The old master was elated, praising her sensibility and speaking at length.
But Tang Qianmiao, ever perceptive, quickly discerned from the subtle shifts in his expression that he hadn't yet broached the real matter.
As expected, the old master spoke the next moment, "Miaomiao, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Please go ahead."
"What do you think of my second son?"
The second son?
Tang Qianmiao's eyes narrowed slightly—surely, he was referring to Feng Xian.
In a heartbeat, she pieced together the old master's expression and gaze, and suddenly understood the meaning behind his words. She smiled lightly and replied, "What happened at the restaurant today was merely a misunderstanding. I'm a student, and my studies are my priority. I'm not involved in romance."
The old master was momentarily taken aback, not expecting her to be so forthright. But hearing her words, a weight lifted from his heart.
So, it was all just a misunderstanding.
As she left the main house, Tang Qianmiao saw an elegantly dressed woman standing at the entrance.
The woman, though already forty-five, looked barely thirty-five.
She was Feng Xian's mother, the lady of the Eastern Wing, Qiao Shiwan.
In the five days Tang Qianmiao had been here, they had only crossed paths twice, but each time, Qiao Shiwan's bright and warm smile was infectious, making Tang Qianmiao instinctively return the gesture.
"Aunt Wan," she greeted.
Hearing her, Qiao Shiwan turned and quickly approached, beaming with joy.
"You're back? Are you tired? Have you eaten? Are you hungry? Oh dear, look at you, it's already autumn and you're still wearing so little. It gets chilly at night. Here, take my coat."
Tang Qianmiao gently held her hand, "Thank you, Aunt Wan, but that won't be necessary."
"Oh, come now, no need for such politeness. Grandfather has surely told you, from now on you'll be staying with us in the Eastern Wing. There's only me, a woman, over there, so you'll keep me company. How wonderful! Three men to dote on us!"
Tang Qianmiao's lips curved slightly in a faint smile, but she said nothing.
Where she stayed didn't matter, as long as she remained in the Feng household—it made her search easier.
As they entered the Eastern Wing, her sharp hearing picked up a conversation inside, long before they reached the house. It was the sound of a boy pleading with his father for a car.
His father, seemingly engrossed in the newspaper, gave a perfunctory response, "Ask your mother. If she agrees, I'll buy it for you."
The boy's voice was laced with disappointment. "Mom just listens to my brother, and he already said no."
"Then no car."
"No!"
The boy's wailing was piercing, and Tang Qianmiao couldn't help but rub her ears.
With a soft sigh, she thought to herself—she should've worn her hearing aids today.
After a while, Qiao Shiwan led her into the front hall.
As soon as they entered, they saw a boy sprawled on the couch, lamenting as if life had lost all meaning.
A middle-aged man sat nearby, reading a newspaper.
Tang Qianmiao greeted him, "Uncle Feng."
Feng Teng put down the paper, removed his glasses, and smiled warmly, "Miaomiao, you're here. Make yourself at home. This is your home now, so don't be shy."
Just as he finished speaking, Feng Can rushed toward Tang Qianmiao with whirlwind energy, his round eyes scrutinizing her. "I heard you're dating my brother?"
"What?!"
Qiao Shiwan was pleasantly surprised.
Even Feng Teng looked astonished.
Tang Qianmiao sighed inwardly. If she had known, she wouldn't have hugged him earlier.
Such trouble.
Qiao Shiwan, thrilled, grabbed her younger son and eagerly asked, "A'Can, what do you mean by that? Say it again!"
"I heard from Chuchu that today, my brother hugged Tang Qianmiao in front of his blind date."
Immediately, three pairs of eyes turned to Tang Qianmiao, awaiting an explanation.
Tang Qianmiao gave a light cough, "It's a misunderstanding."
"It was indeed a misunderstanding."
A low male voice sounded from behind, though Tang Qianmiao wasn't surprised and didn't turn around.
She had already heard his footsteps earlier.
With an indifferent expression, Feng Xian walked over to pour some water. "I'm not interested in women under twenty-two."