Lin Wanrong lingered in the restaurant until very late. When he realized that it was getting late, he had no choice but to take his leave.
Dong Qiaoqiao accompanied him to the entrance of the Xiao family's residence, handing him a bamboo basket and saying, "Big Brother Lin, these are a few small dishes I made for you, and some clothes I've prepared. Take good care of yourself inside. Otherwise, I—we will worry about you."
In the short afternoon, this girl actually went back home specifically to make small dishes for him. This thoughtful gesture deeply moved Lin Wanrong. He looked at this young girl and said gently, "Qiaoqiao, thank you."
"Big Brother—" Dong Qiaoqiao felt shy, glanced around, and said softly, "Don't thank me anymore in the future. Anything Qiaoqiao does for Big Brother is willingly done."
Lin Wanrong felt a surge of tenderness. He held her delicate hand and said, "I understand, Qiaoqiao. I know it was hard for you during the time I was away. But don't worry; I'll come back to help you in a year."
Qiaoqiao shyly murmured an acknowledgment, holding his hand, her face filled with a sweet smile.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Wanrong said, "Qiaoqiao, it's getting late. You should go back first."
Qiaoqiao shook her head and said, "No, Big Brother, you go in first. I'll stay here and watch over you."
Seeing the tender look on her face, Lin Wanrong was deeply moved. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to express it. Despite usually being eloquent, he found himself at a loss for words.
"Well, Qiaoqiao, I'm going in." Lin Wanrong looked at Qiaoqiao and said.
Qiaoqiao softly agreed with a nod, watching as Lin Wanrong walked slowly into the Xiao residence. She stood there, her lovely figure resembling a gentle wife bidding farewell to her husband. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. He knew that he would never forget this scene.
Inside and outside the mansion were two different worlds. Outside, Lin Wanrong was the elder brother to Dong Qiaoqiao and the support for the Dong family. Inside, he was nothing more than a servant, a significant contrast that left him dumbfounded for a while. Fortunately, he was easy-going and lacked lofty ideals. In this small world within the mansion, he lived freely.
On that day, while Lin Wanrong was "working hard," placing flowers he had picked on a shy maid's head, he suddenly saw Steward Wang, who had been absent since his arrival, smiling as he approached the garden. Since their initial unpleasant encounter, Steward Wang had avoided Lin Wanrong, making his sudden appearance quite surprising.
The maids playing with Lin Wanrong were not as bold as him. As soon as they saw Steward Wang, they hurriedly fled.
"Lin San, have you been well recently?" Steward Wang asked with a smile on his face.
Lin Wanrong thought, "This guy is up to no good." He recalled the classic saying: "He who smiles deceitfully is up to no good." However, he had someone backing him up, so he wasn't afraid of Steward Wang. He smiled and said, "Oh, isn't this Steward Wang? What brings you to the garden today? Oh, I see. It's the season for chrysanthemums to bloom, a perfect time for appreciating the autumn scenery. I didn't expect Steward Wang to be such a refined person."
Steward Wang chuckled a few times and said, "Lin San, I congratulate you. Recently, a servant who was helping in the study had his father pass away. The lady specially allowed him to go home and observe mourning for three months. With the study short-staffed, I thought of you. The lady has some impression of you too, so she agreed to transfer you to the study. Congratulations; this is a great opportunity."
"If it were in another household, being transferred to the study and accompanying the young master in his studies would indeed be an excellent opportunity. However, in the Xiao family, where there are no male heirs, the study is merely a place for the young ladies to occasionally indulge in reading. The ladies reading in the study is just for show. Lin Wanrong, who was sent to help, had no future prospects.
"You old bastard, creating obstacles for me. It must be because you're not happy seeing me enjoy my time here," Lin Wanrong thought. However, he had someone backing him up, so he wasn't afraid of Steward Wang. He chuckled and said, "Oh, this is indeed a great opportunity."
Steward Wang knew that Lin San was a clever person, and with someone powerful supporting him, he didn't dare to make things difficult. He had only come because the master ordered him to. Since Lin San had agreed, Steward Wang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said with a forced smile, "No need to trouble Master Fu for now. Master Fu has gone to Hangzhou to transplant some potted plants, and it will take half a month for him to return. Anyway, I've already obtained approval from the lady. You can go directly to the study."
"I see." Lin Wanrong figured out the situation. This guy had dared to make things difficult for him while Fu Bo was away. Lin Wanrong was determined to make him pay. He thought for a while before saying with a smile, "Well then, Steward Wang, you know that Fu Bo has high expectations of me. I'm afraid that I won't be able to get away from my duties here for a while. So, please inform Fu Bo about it when he returns."
Steward Wang had his own difficulties. Lin San was supported by Fu Bo, and he didn't dare to offend him directly. With a bitter smile, he said, "No need to trouble Master Fu. Master Fu is away in Hangzhou, and it's inconvenient to contact him. You can go directly to the study. Don't worry; I've already reported it to the lady, and she has given her consent."
"I see." Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Then, I'll go to the study. Steward Wang, you know, Fu Bo has high expectations of me. I'm afraid I won't be able to get away from my duties here for a while. So, please inform Fu Bo about it when he returns."
"That's it then. Lin San, you will definitely do well in the study. I believe in you." Relieved that Lin San had agreed, Steward Wang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
This was how it was settled. Lin Wanrong, being Fu Bo's direct line, was someone Steward Wang didn't dare to make things difficult for. He was transferred to the study, and Steward Wang dared not send gardeners to disturb Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong naturally continued to stay in his quiet little courtyard, and no one could drive him away.
Talking about studying, Lin Wanrong had been studying for over twenty years, gaining rich experience. However, his knowledge mainly revolved around subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. As for liberal arts, he could recite a few poems
and write essays when cramming for exams. After arriving in this world, he had read some of the books left behind by Wei Dashu to understand this world. But most of the time, he spent reading a booklet that could rival "Water Margin," called "Journey to the West." Now, he was being asked to go to the study, facing subjects he knew next to nothing about. This was akin to pushing a duck onto a perch; just thinking about it gave him a headache.