Early the next day, Lin Wanrong had just risen from bed when he saw Uncle Fu sneaking in cautiously, glancing around nervously before saying, "Lin San, are you alright?"
Lin Wanrong shook his head and replied, "I'm fine, all is well. I had a peaceful night's sleep. Oh, by the way, the dog meat is truly delicious."
Uncle Fu swallowed hard and said with difficulty, "Lin San, don't blame me for not warning you. You mustn't be careless. That was the Mighty General; this matter is not as simple as it seems."
"Uncle Fu, what do you mean?" Lin Wanrong inquired.
"Oh, it's nothing, nothing at all. I just regret leaving too early yesterday and missing out on tasting those delicacies. It's truly a pity." Not having the opportunity to taste those delicacies, Uncle Fu was clearly distancing himself from the matter.
"By the way, Lin San, starting today, I'll teach you some flower cultivation techniques." Seeing that Lin Wanrong wanted to inquire further, Uncle Fu's expression changed abruptly, and he quickly changed the topic.
Observing Uncle Fu's uneasy demeanor and persistently asking about the evil dog and woman, Lin Wanrong received evasive responses. It seemed that Uncle Fu harbored a deep fear of that woman, leaving Lin Wanrong even more perplexed.
Seeing that Uncle Fu was reluctant to discuss that person, Lin Wanrong couldn't think of a better way. He had no choice but to follow Uncle Fu and listen to him talk about the flowers and plants in the garden. With over thirty years of experience immersed in horticulture, Uncle Fu was extremely knowledgeable. Even Lin Wanrong, a complete novice in gardening, felt that he gained a wealth of knowledge from Uncle Fu's few words.
"Uncle Fu, you seem very familiar with flowers and plants. In the entire Jinling City, perhaps only a few people can match your expertise, not to mention the Xiao family." Lin Wanrong admired, genuinely praising Uncle Fu.
"There are countless talents in this world; I've just spent a bit more time in cultivation. Practice makes perfect, but I can't claim to be an expert." Modestly, Uncle Fu said, "Though in Jinling City, there are only a few who truly understand flowers and plants. I have visited them and exchanged ideas."
"That's impressive, Uncle Fu. Have you ever seen a tree like this?" Lin Wanrong recalled the plant he encountered outside the city during the brawl with Dong Qingshuang and roughly described its appearance. Uncle Fu, being an authority in the field, should have some knowledge.
After listening to his description, Uncle Fu fell into deep thought before saying, "Lin San, I have never seen such a tree as you described. Perhaps, when you have time, you can take me to see it."
Lin Wanrong looked distressed and said, "Uncle Fu, you have a distinguished position in the Xiao family and can come and go freely. I am just a lowly servant and cannot move as freely as you. I can't go wherever I please."
"That's true," Uncle Fu nodded. "I owe my current position to the trust of the Old Master and Madam. Lin San, as long as you work hard, you will also reach this level one day. By the way, where did you see that tree in the south of the city? If it's inconvenient for you to go, I will personally check it tomorrow."
Lin Wanrong's intention was to gain a bit more freedom through Uncle Fu. As a newcomer in the Xiao family, he needed the steward's approval to move in and out of the estate. Given his relationship with Manager Wang, getting permission would be difficult. If he wanted some freedom, he had to rely on Uncle Fu.
"Uncle Fu, I am a person who likes to travel around. If I have to stay in the mansion all day, I will find it difficult to adapt," Lin Wanrong boldly stated. He knew he had to appeal to Uncle Fu's preferences to make such a bold request. If it were any other servant, they wouldn't dare even think about it.
Giving Lin Wanrong a deep look, Uncle Fu asked, "Lin San, do you not want to work as a servant in the Xiao residence?"
"Yes, no, I mean," Lin Wanrong hurriedly corrected himself, "Since I have come to the Xiao family, whether willingly or not, I must do my duties for the Xiao family. It's a matter of professional ethics." Lin Wanrong phrased it ambiguously, leaving others unsure whether he joined willingly or was coerced.
"Professional ethics? I've never heard of that term. What does it mean?" Uncle Fu asked curiously.
"Oh, it means that since I receive a salary from the Xiao family, I must wholeheartedly and diligently perform my duties for the Xiao family. That's what professional ethics is about," Lin Wanrong explained quickly.
Sighing, Uncle Fu said, "Lin San, even without you saying it, I can see that you are clever and quick-witted. If you didn't come to the Xiao family to work as a servant, you would definitely have achieved something significant. Perhaps, you joined the Xiao family due to some unavoidable reasons. But, as you said, now that you receive the salary from Madam and Miss, you must do your best for the Xiao family. I have been in the Xiao family my entire life, and this is where I will grow old. I hope you sincerely help the Xiao family."
Uncle Fu's words were full of depth and sincerity, and Lin Wanrong felt moved by his loyalty. Having served the Xiao family for a lifetime, Uncle Fu's affection for the family ran deep. Regardless, he did not want to see the Xiao family decline. Unfortunately, with his status as a servant, he couldn't interfere in major matters of the Xiao family. It depended on Lin Wanrong's efforts to introduce him to the masters of the Xiao family. If Lin Wanrong could help the Xiao family, it would be a fulfillment of Uncle Fu's greatest wish before growing old.
Seeing the old man's nostalgia, Lin Wanrong understood his sentiments. He felt a bit more respectful toward the old man, who had dedicated his life to the Xiao family.