Chapter 159: The Rain Ceases
It was afternoon, and the sun felt pleasantly warm.
In the serene courtyard, Hua Shuya had just returned from the county office. She placed her sword on her lap as she sat down in the pavilion, letting out a long sigh.
Lin Tianlu put down his book and asked curiously, “What troubles you, Miss Shuya? Another difficult case?”
The young woman scratched her cheek with a conflicted expression.
“There are no cases for me to handle at the moment. It feels a bit… strange to be so idle.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “That’s a good thing.”
It would be troublesome if there were incidents everywhere she went. She would be like a walking harbinger of doom.
“It’s just—”
She hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Seeing Miss Mo leave, I feel a bit uneasy.”
“Are you homesick, Miss Shuya?”
“…No.”
Hua Shuya shook her head, her expression complex.
Noticing her subtle expression, Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, then smiled. “Don’t worry, Miss Shuya. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you. No one can force my disciple to stay or leave.”
Hua Shuya was taken aback.
Then she smiled faintly. “You finally acknowledge me as your disciple, Senior?”
“If you wish, Miss Shuya…”
“Now is fine.” Hua Shuya’s eyes softened, her voice gentle. “To be able to serve you as your disciple is enough.”
Lin Tianlu coughed awkwardly.
Hua Shuya seemed embarrassed as well. She looked away, pretending to admire the sky, hiding her blushing face.
…
A moment later, Mao Ruoyu entered the pavilion, carrying an exquisite wooden box. She looked around. “Has Miss Mo already left?”
“I wanted her to stay another night.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “But it seems she had a tight schedule and left in a hurry.”
Mao Ruoyu’s face showed a hint of regret. “Since we won’t see her for several months, I wanted to give her some advice. I didn’t even get to say goodbye properly.”
“You’re quite fond of her, Madam?”
“She’s a good and sensible child.”
She smiled gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “She’s so adorable. Talking to her felt like taking care of a younger sister.”
“You’re right, Madam.”
Hua Shuya nodded in agreement.
She had enjoyed spending time with Mo Duan’yan these past few days.
“I wonder how that old Mo Hong could have such a well-behaved descendant. Their personalities are completely different.”
Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly.
Although, their impulsiveness was somewhat similar.
“Hmm?”
A strange smell wafted through the air, a mix of fragrance and herbal bitterness.
Noticing his reaction, Mao Ruoyu chuckled mischievously. “Can you smell it, Sir?”
She opened the wooden box on the table and carefully took out a bowl of thick porridge, garnished with osmanthus flowers, steam rising from it.
Lin Tianlu looked at it blankly. “What is this?”
“It’s a tonic to nourish the body and strengthen your foundation.” Mao Ruoyu said seriously. “I’ve been working on this recipe for a while now, trying different ingredients and brewing methods.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu’s lips twitched.
She actually made it?
“Madam, do I… really have to drink this?”
Mao Ruoyu blushed and leaned closer, her voice soft. “I know your Yang energy is very strong, Sir, and… well-endowed. My body can’t handle it, and you have to restrain yourself. But…
You’re still young and vigorous, Sir. You need to take care of your health and conserve your energy. If you ever feel unwell, I’ll be heartbroken.”
His expression turned awkward.
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes sparkled with hope. “I’ve tried my best to remove the bitterness and added some sweet ingredients to make it more palatable for you, Sir.”
Seeing her anxious look, Lin Tianlu quickly smiled and picked up the bowl. “With your care and concern, Madam, I wouldn’t dare to refuse.”
He brought the bowl to his lips.
“Hmm?”
He took a sip and his eyes widened in surprise. “It’s actually sweet and delicious?”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled, her eyes filled with warmth. “I wouldn’t let you drink bitter medicine, Sir. I used only the finest ingredients, good for the stomach and blood.”
Lin Tianlu’s heart warmed, and he quickly finished the porridge.
—He had to admit, it tasted quite good.
A warm sensation spread through his stomach, then slowly through his body. The lingering fragrance was pleasant, like a delicacy.
“How is it, Sir?”
“Your culinary skills are truly unparalleled, Madam!”
“I’m glad you like it, Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu couldn’t hide her joy as she put the empty bowl back in the box.
“Thank you for your hard work, Madam.” Lin Tianlu whispered with a chuckle. “But perhaps you should be the one taking tonics? These past few nights… ahem, it must be draining for you.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed furiously and whispered, “I’m taking some nourishing soups, Sir. Don’t worry.”
“That’s good.”
Hua Shuya watched them whispering to each other, her eyes blinking in confusion.
Were they discussing something private?
…
Mao Ruoyu picked up a piece of fruit and held it out to Lin Tianlu, her expression gentle. She made a soft “ahh” sound.
Lin Tianlu was startled, but seeing the shy look on her face, he opened his mouth and took the fruit, chewing thoughtfully. “Madam, what are you…”
“Miss Cheng and I made a pact.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed and chuckled. “I have to take good care of you at home, Sir.”
“Isn’t this spoiling me too much?”
“It’s fine.” Mao Ruoyu offered him another piece, her smile as sweet as honey. “It makes me happy to see you enjoy it, Sir.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly.
He was certainly enjoying this pampering.
But…
He coughed softly. “Miss Hua is watching.”
Mao Ruoyu froze and turned around to see Hua Shuya nibbling on a rice cake quietly, like a little hamster. When their eyes met, Hua Shuya quickly looked away.
“You don’t have to mind me, Madam and Senior. I just wanted to try your cooking.”
“Shuya.”
A gentle voice sounded beside her. Hua Shuya looked up to see Mao Ruoyu smiling warmly, holding out a piece of fruit. “I won’t neglect you. Here, try this~”
“Th-this… Madam?”
Hua Shuya blushed and tried to refuse, but Mao Ruoyu’s gentle gaze made her give in. She took the fruit and chewed it shyly.
Mao Ruoyu glanced at Lin Tianlu, her eyes reassuring.
Lin Tianlu was speechless.
“You two get along so well. I’m so envious~”
Yun Yue jumped down from the pavilion and landed gracefully on Mao Ruoyu’s ample bosom, bouncing slightly.
“But don’t forget, we still have to visit that Lunar Valley you mentioned. The Moon Shadow Breath within your body is a potential danger. We need to eliminate it as soon as possible.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious, and he nodded. “The weather is good now. Let’s pack and prepare to leave in the next two days.”
Hua Shuya blinked her beautiful eyes. “Then I’ll stay here and help…”
“Shuya, come with us.”
“Ah?”
Hua Shuya was stunned.
Mao Ruoyu took her hand and smiled. “It’s a long journey. It would be lonely for you to stay home alone. Besides, we can enjoy the scenery together and keep each other company. And I can show you my hometown.”
“Wouldn’t that be a bother—”
“Technically, I’m the one intruding on your time with Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently and touched Hua Shuya’s cheek. “You have the closest relationship with him, you’re the perfect match. Just express your feelings, and you’ll be rewarded.”
Hua Shuya blushed and murmured, “I-I understand.”
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