Yuan Fuqing responded cheerfully, then bounced down the stairs carrying the food box.
As Yuan Siyin turned around, a small green rabbit hopped before her eyes.
Si Fangming waved the dogtail grass rabbit in his hand with a smile. “How is it? Pretty, isn’t it?”
“Good heavens, where did you secretly learn this? Your hands are even more skillful than mine.”
Yuan Siyin took a cluster of grass stems, fiddling with the rabbit’s ears as admiration filled her eyes.
“This grass is abundant in the desert. I often pick a few stalks when idle. If the young lady wishes to learn, this subordinate can teach you.”
Yuan Siyin sat down beside him and readily agreed. Though the skill was rather useless, its flashy appeal was irresistible.
Moments later, she stared at the scattered dogtail grass in her hands, then turned to look at the lively little rabbit in Si Fangming’s hand, feeling utterly exasperated.
…
Was this the disparity of the world?
Had humanity left her behind during evolution?
Pouting, Yuan Siyin tossed the handful of dogtail grass back into his lap.
“No more learning, no more! Having you weave them for me is enough.”
Si Fangming paused, his face feigning deep regret as he mercilessly teased her. “The young lady is truly gifted beyond ordinary people, as expected.”
Yuan Siyin punched him resentfully, then spread her palm toward him. “The letter.”
Understanding, Si Fangming drew the letter from his bosom and handed it to her, then resumed weaving the little rabbit.
Yuan Siyin shook open the letter and skimmed through it rapidly, finishing quickly.
It was the usual letter reporting safety.
Though she knew nothing was amiss, she unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
Shaking the envelope again, a dried, ugly grass rabbit fell out. She picked it up somewhat disdainfully by its ears, examining it from different angles.
It was just as hideous as the one she had woven.
“This was woven by the General. He also instructed this subordinate to describe the young lady’s reaction in detail upon returning.”
Yuan Siyin instantly smiled through gritted teeth.
You’re doing this on purpose, Si Fangming.
She had become the Master of Face Changing.
But… in her memory, though Father Yuan was a burly man, he reserved all his tenderness for his deceased wife and their two children.
Though this grass rabbit was too ugly to reflect his gentleness, it carried his heartfelt concern across the distance.
Yuan Siyin took a deep breath, tilting her face upward to gaze nonchalantly at the azure sky.
Why so sentimental? Bad review!
Si Fangming merely glanced at her before quickly lowering his head, unexpectedly refraining from exposing her.
“I heard the young lady will have her coming-of-age ceremony in a month.”
Yuan Siyin felt anger surge at his words, itching to smack his head.
Typical—bringing up exactly what shouldn’t be mentioned.
She had almost forgotten about this matter these past couple of days, and here he was reminding her again.
Utterly ill-intentioned.
“Yes, what about it?”
She lay down with a stalk of dogtail grass in her mouth, comfortably crossing her legs.
The sky was cloudless for miles, the treetops were tranquil, and not a whisper of wind stirred in the courtyard—as if time had frozen on this afternoon.
So peaceful and wonderful.
“Nothing much, just worrying that the young lady might remain unmarried. For other young ladies from respectable families, matchmakers would have worn out their thresholds with proposals. But at Yuan Manor—a deserted doorstep indeed.”
As he spoke, Si Fangming heaved a heavy sigh.
Yuan Siyin: “…”
She took back her earlier words.
What peace and wonder?
Today was meant for chaos and uproar.
Yuan Siyin rolled up her sleeves and leaped up without a word, chasing after Si Fangming to hit him: “Stop right there, Si Fangming! If you dare say it, have the guts to sit still! Don’t run!”
“Young lady, keep your voice down—don’t let the neighbors hear, or you’ll truly never get married!”
Sitting atop the wall, Si Fangming turned back to wave at her with a laugh, then nimbly leaped down.
Yuan Siyin was so furious she felt dizzy.
What kind of person is this anyway?