When Shen Yanchu heard her daughter mutter about “eating melon,” her heart trembled slightly.
“Melon? Is my daughter craving watermelon? After she finishes eating, I should have Qingzhu prepare some for her.”
Soon the meal was served. Since Yu Hua was known throughout the residence for sleeping late and waking late, food was always kept warm for her.
She began devouring it hungrily.
Shen Yanchu sat beside her and sighed. “Did you stay up half the night reading illustrated storybooks again? How many times has Mother told you? Read less of those things—especially don’t stay up late for them.”
With her mouth full, Yu Hua mumbled, “Not that late… I just couldn’t stop at the exciting part.”
“I’ve told you many times. You are a proper young lady, the legitimate daughter of the Ministry household. You must observe ‘no talking while eating, no speaking before sleep.’ If you act like this, what respectable young master would fancy you?”
“Men are all big pig’s trotters. I don’t want to marry at all!”
She had said this many times before. Shen Yanchu wasn’t surprised. Among the noblewomen in her social circle, she had heard plenty of domestic complaints.
Just then, the system spoke.
“Host, I’ve detected that your mother doesn’t have any explosive gossip.”
“Your mother was born into a merchant family. Though merchants rank low in status in this world, she was cherished from childhood. Your maternal grandfather and grandmother adored her and protected her like a little princess.”
【Then how did Mother and Father meet?】
Shen Yanchu stiffened slightly. Who is speaking? How does it know my background? Is it some deity?
“They met through a family-arranged marriage. Your maternal grandfather, being a cautious businessman, investigated your father for a long time. Only after he was fully satisfied with your father’s conduct did he reluctantly marry your mother to him.”
“Oh, so that’s how it was. I thought there’d be some unforgettable love story.”
Though shocked at how accurately the voice summarized her marriage, Shen Yanchu showed nothing on her face.
【Then tell me—has Father ever done anything to wrong Mother?】
Shen Yanchu immediately pricked up her ears. She trusted her husband after years together, but hearing her daughter ask such a question stirred her curiosity.
“Your father did do one thing that wronged your mother. When she was pregnant with you, his cousin Liu Yiyi stayed at the residence. In truth, your father knew she was your grandmother’s chosen concubine candidate. But he feared upsetting your mother and didn’t tell her. Your mother suspected something at the time. However, your father was pressured—your grandmother threatened to starve herself. He was caught in the middle and felt miserable.”
【Good thing Father didn’t cross the line. Otherwise, even I wouldn’t forgive him.】
“Host, would you dare say that in front of your father?”
Yu Hua felt a bit guilty. 【If I dared say it to his face, I wouldn’t be chatting with you in my head.】
After breakfast, Yu Hua resumed her daily leisure routine. She carried a reclining chair into the courtyard, stretched her legs, basked in the sun, and read her illustrated book—occasionally stuffing fruit from the table into her mouth.
At exciting scenes, she even drooled a little.
When she grew tired, she closed her eyes and reached lazily for fruit.
She felt around.
Nothing.
Frowning, she opened her eyes.
The fruit plate was empty.
She shot to her feet and shouted, “Yu Qingyun! Get out here!”
Whenever she called him by his full name, it meant she was truly angry.
Sure enough, Yu Qingyun slowly emerged from behind a tree, wearing a pitiful grin.
“Huahua… how did you know I was hiding here?”
【In my courtyard, where else could you hide? Tell me—did you steal my fruit again?】
“No, no! Absolutely not! I swear!”
“Host, he ate two apples, ten grapes, and half a pomelo.”
Yu Hua’s anger flared.
【Yu Qingyun! You dared steal that much! Now you’re punished. Go buy my favorite pastries. If you don’t, I’ll tell Father and Mother tonight and have them punish you properly.】
Yu Qingyun was inwardly shaken. Who is that voice? How does it know exactly how much I ate? I can’t even see the speaker!
As he stood frozen, Yu Hua shouted toward the house, “Huamei! Go tell Mother that Yu Qingyun stole my fruit!”
Seeing she was serious, he immediately bowed and pleaded, “Huahua, don’t be angry. Second Brother will go buy them. I’ll go, alright?”
“That’s more like it. Buy double portions.”
“Huahua, you know that pastry shop has a very long queue every day…”
“That’s your problem. If you don’t bring it back today, I’ll tell Mother tonight.”
“Don’t! Even if I queue until dark, I’ll get it for you!”
And off he ran in a flash.
“Host, he only ate some fruit. Was that punishment necessary?”
【You don’t understand. This isn’t the first time he’s stolen my fruit. If I don’t discipline him, he’ll get addicted.】
“That pastry shop requires at least three hours of queuing. Can you even wait?”
【If I can’t, I’ll save it for a midnight snack. I’m eating it today no matter what.】
“I truly don’t understand. Is waiting that long for food worth it?”
【You’re AI—you wouldn’t understand. This is life. This is enjoyment. I’ve gone through nine lifetimes of being destined to work like an exhausted ox. Now that I finally have the chance to live as a rich and powerful family’s daughter, shouldn’t I enjoy it?】
“As long as Host is happy. Guagua doesn’t understand such things.”
【And you say you’re omniscient? You don’t even understand human desires.】
“I’m omniscient about events. But I’m not human—I don’t have human emotions.”
【Then just do your job properly. Find me good gossip. That’s your basic duty, understand?】
“Guagua understands. Guagua will perfectly complete the mission.”