Chapter 77: 只是蠢
[Just stupid]
Upon hearing her maid’s words, Sang Jiayi merely glanced at her. Yet that single glance felt unbearably intense to the maid. Remembering her purpose, she braved her young miss’s piercing gaze and slowly spoke up, “Miss?”
Sang Jiayi raised her eyes to appraise the maid who had always followed her. As if something occurred to her, the corners of her mouth curved slightly. She then lowered her gaze to her lacquer-red nails adorned with peony patterns and said indifferently, “Go investigate. Find out what Xiao Bao has been up to lately.”
“Yes.” Hearing her young miss’s command, the maid visibly brightened, her face lighting up with a smile. She curtsied and turned to leave.
Only after the maid’s figure disappeared from sight did Sang Jiayi slowly sit up. She smoothed out each crease in her skirt, her brows furrowing slightly as she sighed softly, “Human hearts ah, how easily they change.”
The next day, the maid relayed the news she’d gathered to her young miss, her face still tinged with excitement. “Young miss, I noticed that the Third Young Master’s wife has been going to an alley outside the estate every day after breakfast lately. And each time, he doesn’t return until just before dinner, when the Third Young Master comes home.”
Observing her maid’s inexplicable excitement, Sang Jiayi remained expressionless. After the maid had been chattering happily for a while, she noticed her young miss staring at her with a blank face. She immediately lowered her voice and said with her head bowed, “Young miss, what’s wrong?”
Seeing her maid’s reaction, Sang Jiayi’s expression remained unchanged, her voice steady and even as she said calmly, “Xiao Jing, some things are better left unsaid.”
Hearing her young miss speak thus, the maid shuddered, instantly realizing her mistake. She bowed her head hastily, stammering, “Miss, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Sang Jiayi paid little heed to this maid, whose boldness had grown under her care. Her gaze drifted past the girl to some distant point beyond, and she sighed softly, “We are outsiders here after all. We must always remember to be cautious in our words and actions.”
“Yes.” The maid stiffened at once and fell silent.
Seeing the maid as quiet as a mouse, Sang Jiayi turned to look at her before finishing her unfinished business. “Go send someone to find out when Xiao Bao leaves. We’ll follow him then.”
“Yes, miss.” Hearing her command, the maid said no more, merely bowing her head in silent compliance, though her heart couldn’t help but feel a little resentful.
Over the next few days, the two finally pinpointed Tang Xiaobao’s exact departure time. Once they were certain they wouldn’t be discovered, Sang Jiayi quietly led Xiao Jing to follow Tang Xiaobao upstairs.
Passing through the alley Xiao Jing had described, Sang Jiayi was still pondering what Tang Xiaobao could possibly be doing here when they unexpectedly reached the dead end. There, nestled at the edge, stood a private dining establishment with rather refined decor.
Seeing no other exit, Sang Jiayi knew without being told that Tang Xiaobao must have entered this place. After a moment’s thought, she stepped inside. Immediately upon entering, she saw an elderly man dressed like an innkeeper seated in the center. He was smiling warmly at the two of them, cheerfully saying, “Ladies, would you like to come in and sample our dishes? I guarantee you’ll want to come back for seconds after just one try.”
After a moment’s thought, Sang Jiayi nodded. Finally, under the innkeeper’s warm, smiling gaze, she chose Room 3.
Upon entering and seeing the interior furnishings, even though she had seen many exquisitely decorated rooms before, none felt as comfortable as this one.
Glancing at the menu presented to them, Sang Jiayi ordered two set meals. Only after the waiter departed did she notice the walls adorned with diverse murals, surrounded by rustic farmhouse-style utensils—a rather novel sight.
Soon, the same waiter returned, followed by a group of neatly dressed maidservants. The waiter piled the table before them high with dishes, each uniquely presented and utterly appetizing. After the waiter bowed and withdrew, Sang Jiayi noticed Xiao Jing beside her, clearly salivating. She offered a soft smile. “Dig in. Isn’t that why we ordered?”
Xiao Jing blushed at the remark but couldn’t tear her eyes away from the tempting dishes before her. Slowly, she began to dig in. After just one bite, she was captivated by the texture. Unlike Xiao Jing’s reaction, however, Sang Jiayi detected a familiar flavor. Instantly, a bold thought struck her. After a few more bites, her suspicion was confirmed.
When it came time to pay, Sang Jiayi turned to the overly attentive waiter and asked softly, “Who is your head chef here?”
The waiter looked slightly taken aback, but after a moment’s pause, he regained his composure. Looking at the young lady before him, he replied with utmost respect, “Miss, we are unable to disclose information about our chef. We kindly ask for your understanding.”
“Your head chef is such a big shot he won’t even show his face?” The maid, hearing the waiter’s words, was decidedly rude, her tone tinged with arrogance. Normally, if they needed to see a cook, wouldn’t they be grateful just to meet him? She’d never encountered a cook who refused to reveal his identity.
The waiter heard this but showed no sign of anger. He continued to smile at her, replying gently, “I’m sorry, miss, but we can’t discuss that here.”
Seeing him refuse, Xiao Jing wanted to say more, but her mistress gave a slight wave of her hand, signaling her to be quiet. Reluctantly, Xiao Jing fell silent.
Sang Jiayi wasn’t particularly stubborn. She simply looked at the waiter before her, smiling gently. “In that case, please convey my regards to your chef. His cooking is truly delicious. Thank you for your hard work.” After saying this, she paid the bill and casually slipped the waiter a small tip.
After the waiter respectfully escorted them out, Sang Jiayi glanced back at the shop’s sign. In the sunlight, the characters “Fish Reign Supreme” stood out strikingly.
Even as the two walked away, faint murmurs drifted back: “Miss, what do you think the Third Young Master’s wife was doing here?”
“Naturally, to attend to matters that require her presence. Certainly nothing ill-intentioned.” With that, she fell silent.
Unexpectedly, as they reached the intersection, several figures darted past them at breakneck speed, nearly knocking Sang Jiayi off balance as she led the way. Only after regaining her footing did she notice more people chasing after those who had sped away.
Xiao Jing watched the fleeing figures, then turned to her young miss, asking in disbelief, “Miss, was that Fourth Young Master Ji who just ran past?”
Sang Jiayi watched Ji Tao, who now looked like a street thug trampling her foot while demanding an apology. She felt no urge to approach him. Hearing her maid’s question, she merely gave a faint nod, her face expressionless.
Not far away, upstairs, Ji Ling was drinking with Lei Ming. Watching the scene unfold on the street below, Lei Ming seemed rather amused. He pointed at Ji Tao and chuckled, “Brother Ji, I never expected your brother to be such a man of passion.”
Ji Ling glanced down at the people below with a look that was neither harsh nor gentle. He shook his head indifferently and replied noncommittally, “They’re just foolish. My eldest uncle will be back soon.”
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article. https://www.binance.bh/register?ref=IHJUI7TF