Jiang Yun Sui stared at the character for a long while without saying a word. She glanced sideways at Ji Yan’an, and seeing that he was not rushing her, her gaze drifted off into empty space.
Her hands and feet began to fidget. She picked at her fingernails idly, and scuffed her little shoes back and forth against the floor as if trying to dig a small hollow to hide in.
After all, she saw no point in forcing herself.
Snap!
A light flick landed right on her forehead.
“Ow!”
Jolted out of her daze, Jiang Yun Sui clutched her forehead, pouting and drooping her eyes like a poor little puppy that had just been picked on.
“Slow-witted,” came Ji Yan’an’s cool voice, softened by the hint of amusement.
Jiang Yun Sui mumbled, “But they all look the same…”
Ji Yan’an shot her a sideways glance. Silly little thing if you don’t know, just say so; don’t claim they all look alike.
Just then, Granny Zhou entered with servants carrying the meal trays.
Jiang Yun Sui’s attention was instantly captured by the delicious aroma. She patted her stomach; it was growling with hunger. She had risen early that morning and had not had time to eat breakfast.
Seeing Ji Yan’an stand up and walk slowly toward the table, she hurried after him at a trot.
Ji Yan’an came to a halt in front of the table, but the little girl, her eyes fixed only on the food, did not notice and walked straight into his back.
Ji Yan’an’s slender frame stumbled forward from the impact.
He turned around to find the culprit sitting on the floor, rubbing her forehead, her clear eyes wide and utterly confused.
Ji Yan’an could not help laughing, half exasperated. “Have your eyes glued to the table? You don’t even watch where you’re going.”
Jiang Yun Sui did not cry. She just rubbed her forehead in embarrassment.
“Sorry…”
At least she still had her manners.
Granny Zhou hesitated, then spoke up. “Young Master, she is still far too young to attend to you properly. Perhaps I should take her back and teach her slowly over time?”
With her short limbs and soft, clumsy ways, what could she possibly do?
Ji Yan’an glanced at the spread of food, which looked dull and unappetizing to him. The very sight of it made him lose his appetite.
“No need. I will teach her myself.”
He had never really expected this tiny creature, barely reaching his waist, to wait on him. What mattered was her strange ability to make people overlook her presence.
He picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, took a small bite, and frowned, his expression full of distaste.
At that moment, Uncle Li walked in. Seeing the look in the Young Master’s eyes, his heart sank. Surely he isn’t going to have all the dishes taken away again? He hasn’t even started eating yet.
Before Ji Yan’an could speak, Uncle Li caught sight of Jiang Yun Sui standing beside him, staring at the food with rapt attention. An idea struck him.
“Young Master?”
Ji Yan’an lifted his gaze, and his fine eyes already held a trace of impatience.
“Has little Yun Sui had her breakfast yet?” Uncle Li asked.
Ji Yan’an turned his head to look at the girl, who was practically drooling over the dishes. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “You’re dripping saliva all over the table.”
Jiang Yun Sui instinctively wiped her mouth. Tricking this little mushroom again…
Uncle Li noticed with surprise that the irritation in his master’s eyes had faded noticeably after teasing the child. From that moment on, his view of Jiang Yun Sui shifted completely.
If her background checks out and proves harmless, then even if she cannot serve him well, keeping her around to cheer him up would be worth it.
“Young Master… would you allow Yun Sui to share this meal with you?” Uncle Li suggested carefully.
Granny Zhou frowned. How could a servant eat at the same table as her master?
But knowing Uncle Li was never reckless, she held her tongue.
Ji Yan’an recalled how his own appetite had improved the day before when watching her eat.
Jiang Yun Sui looked up at him with bright, hopeful eyes.
“You want to eat?”
Jiang Yun Sui nodded eagerly, her voice soft and sweet. “May I?”
Ji Yan’an could not resist pinching her plump little cheek it felt wonderfully soft and springy.
Jiang Yun Sui thought: For the sake of good food, I shall endure this!
“You may eat,” he said, “but once you are done, you must stay and learn your characters.”
At the thought of all those symbols she could not tell apart, Jiang Yun Sui’s face instantly fell.
Seeing her hesitate, Ji Yan’an gave a soft huff. “I suppose you don’t want it that badly after all.”
“I do!” she shouted, her tone carrying the solemn resolve of a warrior going into battle.
Ji Yan’an’s lips twitched upward in amusement.
She wasted no time on formalities and simply climbed onto the chair opposite him, settling herself comfortably.
Uncle Li eagerly began serving her portions, while Granny Zhou watched in utter confusion. What on earth is going on here?
Before long, her eyes went wide with astonishment.
For there was the Young Master, watching Jiang Yun Sui across the table, her cheeks puffed out full as she ate and he had actually started eating as well.
Granny Zhou’s hands trembled slightly with excitement.
There was no sign of revulsion or distaste. He ate slowly, yes, but he was truly swallowing the food.
Her gaze shifted to Jiang Yun Sui, wondering how this little girl had achieved such a miracle.
She watched as the child sat properly in her chair, clutching her small bowl, and scooped a large spoonful of fish mixed with rice straight into her mouth.
She ate every last grain, her cheeks bulging like a frog puffing itself up.
Just watching her was comforting and made the food look far more appetizing.
Granny Zhou found herself thinking: Even I feel like eating now.
She shook her head in disbelief. Could such a strange thing really be possible?
Jiang Yun Sui asked Uncle Li to help her scoop a generous serving of steamed egg custard, stirred it thoroughly into her rice, and took another big bite. It tasted so delicious that her eyes lit up like stars.
Ji Yan’an hesitated. This way of eating is far too rough and unrefined.
Yet… it did look incredibly satisfying.
Uncle Li could see his inner struggle clearly. The Young Master had been raised in the capital with every luxury, and had grown rather particular and fussy about manners. Mixing everything together like this was simply not proper etiquette.
“Young Master, why not give it a try?” Uncle Li encouraged. “We are far up north here in the borderlands, and no one is watching you. There is no need to be so strict with the rules.”
Jiang Yun Sui paused mid-bite and looked up curiously. What’s wrong?
She did not linger on it, however, and turned her attention back to finishing her meal.
Since his appetite had finally returned, Ji Yan’an could not resist giving it a try just as she did.
One mouthful, and it felt surprisingly good.
Though lacking in refinement, the flavors blended perfectly and tasted wonderful.
When they had finished eating and each had a bowl of warm soup, both were completely satisfied.
Jiang Yun Sui patted her full tummy, swinging her little legs back and forth in sheer delight. She looked exactly like a soft, well-fed white cat, sprawled out in contentment.
Ji Yan’an also rubbed his stomach it had been a long time since he had eaten so much.
He stood up, reached over, and lifted the little girl right out of her chair by the back of her collar.
She dangled there, head and hands hanging limply, and turned only to look at him with a questioning expression.
She looked so obedient and harmless.
Ji Yan’an could not help himself and pinched her cheek again only to pull his hand away the very next second with a look of disgust.
“You haven’t even wiped the grease off your mouth. Disgraceful.”
He set her down firmly. “Follow me.”
Jiang Yun Sui trailed after him, looking wronged and dejected.
Granny Zhou handed her a clean handkerchief, and the little girl looked up with a soft, sweet smile.
“Thank you, Granny Zhou.”
Granny Zhou nodded warmly. If this child can help the Young Master eat better, I would treat her like royalty and wait on her hand and foot!