Picking up a wonton and taking a bite, Lin Fang’s mouth was instantly filled with the fragrant meat filling and the chewy dough wrapper. Chewing carefully, she swallowed the wonton, its lingering aroma still dancing on her palate. Then, with a satisfied “gulp,” she sipped the rich wonton broth. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment—it had been ages since she’d tasted such delicious street food, and she felt utterly enveloped in the bliss of culinary satisfaction.
After finishing the bowl, Lin Fang still craved more, but her little stomach was already full. A thought suddenly crossed her mind, and she turned to the elderly vendor. “Elder, would you like a better spot for your stall?”
The old man, cheerful and talkative, chuckled. “Thank you for your kindness, young miss. Of course, every street vendor dreams of a prime location. But my wife and I are old and slow. Even if we leave before dawn, by the time we reach town, all the good spots are taken. In the past, we could still find a place at the end of the street, but today we were late, and even those were occupied. So we had to set up by the river. Business isn’t great, but we’ve still sold over a dozen bowls.”
Liu Ma, understanding Lin Fang’s intention, spoke up. “We’re from the Lin family. This is our Sixth Young Miss. If you don’t mind, she could arrange a better spot for you. What do you think?”
Qi Biao, who had been silent until now, suddenly interjected, “Why not set up in front of my house?”
Liu Ma hesitated. Placing the stall in front of the Qi residence would certainly deter troublemakers, but she wondered if customers would dare to approach. The Qi family rented a courtyard facing the street, diagonally opposite the Lin family’s Cui Ji Restaurant. Once, someone had tried to capitalize on the restaurant’s foot traffic by setting up a stall near the Qi gate, but the Qi servants, claiming it disturbed their master’s peace, drove the vendor away. When someone protested, the servant unceremoniously threw them aside. Though no major incident occurred, the Qi family’s notoriety spread, and no one dared to set up shop there again.
Noticing Liu Ma’s concern, Qi Biao explained, “In the past, we didn’t allow stalls because that vendor was dishonest, and my nanny happened to witness it. She acted to protect the reputation of Cui Ji Restaurant. But rest assured, Liu Ma, if they set up in front of my house, my household will look after them.”
Liu Ma glanced at Lin Fang. Qi Biao was usually terse and indifferent, yet here he was offering a detailed explanation. His sincerity was evident, but the decision ultimately rested with the Sixth Young Miss.
Lin Fang had initially planned to have the elderly couple set up near the storytelling hall, where foot traffic was constant and business would thrive. It would also be convenient for her when she went to listen to stories. But recalling the earlier incident, she realized that once Shi Binhua regained his senses, he might not dare confront Qi Biao but could take his anger out on the elderly couple. Qi Biao must have considered this too. The rental district was under the Lin family’s jurisdiction, and their guards would ensure the stall’s safety if she placed it there. Yet, since Qi Biao had offered his protection, she couldn’t refuse his goodwill.
After weighing the options, Lin Fang asked the old couple if they agreed. The old man effusively thanked her, while his wife, unable to speak, bowed repeatedly. The old man steadied his wife, and the couple bowed together. Lin Fang learned that the wife had suffered a stroke the previous year and, after a year of treatment, could walk again but still couldn’t speak.
The natural care the old man showed his wife and her implicit reliance on him struck a painful chord in Qi Biao. He signaled his attendant to guide the couple to their new spot, then turned to Lin Fang. “Sixth Young Miss, do you have other plans? I’m free today and can accompany you.”
*Free today? When are you ever busy? If you were, you wouldn’t spend all your time at our house,* Lin Fang thought wryly. Aloud, she said, “Thank you for recommending such delicious food, Young Master Qi. But I’ve been out too long, and my parents might worry. I should head back. Please don’t let me keep you.”
“No trouble. I haven’t paid my respects to Master Lin and Madam Lin today. Since you’re returning, we can go together.”
Liu Ma frowned but said nothing as the group made their way back.
Passing the Qi residence, they noticed two stalls now set up in front: the elderly couple’s wonton stall, already bustling with customers, and another run by a middle-aged couple selling fermented rice sweet soup. Surprisingly, the middle-aged couple, despite their own business, was helping the elderly pair, as the old woman struggled to move and the old man was overwhelmed.
“Young Master, would you like some sweet soup?” the middle-aged woman asked warmly, noticing Qi Biao’s gaze.
Lin Fang found it odd—the woman’s affectionate familiarity with Qi Biao suggested they knew each other.
Qi Biao glanced at Lin Fang for approval, but she shook her head. “Please go ahead, Young Master Qi. I’m full, and I don’t care for sweets. Thank you, though.”
Hearing Lin Fang’s voice, the old woman bowed again, prompting her husband to steady her as they both expressed gratitude. Lin Fang, embarrassed by the undeserved credit, exchanged a few polite words before hurrying away.
As soon as they entered the Lin courtyard, Lin Cui’e approached. “Fang’er, I’m going to listen to storytelling. Want to join?”
Full and drowsy from the journey, Lin Fang, slumped on Qian’er’s back, shook her head. “Aunt, the competition is tomorrow. Third Sister’s been practicing nonstop. Shouldn’t you rest and conserve your energy instead of going out every day? Did Mother agree?”
“You little busybody,” Lin Cui’e teased, tugging Lin Fang’s braids. “Worrying more than I do! I’m not banking on this competition, so why stress? But Juan’er is too tense. I’ve tried to reassure her, but she won’t listen. She might underperform tomorrow.”
Qi Biao headed off to find Lin Wen, leaving Lin Fang curious. *How do a silent man and a bookworm even interact?* And since summer break began, the storytelling hall had added daytime sessions. Lin Cui’e attended daily—was it for the tales or the teller?
When Guo Mian’s mother fell ill, he had substituted for her, gradually winning his own fans who urged him to take her place. But Guo Mian refused—he was a scholar, aiming for official rank to provide his mother a comfortable retirement. He only stepped in during summer to spare her the exhaustion of double shifts.
“Mother, does Aunt have feelings for Guo Mian?” Lin Fang mumbled as Li Cuimei took her from Qian’er.
Amused by her daughter’s precocious concern, Li Cuimei’s smile faded. *If Cui’e truly fancies Guo Mian, that could spell trouble.*
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