Su Xi’s eyes moistened, his tone softening, “Xiao Lian, I’ll be fine. Go do men’s work now, and don’t say such things again.” Though angry, he felt touched by his brother’s care.
As Xiao Lian was about to continue persuading him, the sound of wheels rolling outside interrupted them.
Xiao Lian emerged from Su Xi’s embrace and walked curiously outside, followed by Su Xi, who straightened his clothes.
A delicate carriage stopped outside, and a man in a goose-yellow robe stepped out. Although Su Xi didn’t recognize him, he recognized the carriage marked with Smoke and Flowers’ emblem.
“May I ask who you are?” Su Xi queried.
“I’m from Smoke and Flowers,” Ning Zhi stepped forward, studying Su Xi. His face was delicate and gave a comfortable impression, lacking any trace of worldly wear despite being a hidden prostitute.
At this moment, Xiao Lian frowned, glaring, “We don’t know you. Why are you here?”
Fei, behind Ning Zhi, stepped forward indignantly, “How rude! Our young master is here to deliver something, and instead of being grateful…”
“Fei,” Ning Zhi raised her voice to stop him, and though displeased, he stepped back.
“The master asked me to bring something over to you,” Ning Zhi answered unhurriedly, her words and actions elegant despite a dusty look in her eyes.
She instructed, “Take the items into the two young masters’ house.”
“Yes, boss,” several women dressed as servants began moving various goods inside.
Su Xi was slightly startled, but recognized the familiar faces and allowed them to proceed, as they had delivered items before.
Xiao Lian let out a cold snort. When she noticed Su Xi’s reproachful expression, she lowered her head, staring at her cloth shoes.
Ning Zhi took a small blue porcelain bottle from the attendant Fei’er and handed it to Su Xi. “This is from Boss Jin. She instructed me to give it to Young Master Su, saying he must take one pill daily since he is physically weak.”
Su Xi took the bottle, his eyes moist, and nodded. “I understand. Please thank her for me.”
Ning Zhi observed Su Xi’s expression and smiled softly. “As long as Young Master Su is in good health, the boss will be at ease.”
