The charming widow of the Marquis's mansion: The stable boy carries the flag and raises the dra

Wang Long looked at the small face in front of him that resembled Luo Hanyi's, and at her almond-shaped eyes that were full of vigilance and distrust, but he didn't get angry.

This girl is so young and she's all alone out there. It's not easy for her.

It's a good thing to be wary of strangers.

"I was indeed sent here on behalf of the First Madam."

Wang Long's voice was gentle, with a tone that sounded like he was coaxing a child.

As he spoke, he took the Marquis's Mansion token from his bosom and handed it to Qin Jiaojiao.

Qin Jiaojiao took the token, examined it carefully, and looked at the back over and over again.

After confirming that everything was correct, her expression softened slightly.

But the wariness and scrutiny in his eyes had not disappeared.

She looked up at Wang Long, sizing him up.

"What is your relationship with my mother? Why did she send you to see me?"

Wang Long paused, carefully considering his words.

He directly stated that he was Qin Jiaojiao's father.

This little chili pepper is absolutely going to explode.

"I am... a friend of your mother."

"friend?"

Qin Jiaojiao tilted her head, a hint of suspicion flashing in her eyes.

"I've met most of my mother's friends, so why haven't I seen you before?"

Wang Long hadn't expected this little girl to be so difficult to deal with.

She's practically a carbon copy of Luo Hanyi.

No, she's even more troublesome than Luo Hanyi.

Luo Hanyi at least has some manners, but this girl is a real firecracker.

"You've been away from home for several years, so it's normal for there to be many changes in the house."

Wang Long explained with a smile.

Qin Jiaojiao stared at him for a long time, as if trying to determine whether he was lying.

Wang Long let Qin Jiaojiao be lenient, maintaining a gentle smile throughout.

After a long while, Qin Jiaojiao finally looked away.

"Alright, this heroine will believe you for now."

Her tone became much more polite, and her voice trembled slightly.

"Is Mother... alright?"

Her voice lowered, carrying a hint of undisguised longing.

"The First Madam is well."

Wang Long nodded.

"She misses you terribly and talks about you all the time."

Qin Jiaojiao's eyes reddened slightly.

"Once I've completed my studies, I will definitely visit my mother!"

Xu Wanyun stood to the side and gently rubbed Qin Jiaojiao's head.

"Jiaojiao, since your mother sent someone to visit you, you must treat your guest well."

Qin Jiaojiao nodded. She had a good personality and was a straightforward girl.

She looked at Wang Long, unsure of what to say. After thinking for a long time, she managed to utter a few words.

"Have you...have you eaten?"

Wang Long was taken aback for a moment, then laughed.

"I rushed here to see you, but I haven't had time yet."

Qin Jiaojiao hesitated for a moment, then took out a few pieces of osmanthus cake from her bosom and handed them to Wang Long.

"Here's something to tide you over. This is some osmanthus cake I just got; it's still warm and delicious."

Wang Long felt a warmth in his heart as he looked at the osmanthus cake handed to him.

This is her favorite food, and she's willing to share it with me. What a good child.

Wang Long did not refuse; he picked up a piece and took a bite.

"Mmm~ Delicious."

Qin Jiaojiao smiled and nodded, very satisfied with Wang Long's straightforwardness.

What she hates most is fake politeness, and sharing things with such people.

She's so effeminate and coy, like a woman.

"Sir, now that you've finished your studies, would it be convenient for you to move to my home for a more detailed discussion?"

Xu Wanyun suggested.

"Then I shall humbly accept your offer!"

Wang Long nodded, not refusing.

Xu Wanyun nodded and walked ahead at a leisurely pace.

Wang Long followed closely behind.

Qin Jiaojiao skipped and hopped ahead, stepping on the bluestone slabs.

He was counting aloud.

"one two three……"

Soon, a small and exquisite courtyard appeared before Wang Long.

The courtyard is small, paved with blue bricks.

The main house has three rooms, facing south.

A string of wind chimes hangs under the eaves, making a crisp sound when the wind blows.

There was also a swing in the corner of the yard.

As soon as Qin Jiaojiao entered the courtyard, she skipped and hopped onto the swing and sat down, swinging her legs back and forth.

She shouted at Wang Long.

"Grandpa, please make yourself at home. Don't be shy."

Qin Jiaojiao's attitude towards Wang Long improved considerably.

Wang Long was her fellow townsman and someone entrusted by Luo Hanyi.

Qin Jiaojiao has now accepted Wang Long in her heart.

She is very kind to those she has chosen.

Wang Long smiled and sat down on the stone bench in the courtyard.

Xu Wanyun said softly.

"Please rest here, sir. I'll go to the cafeteria and get some food."

As she spoke, she turned to walk out.

"Mr. Xu, please wait a moment."

Wang Long called out to her.

Xu Wanyun stopped and turned around, her eyes filled with doubt.

"Is there anything else, sir?"

Wang Long smiled and took out a large pile of ingredients from his storage ring.

Fresh meat, vegetables, seasonings, pots and pans—a dazzling array of items were laid out on the ground.

Qin Jiaojiao's eyes lit up instantly. She jumped off the swing and curiously examined the ingredients.

"Wow, grandpa, you carry so much food with you? Are you a cook?"

Wang Long smiled and echoed.

"I just enjoy studying food."

He looked at Xu Wanyun.

"If Mr. Xu doesn't mind, I'll cook a simple meal for you two."

Xu Wanyun did not refuse; she felt that Wang Long had made this especially for Qin Jiaojiao.

He only benefited from his apprentice's success.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."

Wang Long arrived at the stove in the courtyard.

There wasn't a trace of ash; it seemed the fire had never been fired.

Wang Long began preparing firewood and chopping vegetables.

"Sir, let me help you."

As she spoke, she reached for the meat on the cutting board.

Wang Long was chopping scallions when he pulled his hand back, trying to avoid it.

But Xu Wanyun's hand had already reached out, and their fingers touched lightly in the air.

Wang Long's fingers were rough and covered with calluses.

Xu Wanyun's fingers were slender, white, and soft, as if boneless.

Wang Long was stunned for a moment, then quickly withdrew his hand.

"Mr. Xu, please don't be offended. I didn't mean it."

Xu Wanyun withdrew her hand, lowered her eyes, and her ears turned slightly red.

"It's...it's alright."

Her voice was very soft, with a hint of panic that she herself didn't even realize.

Qin Jiaojiao squatted down to the side, watching the interaction between the two, and asked with some confusion.

"Master, why are you blushing?"

Wang Long kept his head down as he chopped vegetables, pretending not to hear.

Xu Wanyun didn't say anything, but walked to the stove in a fluster and squatted down, pretending to add firewood.

"Master?!"

Qin Jiaojiao glanced at Wang Long, then peered at Xu Wanyun's slightly flushed cheeks.

She covered her mouth and chuckled, as if she had discovered something amusing.

Xu Wanyun could still feel the lingering sensation of that brief touch on her fingertips.

Rough and warm.

Xu Wanyun frowned slightly.

She has always been averse to men touching her, and even getting too close makes her uncomfortable.

But I didn't feel uncomfortable when I met Wang Long.

When Wang Long's hand touched her fingers just now, she didn't feel any rejection or resistance.

A strange feeling welled up inside me that I couldn't quite explain...

At this moment, Xu Wanyun's heart felt as if a pebble had been thrown into a still lake, causing ripples to spread.

She looked down at her fingers, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

"How could this be...?"