Qin Tieshan was truly enraged—so much so that he couldn’t speak for a moment.

Instead, it was Qin Lian who stepped forward, her face dark, scolding, “Qin Rong, you’re just jealous. You can’t stand seeing us doing well. You should think about it—having an uncle who’s a manager in town gives you face too! You’re the one benefiting but still playing the victim!”

“Pfft…” Qin Rong couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Does ‘face’ feed anyone? The family invested real silver and coin to support Second Uncle. Do you think Grandmother did all that just for a little bit of face? Tsk tsk, Qin Lian, when it comes to shamelessness, your family ranks first. Even great clans that raise a talented member with the support of the whole family expect something in return. If not, people would call them unfilial and disloyal, heartless and unjust.”

In the Bai family courtyard, Old Master Bai was sitting at a stone table playing Go with someone.

Stroking his beard, he laughed and said, “Well, Zidu, didn’t I tell you? Lihua Town is full of talented folks. There’s no need for you to worry about me.”

The young man named Zidu replied helplessly, “Sir…”

Old Master Bai burst out laughing, then pushed aside the Go pieces. “Come, Zidu, let’s go take a look.”

“Yes, sir.”

Old Master Bai opened the door with a smile. “Miss Qin.”

Qin Rong nodded and greeted him politely. “Old Master Bai, I went up the mountain today and gathered some Chinese toon—it’s just in season. I made a small dish and brought some over for you to try.”

Old Master Bai looked at the plate she held: tofu white as jade stood neatly on a wooden plate, with tender green toon leaves artfully arranged in circles around it.

It looked clean and refreshing—his eyes lit up at the sight.

Qin Lian saw the dish too and thought it looked quite appealing.

She swallowed a bit of saliva, but still stubbornly muttered, “She’s even offering that kind of common dish to someone important.”

But Old Master Bai ignored her completely.

Smiling, he took the plate. “Thank you, Miss Qin.”

Meanwhile, Qin Tieshan stood dumbfounded.

So this was the household the master wanted the food and wine sent to?

Only then did he remember why he had come.

Snapping out of it, Qin Tieshan hurriedly bowed and flattered him. “You must be Old Master Bai. I’m Qin Tieshan, the manager of Chunfeng Restaurant. My employer sent me to deliver some dishes and wine for you.”

Old Master Bai acted as though he hadn’t heard and waved a hand for Bai Fu to dismiss them.

Then he led the young man inside.

Qin Tieshan was stunned.

His assistants were also at a loss.

All that fine food, and they didn’t want any of it?

If this failed, the boss would definitely be furious.

Seeing their confusion, Bai Fu said coldly, “Manager Qin, please leave. Although our master enjoys good food, he doesn’t eat just anything.”

The employer had repeatedly emphasized that this meal was personally ordered by the county magistrate.

The restaurant had worked hard to win this opportunity over six other establishments.

If things went wrong, heads would roll.

Thinking of this, Qin Tieshan politely asked, “May I ask, good sir, what kind of dishes does your esteemed master prefer?”

Bai Fu had served Old Master Bai since childhood.

Though officially a servant, they were as close as family.

After Old Master Bai resigned his position to travel, Bai Fu followed him.

Having once held the post of Deputy Prime Minister, Old Master Bai was no ordinary man—and neither was his steward.

So Bai Fu put on an air of authority and said, “Manager Qin, please leave.”

Qin Tieshan began to panic, feeling like everything was falling apart. Just then, Qin Lian whispered to him, “Dad, maybe it’s because you didn’t offer a bribe?”

The suggestion hit him, and he immediately reached for his money pouch.

But as soon as Bai Fu saw this, his face turned dark. Was this the behavior of a so-called “scholar”?

“Manager Qin, please leave. No need to offer money. I’m not that kind of person,” Bai Fu said coldly.

Qin Rong had seen enough of the drama and found it more ridiculous than amusing. Qin Tieshan’s ability to change faces so quickly really was something else. Feeling bored, she said, “Uncle Bai, I’ll take my leave now.”

Bai Fu smiled. “Thank you, Miss Qin. Go on then.”

Qin Lian noticed Bai Fu’s pleasant tone toward Qin Rong and immediately grew suspicious.

A hint of disdain entered her eyes.

Just as she was about to say something sarcastic, Qin Rong shot her a glare and said coldly, “Qin Lian, I advise you to stop spouting nonsense. Live your life properly and don’t come bothering me. If you say anything inappropriate that dirties others’ ears, don’t blame me for banging the drum and filing a complaint for slander. You know what happens if you’re convicted of spreading falsehoods—public punishment with the rod.”

Qin Lian immediately shut up.

They were still at the Bai family’s gate, after all—she didn’t dare go too far.

Only when Qin Lian stayed quiet did Qin Rong walk away with a faint, knowing smile.

Inside the Bai family courtyard…

Old Master Bai picked up some Chinese toon and tofu with his chopsticks.

The moment it entered his mouth, the fragrance spread through his palate—light and fresh.

He closed his eyes and nodded with delight.

Absolutely delicious!

The young man, Zidu, watched the old man curiously. It was just a plate of cold tofu with herbs—how good could it possibly be?

But once he took a bite himself, his eyes widened.

The tofu and toon were unexpectedly fragrant and flavorful. Was this really just a vegetarian dish? It was too good…

“How is it, Zidu?” Old Master Bai asked with a smile.

“Sir, this toon tofu is truly delicious. I never thought a small town like Licheng would have such fine food.”

“Zidu, the world is vast, and each place has its own charm. That Miss Qin—don’t underestimate her. Her mother may be just a village woman, but she had the courage to divorce her husband and now supports her family in town. And Miss Qin herself is a skilled cook, able to build up a business from scratch. Even more valuable is what she said today. Licheng Town is a fascinating place. Don’t be in such a hurry to drag me back.

Yes, back in the capital I had power and influence. I dare say I did my best for the people, but I still fell short. Without experiencing the struggles of ordinary life, how can one truly empathize?

Zidu, finish your meal and return to the capital. Tell those monkeys not to come looking for me anymore. If it weren’t for their constant visits, would the county magistrate have sent that restaurant owner to deliver food? I have no intention of revealing my identity. At this moment, I am just an ordinary man. Go now, Zidu. When the time is right, I will return on my own.”

Old Master Bai stroked his beard as he spoke.

Zidu bowed slightly. “Sir, I understand. Please take care of yourself.”

Old Master Bai looked pleased. “I’m very well. Very well indeed.”