Chapter 67: Chapter 67: What’s Wrong with Her?
Miss Lianhua’s mother, Huang, is in charge of the tasks of the young women at the restaurant, so without her approval, it’s impossible for others to serve the Princely Heir.
As for Yinhua, she is originally the shopkeeper’s daughter, and of course, Huang can’t order her around. Moreover, since Yinhua is recommended by her own daughter, Huang feels at ease with Yinhua’s personality.
Yinhua, however, is far from feeling at ease; she is the least willing to serve the Princely Heir. Her usual reactions upon seeing him are to shrink back and walk away quickly.
Her personality is too humble, the Princely Heir’s status is too noble, and she feels her own temperament is weak, not worthy of serving such a radiant figure.
Therefore, regarding Lianhua’s request, Yinhua internally resists, but doesn’t know how to refuse verbally, agreeing reluctantly.
However, when Yinhua arrived at the doorway of the private room with wine, she heard the lively discussions inside. Only then did she realize she feared not only the Princely Heir but also such noisy occasions.
She started to miss the dishwashing area in the backyard, where she only needed to focus on washing dishes and didn’t have to say anything.
Since she’d already agreed to Lianhua, Yinhua hesitated at the door for a moment, until she heard complaints from inside about the slow service, forcing her to muster her courage and bite the bullet as she went in.
"Knock, knock."
Two soft knocks on the door, and Pei Ji’an happened to be seated near the entrance. Upon hearing the sound, assuming it was someone bringing food and drinks, he said, "Come in."
When he saw it was Yinhua, Pei Ji’an gave her a glance and lost interest.
Yinhua was silently chanting in her heart: Don’t look at me, don’t look at me, you all just continue your conversation...
Seeing the Princely Heir withdraw his gaze after a single glance, her heart relaxed for a moment, but then she heard someone speaking to her.
One of the gentlemen present noticed she was an unfamiliar face and could not help but ask, "Where did Miss Lianhua go?"
During a previous visit, it was only Miss Lianhua whose witty banter could amuse people. He had accidentally touched her small hand once, and it was soft and tender.
Yinhua tightened her grip on the tray in her hands, her gaze fixed on the ground, "Lianhua is sick, very, very sick."
After saying this, it was as if she had drained all her strength.
A person’s weakness is easily seen by others; it’s fortunate if they meet someone kind, but if they encounter someone who likes to play tricks, like the one sitting here, who particularly enjoys making fun of others.
Seeing Yinhua’s timid demeanor, he couldn’t help but tease, "What’s going on with the Zhaoying Building, hiring such timid and fearful people, do we look so scary?"
Faced with such a situation, how could Yinhua respond? Immediately flustered and embarrassed, her face turned redder and redder, unable to say a word for a long time.
Pei Ji’an waved her away, "You may leave now, we don’t need your service here."
Yinhua felt as if she had received a pardon, quickly retreating out.
That gentleman raised his cup and drank, laughing, "The Princely Heir is truly considerate; it’s her good fortune, but given the nature of serving people, such timidity and fear, the shop owner isn’t worried about tarnishing the brand? If it weren’t for your recommendation, Princely Heir, I wouldn’t have known there’s such a restaurant on this street."
Another gentleman added, "Since Princely Heir has just returned, you might not be familiar with the restaurants on this street. Next time, visit the Huifang Building; there’s great service, music to enjoy, and beautiful company, with singing and dancing, it’s quite delightful."
Pei Ji’an tugged lightly at the corner of his mouth and chuckled, "You two gentlemen have such refined interests, but I, Pei, am a common person, not fond of such bustling places."
The two gentlemen immediately changed their tone, "If the Princely Heir doesn’t like singing and dancing, there’s a teahouse where you can listen to storytelling; sip some wine and listen, it’s marvelous as well."
"Just across the street, called ’Tingya Building’, the only storytelling place on this street, and its business is superb, every time I go, I need to book in advance, otherwise there’s no seat."
Pei Ji’an glanced downstairs, happened to see a familiar figure.
When Qu Fulan walked out of the restaurant, she felt slightly uncomfortable with a full stomach, but fortunately, this trip wasn’t in vain; she had gained awareness.
Hai Xia’s condition was worse; this girl ignored Fulan’s advice and ate voraciously from the start. Later, when she saw other delicious things, she couldn’t help but continue, now so stuffed she could barely walk, needing to lean on the wall to proceed.
"It’s so tasty; I’ve never eaten so freely in my life. No wonder people desire wealth, it turns out money allows such enjoyment, tsk, tsk."
Qu Fulan was indifferent.
Tasty?
Not really.
Going to such places isn’t just about the taste of food, but simply to enjoy.
As for the taste of food, it’s quite average; no wonder Lianhua was so proud of her dish. Indeed, on this street, her dish is relatively good.
Other shops mostly focus on attractive presentation for the dishes, expending more effort on singers and operatic performances.
But there is one restaurant whose food tastes better than others, and during meals, storytelling is also available downstairs; it’s said to be the only place for storytelling on this street. Saying "only" isn’t accurate; it’s just that their storytelling is captivating, so others only know this one place.
Therefore, this place has the best business.
Epicurean delight combined with flavorful food is the treasure of this street.
As for how to improve the taste of food, Qu Fulan had secret recipes in mind, so she wasn’t worried.
Just as for enjoyment, she needed to contemplate.
Having returned to Pei Mansion, Qu Fulan began to draft new operational plans based on what she had observed and learned today.
While she was writing, time passed unconsciously.
Hai Xia, who had been sleeping beside Fulan, found the loudness of the communal dormitory intolerable; since the Young Master had loaned her for the day, she wasn’t on duty, well-fed and contented, she sought a peaceful place to nap.
Upon waking, Hai Xia noticed Fulan was still writing and stretched, saying, "Fulan, what are you writing? You’ve been writing for so long."
Hai Xia hardly knew any Chinese characters, so Qu Fulan wasn’t worried she would understand, "Important things for the Princely Heir."
Hai Xia, being illiterate, had no interest in even glancing at it upon hearing this.
"Fulan, you’re amazing, being able to help the Princely Heir with so many tasks. No wonder the Princely Heir trusts you, unlike me, who can only run errands."
"You have your own merits too, don’t belittle yourself."
"What merits?"
"Well, your character is good and you know your limits, having clarity about what should or shouldn’t be done. Many people can’t achieve even half of that."
"Wow, this is the first time someone has mentioned my merits, are there others?"
Qu Fulan was just about to speak when she heard someone outside.
"The Princely Heir has returned."
Hai Xia rolled right off the bed, falling awkwardly, knocking her head.
However, she couldn’t care about that, covering her head, she hurriedly ran out.
Pei Ji’an approached from the other side, first hearing the clattering noise, then seeing someone frantically dash out from Fulan’s room, quickly disappearing from sight.
"What happened to her?" He frowned and asked.
Qu Fulan replied, "Perhaps she got a bit excited hearing about the Princely Heir’s return."