Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Fu Huaifei looked at Shen Tingzhou, his eyes flickering. "It's you!"

The words "it's you" carried a myriad of emotions, filled with the joy of an unexpected reunion, and the overwhelming presence froze Shen Tingzhou in place.

Shen Tingzhou: "Uh, yes, it's me."

Upon receiving Shen Tingzhou's response, Fu Huaifei joyfully approached, "You remember me?"

Shen Tingzhou hesitated before replying, "Of course, we just met a few days ago."

A few days ago?

Fu Huaifei's steps faltered as scenes from their encounter by the river a few days prior flashed through his mind, and the smile on his face faded quietly.

Shen Tingzhou: ?

Not sure if it was his imagination, he felt that Fu Huaifei had turned to stone. Before he could understand what was happening, Fu Huaifei leaned against the wall and started coughing lightly.

He revealed his gracefully slender swan-like neck, coughing in a manner that seemed both affected yet exquisitely beautiful.

Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but descend a few steps, worriedly asking, "Are you alright?"

Fu Huaifei looked over, his handsome features bathed in warm light, the purple veins clearly visible, frail yet incredibly delicate.

He smiled weakly, "I'm fine, it's just an old ailment, cough, cough."

Shen Tingzhou felt that Fu Huaifei must not be in good health, but as a doctor, he sensed that this poor health was somewhat deliberately crafted.

After all, who would cough like that?

Xu Xun moved past Shen Tingzhou, descending the stairs to support Fu Huaifei, "Uncle, you tend to get short of breath, speak less."

Fu Huaifei glanced back at Shen Tingzhou, his gaze pitiful and gentle, his voice soft, "My apologies."

Xu Xun gently adjusted Fu Huaifei's head, guiding him to the sofa, "Sit down."

Shen Tingzhou walked over and asked, "Do you need your blood pressure checked?"

Fu Huaifei, with his red lips and pale skin, gave Shen Tingzhou a gentle smile, "I'm fine now, thank you for your concern."

Xu Xun interjected, "Uncle, last time when you fell into the water, it was Doctor Shen who performed CPR on you after you were pulled out soaking wet."

The mention of "soaking wet" made Fu Huaifei's smile falter, and he tried to ignore Xu Xun's words, changing the subject.

"You're called Shen Yisheng?" Fu Huaifei praised, "What a nice name."

Shen Tingzhou: "...No, my profession is being a doctor, my real name is Shen Tingzhou."

Fu Huaifei paused, looking slightly reproachful at Xu Xun, "Why did you call him by his profession? That's impolite."

Xu Xun glanced at him without saying a word.

Fu Huaifei turned back to Shen Tingzhou, "Tingzhou."

The way he pronounced these two words, as if savoring them, made Shen Tingzhou's skin prickle.

Xu Xun pointed to the floor, asking Shen Tingzhou, "Doctor Shen, is the thing on the floor yours?"

Shen Tingzhou followed his hand but saw nothing.

Xu Xun said, "I mean this pile of chicken skin beans."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

The elegant Fu Huaifei clearly didn't understand, "Chicken what?"

Xu Xun repeated, "Skin beans."

Fu Huaifei remained puzzled, "What are chicken skin beans?"

It was just a reference to goosebumps, but Shen Tingzhou found it awkward to explain, so he changed the topic, asking Fu Huaifei, "Mr. Fu, do you drink hot water?"

Xu Xun replied, "My uncle never drinks hot water; his blood flows with hand-ground coffee, oh, and tea brewed by Sangyan."

Shen Tingzhou: Elegant, truly elegant.

But...

Shen Tingzhou couldn't resist asking, "What about at night?"

Fu Huaifei smiled slightly, "At night, I drink seawater extracted from a thousand feet below the surface in Hawaii, desalinated and mixed with purified water and a slice of lemon. Sometimes, I also have some wine to help me sleep."

Shen Tingzhou: "...That sounds great, but do you have that Hawaiian seawater here?"

Fu Huaifei corrected him gently, "It's seawater from a thousand feet below the surface in Hawaii, and I brought some with me."

As he finished speaking, the door opened again, and a handsome young man in a tailcoat and white gloves directed a team inside.

Over a dozen oversized suitcases were wheeled in, and the young man stood at the door, counting each one.

To Shen Tingzhou, these suitcases all looked identical, but the young man could distinguish them at a glance.

When the third suitcase came in, the young man stopped them.

"This is Mr. Fu's drinking water; take them to the ice cellar in the basement."

When the seventh suitcase was wheeled in, the young man instructed the person pushing it, "Open the suitcase, take the fifth set of tableware from the left side of the third row; Mr. Fu will use it tonight."

"This box contains the gentleman's coffee machine. Take it to the kitchen."

"These are the gentleman's personal items. Place them upstairs. Don't enter the room; just leave them at the door. I'll arrange them personally later."

"Put these in the storage room; we won't need them for now."

The young man skillfully arranged each box, knowing exactly what was inside.

Shen Tingzhou always thought his memory was excellent, but compared to this young man, it seemed rather ordinary.

After everything was arranged, Sangyan came over to greet Fu Huaifei.

Seeing Shen Tingzhou sitting on the sofa, Sangyan was slightly taken aback and then nodded slightly to acknowledge Shen Tingzhou.

Shen Tingzhou also nodded back as a greeting.

The Steward approached, and Sangyan's demeanor changed slightly, with a slight lift of his eyebrows.

For Sangyan, who was professionally trained, this was already a sign of considerable dissatisfaction.

The gentleman had been here for half a day, and he hadn't even arranged for tea and snacks, leaving the guest sitting there idle.

Sangyan found it hard to imagine how someone who had served as a steward for over thirty years hadn't been fired by their employer.

Xu Xun, oh, now renamed Xu Xun.

How pitiful this gentleman was, never having met a proper steward, and it seemed like he had gotten used to it.

Sangyan cast a sympathetic glance at Xu Xun and then walked into the kitchen with a proud yet humble stride to prepare tea and snacks.

-

The Steward knew Fu Huaifei, and they seemed to have a good relationship.

Fu Huaifei greeted him, "Long time no see. How is your health?"

The Steward smiled in reply, "Quite well."

"Xiao Xun has been in your care."

"You're too kind. It's my duty."

Hearing their conversation, Shen Tingzhou felt a sense of temporal dislocation, as if he had been transported to medieval Europe.

A powerful lord conversing with another powerful lord... or rather, his steward.

Fu Huaifei spoke calmly and measuredly, "Ever since my sister passed away, Xiao Xun has only me left as family. I originally planned to take him abroad and sent more than ten letters. Didn't you receive them?"

The Steward said, "We don't use carrier pigeons anymore."

Fu Huaifei: "...I used international courier service."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

The Steward: "I'll go look for them when I get back."

Fu Huaifei: "...Alright."

Fu Huaifei stopped talking about this topic and turned his attention back to Shen Tingzhou.

"Tingzhou, do you remember our first meeting?"

Xu Xun immediately looked over, surprised that there was a 'first' meeting?

Feeling the pressure from these two intense gazes, Shen Tingzhou felt even more stressed, and the more stressed he was, the less he could think.

This...

Seeing that he couldn't answer right away, Fu Huaifei was a bit disappointed, turning his face slightly to reveal his elegant neck line, silently exuding sadness.

After a moment, he turned back to remind him, "Three years ago, abroad, at an art exhibition."

Shen Tingzhou vaguely remembered and tentatively said, "At the Bronte Art Gallery?"

Fu Huaifei excitedly reached out to grab Shen Tingzhou's hand, "You finally remembered."

His hand was intercepted mid-air.

Fu Huaifei turned his head and saw Xu Xun place his hand on his hand without expression. Fu Huaifei immediately understood—

Xiao Xun missed his uncle.

Go ahead and hold hands.

Fu Huaifei gladly held Xu Xun's hand and then smiled at Shen Tingzhou, waiting for his reflections on their encounter.

But Shen Tingzhou had already finished saying what he wanted to say, with no further insights or thoughts.

Xu Xun added fuel to the fire, "It happened three years ago. How could Dr. Shen possibly remember?"

Why not!

That day, Fu Huaifei remembered every detail, not just what Shen Tingzhou said, but even which way the central air conditioning blew his hair. Fu Huaifei stored all of it in his mind.

Such a historic moment of their meeting, how could Tingzhou not remember?

Right, Tingzhou?

Fu Huaifei looked at Shen Tingzhou with full expectation.

Xu Xun continued to pour oil on the fire, "Dr. Shen must have forgotten."

Fu Huaifei felt his nephew was being noisy for the first time and elegantly withdrew his hand, continuing to stare at Shen Tingzhou.

The besieged Shen Tingzhou felt pressure again, "This... how should I say it? Of course, I remember Mr. Fu. After all, Mr. Fu's face is quite memorable..."

These words satisfied Fu Huaifei and made Xu Xun feel relieved.

Shen Tingzhou spoke softly, "...but I do have a bit of trouble recalling what we talked about."

Now Xu Xun started to feel satisfied, while Fu Huaifei, at a loss for words, began to portray a Shakespearean tragic figure once more.

The sorrowful and beautiful neck line returned.

This time, the sorrow was greater; besides the neck line, the shoulders and arms also cooperated, quietly exuding an elegant sadness.

Fu Huaifei looked at Shen Tingzhou, hesitating to speak: "I thought..."

Fu Huaifei then added, "Never would I have imagined..."

Fu Huaifei turned his head, radiating a bright yet sorrowful aura: "It seems I was being presumptuous..."

Fu Huaifei shook his head, unable to continue, turning countless words into a single sigh, "Ah."

Finally, he leaned on the table, coughing like Daiyu.

Shen Tingzhou looked at Xu Xun in confusion, asking with his eyes: What's wrong with him?

Xu Xun replied: Don't mind him.

Shen Tingzhou still seemed worried, so Xu Xun said, "Uncle, why don't you talk about your profession?"

Fu Huaifei revived instantly, humbly saying, "I'm just a small-time painter."

Sensing something, Sangyan poked his head out from the kitchen, immediately joining the conversation, "Mr. Fu's work once won the Alexander Luch Painting Award, which is the Oscar of the painting world!"

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed, "Wow, impressive!"

Fu Huaifei smiled slightly, exuding an air of indifference, "Not worth mentioning, just a hobby. Occasionally, I also make some pottery."

Sangyan's loud voice came from the kitchen once more—

"Mr. Fu's three sets of pottery, one set is displayed in the Ceramic Museum, another was auctioned for charity and collected by a princess, and the third set was given to a friend who was originally an enemy but was eventually charmed by Mr. Fu."

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed, "Wow, impressive!"

Fu Huaifei added, "Sometimes I also play around with jewelry."

Sangyan chimed in, "Mr. Fu helped the national museum restore a century-old antique piece of jewelry and was honored with lifetime free entry to the exhibitions."

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed, "Wow, impressive!"

Fu Huaifei continued, "Occasionally, I also give lectures at my alma mater."

Sangyan added, "Every lecture is packed, and he was even voted as an outstanding lecturer that year."

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed, "Wow, impressive!"

Seeing Fu Huaifei about to show off more, Xu Xun couldn't help but interrupt, "Alright, Uncle, if you're short of breath, don't talk so much, or you'll start coughing again."

Fu Huaifei cooperatively coughed weakly twice, and Sangyan in the kitchen added seven or eight more points.

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed...

Shen Tingzhou couldn't exclaim anymore; his throat was parched.

-

Soon, Sangyan wheeled a dining cart out of the kitchen.

Shen Tingzhou felt he hadn't been in the kitchen for long, yet he had managed to bake so many exquisite cakes and fluffy breads.

Sangyan carefully arranged the cakes on the cake stand and poured them some Earl Grey tea he had brewed himself.

He only brought three cups, not expecting a fourth person at all.

Seeing the Steward sitting leisurely at the round table, Sangyan's smile cracked.

How could a Steward sit idly by while the employer is talking!

No wonder his father didn't think highly of him; now that he saw him in action, it was truly shocking!!

Watching Sangyan bustle around, Shen Tingzhou said, "Thank you for your hard work; please sit down and rest for a moment."

Sangyan glanced sideways at the Steward, implying, "Thank you for your concern, but how can I sit down?"

Shen Tingzhou was taken aback and looked at Fu Huaifei, asking, "Can't he sit?"

Shen Tingzhou had always thought the relationship between a Steward and the employer was akin to family. He had heard that Sangyan's father had worked for the Fu family since he was young, so he assumed they would be casual.

"He can sit," Fu Huaifei looked at Sangyan, also asking, "Can you sit?"

Sangyan forced a smile, "Yes."

He sat down stiffly and awkwardly, barely touching the seat, yet his posture remained straight.

Shen Tingzhou offered his Earl Grey tea to the Steward, who took a sip and said leisurely, "Tastes good."

Faced with his praise, Sangyan wasn't pleased at all.

The Steward ate a piece of cake, "Mm, well-baked."

Sangyan pursed his lips tightly, afraid he might retort—only guests and the master can eat, how dare you indulge!

The steward tore off a piece of cupcake. "Xiao Sang, this seems a bit overdone."

Sangyan almost blurted out, "Overdone? You're the one who's overdone!"

But at the critical moment, he held back. He couldn't embarrass his master and could only force an awkward smile at the steward.

Sangyan maintained his posture throughout, rigid as a steel rod. Shen Tingzhou was worried he might snap.

Seeing Sangyan's discomfort, Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but say, "If you have something else to do..."

Sangyan stood up immediately, as if granted a reprieve, but showed no sign of it on his face, maintaining an impeccable smile. "I do have something else to attend to."

Fu Huaifei considerately said, "Then go ahead."

Sangyan promptly disappeared and didn't reappear for a long time.

Shen Tingzhou found it both amusing and exasperating. It seemed every household had its own peculiarities, and this young steward held himself to a higher standard.

It wasn't until evening that Sangyan reappeared, heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner for Fu Huaifei.

The large dining table was separated by silver candlesticks. Fu Huaifei ate Western cuisine alone, while Shen Tingzhou, Xu Xun, and the steward had Chinese food.

Fu Huaifei even changed into a new outfit for dinner, with Sangyan standing beside him, pouring wine.

Shen Tingzhou glanced over at Fu Huaifei, feeling dazzled by the opulence. Everything gleamed silver, from the polished cutlery to the surroundings.

Surrounded by flowers, candles, and silver light, Fu Huaifei also had his personal steward nearby.

Due to the distance, conversation was difficult. Fu Huaifei raised his voice slightly, "Tingzhou..."

Shen Tingzhou looked over, momentarily blinded by the brilliance.

At that moment, Xu Xun offered a dish, "Try this pigeon. The skin is crispy, and it's good with sugar."

Shen Tingzhou turned back, "Thank you."

Fu Huaifei's lips moved silently for a moment before he found an excuse to speak, "Tingzhou, I haven't asked about your hobbies."

Xu Xun said, "Doctor Shen, could you pass me some napkins?"

"Oh, sure." Shen Tingzhou handed the napkins to him and replied to Fu Huaifei, "I like... staying home alone."

Fu Huaifei smiled, "I often enjoy being alone too. There are a few of my paintings hanging in the house. Would you like to see them with me?"

Xu Xun looked up, "Uncle, we drove here today and are quite tired. We should sleep early tonight."

Fu Huaifei seemed a little disappointed, "Alright."

He was about to speak again when the steward interjected, "Let's eat first."

Sangyan looked at the steward in disbelief. How could he interrupt his employer!

In the Xu family, the steward's word was authority, and both Shen Tingzhou and Xu Xun fell silent.

Fu Huaifei also had to stop talking and quietly continued eating.

-

Later that night, as Sangyan handed Fu Huaifei his ironed pajamas,

"Sir, you know I don't usually gossip behind others' backs, but isn't Mr. Xu's steward a bit too..."

He wanted to say "uncouth," but thought it too harsh and instead said "average professional standards."

Fu Huaifei unbuttoned his shirt's crystal buttons, "He watched Xiao Xun grow up. He's like an elder to Xiao Xun, just like your father to me. I understand him."

Sangyan disagreed internally but didn't want to contradict his master.

Fu Huaifei put on his pajamas, "Sangyan, what do you think of Tingzhou?"

Sangyan folded Fu Huaifei's freshly removed shirt, "The doctor? He's nice, well-spoken, and eats politely."

After he finished speaking, Fu Huaifei remained silent.

Sangyan looked over, "Sir?"

Fu Huaifei's eyes sparkled, his cheeks flushed red, "What do you think of him as my partner?"

Sangyan was surprised but answered seriously, "As long as it's your choice, I will always support you."

Fu Huaifei seemed a bit embarrassed, "Do you remember the muse I told you about?"

Sangyan thought for a moment and hesitantly asked, "Is it the one you met three years ago at the Bronte Gallery? Could it be—"

Fu Huaifei nodded.

Sangyan exclaimed, "Oh my, what a coincidence! And he saved you last time too."

Fu Huaifei's blush deepened, "Perhaps it's true that if you never forget someone, they'll come back to you."

Sangyan genuinely felt happy for Fu Huaifei, "Now that you've found him, you mustn't let this opportunity slip away."

Fu Huaifei shyly clutched a pillow, "Will he like me?"

Sangyan responded firmly, "Of course, who wouldn't like someone as excellent as you?"

Fu Huaifei, like a young man in love, fidgeted for a while before sharing more about his crush.

"I never expected to meet him again. There were many people in the gallery, but only he stopped in front of my painting. He said it brought him inner peace. I felt he understood me and my work."

-

Xu Xun said he would sleep early tonight, but after his shower, he came knocking on Shen Tingzhou's door.

Xu Xun came this time to inquire about the art exhibition at that certain gallery three years ago.

Shen Tingzhou had truly forgotten all about it. Under Xu Xun's questioning, he recalled some details.

At that time, he attended an academic discussion with his teacher. His teacher had something urgent to attend to and asked him to take the stage in his place.

It was a well-known event in the industry, and even Shen Tingzhou felt somewhat nervous. He went to see the art exhibition with a companion to ease his anxiety.

The exhibition hall was crowded, and Shen Tingzhou got separated from his companion. He stopped at the only blank spot.

There were few people here, so he silently recited his speech in front of the wall.

Just as he finished, a handsome young man came over to chat with him.

Having finally memorized the entire speech, Shen Tingzhou felt relieved and praised how peaceful this place made him feel.

Xu Xun doubted, "Was that it?"

Shen Tingzhou nodded, "That was it."

He had no idea there was a painting there, nor did he know that he had inadvertently become someone else's confidant.

In the end, Shen Tingzhou sighed, "But looking at your uncle's personality, he doesn't seem like someone who would commit suicide."

Xu Xun commented, "He lives like a peacock."

It had to be said that this assessment was quite accurate.

Shen Tingzhou couldn't help but laugh, "Was he like that when he was a child?"

Xu Xun complained, "Yeah, he was always dramatic as a kid, and now Sangyan has spoiled him even more. It wasn't this bad before."

Shen Tingzhou looked at him, "Why do I feel like you don't really like him, but also don't really dislike him?"

Xu Xun had a nonchalant attitude, "It's just like that."

He didn't dislike Fu Huaifei; at most, he found him troublesome when they were kids.

A peacock that likes to spread its feathers all the time can indeed make one want to tie its tail up sometimes.

Shen Tingzhou asked again, "What about you when you were a kid?"

Xu Xun lifted his head and saw Shen Tingzhou's eyes filled with a gentle smile. He paused for a few seconds, "I was well-behaved and obedient as a kid, nothing like him."

Shen Tingzhou replied, "The Steward might have his own opinion."

Xu Xun: "Hmph!"

-

The next morning, while Sangyan was busy in the kitchen, Fu Huaifei came in.

Sangyan was greatly surprised, "Sir, why are you here? Do you want coffee? I'll make it right away."

"No," Fu Huaifei's long hair was tied back, revealing a slightly shy face, "I wanted to prepare something for Tingzhou, so he could drink or eat it when he wakes up."

Sangyan relaxed, thinking that perhaps he hadn't taken good care of his master, prompting him to come and urge him.

In Sangyan's mind, if the master had to express his needs, it meant he had failed in his duties.

Sangyan said, "You're really kind to Dr. Shen. If he knew everything you've done for him, I can't imagine how moved he'd be."

Fu Huaifei blushed and lowered his head, "Not really."

Sangyan asked, "So, what do you want to make?"

Fu Huaifei looked blank, "I don't know."

They stared at each other for a few seconds—Fu Huaifei, ignorant in the kitchen, and Sangyan, deep in thought as a culinary expert.

After a moment of contemplation, based on his understanding of his master, Sangyan suggested, "How about making a glass of juice?"

"Is that too simple?"

"How could it be? Juice cleanses the intestines and is full of nutrients. Drinking a glass in the morning can brighten your whole day, especially when you make it yourself. I'm sure Dr. Shen will be very happy."

"Great!"

Fu Huaifei elegantly rolled up his sleeves, full of determination, "So... what's the first step?"

Sangyan took out two sweet oranges from the refrigerator, "Cut them open first."

Fu Huaifei performed the task with great ceremony, placing the oranges solemnly on the cutting board and picking up a fruit knife.

Sangyan gave endless encouragement, as if they were cutting not fruit but the future of humanity.

When Shen Tingzhou came downstairs, he heard a scream from the kitchen. He jumped and ran over quickly.

Sangyan was holding Fu Huaifei's bleeding hand under the running tap.

Shen Tingzhou asked, "What happened?"

Sangyan looked deeply remorseful, "It's all my fault. I didn't hold the orange properly, and Sir cut his finger."

Fu Huaifei looked pale and weak, "It's not your fault."

Sangyan continued to blame himself, "Sir's hands are so important. Because of my mistake, they bled so much. I was too careless."

Fu Huaifei said, "I was the one who was careless. Don't say that."

Sangyan insisted, "It's me, all me..."

When they were performing their dramatic farewell, Shen Tingzhou had already arrived with disinfectant and medicine.

Shen Tingzhou took Fu Huaifei's hand and examined the wound. "It's fine; the blade just grazed the skin."

Sangyan's face was filled with concern. "Doctor, please take a thorough look; Master's hand is very important!"

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Fu Huaifei said weakly, "Xiao Sang, don't bother Tingzhou while he stitches my wound."

Sangyan promptly shut his mouth.

After disinfecting the wound, Shen Tingzhou used a band-aid to "stitch" it up.

Seeing Shen Tingzhou take out a band-aid, Sangyan's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly reminded him, "Doctor Shen, Master is allergic to band-aids."

Shen Tingzhou paused and looked up. "Is it an allergy to one of the ingredients inside?"

Sangyan: "No, it's an allergy to the adhesive on the band-aid."

Shen Tingzhou had no choice but to switch to gauze.

After finishing the bandaging, Sangyan asked, "Doctor Shen, are there any dietary restrictions we should follow?"

Shen Tingzhou: "...No."

For such a minor injury, he could eat and drink as usual; there was nothing special to be mindful of.

Sangyan carefully supported the "overblooded" Fu Huaifei back to his room to rest.

"Master, are you feeling dizzy?"

"It's okay."

"Watch your step; tell me if you feel unwell."

"Mm."

Shen Tingzhou wore an expression that said, "Even though I don't understand, they must have their reasons."

A moment later, the Steward called from the hallway, "Doctor Shen, hurry, Young Master is injured."

Shen Tingzhou jumped, grabbed his medical kit, and rushed upstairs.

Pushing open the bedroom door, he saw Xu Xun sitting on the bed, his entire arm wrapped in thick bandages, looking critically injured.

Shen Tingzhou was shaken. "What happened?"

Xu Xun, mirroring Fu Huaifei's weakness, replied, "Accident."

To get hurt like this is too careless!

Shen Tingzhou peeled off the bandages layer by layer, like peeling an onion, and still found no blood at the last layer.

Finally removing all the bandages, he saw a faint red scratch, like one made by a fingernail.

The Steward behind Shen Tingzhou said, "So I told you to hurry; if you didn't, with the temperature in here, he might get heat rash soon."

Shen Tingzhou: ...

Xu Xun stared straight at Shen Tingzhou, weak and helpless. "It hurts."

Should I blow on it for you?

Shen Tingzhou held Xu Xun's gaze for a few seconds before finally taking out a band-aid. "How about sticking one on it? Is that okay?"

Xu Xun nodded.

The Steward clicked his tongue.

Shen Tingzhou tore open the band-aid and stuck it on Xu Xun's "injured" arm.

Seeing Xu Xun trying to wrap more bandages around it, Shen Tingzhou stopped him. "A band-aid is enough; wrapping it will really cause heat rash."

Xu Xun showed a hint of regret but ultimately compromised and went to the bathroom.

Turning back, Shen Tingzhou met the Steward's disapproving gaze.

Shen Tingzhou lowered his head in shame, whispering to himself: I know I shouldn't, but he said it hurts.

-

After the morning incident, Sangyan no longer allowed Fu Huaifei into the kitchen, and the Steward forbade Xu Xun from touching bandages again.

The two "educated" uncle and nephew sat on the sofa, each lost in their own troubles.

Fu Huaifei's troubles were sweet. After being encouraged by Sangyan last night, his desire to pursue Shen Tingzhou grew stronger.

He sat on the sofa making plans, but lacking experience, he subconsciously wanted to show off in front of Shen Tingzhou.

Xu Xun, on the other hand, was annoyed that the Steward had disrupted his plan. As for the person beside him...

Glancing sideways at his sticky uncle, Xiao Xu showed a slight disdain.

Manipulating Fu Huaifei is too easy!

Sangyan, who had been busy preparing afternoon tea in the kitchen, came out with coffee and snacks, only to see Fu Huaifei, who couldn't join the conversation, gradually becoming dejected. His protective instincts surged.

Sangyan deliberately inserted himself between Shen Tingzhou and Xu Xun and placed several snacks down.

He smiled at Shen Tingzhou and said, "I noticed you like matcha-flavored things, so I specially made some for you today."

Shen Tingzhou was surprised by his observance and sincerely said, "You've really troubled yourself."

Sangyan smiled and shook his head. "Not at all, I should thank you for this morning. Sir originally wanted to make you some fruit juice but ended up hurting his hand."

Make him fruit juice?

Shen Tingzhou looked towards Fu Huaifei, who shyly lowered his head.

Xu Xun: "How could Uncle be so careless? Well, it makes sense since you've never been in the kitchen and don't know how to do these things."

Smelling the tea, Sangyan immediately countered, "Does Mr. Xu often enter the kitchen?"

Xu Xun raised his voice slightly. "Not when I'm at home, but I learned to cook, wash dishes, and pick vegetables while staying at Dr. Shen's place."

Fu Huaifei shed his shyness and looked up. "You stayed at Tingzhou's house?"

Shen Tingzhou explained, "Mr. Xu's house had termites, so he stayed with me for a few days while they were being exterminated. He helped me a lot during that time."

Fu Huaifei responded with an "Oh," understanding now.

Hearing about termites, Sangyan frowned.

As a steward, shouldn't he check the house daily? To let termites infest the place before calling for extermination is truly, truly negligent.

Shen Tingzhou continued the conversation, "The state where you live also seems prone to termite infestations, right? Is your house okay?"

Sangyan immediately replied, "Of course!"

Under his watch, the house had remained as good as new after seven or eight years!

Proudly, Sangyan added, "Our front lawn wins first place every year in the annual competition."

Shen Tingzhou remarked, "We don't have such competitions here."

Sangyan felt a bit regretful, but given the steward's lazy style, even if there were competitions, they would likely come in last.

Tsk, how pitiful.

Shen Tingzhou then said, "But the steward does grow many flowers and takes good care of them."

Sangyan thought to himself, you haven't seen our house!

However, he wouldn't contradict a guest, regardless of his inner thoughts, and smiled politely.

The steward walked over with a pomegranate. "Would you like some pomegranate? It promotes blood circulation and relieves hangovers, especially good for facial stiffness."

Seeing no takers, the steward handed two seeds to Sangyan. "I think you need them."

Sangyan: ...

Thank you.

-

To help his master win the heart of his beloved, Sangyan went all out.

After dinner, he carried a basket filled with cleaning tools and knocked on Shen Tingzhou's door.

Unexpectedly, the steward opened the door.

Thinking he might have gone to the wrong room, the steward clarified, "This is Dr. Shen's room, we're just talking about others behind their backs."

Sangyan: ...

The steward asked, "Is there something you need?"

Sangyan's expression was subtle; he avoided looking into the steward's eyes and stared straight ahead. "Since Dr. Shen has guests, I'll come back later..."

Before he could finish, Shen Tingzhou's voice came from inside. "Who is it? Come in."

Sangyan had no choice but to enter.

Shen Tingzhou emerged from the bathroom with some fruits. "Mr. Sangyan, would you like some fruit?"

Seeing Shen Tingzhou's warm smile, Sangyan stood awkwardly at the door, unsure whether to enter or leave. "Why don't you talk first? I'll come back later."

Shen Tingzhou paused. "Is there something you need?"

Sangyan replied, "Nothing, just wondering if Dr. Shen needs his bedding tidied up?"

Shen Tingzhou: Ah?

Ten minutes later, Sangyan laid the fluffed-up quilt flat on the bed and began to burn incense.

"This helps with sleep. The scent isn't too strong. If Dr. Shen is sensitive to fragrances, he can burn it at the corner of the bed."

Shen Tingzhou exclaimed, "The quilt is so soft! Can it be made like this just by fluffing it?"

Sangyan explained, "It depends on the material inside the quilt."

Shen Tingzhou asked, "What if static electricity builds up in winter with woolen items?"

Sangyan replied, "What kind of material is it?"

Shen Tingzhou listed all the woolen items at home, and Sangyan provided various tips for organizing and eliminating static electricity based on the materials.

Shen Tingzhou carefully noted everything down. "Thank you so much; this is really helpful for me."

Sangyan humbly responded, "It's just a small matter."

The steward suddenly asked, "Does this incense really help with sleep?"

Sangyan's smile faded slightly. "It still depends on the individual's constitution."

The Steward suddenly sighed, "These old bones of mine have been suffering from insomnia lately too."

Sangyan initially didn't want to pay attention, but he had graduated from the Butler Academy, and asking about guests' needs was ingrained in him. Even though the Steward wasn't a guest, he instinctively said, "If you need it, I can come to your room and burn some incense."

As soon as he said it, he regretted it, hoping the other party wouldn’t take his politeness seriously.

But the Steward didn’t hesitate, "Really? Can you?"

Sangyan wanted to say no, but his mouth responded, "Of course."

Sangyan: Damn mouth, damn instincts!

The Steward: "Then it’s a bother for you."

Sangyan closed his eyes, feeling like dying.

While Sangyan deliberately lingered in the room, the Steward kept talking about his old bones. Sangyan could only go to his room and burn incense for him first.

After the Steward left, Shen Tingzhou couldn’t help but ask, "Why do you keep teasing him?"

The Steward slowly replied, "He’s still too young. Let these old bones teach him a lesson. Being stubborn is the bane of a gentleman. This advice also applies to you, Doctor Shen."

Shen Tingzhou: "…Thanks."

The Steward stood up, "I’ll go check on him."

Shen Tingzhou couldn’t help but say, "Please be gentle."

The Steward smiled slightly, "Don’t worry, I won’t make him cry."

Shen Tingzhou: …

-

The Steward didn’t make him cry, but he was so angry that he didn’t sleep well for half the night.

The next day, Sangyan, with dark circles under his eyes, met Fu Huaifei, who also had dark circles.

Sangyan was shocked, "Sir, what happened? Did the sleep aid incense not work last night?"

Fu Huaifei waved his hand weakly, "It’s not your fault. Little Xun came to chat with me yesterday."

Sangyan was angry, "Did he say something?"

Fu Huaifei muttered, "Actually, thinking about it, he didn’t really say anything. Why couldn’t I sleep?"

Sangyan said angrily, "This must be their master-servant conspiracy! You mustn’t fall for it. Fortunately, I found out an important piece of information last night."

Fu Huaifei’s unfocused gaze regained focus, "What is it?"

Sangyan said, "Doctor Shen likes cats. You can approach him through his interests."

Fu Huaifei was still dazed, "How should I approach him?"

Sangyan: "Appeal to his interests!"

After hearing Sangyan’s idea, Fu Huaifei’s eyes lit up again.

So, during breakfast, Fu Huaifei invited Shen Tingzhou, "Tingzhou, would you like to see some cats?"

Shen Tingzhou looked up sharply, "Cats?"

Fu Huaifei smiled, "Do you know Cat Millionaire?"

Shen Tingzhou was taken aback, "Is that the Persian cat with heterochromia that has millions of followers on an app?"

Fu Huaifei invited Shen Tingzhou, "Yes, its owner is... a friend of mine. We’re meeting today. Would you like to come along and see the cat?"

Sangyan added, "Not just this one internet-famous cat, there will be several others too. I heard one can even dance belly dance."

A cat that can dance belly dance?

Shen Tingzhou’s eyes started sparkling.

Fu Huaifei continued, "Yes, it can dance belly dance and wear those dancer-style costumes."

If it were a person, Shen Tingzhou wouldn’t be interested at all, but who could resist seeing a cat in a dancer costume doing a belly dance?

Sangyan increased his efforts and directly played a video of the cat dancer on his phone.

Shen Tingzhou: Wow, a real dancer cat! I can’t believe how cute it will be if they perform live!

Shen Tingzhou’s heart was already set on going, until he saw Xu Xun with an expressionless face.

Shen Tingzhou: His heart instantly died.

Ah!

Sangyan had anticipated this situation and glanced at Fu Huaifei.

Fu Huaifei received the signal and raised his voice slightly, "What’s wrong, Tingzhou? Could it be that Little Xun doesn’t want you to go?"

Sangyan kept encouraging Fu Huaifei, making a gesture that meant ‘great, please continue.’

Fu Huaifei became more confident and continued in a higher-pitched voice, "It’s just petting other cats. If it were me, I wouldn’t be upset. I think Little Xun feels the same way, right, Little Xun?"

Author's note:

Uncle: Little Xun doesn’t want you to pet other cats; he’s being naughty.

Forced to reveal the depth of his tea knowledge, the serious and formal uncle of tea.