Chapter 12: Mango Pomelo Sago

Chapter 12 Willow Branch Sweet Dew

While others might not grasp Zhu Zhiqian’s meaning, Yun Fan understood perfectly. It was a thinly veiled invitation for Yun Fan to consider him—if the Wen family’s lofty gates were out of reach, Zhu Zhiqian’s arms were open.

Then, Yun Fan could offer himself as a stepping stone.

But Yun Fan was no fool. He needed to nip such notions in the bud. He had no desire to endure the hardships of work, let alone taste the bitterness of love.

Seeing Yun Fan unmoved, Zhu Zhiqian felt a pang of awkwardness, his brow furrowing as he regarded Yun Fan. Yun Fan’s looks certainly appealed to him, but now he seemed rather dim-witted.

How could anyone harbor such unrealistic dreams of social climbing?

Zhu Zhiqian’s unwelcome advances had left Yun Fan feeling a bit deflated. Fortunately, upon returning to Langyuntai and washing his hands, Man Shu called out to him.

"Butler Yun, come quickly and try this bowl of Willow Branch Sweet Dew," Man Shu said, his face crinkling with smiles. "I thought you might understand the young master’s preferences better. Give me your opinion."

The sweet-and-sour flavor, the perfect blend of soft and crisp textures, immediately brightened Yun Fan’s mood. He smiled and declared, "The young master will surely love it!"

Nearby, the old butler frowned slightly. In the past, the plump chef had always consulted *him*. Zhu Zhiqian shrugged and said, "Father, if you don’t help me soon, I’m afraid your job will be taken from you."

Ever since Yun Fan arrived, Man Shu noticed his words never went unheeded. He didn’t watch *xiangsheng* (crosstalk comedy) and didn’t realize Yun Fan was a perfect *penggen* (the straight man in crosstalk), but he knew he felt happy whenever he spoke with Yun Fan.

"Let me tell you the origin of this 'Yangzhi Ganlu'," Man Shu said with a gentle smile. "The Bodhisattva Guanyin holds a willow branch in her right hand, and the dew from the precious vase in her left hand is called 'Yangzhi Ganlu' (Willow Branch Sweet Dew)."

"Legend has it that this dew brings auspiciousness and well-being."

"Xiao Yun, Man Shu hopes that after drinking this sweet dew, your hardships will turn to sweetness, and you’ll live a long, healthy life," Man Shu said affectionately, patting Yun Fan’s head.

Yun Fan squinted and smiled, fully aware of Man Shu’s heartfelt blessings. Older people had offered similar sentiments to him in the past, and he had always accepted them graciously.

"Mmm, thank you, Man Shu," Yun Fan said sincerely, his mouth still sweet from the dessert.

Zhu Zhiqian raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Look at him, a mere butler, making everyone in this building so happy. Dad, this is something you haven’t managed in decades."

The old butler clenched his left fist, shifting uncomfortably, and replied, "I am only responsible to my employer."

*

Liu Erxing rarely visited his father Liu Jun's company, and whenever he did, he instantly became the center of attention. The stares were so intense that he smirked and saluted them.

He had a lean build that looked even more impressive without clothes, walking with such confidence he could have been a model.

But everyone knew that Young Master Liu Erxing preferred flying to walking. He was a pilot in the aviation rescue team, spending his time saving lives when he wasn’t eating, drinking, or having fun.

A carefree and almost legendary figure.

But in the eyes of his father, Liu Jun, he was just eccentric.

Liu Jun managed the mainland branch of Wenming Entertainment. Higher up, the head of the Hong Kong headquarters was Wen Tingwang, Liu Erxing’s adopted grandfather and Wen Zhaofu’s granduncle.

Liu Jun owed his position entirely to Liu Erxing. Liu Erxing’s grandparents were close friends with Wen Tingwang, who, having never married or had children, took Liu Erxing as his adopted grandson.

Liu Jun and Liu Erxing’s mother had divorced early on. When Liu Jun heard that his son had been adopted into a wealthy family, he eagerly ingratiated himself into the picture, persuading Wen Tingwang to accept him as a godson.

Wen Tingwang, still unmarried at seventy, found most things troublesome. He rarely left Hong Kong, but expanding Wenming Entertainment was necessary, so he handed the task to Liu Jun.

"Take this box of snail caviar to your adopted grandfather," Liu Jun said, placing an exquisite box in front of Liu Erxing. "I heard he’s been seeking high-quality products lately, so I had someone bring this from France."

Liu Erxing pushed the box away disdainfully, waving a hand in front of his nose. "I bet it’s terrible. If it were any good, our ancestors would’ve recorded it long ago."

"Don’t worry about that. What matters is making the old man happy," Liu Jun said with an insincere smile.

"Yeah, to make adopted grandfather happy, you’d even have me change my surname," Liu Erxing said, his handsome face breaking into a defiant grin.

Liu Jun had indeed suggested it. If not for Liu Erxing’s grandfather leaving a will strictly forbidding any surname changes, there might already be a Wen Jun or Wen Erxing by now.

"Xingxing, quit flying that rickety plane. It’s tiring and dangerous. Why not join the entertainment industry?" Liu Jun persuaded. "With your looks, you could rival any A-lister. Come on, I’ll feed you resources. We’d make a great team, father and son."

"Nah, I’ll stick to flying that rickety plane," Liu Erxing shrugged. "The more people I save, the better I balance the family’s karma. That way, those who’ve done too many shady deeds won’t disturb Grandpa’s peace in heaven."

The jab was unmistakable, and Liu Jun understood it perfectly. But for the sake of his plans, he pretended not to hear.

"Just remember what I told you. I won’t bother you about anything else," Liu Jun waved his hand, signaling for Liu Erxing to leave.

Liu Erxing said nothing, standing up and walking out. Liu Jun’s instructions were always the same: network more with the Wen family, curry favor with Wen Tingwang, and secure as much inheritance as possible after the old man’s passing.

To Liu Erxing, it all seemed childish. Would a wealthy family like the Wens in Hong Kong sit back and let an outsider take their money? They’d likely started planning their asset protection decades ago.

Carrying the caviar, Liu Erxing walked through the public office area. His peach-blossom eyes lit up when he spotted something interesting.

"Miss, where’d you get that phone case?" Liu Erxing pulled out his phone. "Add me on WeChat and send me the link."

Instantly, the area fell silent. Young Master Liu taking the initiative to add someone on WeChat? A first!

*

The next afternoon, Yun Fan received a box of snail caviar delivered by air and a phone case. A note was attached to the case, bearing Liu Erxing’s flamboyant handwriting.

["Butler Yun, I felt this suited you perfectly. The ones online are mediocre, so I had one custom-made. Hope you like it."]

Yun Fan laughed when he saw the words on the case.

"Dog Tamer: For taming disobedient dogs."

What, did Liu Erxing see some dog-training quality in Yun Fan?

Yun Fan examined the phone case from all angles, liking the color combination. His old case had been badly scratched from his earlier fall, so a replacement was welcome.

Otherwise, the old butler would have commented again—a butler’s belongings should match the elegance of the wealthy family.

Though the phone itself was still with him, the contacts from his past were gone. It was old, yet new.

While setting up his phone, Wen Zhaofu returned. Noticing Yun Fan’s smile, he asked what had made him so happy.

Yun Fan showed him the phone case, explaining that Liu Erxing had gifted it.

"Oh? Da Liu gave it to you?" Wen Zhaofu looked surprised, then smiled. "Perhaps it’s to thank you for hosting him during his visit. Keep it."

Yun Fan shook his head. "I was just doing my job as you requested. He should thank you."

Since adjusting the meal schedule, Wen Zhaofu had become more relaxed, even eating slightly more at dinner. Today, the Willow Branch Sweet Dew delighted him, and he seemed much more at ease.

After Wen Zhaofu finished eating and contacted Wen Tingwang, Yun Fan took the caviar and headed to Li Ge.

It had rained again in the afternoon, and the sky was now pitch black, the air thick and sticky. Yun Fan felt uncomfortable.

As he walked intently, a sudden "Woof!" came from the bushes.

"Whoa! Whose dog is that?" Yun Fan jumped back, stepping into a puddle.

Wen Haochen rushed out, grabbing the leash and restraining his Husky. The dog continued staring at Yun Fan, who sighed at his soaked pant leg.

"Are all the dogs in wealthy families this fierce?" Yun Fan muttered.

"I'm sorry, Quanquan just arrived and isn't familiar with this place yet. He has a very gentle temperament." Wen Haochen rubbed the back of his head. "Where are you heading? I'll walk you."

Yun Fan waved his phone, about to decline, when the husky suddenly froze in place. Yun Fan was momentarily surprised, then waved his phone again—the husky remained obediently seated.

"Well, well, this phone case really tames dogs!" Yun Fan exclaimed delightedly. "I'll be on my way now. You get back to your walk. If you can't control him, feel free to come find me!"

Watching Yun Fan walk off happily, Wen Haochen scratched his head in confusion at his bouncing retreat. He suddenly smacked his forehead—"Oh! I'd forgotten to tell Yun Fan that, according to Grandfather, it’s Langyuntai’s turn to handle afternoon tea this month.

Author's Note:

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Collecting [dog head] collecting disobedient [noob dogs]