Chapter 91 Unless he meets someone better
Three days later is Su Xiaoyu and Shen Yuejiao's shared birthday.
The two had agreed early on that they would book the entire Manchu-Han Imperial Feast at Zuixianlou, the most luxurious restaurant in the capital, and eat their fill. Afterward, they would go to the north of the city to watch fireworks and variety shows.
Shen Yuejiao's parents are in her hometown, and she is all alone in the capital, where she is unfamiliar with the city. Her only good friend is Su Xiaoyu.
As for her 'mysterious' uncle, he sent someone to deliver gifts early in the morning, directly to Huaihua Lane.
Su Xiaoyu ate longevity noodles made by her mother for lunch, and then refrained from eating anything all afternoon, just to save her appetite for the evening.
However, during the dinner, an uninvited guest arrived.
It was Lu Xinghe, whom I hadn't seen for a long time.
He looked much thinner, with a more defined jawline, and his eyes and brows had lost some of their former playfulness and exuberance, replaced by a more composed demeanor.
Today, he was wearing a brand-new indigo blue long gown and stood at the door of the private room, carrying two exquisite gift boxes in his hands.
"Brother Xinghe?" Shen Yuejiao stood up in surprise.
Su Xiaoyu also looked over, her eyes filled with a hint of doubt.
Lu Xinghe walked over, his gaze first falling on Su Xiaoyu, and handed her one of the boxes, his tone sincere:
"Little Fish, happy birthday. A few days ago, your cousin lost his temper and said some nonsense, which caused you trouble. I'm sorry."
His tone was calm, as if he had truly let go of his obsession.
"From now on, you will still be my cousin. Whenever you ask, I will protect you without hesitation."
Seeing his clear eyes, Su Xiaoyu breathed a sigh of relief, accepted the gift, and gave a genuine smile:
"Thank you, cousin. It's all in the past now."
Lu Xinghe then turned his gaze to Shen Yuejiao and handed her another box: "Yuejiao, I also wish you a happy birthday and good health. Also... thank you for helping me out of that situation on the street that night. I... I was so outrageous back then. Thank goodness for you."
Shen Yuejiao generously accepted the gift, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "Brother Xinghe, you're too kind. It's good that you're alright. Please sit down, we're just about to start eating!"
Su Xiaoyu quickly added, "Yes, cousin, please sit down! We ordered so many dishes, we were worried we wouldn't be able to finish them!"
"Speaking of which, when we were little, we always celebrated our birthdays together as a trio, and we always shared a piece of cake. Today, it's perfect that we're all together again!"
These words seemed to have a magical power, dispelling the last trace of awkwardness.
Looking at the two faces in front of him, both radiating the same joy and care, Lu Xinghe felt his heartache slightly healed.
He readily agreed and sat down, instantly creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere in the private room.
One exquisite dish after another was served. The three of them ate, chatted, and reminisced about their childhood.
...
Meanwhile, at the Grand Tutor's residence.
Lin Wan'er was elegantly accompanying her mother to have tea in the flower hall. The aroma of tea wafted through the air, but the atmosphere was far from relaxed.
Madam Lin put down her teacup, looked at her outstandingly beautiful and elegant daughter, and a hint of anxiety was barely perceptible in her eyes.
"Wan'er, how are your marriage prospects going lately? The autumn hunt is just around the corner, and the Third Prince has been urging you to express your interest several times. Your father is under a lot of pressure."
Lin Wan'er picked up the teapot and poured tea for her mother with smooth, effortless movements, showing no sign of panic on her face.
"Mother, there's no rush for my marriage."
Madam Lin sighed, "Oh dear, the New Year is almost over, and you'll be twenty soon. What girl at this age is still unmarried?"
“You convinced your grandfather and father that you should decide your own marriage and choose your own partner, but there are fewer and fewer good men in the capital who are of good character and age who are a good match for you.”
Lin Wan'er raised her eyes, a faint hint of arrogance flashing across them:
"Mother, I will either not marry at all, or I will marry the best man in the world. How can I settle for less?"
Madam Lin knew her daughter's temperament and was well aware of her thoughts, so she couldn't help but sigh:
“Mother knows that you have always been thinking about the heir of the Marquis of Yongning, but that Xiao Jingheng… is cold and hard-hearted, and his thoughts are deep. He is definitely not a good match. Moreover, Mother heard that today the Marquis’s wife, Lady Liu, has been frequently attending banquets in various mansions, looking for noble ladies from prominent families. She is so busy that she seems to have never considered our Lin family at all.”
"Wan'er, listen to your mother's advice. Some things you should let go of."
Lin Wan'er listened, her face still displaying an inscrutable calm.
Let go?
Unless I meet someone better than him.
"Mother, who says that a match made at the Marquis's mansion is guaranteed to lead to marriage?"
"Life is unpredictable. Some positions are not guaranteed to be taken by whoever takes a liking to them first."
Just as Madam Lin was about to try to persuade her again, the maid Qingdai came in, leaned close to Lin Wan'er's ear, and whispered a few words to her.
Lin Wan'er narrowed her eyes, a calculating glint in them.
She immediately stood up and bid farewell to Madam Lin: "Mother, I have important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."
Mrs. Lin watched her daughter's departing figure and shook her head helplessly.
As soon as they stepped out of the flower hall, Lin Wan'er's face darkened. She asked Qingdai, "Is the news accurate? Are the three of them at Zuixianlou right now?"
“It’s absolutely true, Miss. Today is the birthday of Su Xiaoyu and Miss Shen. I heard they’ve booked a Manchu Han Imperial Feast at Zuixianlou.”
"Birthday?" Lin Wan'er sneered. "It seems that Lu Xinghe is planning to completely give up on Su Xiaoyu and become relatives instead?"
"snort!"
Lin Wan'er sneered, took out several silver notes from her sleeve, and whispered a few instructions to Qingdai:
"Remember, do not leave any evidence against you."
Qingdai instantly understood her mistress's intention. With a solemn expression, she replied, "Yes, Miss."
...
The private room of Zuixianlou.
The delicious dishes had just been served, their aroma filling the air, when a smiling waiter came in carrying a tray with two jugs of wine on it.
"Gentlemen, this is our shop's signature 'Pear Blossom White' tea, which is clear, sweet and mellow."
He placed one of the wine jugs on the table, then picked up another one, which was more exquisitely designed and decorated with cherries, and enthusiastically introduced it.
"The 'Cherry Wine' that this young lady ordered has also arrived. In addition, since you have ordered a lot of dishes today, you are our big customers. The manager specially instructed that we be given a pot of newly brewed 'Peach Spring' as a gift. It is also a fruit wine with a sweet and smooth taste, which is most suitable for young ladies to enjoy in moderation. We wish you all a pleasant time."
While saying auspicious words, the waiter deftly placed three empty wine cups in front of the three people.
After doing all this, he bowed and withdrew.
Lu Xinghe personally got up and poured a glass of 'Cherry Blossom Wine' for Su Xiaoyu and Shen Yuejiao respectively. Then he poured himself a glass of 'Pear Blossom White'.
"Come on, let's toast to growing another year older!" Shen Yuejiao, a lively person, took the lead and raised her glass first, making the enthusiastic suggestion.
Lu Xinghe smiled and raised his glass, but his gaze was fixed on Su Xiaoyu. His tone was gentle: "Xiaoyu, let me toast you first, wishing you..."
"Hey hey hey!"
Before he could finish speaking, Shen Yuejiao objected, pouting deliberately, "Brother Xinghe, I'm the older sister. According to seniority, you should show me respect first!"
"Little Fish Sister, don't you think so?"
As she spoke, she very naturally switched the glass of wine in Su Xiaoyu's hand with her own, and then casually took the untouched glass of 'Peach Spring' in front of her.
"This cup is on me, you can use mine first."
Su Xiaoyu was taken aback by her actions, then chuckled. She obediently took the wine glass from her.
“Cousin, Yuejiao is right, you should toast her first.”
Lu Xinghe, unsuspecting, shook his head with a mixture of helplessness and indulgence: "Alright, let's toast you first, Yuejiao. I wish you a happy birthday and good health. May you be as happy as you are today every day in the future."
Having said that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
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