The original host was actually quite pretty herself. Though not as breathtakingly stunning as the heroine, she still had the lovable charm of the sweet girl next door.
After soaking a cotton cloth in water, Ling’er prepared to help Tong Huanyou wash up.
But Tong Huanyou suddenly grabbed the cloth herself and casually began wiping her own face, even remembering to thank Ling’er afterward.
The gesture startled Ling’er so badly that she stammered in shock, “M-Miss…”
Tong Huanyou froze for a second, realizing her behavior didn’t quite fit the role she was supposed to be playing. She gave an awkward laugh.
“I had nightmares all night, so I’m still a little out of it.”
Hearing that, Ling’er sighed sympathetically.
“Once the masters get rid of the demon, Miss won’t have to live in fear anymore.”
As she spoke, she picked up a jade comb and gently arranged Tong Huanyou’s hair into twin spiral buns resembling adorable rabbit ears.
Afterward, she selected two orchid-and-butterfly hairpins and pinned them symmetrically on both sides, then wrapped two loops of pink-and-white ribbons around them, making her appear especially lively and cute.
Finally, after changing into her favorite light pink outfit, Tong Huanyou followed Ling’er to the dining hall.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows into the room, illuminating the lavish breakfast already spread across the central table.
The protagonist group was already seated, seemingly discussing something with Master Tong. Beside them stood a cook.
Tong Huanyou walked gracefully to Master Tong’s side and, following the mannerisms from her memories, obediently called out,
“Father.”
“Oh, my precious daughter! Come, come, come—this is your favorite shrimp porridge. Hurry and try some.”
Master Tong lovingly filled a bowl for his treasured daughter and placed it before her.
“Father, what were you all talking about just now?” Tong Huanyou asked as she scooped up a spoonful of porridge.
Watching her eat so happily filled Master Tong with delight.
“Young Master Xie was asking who the most experienced hunter in Liangzhou is, so Father called over Chef Chen, who handles our ingredient purchases.”
Tong Huanyou understood immediately.
After all, hunters were the people most familiar with mountain terrain.
Speaking up, Chef Chen added, “If we’re talking about the most experienced, then it’s definitely the Zhang family man in the eastern part of the city. He brings back mountain game every single day. The meat’s incredibly fresh.”
Xie Zhili looked puzzled.
“Isn’t hunting usually done by first observing an animal’s movement patterns, then setting traps or waiting in ambush? Even experienced hunters shouldn’t make successful catches every single day.”
Chef Chen continued, “Exactly why everyone says he’s the best. Every day you can see him bringing back large mountain game to sell. His business is booming.”
Xie Zhili nodded thoughtfully.
“I see. Thank you very much.”
“Alright, alright, you may go now.” Master Tong waved his hand, dismissing him.
“Yes, Master.”
Chef Chen bowed respectfully before leaving the room.
“Come, everyone, let’s eat first,” Master Tong said warmly with a smile.
“Thank you, Master Tong.”
A short while later, after hurriedly finishing breakfast, Xie Zhili and Song Yingyue gave a few instructions to the father and daughter before leaving the estate for the eastern district of the city.
Yu Qingci had originally intended to go with them, but Song Yingyue stopped him and told him to remain at the Tong residence to protect Tong Huanyou instead.
And so, at this very moment, he stood beneath a pear blossom tree in the courtyard, half leaning against it with a dark expression while his knuckles cracked audibly from how tightly he clenched his fists.
Xie Zhili… sooner or later, I’ll reduce you to ashes.
The cool breeze of late autumn swept through the courtyard, rustling leaves and flower petals together.
Several snow-white pear blossoms drifted gently onto his shoulders like feathers, while others settled into his dark hair.
He looked beautiful enough to resemble a living painting.
For a moment, Tong Huanyou found herself staring blankly in a daze.
[System: Host, detected that Yu Qingci’s emotions are entering a darkening state.]
The mechanical voice in her head abruptly snapped her back to reality.
Huh? What happened just now?
[System: Please work hard on romancing him~]
Tong Huanyou: Could it be because Song Yingyue went out without taking him along? …Yeah, honestly, that’s pretty likely.
Thinking this, Tong Huanyou let out a helpless sigh and walked toward him.
“Young Master Yu?” she called softly, her tone carrying a hint of flattery.
Yu Qingci tilted his head slightly to glance at her, remaining silent while the killing intent in his eyes deepened.
Tong Huanyou directly ignored the murderous look he was giving her and continued,
“The manor is terribly boring. Why don’t you accompany me to stroll around the market?”
You want to go out, right? Then I’ll take you out. Just stop blackening already, please.
Yu Qingci narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked down at her.
Sunlight draped softly across her face like gauze, making her resemble a tiny blessed doll untouched by the mortal world.
It made one strangely want to crush and destroy her—
As though only blood staining that fair little face could complete the artwork perfectly.
Curling his lips into a cold smile, he asked,
“So now you’re no longer afraid I’ll kill you?”
Tong Huanyou’s expression stiffened.
Her throat bobbed nervously while her mind spun rapidly.
“I’m still afraid, of course. But for now, you still have a reason to keep me alive, don’t you?”
“And… I could tell you were worried about Sister Song. That’s why I wanted to ask you out with me.”
Having said that, she didn’t even wait for his response before gritting her teeth and grabbing his hand, dragging him toward the entrance.
As she walked, she continued rambling nonstop.
“Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything to Sister Song later.”
“I already told Ling’er beforehand. If Sister Song returns before we do, she’ll tell her that I was the one insisting you accompany me.”
“I promise she won’t blame you.”
Yu Qingci remained silent, allowing that small figure to tug him along as they left the courtyard.
Outside the Tong residence, shops lined both sides of the bustling street while shouting vendors and haggling customers filled the air with noise.
The unfamiliar sights of this ancient world astonished Tong Huanyou, who came from the modern era.
Everything was lively in ways she had never seen before.
Dazzling acrobatics.
Sweet-smelling sugar paintings and candied hawthorn skewers.
An overwhelming array of colorful masks.
Flower gardens blooming in every imaginable shade.
She nearly screamed on the spot from excitement.
For a while, she completely forgot why they had come out in the first place.
Without caring whether the man beside her was basically a walking time bomb, she enthusiastically dragged him from stall to stall, looking everywhere.
Eventually, her attention landed on a roasted chestnut stand.
The sweet aroma drifting from it was irresistibly delicious.
Seeing her stare, the vendor quickly called out,
“Little miss, would you like some sugar-roasted chestnuts? Five copper coins!”
Tong Huanyou’s eyes lit up immediately.
She quickly pulled coins from her sleeve and handed them over.
“One portion please!”
“Coming right up!” the vendor responded cheerfully.
He expertly stirred through the black pebbles inside the large iron wok, scooping out fragrant chestnuts before wrapping them in thick paper and handing the bundle to her.
Tong Huanyou immediately peeled one open, revealing golden flesh inside. Hot steam carrying a sweet aroma puffed out instantly.
She didn’t even bother blowing on it before stuffing it straight into her mouth.
The soft, sweet chestnut melted deliciously on her tongue the moment she bit into it.
Excitedly, she turned and held the bag toward Yu Qingci.
“It’s so good! Try one!”
Yu Qingci stared at the roasted chestnuts with a strangely complicated expression.
Seeing him remain motionless, Tong Huanyou assumed he didn’t know how to peel them.
So she shoved the entire bag into his hands before taking another chestnut out and peeling it herself.
Then she blew on it twice and eagerly held it up to his lips, signaling for him to open his mouth.
Yu Qingci’s body stiffened instinctively, his expression pausing ever so slightly.