Chapter 111 Catching a Turtle in a Jar
She then asked,
"By the way, how's the business your mother left behind going?"
Zhang Heze, who had been standing silently to the side, stepped forward. Without his usual banter, he bowed respectfully to Song Yiqiu.
"General Song."
When his eyes met Song Yiqiu's, they darted away in a complicated manner.
Ever since that night when he almost confessed his feelings, every time we meet, I feel a little awkward.
I was both afraid she would remember and secretly hoping she would remember.
"The assets left by Madam Su are clearly defined and not difficult to handle. Most of the easily liquidated assets have already been processed, and the less liquid assets have been secured with mortgages. I guarantee that all of them will be safely transferred before you inherit the title."
He was reporting on important matters, trying to cover up his unease.
Song Yiqiu was completely unaware of his strangeness and remained completely open and honest.
Thinking of the matter of Princess Xingrong that Xiao Yongjing had mentioned, he felt conflicted and took the initiative to speak:
"Lieutenant Zhang, have you encountered any trouble lately? Or... has anyone in particular contacted you?"
Zhang Heze looked puzzled and shook his head:
"Troublesome matters? No, there aren't any. I've been handling various accounts and channels lately, everything is normal. Why does the general ask such a question?"
Song Yiqiu observed that his expression did not seem feigned, and felt somewhat relieved, nodding:
"It's good that everything is alright. If anything unusual happens, be sure to let me know immediately."
"Oh, let's not talk about these trivial things anymore!"
Ruan Tianxin interrupted them, steer the conversation back to the main topic, and her face lit up with eager anticipation.
"Sister Yiqiu, they're in the top-tier private room upstairs right now. I've already arranged things with the waiter. Shall we go up and bump into them?"
Song Yiqiu smiled slyly and nodded:
"Alright, then I'll trouble you to lead the way, Sweetie."
Ruan Tianxin immediately straightened her small body and patted her chest:
"Leave it to me!"
She then pointed to Ying'er sitting not far away, silently confirming with her lips:
"Is it her?"
After receiving an approving look from Song Yiqiu, Ruan Tianxin took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and switched to the appearance of a shrewd and capable shopkeeper, walking calmly towards Ying'er.
With a warm, fawning smile on his face, he said to Ying'er, who had awkwardly stood up:
"You must be Miss Ying'er? It's an honor to meet you. Let me introduce myself. I am Ruan Tianxin, the youngest daughter of the owner of Feizhi Pavilion, and also a good friend of Sister Yiqiu."
She kindly took her hand.
"It's peak season for the shop right now, and it's noisy downstairs. Sister Ying'er, you're pregnant, so standing here must be tiring. Why don't you come up to the private room upstairs for a short rest? It's quiet and comfortable there, and you can take a break there."
Ying'er's attention was completely drawn to the dazzling array of jewelry and trinkets in the shop and the luxurious fragrance in the air. Hearing this, she paused for a moment, then pointed to herself in disbelief:
"Me...me? Go to the private room upstairs?"
Qingzhu immediately stepped forward and explained with a smile:
“Miss Ying’er may not know this, but large shops like Feizhi Pavilion always have some private rooms prepared for guests of noble status or those with physical disabilities like yourself.”
"Later, Miss Ruan will instruct her maids to send catalogs of all kinds of perfumes, powders, and jewelry from the shop to the guest rooms for the distinguished guests to choose from at their leisure. This is a privilege reserved for honored guests. Miss Ying'er, you've really come at the right time today."
Ying'er had never been so valued before. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, as if she had already entered the world she had longed for.
Ruan Tianxin added with a respectful smile:
"Sister Qingzhu, you flatter us. In business, we value attentive service and making our guests feel at home. It's all part of our job."
As she spoke, she gently clapped her hands.
Two simply dressed maids immediately stepped forward and stood with their heads bowed.
Ruan Tianxin instructed:
"Take these distinguished guests to the top-tier private room upstairs. Remember to prepare the finest tea and delicate snacks, and serve them with utmost care."
"Yes, Second Miss."
The maids responded in unison, then bowed respectfully to Song Yiqiu, Ying'er, and the others, gesturing for them to enter.
Ying'er stood up, feeling dizzy, and a sense of pride and confidence made her unconsciously straighten her back.
Song Yiqiu took in the undisguised vanity on her face and whispered something in her ear:
"Don't be surprised. This is just the most ordinary daily life of the nobles in the capital. As long as you are willing to work hard and seize the opportunity, such a life can be yours in the future."
Upon hearing this, Ying'er was even more excited, and she no longer felt steady on her feet.
The group followed the maid to the second floor.
The door to the top-tier private room was tightly closed.
The sounds of laughter and conversation could be faintly heard coming from inside.
The maid leading the way frowned slightly, somewhat surprised. The "Heavenly" room was reserved for honored guests and was not open to the public at other times.
She politely stepped forward and gently knocked on the door:
"Excuse me... are there any distinguished guests inside?"
An impatient female voice immediately came from inside:
"Where did this unruly brat come from! Miss Song and I are inside, how dare you act so disrespectfully?! Get lost!"
It was Ruan Jiawen's voice.
Immediately afterwards, a soft clattering sound was heard, followed by Ruan Jiawen's coquettish voice:
"Ah! Brother Haochu! Are you alright? It's all that blind girl's fault! Did you get burned?"
Song Haochu?
Song Yiqiu glanced at Ying'er beside her and saw that her face instantly turned extremely ugly.
Song Yiqiu stepped forward at the opportune moment, her tone smiling:
“Jiawen, it’s me, Song Yiqiu. It seems like we’ve really messed up the Dragon King’s temple; we don’t even recognize our own family.”
As she spoke, she applied slight pressure with her hand and pushed open the door, which was not locked.
The door opened, revealing the entire interior.
Ruan Jiawen was leaning against Song Haochu, holding a silk handkerchief in her hand, intimately wiping a noticeable water stain on his chest. The two were very close to each other.
Song Haochu looked embarrassed, but did not push her away immediately.
Song Sangyu sat to the side, holding a teacup, her eyes subtly expressive.
Song Haochu immediately spotted Ying'er at the doorway, her face pale and her body swaying precariously. A sudden panic gripped him, and he quickly pushed Ruan Jiawen aside, urgently explaining:
"Ying'er! You, how did you get here? It's not what you think! We...we just accompanied Sangyu to pick out some things. Just now, Jiawen accidentally spilled the tea, and I..."
Looking at the glaring scene before her, Ying'er felt as if her heart was being torn apart, and tears welled up instantly.
She stroked her swollen belly:
"Haochu...I...I'm carrying your child...You told me yesterday that I was the only one in your heart, but it turns out, it was all a lie?"
"Do you despise my lowly status and think I'm not good enough for you? Since you already have someone else in your heart, what's the point of me and this child living?"
"Why don't we just die now? That way we won't be an eyesore for you!"
As she spoke, she actually pretended to crash into the pillar next to her.
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