This meeting was crucial. I leaned forward, pressing my ear against the thin wooden wall, listening to the conversation next door. Little Sister and Song Sitian imitated me, carefully lying against the wall, communicating only through glances.
The wall was thin, and their conversation came through clearly.
I silently worried for Big Brother. He had always been bad at conversation, especially with girls, often blushing after just a few words.
The girl asked, “I hear Xiao Gongzi works in the Hanlin Academy? Truly promising.”
“Not at all,” Big Brother said modestly. “It’s just a small job helping to transcribe scrolls and take notes. Nothing promising.”
I facepalmed, feeling tense. Little Sister and Song Sitian exchanged a glance and shook their heads.
The girl’s voice came through, “Xiao Gongzi is truly humble. What are your usual hobbies?”
Big Brother seemed to think for a moment before finally saying, “Cooking.”
I facepalmed again, feeling even more tense. Little Sister and Song Sitian exchanged a glance and sighed in unison.
The girl seemed somewhat helpless. “Xiao Gongzi is joking. As they say, a gentleman stays away from the kitchen. Cooking should be a woman’s task.”
Big Brother laughed honestly. “I’ve loved cooking since I was young. My parents and sisters all say my culinary skills are even better than the imperial chef’s.”
Oh, Big Brother…
I looked desperately at Little Sister, mouthing why they hadn’t prepared him better beforehand. She mouthed back that they had already prepared him.
It was clear that Big Brother, nervous in front of the girl, had forgotten all their prepared talking points.
Finally, the girl broke the silence, “Xiao Gongzi is quite unique. I usually enjoy reading poetry. Since you work in the Hanlin Academy, you must be well-read and eloquent.”
Big Brother sighed, seemingly recalling some unpleasant memory. “I hate reading. Transcribing those books often makes me dizzy. What I really want is to open a restaurant and be the head chef.”
Little Sister declared, “Watch me!”
