Chapter 86

Although this gentleman, Lord Lu, left it to Nianxi to handle, with hundreds of kinds of drinks and snacks in the shop, she couldn’t just randomly pick items. Instead, she chose five kinds of each as a token and instructed the kitchen to prepare them.

Once the servants had packed everything into food boxes, she followed them to the carriage outside.

Lu Wensheng and his son, Lu Huai, had been waiting nearby. Lu Wensheng nodded with a smile and said, “Thank you.”

Lu Huai imitated a proper bow, but since he was still a child and lacked discipline, his eyes kept darting toward the food boxes.

Nianxi wasn’t well acquainted with the father and son. It was only because of prior circumstances that she accompanied them to deliver the snacks and drinks. There was no need for further conversation. After giving the food boxes, she was about to leave when Gu Ci rode up swiftly on horseback from a distance.

“Nian’er!” He hurriedly dismounted, rushed to Nianxi’s side, observed her closely for a moment, and asked, “Nian’er, are you alright?”

Nianxi shook her head with a smile, “Nothing.”

Only then did Gu Ci turn to face Lu Wensheng, and they exchanged formal greetings. “Lord Lu,” Gu Ci said.

It seems that men, especially when confronting their peers or those equally exceptional, have an innate sense of alertness and defensiveness towards people or matters that could pose a threat. However, Gu Ci was still too young to understand how to temper such emotions.

Lu Wensheng glanced at Nianxi subtly, then nodded and said, “Commander Gu.”

“What were you talking about?”

When addressing Nianxi, Gu Ci’s tone became noticeably gentler. “I just went to your home and heard from the servants that there was some trouble at the shop—someone was causing a commotion. How did it turn out?”

Nianxi chuckled softly, her voice warm. “It was a misunderstanding, all resolved now.”

Ever since the opening of Fusheng Banzhan, constant admirers have found excuses to approach Nianxi. Despite Gu Ci frequently keeping them in check, he still couldn’t extinguish their ardor.

Seeing Lu Wensheng and Nianxi conversing in close proximity today, Gu Ci’s sense of vigilance flared up immediately.

Although Lu Wensheng was now advanced in years, when Gu Ci was younger, Lu Wensheng had been one of the most handsome men in the capital.

“Elder sister, today’s matter was my fault. Can I still come here in the future to have tea and snacks?” Lu Huai suddenly asked in a crisp voice.

Nianxi gently nodded, her voice soft, “Of course you can.”

“Then my father and I will head back now. Almond paste doesn’t taste good when it’s cold,” Lu Huai said excitedly, clapping his hands. “Elder sister, Uncle, goodbye.”

Gu Ci was momentarily stunned. Then he realized that the “Uncle” was directed at him and couldn’t help but ask, “What did you call me?”

“Uncle,” Lu Huai replied, his eyes full of innocence, looking completely harmless. “Should I call you ‘Great Uncle’ instead?”

Gu Ci’s scrutinizing attitude toward Lu Huai and his father, especially Lu Wensheng, had provoked this young hero, Lu Huai.

Lu Huai shook his head, pretending to be obedient, “It’s just a child’s innocent words, just a child’s innocent words~ Uncle, please don’t take offense with a kid like me.”

Gu Ci was strikingly handsome and had not yet reached the age of adulthood. His high ponytail only added to his youthful energy, making the idea of being associated with the word “old” entirely absurd. He couldn’t help but laugh out of frustration.

Gu Ci didn’t know Lu Xiaoqi’s nature, but Nianxi had experienced it a few times. This child, despite appearing innocent, had a subtle mischievousness about him.

Lu Wensheng rubbed his temples and said in a deep voice, “Xiaoqi.”

Lu Huai immediately behaved himself, holding his father’s hand and boarding the carriage. As he walked, he muttered, “I thought Uncle was Elder Sister’s father. Where did I go wrong? It’s so strange.”

After sitting in the carriage, just before departure, he didn’t forget to lift the curtain and shout loudly, “Elder Sister, Uncle, goodbye.”

Nianxi probably guessed Lu Huai’s thoughts and sighed as she watched the carriage fade into the distance, “This child, he’s surprisingly polite.”

Gu Ci said gloomily, “If you want to laugh, just laugh. Don’t hold it in too much.”

Nianxi burst into laughter, her face turning red and tears forming in the corners of her eyes. After a while, she finally stopped.

Gu Ci was both exasperated and amused. “Lord Lu isn’t such an unruly person. How is this child so mischievous?”

He asked, “The servant mentioned someone causing a fuss and getting a stomachache—was it him?”

Nianxi nodded and explained what had happened. Today, she originally hadn’t planned to come to the shop, but after handling matters there, she prepared to return home.

Gu Ci eagerly helped her onto the carriage and followed her in. “Weren’t we supposed to go to Panlou for hotpot the other day? How about going today?”

Nianxi fiddled with the tassel on her skirt without lifting her head. “No appetite.”

“The weather is so lovely. Shall we go fly kites? Didn’t you mention wanting to do that again the other day?”

“Not in the mood.”

“It’s still early. How about a horseback ride through the mountains? My family has a villa with a hot spring from Tushan—how about soaking in the hot spring?”

Gu Ci, ever patient, made several suggestions, and Nianxi finally put down the tassel with a dignified air. She glanced sideways at him and said, “Not busy today? Finally remembered me?”

Gu Ci put on a bitter expression, “If I don’t come sooner, I’ll really become Uncle.”

Nianxi couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Lu Huai’s serious teasing of Gu Ci earlier.

Seeing her finally smile, Gu Ci immediately scooted closer to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with her, gently taking her hand in his once again. He sighed and said, “Nian’er, please don’t stay mad at me.”

“These past few days, I’ve thought about you every single day. I promise I won’t break my word again.” His words were heartfelt, and there was a tone of cherishing sincerity in his voice.

Nianxi wasn’t truly angry. Seeing him speak so pitifully, her expression softened. “Have all the matters been resolved?”

Gu Ci gave a soft “mm” in response.

“I didn’t know what was happening with you these past days. I kept worrying,” she said.

Gu Ci opened his mouth to explain, but Nianxi cut him off. “I know you didn’t want me to worry, but not knowing anything only makes it worse.”

“Sixth Brother, no matter what happens in the future, let me know, alright?”

“I care deeply about you.”

That feeling of powerlessness, knowing something was wrong but being in the dark, was truly awful.

Looking into Nianxi’s clear, gentle eyes filled with warm concern, Gu Ci’s heart felt as if it were soaking in a hot spring—warm and soothing. He solemnly agreed, “I’m sorry, Nian’er, for worrying you.”

Leaning in, he gently kissed Nianxi’s forehead and said softly: “The battle in the northern frontier hasn’t gone as smoothly as everyone expected. Father is worried about my two older brothers and wants to return. But His Majesty…”

“Now, everything is fine. Father will return to the northern frontier in a few days.”

However, this meant their wedding would have to be postponed again.

Nianxi, however, was delighted. As things unfolded just as Pei Jian had predicted, it indicated that everything was moving in a positive direction, ensuring they could avoid the outcome of her previous life.

“With Duke Zhen there, everything will be fine.”