Chapter Seventy-Two: The Taste of Sweet Surrender

Is that Yu Jingxiao’s mother? But she looks far too young for that. His wife? But Yu Jingxiao doesn’t seem to be even twenty yet…

Still, Lin Sangqian didn’t dwell on the question for long—it was none of her concern. All she wanted was to make money.

When she got home, Lin Sangqian told Liao Shuxia about it. Liao Shuxia immediately cupped her face and planted two hearty kisses on her cheeks.

“My little pup, you really are my own daughter!”

Without delay, Liao Shuxia began embroidering sachets. She had always worked with great skill, but this time she was especially attentive.

…

At the Yu residence.

Qin Ya’s carriage entered the gates. As soon as she stepped down, she saw a servant hurrying toward Yu Jingxiao’s courtyard, arms laden with a large bundle.

“What is that person carrying?” she asked.

“Probably potato chips and fries—Fulfillment Restaurant has started selling them lately,” her maid replied. “Young master has taken quite a liking to them. And since Young Master Guan is staying with us, I’m sure our young master will offer him some to try.”

“Oh? If Jingxiao is so interested, I’ll have to try them myself one day.”

As the maid helped Qin Ya toward the back courtyard, she whispered, “Madam, the two sachets you just requested… are they perhaps meant for—”

But before she could finish, Qin Ya shot her a frosty glance, silencing her at once.

“I overstepped, forgive me.”

Yu Jingxiao was playing chess with Guan Yanqing. When he saw the servant return with the potato chips and fries he’d requested, he gleefully tossed his chess piece aside.

Guan Yanqing gave him a cool glance, prompting Yu Jingxiao to explain hastily, “Don’t look at me like that. If you tried these chips, you’d like them too.”

Guan Yanqing had heard such words countless times since childhood.

“Want to try one?” Yu Jingxiao picked up a spicy chip and offered it to him.

“I don’t like spicy food,” Guan Yanqing said, glancing at the red chili powder sprinkled on top.

“To be precise, you don’t like anything.”

Guan Yanqing smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Just as he was about to return his attention to the chessboard, Yu Jingxiao, quick as lightning, popped a plain chip into his mouth.

Had it been before, Guan Yanqing would certainly have spit it out. But this time, he merely frowned, and, almost involuntarily, took a bite.

Hmm… Fragrant.

Fragrant?

The thought startled even Guan Yanqing himself.

He actually found a food delicious?

“So, how is it? Tasty, right?” Yu Jingxiao grinned at him, an expression of “I told you so” written all over his face.

Guan Yanqing said nothing, but reached for a fry.

Delicious.

“That’s ketchup. Fries taste even better dipped in it.” Yu Jingxiao slid the ketchup closer. “Since I’ve known you, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you enjoy something.”

“You called this a chip just now?” Guan Yanqing asked. “Where did you buy them?”

“Fulfillment Restaurant,” Yu Jingxiao replied, crunching away. “Oh, do you remember the guard Lin I told you about? I said his daughter cooks delicious things, and these chips were something she taught Fulfillment Restaurant to make.”

Guan Yanqing said nothing more and picked up another chip.

Yu Jingxiao watched his reaction, grinning mischievously. “Want me to ask Guard Lin to invite his daughter over?”

If Lin Sangqian could really cook something that made Guan Yanqing eat willingly, she’d be a guest of honor indeed. The Guan family would probably treasure her.

“No need.”

The chips and fries were tasty, but after a few bites, Guan Yanqing quickly found himself losing interest.

His enthusiasm faded, and he turned his attention back to the chessboard.

Yu Jingxiao sighed.

Guan Yanqing had probably long since given up hope for his own appetite.

Even so, as Guan Yanqing’s friend, he still wanted to help.

“Young master, Fulfillment Restaurant just rolled out a new dish,” the servant who had fetched the chips spoke up. “It’s called Sweet and Sour Pork, and I hear it’s very popular—everyone is going to try it. The little waiter there told me it was also taught to them by a girl surnamed Lin, and they’ll have new dishes in a few days!”

“Really? I must go try it,” Yu Jingxiao’s eyes lit up. “I haven’t even tasted those spicy chicken feet yet. Zicheng, let’s go together tomorrow, what do you say?”

“I don’t mind,” Guan Yanqing replied.

After all, for him, it was all the same wherever he ate.

…

That evening at the Lin house, after dinner, everyone else had already left. Only Aunt Niu lingered near Lin Sangqian, hesitating to speak.

“Aunt Niu, what is it?” Lin Sangqian asked.

“Miss, there’s something I’d like to tell you.”

“Just say it. If you need help, don’t hesitate.”

“No, it’s not that I need help…” Aunt Niu said as she handed back the wages she had received that day.

“Aunt Niu, what’s this?” Lin Sangqian looked at her in surprise.

“Miss, I just wanted to say, from now on, please pay me at the end of each month. I… don’t want to receive my wages every day.”

That was odd—most people liked to see money in hand each day.

But remembering what Aunt Niu had mentioned about her family situation, Lin Sangqian’s gaze dimmed.

She was probably afraid her scoundrel of a husband would snatch the money away if she brought it home daily.

The slap mark lingering on Aunt Niu’s face that morning was likely his handiwork too.

“I have no objection. I’ll keep careful track of your wages, and at the end of the month, you’ll receive every last coin.”

“Thank you, miss,” Aunt Niu said gratefully.

Lin Sangqian couldn’t help but add, “Aunt Niu, I won’t lecture you, but let me just say this: sometimes, leaving the wrong person is the only way to live a better life.”

Aunt Niu said nothing, just shook her head and left.

Watching her retreating figure, Lin Sangqian bit her lip in frustration.

Enough! Such stubborn people cannot be persuaded—only when she’s hit rock bottom will she realize it’s time to turn back.

Tomorrow, she would have to deliver chicken feet to Fulfillment Restaurant, so Lin Sangqian went to bed early.

But Zhao Lan’er couldn’t sleep. She sat in the courtyard, gazing at the myriad stars, thinking of her mother. Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks once more.

Mother, don’t worry. I’m doing well now—the whole Sangqian family treats me like one of their own, and I’m truly grateful.

I will find evidence and avenge you…

Just then, someone returned. Zhao Lan’er hastily wiped her tears and turned.

It was Lin Wenyen, just back from his night run.

He paused, clearly noticing the tear stains on her face. He seemed to want to comfort her, but didn’t know what to say.

“Big Brother Lin,” Zhao Lan’er was the first to speak, “You’re back.”

“Mm…”

“I’ll go and get you a bowl of water.”