1. Food and Noise

The young man named Yiran was lost in thought while holding a broom. As he finished his work, memories of his past and the hardships he had faced resurfaced. Everything felt like hell, being trapped in an unfamiliar world. He couldn't understand the language of this place, making him feel like an idiot.

"Yiran, help me fetch some water~," called a cheerful teenage girl named Yun Zhi, a servant who had approached him with a bright tone.

Yiran wasn't his real name, but everyone called him that, and he had come to accept it as his own. Yun Zhi gestured excitedly, as if signaling something, and Yiran slowly began to understand her meaning through her movements.

He nodded slightly and started drawing water while Yun Zhi cheered him on as encouragement.

Yiran was truly different from most men in this world. Here, almost all men, regardless of age, had long hair like women. Only monks shaved their heads completely.

During lunch, Yiran leisurely enjoyed dumplings, chewing slowly to savor the rich, savory flavors.

He wasn't used to using chopsticks, but fortunately, this world had wooden spoons he could use instead.

"Is it good? This is a new recipe. I experimented with a lot of spices~"

Yiran nodded in response.

"Here, this will make you stronger for work. Try this duck soup I made."

(Does it look tasty?)

"Hehe, what are you saying? I don't understand. What a shame, huh~"

Yun Zhi felt incredibly grateful. Since Yiran's arrival, her workload had become much lighter. He was always willing to help, unlike the other male servants in the residence, who only focused on their assigned duties and refused to go beyond them.

Her eyes sparkled as she watched Yiran eat heartily. Having someone who didn't understand the language as a conversation partner, and someone she could easily ask for help, was quite useful for Yun Zhi.

(Don't stare at people while they're eating. It's annoying.)

"Oh, oh! Are you getting emotional? Are you thanking me? Ah, don't be like that, you're making me shy~"

(Ugh, what is she even saying...)

"I heard the head of the family will return tomorrow. She defeated another group of bandits! I hope she gets promoted—that would be great for the Huang family."

(Yeah, yeah, whatever you're saying. I have no idea what it means.)

"She's only a captain for now, but let's pray she becomes a general in the future! She'll be the first female general~!"

(Damn it, can't you just be quiet? We're eating.)

"Ah, you're talking so passionately! My efforts in learning to cook weren't wasted at all!"

(God, her voice is so loud!)

Without hesitation, Yiran stuffed a dumpling into Yun Zhi's mouth to shut her up.

"Ow! That's a rough way to feed a beautiful girl like me!"

(Dear God, I wonder what cravings her mother had when she was pregnant...)

After finishing his meal, Yiran got up and left Yun Zhi behind.

"Yiran, good luck with your work! Tomorrow, I'll make something even better! Oh, ginseng soup would be good for you! I'll also start teaching you our language!"

(Yeah, yeah, whatever!)

"Hehe, he must be so grateful he's shouting so loudly. A natural response, maybe~"

Yun Zhi quickly tidied up the table before heading back to work.