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She had compared it; Miss Chu paid her much more than her other friends.

No need to live in cramped quarters with other servants, she had a spacious residence, good food and accommodations, and a high salary. Of course, she didn't want to lose such a great job.

"Miss Ning Ning, how is the taste? Does it suit your liking? I've heard that there's a very famous plain noodles dish on the mainland. I was worried that you might not be accustomed to Western pastries, so I specially learned how to cook many types of noodle dishes."

"It smells wonderful, thank you, Aunt Four." Chu Yuening felt warmth in her heart. It had been a long time since she last had plain noodles. Tasting the familiar flavor again brought her much joy.

Not knowing what time the young misses usually woke up, Aunt Four had waited all morning. After receiving praise, she cleared the table of bowls and utensils. "As long as you ladies enjoy it, I'm willing to cook every day."

"Aunt Four, have you seen A Yi?"

"The little miss went to the garden early in the morning. She seemed to be digging something. I asked the workers to help, but the little miss said it wasn't necessary."

Chu Yuening headed to the backyard garden. Sure enough, from afar, she saw a petite figure burrowing through the soil. Wearing a straw hat and half-bent over, she wielded a small hoe with dedication.

Approaching, she asked, "A Yi, why are you up so early? What are you doing?"

"Planting flowers," Chu Yi replied while crouching on the ground. Lifting her head, the strings of her hat swayed with her movement. Her fair and slender fingers were already covered in mud. Holding the small hoe with one hand, she scratched her itchy right cheek with the other.

Soon, her fair cheeks were also smeared with black soil as she chuckled. "I plan to plant flowers all over this area."

"Why plant more when there are already flowers here?" Chu Yuening was puzzled.

"Aiyo, it's different," Chu Yi stood up, looking at the freshly turned earth with hands on her hips, pride shining in her eyes. "I want to plant roses all over this large area so that big sis will be in a good mood living here! And over there, I'm thinking of digging a pond to raise some goldfish."

Chu Yuening looked at the spot indicated. There used to be a water tank for lotus plants there. If they dug a small pond for fish, it would seem quite nice too.

She praised, "You have an eye for feng shui, just like a professional. The spot you pointed out is the best place in the garden to dig a pond for fish. It'll bring prosperity and good fortune."

"Really?" Chu Yi's eyes sparkled as she covered her mouth, giggling secretly. "I knew it. I'll definitely become a super rich lady one day. Then, I must buy houses for big sis all around the world."

Chu Yuening stood by, suddenly remembering something. "The Zhou family is holding a birthday party this afternoon. Are you going?"

"Nope," Chu Yi shook her head. "I made plans with Chen Mixin last week to set up a stall at the amusement park entrance. Can't stand her up, right?"

"Alright." Chu Yuening couldn't resist poking Chu Yi's plump cheeks. "I know you prioritize making money above everything else."

"Of course," Chu Yi pouted. "How else can I make big sis the happiest woman in the world? I need to seize every opportunity that comes my way!"

After a while.

Once again, the garden echoed with their laughter.

Outside the luxurious mansion atop Victoria Peak, there was a vast lawn covering hundreds of square meters. At this moment, many servants were busy setting up lights and arranging long tables.

The Zhou family hadn't hosted a dinner party in a long time.

A middle-aged woman dressed in a velvety emerald green cheongsam stood by, supervising the arrangement. Feeling that there wasn't enough alcohol, she instructed someone to fetch more.

Just as she turned around, she saw the middle-aged man enter with his briefcase, confusion in her voice. "Huh? Have you finished with the company matters?"

"All the urgent tasks are done," Zhou Zhi said, handing his briefcase to Aunty Xia, who was waiting. He encircled Xu Dan's waist with an arm and smiled. "Our family has never been into these formal dinner parties. I'd be heartbroken if my wife gets exhausted later."

"You just have to keep your mouth shut," Xu Dan teased playfully.

Zhou Zhi loosened his tie and glanced across the lawn, then at the house. "Where's Erice?"

"On the second floor," Xu Dan replied softly.

Zhou Zhi couldn't hold back his laughter. "What's the matter? Whispering like this, are you afraid that others will hear you?"

"Such a nosy person," Xu Dan tugged at Zhou Zhi's suit jacket, looking around mysteriously. "Xiaoxia just said she saw Erice return with a huge bouquet of flowers."

Flowers!

Zhou Zhi's eyes widened in surprise.

If it had been anyone else, he might not have been startled.

Yet it was Erice who had bought the flowers. Apart from ordering blooms for Xu Dan's birthday, when else had he ever purchased any?

"Is this truly so? It doesn't have to be for a girl?"

Throughout his life, aside from his excellent academic performance, Erice had been clueless in matters of the heart. Both parents were deeply concerned.

If he continued being single like this, when would he ever settle down and start a family?

Could it be that he had finally found a romantic interest?

Xu Dan shook her head. "For now, it's uncertain. If he really bought the flowers for a girl, she should be arriving soon. Let's keep an eye out."

Suddenly, Chu Yuening's face flashed through her mind.

Another sigh escaped her lips.

"Beautiful and skilled in fortune-telling, with her around, there's hope for the company. They complement each other perfectly in appearance. Nowadays, girls are all about romance. If Erice weren't such a cold and introverted person, I'd have personally gone to propose a match."

"I don't understand what you're saying at all. I can't make sense of a single sentence," Zhou Zhi said, puzzled by Xu Dan's regretful expression.

"Sigh, it's that young friend I mentioned before, who I treat like a sister. Our bond is unbreakable. It would have been perfect if we could strengthen our ties through marriage, but alas, Erice isn't so fortunate."

Heaven knew how much she adored Master Chu—she was beautiful and talented.

Unfortunately, the Zhou family lacked such luck.

If only her son were more impressive, she would have eagerly taken on the role of a matchmaker herself.

"Children have their own destiny," Zhou Zhi comforted his disheartened wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry too much; it'll age you quickly. Didn't you want to go on vacation to Malaysia? When are we going? The plane has been checked, it's all good."