Chapter 21

Chu Shaoyang lowered her gaze, hiding the mix of complexity and bewilderment in her eyes.

With her father at home before, she hadn’t been able to get close to Chu Lingyue. Now that he was away on a long journey, she could finally approach her.

She wanted to see Chu Lingyue’s situation with her own eyes before deciding her next move.

It was a pity that a year ago, Tang Jin had found the amnesiac Chu Lingyue first. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be in such a passive position now…

From the side, Tang Jin silently rolled her eyes. Couldn’t these two watch their words a little? Even if they were calling the original host a scumbag, they shouldn’t do it right in front of her.

There were only a few people in the main hall, and everyone had heard it loud and clear.

Although the barbs were aimed at the original host, Tang Jin still felt like she was the one being insulted.

Miao Liu stared at Chu Shaoyang in disbelief upon hearing this. “All for some food?”

She hadn’t expected Sister Shaoyang to be such a foodie. She was really willing to go all out just for a good meal.

Chu Shaoyang glanced at Chu Lingyue’s poised back as she sat at the table but said nothing.

Miao Liu didn’t notice her gaze. She shot Tang Jin a cold look. “You, come here.”

Tang Jin smiled. “At your service, miss.”

Miao Liu kept a straight face. “Pack up two dishes for me to take away.”

Tang Jin replied amiably, “Sorry, we don’t offer takeout service here, and we’re out of dishes for today anyway.”

Miao Liu sneered, her tone turning hostile. “If you don’t do takeout, then why even open a restaurant?”

She hadn’t planned on making trouble at first—she just wanted to bring some dishes home for her mother to try. But since this scumbag wouldn’t play nice, she had no qualms about stirring things up.

Tang Jin didn’t bat an eyelid. “Please don’t take offense, miss. That’s just our shop’s rule.”

“Whose rule is that? I’ve never heard of a restaurant that doesn’t allow takeout in my whole life. Fine, no takeout? Then don’t blame me for not paying.” Miao Liu tossed her head, her attitude overbearing.

She was determined to pick a fight with this scumbag.

Tang Jin was about to respond when someone tugged at her sleeve. Tang Laidi stepped forward past her and confronted Miao Liu. “I’m the owner here, and I made the rule. What, you planning to welch on the bill?”

Nobody dared loiter around here without paying up—not if they knew what was good for them. She was Ping’an County’s most impartial female constable. Well, she used to be.

Everyone had overheard the earlier exchange between Miao Liu and Chu Shaoyang.

Cao Kesang stayed out of it, content to watch the drama unfold.

Lord Miao had been about to scold his daughter but held his tongue upon seeing Tang Laidi’s fearless stance. He stroked his beard instead. The people in this restaurant were certainly entertaining.

Old Madam Tang sized up the impassive Lord Miao before pulling Chu Lingyue aside to chat idly. Let the youngsters handle their own squabbles.

No rush—better to observe first.

Seeing that Chu Lingyue hadn’t turned around, Chu Shaoyang calmly sipped her tea as if nothing had happened.

With no one intervening, Miao Liu grew even bolder. “Hmph, it’s not me welching—it’s your restaurant breaking the rules first.”

Tang Laidi laughed in exasperation. “Us breaking rules? We’re following them to the letter. Enough talk. Pay up or come with me to the yamen.”

Ping’an County wasn’t without the rule of law. This young miss was truly clueless about her place.

Miao Liu froze for a moment, instinctively glancing at her father.

Why threaten the yamen over a disagreement? She wasn’t going there. Father, stop watching—back me up already!

Lord Miao chuckled good-naturedly. “Liu’er, don’t be willful.”

He was a man of standing in Ping’an County, but even he knew when to support his daughter and when not to. He wasn’t about to get involved in a petty spat where they held no ground.

Miao Liu deflated instantly, but her eyes lit up again as she taunted, “So what if I don’t pay? Go ahead, report me to the yamen.”

Tang Laidi was furious now, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. “Fine, we’ll go. Think the county magistrate will take your side?”

With that, she turned and stormed toward the door.

Miao Liu burst into laughter. “Go on then! I didn’t even order anything—why should I pay you? Let’s see whose side the magistrate takes.”

Tang Laidi faltered mid-step, nearly stumbling. What?

At that moment, Chu Shaoyang stood up. “We’ll settle the bill.”

“That’ll be ten taels. Safe travels, miss.” Tang Jin cleared her throat and swiftly pocketed the silver.

Miao Liu linked arms with Chu Shaoyang as they headed out. Before leaving, she stuck her tongue out at Tang Laidi and mouthed one word: Idiot.

Tang Laidi: “…”

That little girl actually dared to toy with her!

Lord Miao smiled and cupped his hands toward Old Madam Tang. “My daughter’s manners were lacking—my apologies for the spectacle. Brother Cao, shall we?”

He had already looked into the restaurant’s background, of course, and hadn’t missed the famously formidable Old Madam Tang.

An illiterate widow who had raised two sons through hardship and even tutored a scholar granddaughter into being. The old madam was someone worthy of respect.

Old Madam Tang nodded slightly, her expression calm.

This old man at least knew when to back down. No need for her to step in.

Just then, Tang Second Aunt—who had left with Chu Shaoyang—returned. She glanced warily at Old Madam Tang before saying boldly, “Tang Jin, Miss Chu wants a word with you outside.”

She was just the messenger. Please don’t get rash, eldest aunt—these old bones can’t take a beating.

Tang Jin hesitated but didn’t refuse.

Tang Laidi was stunned. She’s actually going out there?

Lingyue was still watching! Can’t you two use your brains a little?

How could she meet her old flame right in front of her own wife?

Old Madam Tang frowned and patted Chu Lingyue reassuringly. “Don’t worry, child. If Tang Jin dares act out of line, this old lady won’t let her off the hook.”

Chu Lingyue fell silent. Truth be told, she didn’t care what happened between Tang Jin and Chu Shaoyang…

Outside, as soon as Tang Jin stepped out, she spotted Chu Shaoyang standing by the carriage.

Miao Liu, seated inside the carriage, rolled her eyes at Tang Jin’s appearance and dropped the curtain.

She had no idea what Sister Shaoyang had to say to this scumbag that she couldn’t hear. It was killing her with curiosity.

Chu Shaoyang gave Tang Jin a look and headed toward a nearby alley.

Tang Jin followed quietly, wondering what this young lady had to say to her.

The alley was long and narrow, bathed in the dim glow of the setting sun, with no one else around.

Chu Shaoyang turned around, her voice grave. “Tang Jin, if you truly care for Miss Lingyue, you shouldn’t let her expose herself like this anymore.”

Tang Jin’s first thought was that this woman was out of her mind…

But she quickly sensed something off.

Looking at the expressionless Chu Shaoyang, she replied evenly, “What do you mean by that, Miss Chu? Whether my wife shows her face or not is none of your business.”

This was too suspicious. Did Chu Shaoyang know Chu Lingyue? No—did she know the Chu Lingyue from before the amnesia?

Chu Shaoyang’s tone remained flat. “She was never meant to get her hands dirty with mundane work. If you have feelings for her, treat her well. If not, let her go.”

Miss Chu was joking. Lingyue is my wedded wife—where exactly should I send her?

Chu Shaoyang clenched her fingers slightly. “I can take care of her and ensure she wants for nothing.”

As long as the current Chu Lingyue was willing and Tang Jin didn’t interfere, she was confident she could keep it from her father.

Tang Jin arched a brow. “Miss Chu, didn’t you hear? Lingyue is my wife. If you’re serious, be upfront about it. We’re all adults here—no need for games, and I’m not unreasonable.”

She wouldn’t stand in the way of true feelings, provided Chu Lingyue agreed—and this young lady should be honest too.

But Chu Shaoyang merely furrowed her brow and turned to leave.

Tang Jin rubbed her nose bridge. Was there really something wrong with this young lady? Her words made no sense from start to finish, and now she was just walking away?

Moreover, those earlier remarks were anything but ordinary. No more showing her face? Never meant to get her hands dirty?

Just what was that woman’s background?

Puzzled, Tang Jin returned and couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances at Chu Lingyue. The woman before her had ink-black brows and simple cloth garb with a wooden hairpin, yet her every gesture carried an air of elegance and poise.

Like a noble moon from the heavens that had carelessly tumbled into the mud…

Chu Lingyue seemed to sense it and lifted her gaze. “Does A-Jin have something on her mind?”