Lady Xiao smiled like a blossoming flower, warmly visiting each newly appointed household servant and expressing genuine concern for their well-being. Lady Xiao, having a background in the business world, was merely putting on a show, but the effect was already remarkable. Several emotionally touched household servants were on the verge of tears, treating Lady Xiao as their second parents.
Lin Wanrong's stomach was growling with hunger, and paying no attention to Lady Xiao's arrival, he hastily grabbed a few bites of food. Only when Lady Xiao approached him did he manage to swallow a mouthful of hot food.
"Madam, this is Lin San," Steward Wang introduced Lin Wanrong to Lady Xiao.
Lady Xiao took a glance at Lin San. With a pleasing appearance and an amiable demeanor, he exuded an approachable charm. She smiled and said to Lin Wanrong, "You are the contracted employee Lin San?"
Lin Wanrong stood up and replied, "Yes, Madam, I am Lin San." He naturally extended his hand, intending to shake hands with Lady Xiao—a basic courtesy in his world.
However, Lady Xiao's expression changed abruptly, and in a cold tone, she said, "What are you doing?"
According to ancient customs, men and women should not be too intimate. As a virtuous widow, Lady Xiao valued her reputation highly and was strict about etiquette. Hearing that Lin Wanrong was attempting a handshake, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Lin Wanrong, realizing his grave mistake, quickly thought of a countermeasure. Without retracting his hand, he confidently said, "Shaking hands, Madam."
"Shaking hands?" Lady Xiao furrowed her brows, not expecting such straightforwardness.
"Yes, in my hometown, a handshake is the most basic etiquette when two people meet for the first time," Lin Wanrong explained in a simple and natural manner, wearing a harmless smile on his face. With his pleasant appearance, he seemed trustworthy.
"Daring!" Both Steward Wang and Deputy Steward Pang angrily shouted. What audacity this man had to touch Lady Xiao.
"No matter," Lady Xiao smiled and gestured to stop the two stewards. Before Miss Xiao took over the family, Lady Xiao had been managing the business for a long time. She had kept the Xiao family in good order and was no simple character. In fact, she was a strong woman. To protect herself, she had encountered various types of men and was familiar with different kinds of gazes. Observing Lin Wanrong's eyes, she saw nothing indecent. It seemed that she had misunderstood.
Lin Wanrong, looking at Lady Xiao up close, still found her to be an outstanding woman. Her complexion was as fair as jade, her eyes were beautiful, and there was not a single wrinkle at the corners. However, occasional frowns hinted at hidden worries.
"This is a true strong woman," Lin Wanrong sighed, comparing her to the various female leaders he had encountered during his time as a market manager. She was not inferior, and even more beautiful.
"Where is your hometown?" Lady Xiao asked with some interest in this contracted employee. After all, the concept of a contracted employee was new and innovative.
"My hometown? It's very far away, probably a place you wouldn't know," Lin Wanrong replied, a touch of desolation appearing in his eyes. He was like a floating duckweed, uncertain of his whereabouts.
Seeing that he didn't want to elaborate, Lady Xiao didn't press further. Since he had signed a one-year work contract with the Xiao family, he could be dismissed at any time. Worried that an insignificant servant would abandon the Xiao family? Lady Xiao couldn't help but find her concerns amusing. Talented individuals were to be retained in the Xiao family, a conclusion she had drawn from years of struggling in the business world.
Lady Xiao friendly smiled at Lin Wanrong and then turned away. She would not shake hands with him. No matter what peculiar customs he had in his hometown, he needed to adapt to the local etiquette. If news spread that she, a virtuous widow, shook hands with a lowly servant, her virtuous reputation would be ruined.
Ascending the platform, Lady Xiao delivered an enthusiastic speech to the newly appointed household servants, welcoming them and encouraging loyalty and dedication to the Xiao family. Towards the end, Lin Wanrong witnessed a familiar scene—an address by the representative of the new household servants. This cliché made him laugh and cry. He had attended numerous school opening ceremonies and opening events, and this seemed to be no exception in this world.
The representative who took the stage was none other than the bookish Xiao Feng.
Nervously walking up to the platform, Xiao Feng took out a pre-written paper from his pocket, hands trembling as he stammered, "Work diligently, strive for progress, love Dahu, love the Xiao family."
Lin Wanrong spat out all the food he had in his mouth, drawing angry glares from the devout household servants around him.
Returning to his small courtyard in the garden, Lin Wanrong tidied up his belongings. Not finding Uncle Fu, he assumed the old man was probably taking a nap. Elderly folks tended to follow this routine.
Just as he was about to lie down on the bed, he heard a series of chirping voices in the courtyard.
"Oh, these peonies are so beautiful, they suit me well."
"I think that clump of dogtail grass suits you better."
"I inquired and found out that the handsome young servant assigned today is under Uncle Fu."
"Yes, yes, I came to see him. Heard he's tall, with big eyes, healthy skin, full of masculine charm—"
"Tch, look at your appearances. Let me tell you, this handsome guy is quite arrogant, even refusing to settle the accounts with Steward Wang—"
"He might not settle with Steward Wang, but when it comes to managing the household for this beauty, he'll definitely agree."
"Tch—"
"Enough, let's pick flowers first, then the handsome guy. Yeah!"
Lin Wanrong tightly covered his mouth. Was he in a spider's lair? How did he encounter this group of enchantresses?
He walked out and saw about a dozen maids in the courtyard, youthful and charming. Though not necessarily beautiful, they possessed the vigor of youth. They were busy picking flowers in the flowerbed.