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Chu Lingxuan observed Chen Feng’s figure, feeling quite curious about this woman. She had been a foolish girl before, but after recovering from her illness, she became beautiful and intelligent, attracting attention with her delicate and fragrant creations, unique and attractive clothing buttons, and innovative dolls.
Despite having a son, she was still a fifteen-year-old girl. Why did she have such a great appeal to the children? She seemed to understand Hanyan very well, and Hanyan was extremely fond of her.
Especially that time, a regular girl would have been embarrassed and discomposed by such a sudden event. However, she was different. Although she blushed, she remained composed and dignified…
Chen Feng boarded the largest canopy carriage while holding Chu Hanyan, and Mrs. Wei carried Dabao up. The carriage was spacious and luxurious, with a small table, much like a stretched Rolls-Royce from her previous life. Later, a graceful woman in her thirties got on, and Mrs. Wei introduced her as Mama Song, the new personal maid for Miss Hanyan.
Mama Song was holding a delicate blue-and-white porcelain bowl filled with osmanthus glutinous red dates. She placed the bowl on the table, picked up a date, and fed it to Chu Hanyan with a smile, then did the same for Dabao.
A good woman. Whether it was sincere or just for show, at least she didn’t look down on Dabao.
Soon, the carriage began to move. It seemed to be fitted with shock absorbers, making the ride very smooth. Qiqi and Gray soon grew impatient in the carriage and flew out of the window, circling above the group and flying ahead.
Chu Hanyan nestled in Chen Feng’s arms, continuously smelling the scent on her shoulder. When the scent gradually faded, she raised her head and looked at Chen Feng blankly. Muffled, she said, “Birdie… flew away…”
If the scent on her shoulder didn’t captivate her, then she should communicate with her. The little girl was most interested in the golden swallow, so that’s where they should start.
Chen Feng smiled and said, “Yes, the birdie flew away. It has flown to the south. Do you remember, Hanyan? Aunt Chen told you that the birdie was a little swallow named Golden Treasure. Every autumn, the little swallow flies from the north to the south because it gets cold in the north and there are no little insects for it to eat. When winter passes and spring arrives and the flowers bloom, the little insects it likes to eat come out, and it flies back… Oh, Hanyan, you’re smiling. You like it when the little swallow flies back, and you also like beautiful flowers, right? Yes, all little girls love beauty and enjoy seeing pretty flowers. Little swallows like them too, and Golden Treasure likes them even more…”
Chen Feng spoke slowly and gently to Chu Hanyan, like a soft breeze.
Chu Hanyan’s eyes were often vacant, but occasionally, she would glance at Chen Feng and even let out a few “ah” sounds.
Mama Song, delighted, said softly, “Look, young miss is smiling. Oh, she’s so clever.”
Chen Feng glanced at Mama Song with a gentle voice and an affectionate look. She was a really good person. She smiled and said, “Hanyan is indeed very clever. In the future, Mama Song should talk to her more, and she will smile at you and talk to you.”
Both Mama Song and Mrs. Wei smiled silently to themselves, thinking that despite all the conversations they had, not even a glance was exchanged from the little girl, let alone a smile or conversation with them.
Chu Hanyan seemed unhappy that Chen Feng wasn’t talking to her about the birdie, and she began to pout, letting out a couple of cries.
Chen Feng quickly smiled and started talking to Chu Hanyan about the little swallows and Golden Treasure. Chen Dabao also chimed in, expressing his longing for Golden Treasure and mentioning how happy it would be to see so many swallows wearing flowery clothes.
Chu Hanyan looked at the swallow doll in her hand and said, “Birdie… swallow… flowery clothes.”
Chen Feng happily raised her hand, holding the hand that held the swallow doll, and said, “Oh, Hanyan is so clever, knowing that the swallow is wearing flowery clothes. Yes, these flowery clothes were made by Aunt Chen. What kind of flowery clothes do you like? Tell Aunt Chen, and she will make them for the swallow to wear.”
Chen Dabao quickly spoke up, “Little Sister Hanyan, my mother can sing the song ‘Little Swallow, Wearing Flowery Clothes’, it sounds so beautiful. Mother, please sing for Little Sister Hanyan. I’m sure she will love to hear it.”
Chu Hanyan seemed uninterested in the song, as if she didn’t understand what a song was, glancing at Chen Dabao with confusion before lowering her head to look at the swallow doll in her hand.
The poor child must not have had anyone sing to her at home, not even a lullaby.
However, Chen Feng refrained from singing, for this was ancient times, and singing in a carriage wasn’t appropriate. She deliberately placed her index finger on her lips and said, “We will sing quietly when we return, just for Hanyan and Dabao to hear.”
Chu Hanyan listened and then shook the swallow doll in her hand, saying, “Quiet… quiet… birdie… swallow… Golden Treasure listens.”
Chen Feng chuckled and said, “Yes, Hanyan is so good, she remembers to let Golden Treasure listen. Aunt Chen almost forgot, and Golden Treasure also enjoys listening to Aunt Chen sing…”
Chu Lingxuan, riding a horse behind the carriage, had pursed lips, but the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned. Upon hearing that singing wasn’t allowed, he felt a sense of loss. The voice was not clear, but it was incredibly pleasant. He wondered what the song would sound like. Would it be as gentle and soothing as her speech, like a soft breeze brushing past one’s ears, bringing comfort and ease?
Unfortunately, she wanted to “sing quietly.”
However, Chu Lingxuan was quite pleased with his decision. The lady from the Chen family had been designated as a “sewing and embroidery master” for Hanyan, which would surely make her much happier.
At noon, the group arrived at Guanghe Town and went directly to the Guanghe Restaurant in the town. It seemed that the Chu family often dined here. The owner hurried out to welcome them, leading Chu Lingxuan to a private room. The other servants dined in the main hall at four tables, with three for men and one for women. The Chu family had arranged for them to eat here, and the meal was already served.
Mama Song wanted to take Chu Hanyan into the private room, but Chu Hanyan clung to Chen Feng’s neck and refused to let go, so Mama Song had no choice but to let Chen Feng carry Chu Hanyan into the private room.
To be honest, Chen Feng didn’t want to have too much contact with the “hero.” She felt that she was too disheveled on the day she crossed over, and the last time, Little Miss Chu had made her feel too embarrassed. Besides, apart from Little Miss Chu, this person was cold and stern with everyone, which was quite intimidating.
She whispered in Chu Hanyan’s ear, “Be good, go eat with Mama Song, and play with Aunt Chen after you eat.”
Chu Hanyan, being unreasonable, pouted and started crying.
Chu Lingxuan, who was walking ahead, stopped and turned back, saying, “Ms. Chen, take little Yan and Dabao to eat in the private room. Uncle Luo has already told me that you have something to attend to. It’s okay, when little Yan takes a nap, you can go with Uncle Luo, and we will wait for you here.”
Although his voice was still cold, his expression seemed less austere than before.