LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 43 - II
“Liu Fang, Brother Mingrui is having dinner at home tonight,” Jing Xingzhi announced as he entered.
Liu Fang emerged from the main room with a smile, “Then I’ll ask Chef Li to add another dish. Come in and sit down.”
After entering, Jing Xingzhi directed Wu Mingrui to a seat.
Wu Mingrui, admiring the layout, remarked, “The arrangement is simple and elegant. Must be the work of my sister-in-law.”
Jing Xingzhi: “…”
‘Why can’t it be me?’ Jing Xingzhi shot a look at Wu Mingrui.
Liu Fang smiled, “Xingzhi is helpful; he chose the green plants.”
Glared at by Jing Xingzhi, Wu Mingrui chuckled, “Oh, no wonder; this flower seems lively.”
“You’re just teasing me. Well, I’m just too lazy to move; it’s not a big deal if I actually do it.”
Details didn’t bother Jing Xingzhi; as long as there were tables, stools, and beds in the house, other things were inconsequential.
“I know. Is there anything specific you’d like for dinner? I’ll check in the kitchen.” Liu Fang inquired with a smile, setting down the teapot.
Wu Mingrui waved his hands politely, “No, no! I can eat anything; it’s fine.”
After thinking for a moment, Jing Xingzhi asked, “Can we have cucumber stir-fry tonight?”
“Sure, I’ll make that.” Liu Fang responded and headed to the kitchen.
As soon as Liu Fang left, Wu Mingrui leaned in towards Jing Xingzhi, asking in a sour tone, “Does Fang Ge’er have any brothers?”
Jing Xingzhi, realizing Wu Mingrui’s thoughts, clarified, “No. Don’t mention this in front of him in the future.”
“Um… what’s wrong?” Wu Mingrui asked, puzzled.
Jing Xingzhi shifted his gaze to the swirling tea, “Liu Fang grew up with me.”
Wu Mingrui immediately understood that Liu Fang was Jing Xingzhi’s adopted wife.
What kind of shuanger becomes an adopted wife? Either the family couldn’t get along, or they didn’t pay attention to their children. So, they hired an adopted wife for their son.
Wu Mingrui guessed from Jing Xingzhi’s tone that his sister-in-law became an adoptive wife due to the latter reason, so his friend didn’t want him to mention it.
Wu Mingrui nodded quickly, acknowledging his mistake: “I understand, and I won’t bring it up again. But my sister-in-law is fortunate to have encountered you. If you had married conventionally, who knows if you would have married someone from a high-class family?”
Jing Xingzhi’s eyes crinkled, and the corners of his lips curled up as he replied, “I am the fortunate one.”
He could also time travel with Liu Fang.
That smile made Wu Mingrui contemplate marriage anew.
Wu Mingrui fell into imagination, thinking that if he ignored his mother’s advice and made his own choices, he might marry someone he truly desired this time…
.
After two more days passed, Zhang Kaiwei, having maintained his act for a while, stood on the pier, watching a magnificent ship approach with a breeze-like smile on his face.
At first glance, anyone would undoubtedly think Zhang Kaiwei was a gentleman. Zhang Kaiwei had mastered the art of wearing a mask.
Initially, he believed blaming his second uncle, Zhang Mingyu, would be challenging, but once everything was done, it seemed effortless.
Because he couldn’t lead a good life for Zhang Mingyu, he refused to be confined to this small place forever. He was unwilling to yield; he would undoubtedly succeed!
Zhang Kaiwei gazed at the incoming ship, envisioning himself departing on this grand vessel.
When he left this place, everything would change…
Finally, the splendid ship docked.
After waves of people disembarked, a young man in purple attire and a golden crown stepped off the ship’s deck in black boots with white soles.
Ning Yongyuan scanned the surroundings with determined eyes, finally fixing his gaze on Zhang Kaiwei with a smile.
He took a step forward and asked loudly, “Brother Zhang?”
Zhang Kaiwei returned the smile, even brighter, “Young Master, the journey must have been arduous. How was the trip?”
Ning Yongyuan smiled and glanced at his legs. “The boat ride was tiring, but otherwise, all is well. If it weren’t for the boat’s speed, I would have preferred to ride here on horseback!”
As Ning Yongyuan finished examining his legs, two boys behind him rushed to his side.
One of them squatted and pinched Ning Yongyuan’s leg twice, asking with a flattering smile, “Master, would you like your leg rubbed?”
Zhang Kaiwei frowned as he observed.
Ning Yongyuan’s face suddenly darkened, and he kicked the boy in the chest, sending him rolling away.
“What are you doing? Can’t you see I’m talking to Brother Zhang?!” Ning Yongyuan scolded.
The young man felt wronged. On the boat, the little marquis ordered him to be attentive and not embarrass them in the countryside. Despite his diligence, he was still punished. Though aggrieved, he knelt on the ground, kowtowing, crying, and admitting his mistake.
Watching this unfold, Zhang Kaiwei couldn’t help but shudder – this little marquis had a temper and a peculiar disposition, clearly trying to intimidate him.
Ning Yongyuan glanced at Zhang Kaiwei’s changing expression, feeling satisfied with the intimidation, and said, “Brother Zhang, let’s go. No one is setting up river lanterns, so there’s not much to see!”
“River lanterns are typically for the Lantern Festival, March 3rd, or the Qiao Qiao Festival,” Zhang Kaiwei replied, quietly labeling Ning Yongyuan as extravagant.
The focus of setting up river lanterns was not solely about the girl and shuanger…
Ning Yongyuan disregarded Zhang Kaiwei’s thoughts, enjoying himself by eating, drinking, and giving orders to the Zhang family’s people.
After a night’s rest, unable to contain his curiosity, Ning Yongyuan patted Zhang Kaiwei’s shoulder directly: “Brother Zhang, take me to the academy to have a look!”