Chapter 54 Confidante
Su Xiaoyu looked distressed, her mind a jumbled mess. She couldn't even eat the roast chicken.
How can we make the second young lady see the true face of that hypocrite?
We can't possibly let the second young lady go on a date with Shen Moyan tomorrow while we stand by and watch, can we?
"ah……"
She scratched her hair in frustration, her gaze drifting unconsciously out the window before suddenly settling on the several jars of carefully fermenting sauce. Seeing the sealed jars, a flash of inspiration struck her—
Got it!
Didn't she inquire about Shen Moyan a few days ago? She remembered that a few people had mentioned his scandals.
[Shen Moyan, that hypocritical and face-conscious man, may act perfectly in front of the Second Miss, but what about in front of his 'buddies'? When men get together, after a few drinks, what kind of boast won't they tell to show off their 'abilities'?]
In an instant, a brilliant plan took shape in Su Xiaoyu's mind.
——
The next day, Xiao Lingxi was still dressed exquisitely and urged Su Xiaoyu to leave the mansion.
As soon as the car reached West Street, Su Xiaoyu suddenly pointed to the Wangjiang Tower not far away, her eyes lighting up:
"Second Miss, look, this is the most famous Wangjiang Tower in the capital. I've heard that their 'Exquisite Eight-Treasure Duck' and 'Golden Thread Hibiscus Cake' are absolutely amazing. Even nobles in the palace often send people to buy them."
Xiao Lingxi glanced at her; "In your eyes, there's nothing but eating all day long."
Su Xiaoyu gave an awkward laugh: "Second Miss, you and Young Master Shen haven't seen each other for a long time. It doesn't seem right to go empty-handed. Why don't we go in and pack some delicate pastries and side dishes to take to Young Master Shen later? It would be a token of your appreciation."
Xiao Lingxi initially thought there was some truth to what he said.
Anyway, I left early today, so I have enough time.
"Alright, let's hurry up and not be late."
She led Zisu and Su Xiaoyu into Wangjiang Tower. Su Xiaoyu specifically chose a private room near the staircase. She said the food would take a while to arrive, and helped Xiao Lingxi sit down first.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to open the window for ventilation, Su Xiaoyu secretly observed the situation downstairs.
...
Meanwhile, at Qingsong Academy.
After school, Shen Moyan was packing his books to return to the school dormitory to study when two classmates he was on good terms with approached him. They were Scholar Li and Scholar Wang.
"Brother Moyan, today is Brother Zhao's birthday. He has reserved a table at Wangjiang Tower and specifically asked me to invite you. Please do me the honor of attending."
Shen Moyan hesitated.
He was short of money and always avoided such social engagements, and he also kept his promise to Xiao Lingxi in mind.
Wang Shusheng also spoke up at the right time: "Brother Moyan, we are all classmates. You can't refuse Brother Zhao's kind invitation. Besides, we rarely have the opportunity to taste the fine wine and food at Wangjiang Tower. Brother Zhao sincerely invited you. Wouldn't it be disrespectful if you didn't go?"
The scholar surnamed Zhao came from a well-off family and had a relative who was an official in the capital. He had the strongest backing in their school.
Shen Moyan thought that since they would see each other all the time in the future, it would be inappropriate not to go. So after hesitating for a while, he decided to go with the two of them.
"Alright then, let's have a few drinks. I really have other things to do."
...
Soon, a table full of food and drinks was set out in a private room on the second floor of Wangjiang Tower.
Shen Moyan and several young students sat together to celebrate Zhao Shusheng's birthday, and the atmosphere was very lively.
During the meal, the classmates toasted each other, and after a few drinks, they started talking more.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. Wang Shusheng raised his wine cup, looked at Shen Moyan who had remained silent, and smiled:
"Brother Moyan, come, let me toast you! You are the most learned among us, yet the most unassuming. I'm sure you'll pass the imperial examination with flying colors and be listed among the successful candidates!"
Everyone echoed this sentiment.
"Yes, Brother Moyan! You are knowledgeable and hardworking, passing the imperial examination is a sure thing!"
"When you become an official in the future, don't forget your brothers who studied hard together!"
As Shen Moyan was showered with compliments, the humility and caution he felt quickly faded, replaced by a subtle sense of pride and smugness.
He was already quite learned, but recently, with the scriptures sent by Xiao Lingxi, he has been even more blessed.
He was now absolutely certain of success in the upcoming autumn imperial examinations.
But he feigned modesty and said, "Brother Wang, you flatter me. Whether I pass the exam or not depends on luck. However, if I do pass, I will certainly not forget you all when I enter officialdom."
"Brother Mo Yan, that's very kind of you!" Zhao Shusheng said with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.
"Come on, let's all have a drink together and wish Brother Moyan the best of luck in winning the championship!"
Meanwhile, in the next private room.
Xiao Lingxi was getting impatient. The noise from next door was faintly coming through, which made her frown.
"Why is it so noisy next door? Xiaoyu, can't you find a quieter private room?"
Xiao Lingxi was about to get up and ask to change to another private room.
At this moment, Su Xiaoyu comforted her, "It was my oversight, Miss. Don't worry, I'll go and tell the waiter right away."
She turned around and opened the door a crack. At that moment, the sounds from next door came through even more clearly.
In that instant, the previously muffled sounds of laughter and conversation suddenly became much clearer.
In particular, Zhao Shusheng's words, "Brother Moyan is a true friend," came through the crack in the door, causing Xiao Lingxi to pause in her steps!
Is it Shen Moyan?
How come he's next door?
Seeing this, Su Xiaoyu was secretly delighted, but pretended to be surprised and lowered her voice.
"Second Miss, I think I heard someone calling Young Master Shen. Shall we go and see?"
Xiao Lingxi glared at her. "He's having a gathering with friends. What would it look like if I went over now? Are you trying to ruin Young Master Shen's reputation?"
[Hmm, looks like she's not completely love-struck yet; she knows it's not the right time to go.] Su Xiaoyu thought to herself.
On the surface, however, she cleverly suggested, "What the Second Miss says is true. Since we've run into each other by such a coincidence, why don't we... sit here for a while? It would be a good opportunity to hear what Young Master Shen is like when he's with his friends in private."
Xiao Lingxi raised her chin, nodded, and returned to her previous position: "We don't need to change rooms for now. Go and urge the waiter to bring the food quickly. I'm hungry."
"Yes," Su Xiaoyu replied, then turned and left.
Meanwhile, the conversation in the next private room continued.
The host, Zhao, seemed to remember something and said in an envious tone, "If you ask me, among our group, the one who will be the most fortunate in the future is probably Brother Mo Yan!"
Everyone asked curiously, "Brother Zhao, what makes you say that?"
Zhao Shusheng chuckled and lowered his voice.
"I've heard that Brother Mo Yan has recently made a remarkable 'confidante'? And I've even heard she's a noble lady from a high-ranking family in the capital? Brother Mo Yan, you're truly blessed! Such good fortune is something we could only dream of!"
"If you soar to great heights in the future and become a son-in-law of a powerful family, don't forget to help your classmates!"
These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, immediately piquing the interest of the crowd, who began to jeer and jeer.
"Really, Brother Chen? Which family's young lady is she?"
"Brother Shen is indeed remarkable. Not only is he only a junior high school graduate, but his marriage is also the envy of many!"
"No wonder Brother Shen looks so different lately, it turns out you've had a stroke of good luck with women, and such great luck at that!"
In an instant, all the students were praising Shen Moyan, which greatly satisfied his vanity.
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