years without success, she finally gave up hope.
The inability to have both a son and a daughter leaves a lingering regret.
"Having such an outstanding son as Young Master Feng, Aunt Feng is already very fortunate."
Madam Feng looked up and smiled, "You're quite eloquent at such a young age. What you say is true, child. I should be content with having Yan'er."
As Feng Yan entered the main hall of the front courtyard, he saw his father chatting and laughing with the Lord of Green City.
When Feng Jingchong saw Feng Yan enter, he quickly waved and introduced him.
“Yan’er, come and greet your Uncle Yan. Your Uncle Yan is usually a very busy man, unlike your father who is very free. It’s difficult to meet him. Now that we’ve met, we must have a good chat.”
Feng Yan bowed to Yan Shanxing, the city lord of Green City. His smile seemed gentle and harmless, yet it carried a cool and aloof quality, as if it were something he was born with.
"Uncle Yan, it's been a long time."
Yan Shanxing exchanged polite greetings with a smile.
“Nephew Yan, you’re becoming more and more successful. You’re even able to support your father’s auction house. You’re managing the Red City Auction House business quite well.”
"No, it's not as good as Greentown Auction House. Uncle Yan has unique experience in managing auction houses, which even our cities can't compare to."
"Hahahaha... Your Uncle Yan's abilities are certainly not weak, but he has an even more outstanding daughter here." As Feng Jingchong finished speaking, his gaze fell on Yan Linglong, one of the two daughters beside Yan Shanxing.
As Feng's father spoke, Feng Yan's gaze swept to the slender figure sitting to his right, and he gave Yan Linglong a polite smile, which was understated yet courteous.
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