Ling Mohan was truly impressed by Feng Jin's imagination, able to write about anything.
"I'm adding some suspense, that will attract the audience even more."
If you don't understand, don't spout nonsense. When the story is released, he'll regret it.
"Which is the best opera troupe in the capital?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Don't you ever go to the opera or listen to music?"
Aren't these essential daily activities for ancient people like them? How could Ling Mohan not know?
"My dear wife, your husband is extremely busy every day. It's not as leisurely as you imagine."
Feng Jin's brow furrowed slightly. Ling Mohan did seem to be constantly busy, disappearing from sight.
Compared to Gu Beichen, who had nothing to do and wandered around every day, Ling Mohan was exceptionally occupied.
"Regarding the opera troupe, you should ask Gu Beichen. He's an expert in this area."
"Really? I'll go ask him right away."
As soon as the words fell, Feng Jin vanished from the room.
Ling Mohan sighed helplessly and stepped forward to tidy the papers on the desk.
...
On the street, the Ling family's carriage slowly moved forward, carrying two handsome young gentlemen.
Feng Jin lifted the curtain and peered outside. "Gu Beichen is already heading out of the city. Where exactly are you taking me to find someone?"
Gu Beichen fanned himself lightly and cleared his throat. "Calm down, calm down. Since this prince said he'd take you, you just need to follow. Why all the unnecessary chatter?"
"You talk less nonsense. I am your master now. Is this how you treat your master? Do you know what 'respecting your teacher' means!"
Feng Jin spoke indignantly. This Gu Beichen had gotten too arrogant, daring to speak to her like this. Did he not want to live anymore?
"It is difficult to raise a woman and a petty person. This prince will not argue with a woman."
"Shut up!" Feng Jin glared at Gu Beichen. If she wasn't relying on him, with her personality, she would have kicked him away long ago.
"Your Highness has arrived at your destination."
The attendant stopped the carriage and said to Gu Beichen.
"We're here, get out of the carriage quickly." Feng Jin said, eagerly stepping out of the carriage.
"Be careful. You're dressed as a man now. Don't slip up later," Gu Beichen pulled Feng Jin and reminded her.
"I know. Isn't it all your fault for making me dress like this? And your clothes are really uncomfortable..."
"It's good enough that I'm lending you my clothes. Don't make such a fuss, let's focus on the main business first."
Gu Beichen couldn't be bothered to bicker with Feng Jin over these trivial matters and walked ahead. After passing an alley, they arrived at their destination.
Gu Beichen stepped forward and knocked twice on the door. After a while, someone opened the door from inside.
"Young Master Gu, you're here?" The person who opened the door was a young maid, looking like she had just come of age.
"Xiao Yao, where is your young lady?"
"My young lady is inside. Please come in, Young Master."
Xiao Tao opened the door and welcomed the two in.
"Young lady, young lady... Young Master Gu is here, and he brought a handsome young gentleman I haven't seen before."
"You little maid, how have I taught you? You're still so rash."
A clear and beautiful voice came from the room, and a tall figure in white elegantly emerged.
Feng Jin eagerly squeezed forward to see. What a beautiful girl, with a refined and elegant demeanor, no less impressive than the young ladies from noble families.
"Young Master Gu, what brings you here? Who is this gentleman?"
"Miss Zhang, this is my friend..."
"Greetings, Miss. I am Feng Jin. Please forgive my abrupt intrusion."
"Young Master Feng, you are too polite. Since you are Young Master Gu's friend, please come in and have some tea."
Zhang You'er smiled faintly and led the two into the house.
"Young sirs, I only have some humble tea here. Please do not be offended."
"We don't mind... we don't mind..."
Feng Jin spoke first, taking a sip of tea. The tea's fragrance, mixed with a faint scent of lotus flowers, spread through her mouth.
"Miss Zhang, is the water you used to brew this tea dew from the lotus flowers?"
When she arrived, she had seen a pond full of lotus flowers, and with the lotus scent in the tea, she naturally thought of it.
"Young Master, your sense of smell is truly remarkable. The water used to brew this tea is dew collected drop by drop by my young lady from the lotus flowers. She only managed to gather this pot in the morning."
"Xiao Tao, you little maid, you're talking more and more. Go prepare some dishes."
Zhang You'er lightly chided her, then looked at the two apologetically. "Please excuse us, sirs. This maid has been with me since she was young. I've always treated her like a younger sister, and she's not accustomed to formalities. Please don't take offense."
"Miss, saying that makes us feel like strangers..."
Feng Jin had some social skills. They had just met, and she already felt a sense of instant connection with Zhang You'er.
She took Zhang You'er's arm and chatted animatedly.
Gu Beichen was completely ignored, left to drink his tea alone.
"Cough..." Gu Beichen cleared his throat, interrupting their conversation. If they continued, the day would be over, and Feng Jin would have forgotten why they came.
"Miss Zhang, we have come to ask for your help with something."
Reminded by Gu Beichen, Feng Jin finally remembered why they were there. Under Zhang You'er's curious gaze, Feng Jin quickly said, "That's right, we have something to ask of you."
"Miss Zhang, my friend here has written a story and would like to ask you to perform it on stage..."
Zhang You'er's expression stiffened, and her voice trembled slightly. "Young Master Gu, as you know, I no longer perform on stage. Nowadays, I just want to live a quiet life. I cannot help you with this favor. Please find someone else."
Now it was Feng Jin's turn to be anxious. From the moment she saw Zhang You'er, she felt that Zhang You'er was the perfect candidate for the heroine in her story.
"Miss Zhang, after you read my story, you'll definitely like it very much..."
"Young Master Feng, I have already sworn not to perform on stage again. Please understand."
Feng Jin was not an impudent person. Hearing Zhang You'er's firm refusal, she felt embarrassed to press further and could only say dejectedly, "I was presumptuous. Please forgive me."
"Miss Zhang, this is the story I wrote. You can read it to pass the time when you're free."
Feng Jin insisted on leaving the storybook, hoping that Zhang You'er might change her mind after reading it.
After leaving, Feng Jin lost the enthusiasm she had when she arrived. She leaned back listlessly, sighing occasionally, her face full of worry.
"There are plenty of fish in the sea. If Zhang You'er doesn't agree, I'll help you find someone else. We'll find someone suitable eventually," Gu Beichen said to comfort her.