"What's wrong?" Nie Huiming turned to look.
Lu Cheng immediately said, "You girl, the official just praised you, and you can't even live up to it?" Falling apart this quickly? How am I supposed to explain this to him?"
Nie Huiming looked back, quietly sweeping his gaze around the room. Seeing the maidservants who had come in to serve tea, he formed a guess. He raised his hand, letting his palm rest on Xu Yu's hair, gently stroking it, and asked in a low voice, "Did you twist your ankle?"
Xu Yu trembled all over, not daring to make a sound, afraid her sister would recognize her voice.
She had thought the route felt familiar earlier, and now, seeing her sister, she realized this must be the restaurant where her sister and brother-in-law worked. She had only ever been to its front entrance before—she'd had no idea it held such hidden depths within.
Everyone saw Nie Huiming's intimate gesture, and no one dared to speak. Only Lu Cheng asked anxiously, "You girl, say something, won't you?"
Nie Huiming smiled. "It's no matter. She is indeed a bit timid—but that's exactly why I'm especially fond of her. Please, everyone, carry on with your conversation. Don't trouble yourselves over such a small thing."
"After all, she came from a commoner's humble residence. If she's truly displeased the adult, then the fault is mine. But since the adult has spoken, I'll say no more." Lu Cheng smiled. "Quick, introduce the adult to our wines and refreshments—all of these are local Dingyuan specialties.""
Nie Huiming sat at an angle, his hand still resting on Xu Yu's head, making small talk with Lu Cheng. "It seems this little courtyard is also one of your properties."
"I'm hardly talented—relying on my family's accumulated wealth, I managed to acquire these two small establishments. It's just enough to make a living. I'll need the adult's support and guidance in the future."
Nie Huiming withdrew his hand and sat up a little straighter. "I've come here to take up my post, and I'm a stranger to this place. It's I who must rely on all of you."
The Commandery Governor spoke up. "My lord, you jest. Who doesn't know your esteemed reputation? If there is ever anything you need, just give the word and we will spare no effort. Come, bring the wine."
Two maidservants came forward carrying trays, setting out the refreshments and earnestly introducing them: "My lord, this is winter wine, found only here in Dingyuan. Its flavor is mellow and sweet—it won't intoxicate you."
Her sister's voice! Her sister was right there beside the adult!
Xu Yu trembled even harder. Before her were only a tall side table holding a vase and Nie Huiming's upright back. If she lifted her head even slightly, her sister would spot her.
Qin Rusu, standing nearby, noticed and sensed something was wrong. She glanced around the room, then bent slightly and deliberately took hold of Xu Yu's arm, whispering, "Little Sister Xu, if you're feeling unwell, tell the official and I'll help you outside.""
Xu Yun, who was presenting the wine by the table, froze and lifted her eyes slightly.
Nie Huiming glanced over, picked up the wine, and took a small sip. "Not bad."
Xu Yun immediately lowered her gaze and continued her introduction: "This is a soup unique to Dingyuan, made from local fowl. The meat is tender and smooth—please try some, my lord."
Qin Rusu couldn't get Xu Yu to her feet, so she bent slightly again and said softly at Nie Huiming's side, "My lord, Little Sister Xu isn't feeling well. Might this servant help her outside to rest?"
Nie Huiming's eyes shifted slightly. He rose and turned, taking Xu Yu's shoulders in both hands and helping her up. "Does your foot hurt that badly?"
She lifted her head, her pale brows tightly knit, her eyes brimming with tears, gazing at him pleadingly, trembling.
Nie Huiming calmly helped her up and pulled her into his embrace: "It's alright, don't be afraid. You only twisted your ankle. I won't blame you, and none of the lords here will blame you either."