A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

She raised her delicate chin and looked at Zhou Wenbo, speaking clearly and word by word, "Who was it that just now said I couldn't guess even with my brows furrowed like a pretzel? And who was it that said the wind was strong at the East Gate and the horse knew the way to come and laugh at me?"

Zhou Wenbo's smile froze.

Lin Wei withdrew her arms and crossed them over her chest. Although she was considerably shorter than Zhou Wenbo, her imposing manner was in no way inferior: "I, Lin Wei, keep my word. You guessed right, I want Lan Yue Pavilion. But—"

She deliberately dragged out her words, her gaze sweeping over Zhou Wenbo's slightly embarrassed face, "I never said I was going to invite certain people who speak recklessly and make fun of me to come up for dinner."

Also, brother, Zhou Wenbo bullied me just now, and you didn't even help me. I don't want to invite you again.

Having said that, she ignored Zhou Wenbo's instantly complex expression, called her maid and the two servants who were with her, and turned to follow the steward into the restaurant, leaving only a light, fleeting sentence echoing in the night breeze:

"Young Master Zhou is very capable. I'm sure you can find a place to eat that suits your taste, either in another private room at Jufulou or throughout the whole county. There's no need for you to condescend to the table of someone who took almost the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to guess correctly."

Lin Lang was blamed by his sister and left standing there. He chuckled and waved his hand, while turning back to give his classmate a helpless look.

"You're really something. Every time you run into Weiwei, you have to argue with her. As her older brother, you don't even know how to give in to your sister. See? Now you can't enjoy this free feast."

Zhou Wenbo stood there, watching Lin Wei disappear into the brightly lit entrance of Jufulou. He glanced at his friend's gaze, which held a hint of schadenfreude, and a rare touch of embarrassment appeared on his face.

He was usually the center of attention, and had never been humiliated or rendered speechless by anyone, especially Lin Wei, in front of him.

Zhou Wenbo stood there for a long while before letting out a resentful "tsk," tapping his palm with his folding fan, and muttering under his breath, "A little brat, and she's got quite a temper..."

Despite his words, there was no real anger in his eyes; instead, a hint of a smile, unnoticed even by himself, flickered across them. He shook his head, losing all interest in continuing to guess the riddles, and turned to pull Lin Lang into Jufu Restaurant.

They might not be able to get into the Lan Yue Pavilion, but they could still find seats in other places in the Ju Fu Lou.

……

As Wang Yanning parted ways with Chen Wanxing under the lamplight, the words "Live well in the present, so as not to waste your youth" and the knowing smile in her eyes left a lingering, subtle ripple in her heart.

He quietly entered through the side door of Jufulou, avoiding the noise of the front courtyard, and went straight back to his private room.

The room was warm and cozy. He sat down by the window, his gaze falling on a few lonely gauze lanterns in the courtyard downstairs, but his thoughts drifted to the Lan Yue Pavilion not far away.

That spot... the view must be excellent, I wonder if she'll like it.

He sat quietly for a moment, but finally couldn't suppress his curiosity. He raised his hand, gently tapped the table, walked to the door, and called out to a waiter.

"The riddle in the poem at Lan Yue Pavilion downstairs," Wang Yanning asked casually, as if it were just a casual question, "has anyone solved it?"

The waiter bowed and replied, "Young master, someone has already guessed correctly and has already been led up to the Moon-Viewing Pavilion."

You guessed it!

Wang Yanning's fingertips twitched almost imperceptibly. It was indeed her. A faint sense of joy swept through him. After a moment's hesitation, he slowly gave the order:

"I just suddenly realized that we can wait until the lantern festival ends tonight and give these lanterns to the people who guess the riddles correctly, as a way of bringing good luck."

He ran his fingertips lightly across the smooth tabletop before finally revealing his true intention: "When you deliver it, ask which household this prize should be sent to."

Wang Yanning specifically emphasized: "Ask naturally, don't be abrupt. If the guest doesn't want to stay, don't force them."

The waiter was a little confused, not understanding why this rule had suddenly been added this year. Moreover, with so many lanterns, it seemed that the young master only wanted him to ask the person who guessed the lantern riddle at Lanyue Pavilion. What about the other lanterns?

But he was very sensible and didn't ask any more questions. He just respectfully replied, "Don't worry, young master. I understand. I will handle it properly and not annoy the guests."

"Go ahead." Wang Yanning waved his hand, and the room returned to silence. He picked up the slightly cool tea on the table and took a small sip.

Meanwhile, Lin Wei, who had rejected her brother and Zhou Wenbo, was leading her maid and two servants up to the third floor of Jufulou Restaurant with the manager.

The further they went in, the fewer voices they heard. Finally, they stopped in front of an exquisite wooden door. The innkeeper himself pushed it open, and under the three elegant seal characters "Lan Yue Ge" (揽月阁) on the plaque was a spacious private room with elegant furnishings and a superb view.

The street-facing side is almost entirely made up of intricately carved lattice windows, all of which are now wide open, allowing the cool air to flow in without any obstruction. Standing by the window, one can take in the lights of the street below.

On a large round table in the center of the room, exquisite cold dishes and dried fruits were laid out, wine was warming in a silver pot, and incense was burning in the room's heater, filling the room with a subtle fragrance.

The Lantern Festival in Ruyang County is indeed grand; no wonder it's quite famous throughout Runing Prefecture.

Lin Wei stood by the window, looking down at the street below that seemed to be flowing with gold and silver. The resentment she had felt from arguing with Zhou Wenbo earlier had long since vanished, replaced by a sense of pride and comfort in enjoying the beautiful scenery.

She stood by the window for a while before remembering her earlier plan. "Xing'er," she beckoned to her personal maid, her eyes sparkling.

"It's that lady who helped me under the lamp just now. Go look for her on the first and second floors. She was holding the cotton ribbons containing the riddles from the first and second rows of Jufulou."

"I imagine she'll be having dinner in our building tonight, either in the lobby on the first floor or in one of the private rooms on the second floor. Look carefully and make sure you find her."

Xing'er, knowing the whole story, quickly replied, "Yes, Miss. If we find it, how should we invite it?"

Lin Wei paused, thinking about how to phrase it in a way that wouldn't seem abrupt but would still express her sincerity: "Just say that I was fortunate enough to guess the riddle and get this private room thanks to your guidance, sister. I am grateful, but I also feel it would be a pity to enjoy it all by myself."

The scenery at Lanting Moon Pavilion is truly exceptional. I would like to invite you, sister, to enjoy the lanterns and dine together. I earnestly hope you will grace us with your presence.

Knowing her mistress's temperament, Xing'er saw her so serious and expectant, and quickly agreed: "Don't worry, Miss, I'll go find her right away and deliver the message."

"Yes," Lin Wei nodded, then added, "You must be respectful and polite. If Sister Chen politely declines, don't insist, but make sure you see where she's sitting."

Because her brother and Zhou Wenbo were present, it might be inconvenient to invite them to sit at the same table on their first meeting. Besides, considering that she would also be eating there, she suppressed the urge to invite them immediately.

When Zhou Wenbo made sarcastic remarks and her brother was just watching the show, it was thanks to her sister that she was able to get out of the predicament. She had made up her mind that if Sister Chen was unwilling to come up, she would go down to find her and at least offer her a toast to express her gratitude.

Xing'er accepted the order and quickly left the private room. As soon as she left, the room seemed to become much quieter and emptier.

Lin Wei strolled back to the window, but her thoughts were no longer on the sea of ​​lights outside. Instead, they drifted down to the bustling crowd of diners below, following Xing'er's footsteps.

Just then, two soft, respectful knocks sounded from outside the door.

"Come in." Lin Wei composed herself and turned around.