Xie Xuchuan was utterly exhausted, and Hua Nanzhi’s heart ached to see him so.
She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “Ever since you returned from Huizhou, I’ve noticed you’ve been troubled. Has something happened?”
After a moment of silence, Xie Xuchuan nodded.
“Eat something first.”
“I have no appetite.”
Hua Nanzhi sighed helplessly. “You’ve always been too lazy to pick out fish bones since you were little. I never thought you’d still be like this even after growing up.”
As she spoke, she lowered her head and meticulously removed the bones from the fish, unaware that Xie Qi’s eyes had flashed with interest upon hearing the words “something happened.”
The snow-white fish meat was shredded into fine pieces. Hua Nanzhi carefully examined it several times with a silver fork before placing the tender, savory fish, soaked in broth, into Xie Xuchuan’s bowl.
“Eat more and nourish yourself.”
After flattering Xie Jingyuan, Granny Li finally returned to stand behind Xie Sanniang.
Xie Jingyuan picked up his chopsticks and turned to see that Xie Qi’s place was empty.
Frowning slightly, he casually placed his own untouched utensils in front of Xie Qi.
No sooner had he done this than Xie Sanniang snapped at Granny Li, “What are you doing standing there? Go fetch a set of dishes and bowls for Third Master!”
“Coming, coming!”
Just as Xie Sanniang lost her temper, the young maid who had been setting the table earlier hurried in.
Granny Li saw her and immediately began scolding her harshly.
The maid said tearfully, “Second Young Master doesn’t eat fish, so I didn’t bring his dishes.”
Xie Boyu felt displeased upon hearing this.
Since when did Xie Qi not eat fish? And since when was the Xie family’s Second Young Master someone a mere maid could casually gossip about?
Just as he was about to reprimand her, he heard his mother say, “Is he some precious treasure? If he doesn’t eat, then he doesn’t eat. How dare you make such a fuss over such a trivial matter during a meal?”
“You’ve completely ruined my appetite for fish.”
With a clatter, Xie Sanniang set down her spoon.
As the dishes and bowls were placed before him, Xie Qi lowered his gaze, a faint, mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Xie Jingyuan wanted to say something to smooth things over, but he saw Xie Qi rise, bow to the others, and turn to leave.
“Xie Qi.”
“Let him go.”
Xie Sanniang said, “Just looking at him ruins my appetite. Let’s eat.”
Xie Xuchuan watched Xie Qi’s retreating figure and whispered, “Mother… my brother…”
“Eat your food and don’t mind others.”
Hua Nanzhi’s hand paused as she was about to serve Xie Xuchuan. Her brow furrowed tightly before gradually relaxing.
The curses behind him drifted to his ears with the wind. Xie Qi’s face darkened as he made his way toward the Nine-Color Residence.
When he was still a child, the Xie family had assigned him to the Nine-Color Residence.
Located at the westernmost edge of the Xie estate, it bordered the far end of the pond.
The place was bitterly cold in winter and scorching hot in summer, unbearably uncomfortable—a stark contrast to Xie Xuchuan’s Tiqi Courtyard.
It was already April, yet the entire Nine-Color Residence remained so cold it made one’s bones ache.
Xie Qi entered his room and casually picked up a white jade button, twirling it between his fingers.
He reclined lazily in a rosewood armchair, his unrestrained demeanor a far cry from the restraint he had shown earlier.
Mianhe entered the room, rubbing her hands together, and was met with this sight.
Her heart warmed, and a blush spread across her cheeks.
“Second Young Master…”
“The room is damp and cold. Go ask Granny Li for some charcoal.”
Just as she was about to lift the beaded curtain, Mianhe was abruptly sent away.
A flicker of annoyance crossed her face, but she quickly suppressed it.
“Master, if you don’t take control soon, you’ll only encourage that girl’s ambitions.”
After Mianhe left, a young man entered Xie Qi’s room.
The boy had a robust build with a thick brow and large eyes, looking quite clever.
Xie Qi snorted disdainfully; a mere maid wasn’t worth his attention.
Recalling the scene of Hua Nanzhi picking fish bones for Xie Xuchuan earlier, Xie Qi suddenly withdrew the jade button from his fingertips.
A hint of gloom flickered in his eyes, yet his tone remained frivolous: “My dear brother has stirred up trouble in Huizhou. Go to the main house and find out what happened.”