{Chapter: 143 The strange Yan Ruyue! Making a cake with Xiu Wanxi!}
Song Xuan leaned back slightly, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips as she continued, "And not only is she beautiful, but when it comes to business—an area where I take great pride—I have to admit that I can't say I ever surpassed Mei Yuxian."
She let out a soft chuckle before turning her gaze back to Lin Yuan, her expression warm. "Xiao Yuan, you truly are an extraordinary young man. Just a few days ago, Ruyue told me that you're not only knowledgeable in medicine, but you're also skilled at playing the piano and even singing. Auntie isn't exaggerating when she says you're the perfect Prince Charming for countless girls out there. If I were younger, I might have shamelessly chased after you myself!" She laughed, shaking her head as if amused by the thought.
Then, her expression turned slightly regretful. "Unfortunately, Ruyue didn't cherish the opportunity she had… but to be honest, she doesn't deserve you. Unlike her, Mei Yuxian, when she was younger, was truly outstanding—beyond just her looks. If anyone were to be a match for you, it would be someone like her."
Song Xuan glanced at Lin Yuan meaningfully before continuing, "I even mentioned you to her in passing, and she said she admires you as a member of the younger generation. But of course, we're old now. When you meet her, you should call her 'Aunt Mei.' Haha."
She sighed, her voice laced with emotion. "Our generation is getting old."
Lin Yuan smiled lightly at her words. "Auntie, you're far from old. Both you and Aunt Mei are still beautiful. Young men like us can't help but be excited when we see you, and as the saying goes, 'the younger generation holds gold bricks.'"(T/N: Chinese idiom meaning it is a blessing to find a wife who is three years or so years older than you.)
Song Xuan's cheeks tinged pink at his teasing, though she laughed it off. "Don't joke with us aunts. We've been married for years and have children now."
She then shifted the conversation. "There's a banquet at the Mei Family's house tomorrow. I heard that Mei Yuxian's daughter is also very beautiful. Maybe I should introduce her to you."
Lin Yuan replied casually, "Haha, okay." But inwardly, he had other thoughts.
'Having children doesn't mean much. People always assume that once a woman becomes a mother, romance is no longer in the equation. But reality is far more complex…'
In his mind, Lin Yuan was thinking that having children might not mean anything.
Before he could dwell on it further, a familiar figure entered the room.
Yan Ruyue had walked in, her gaze flickering between Lin Yuan and her mother with curiosity.
"Mom, what were you just saying about an introduction?" she asked.
Song Xuan smiled knowingly. "I was telling Xiao Yuan that I'd introduce him to someone. Your Aunt Mei has a daughter who's about to reach adulthood, and I thought it would be a good idea to introduce her to Xiao Yuan at the banquet tomorrow. Unlike you, she's probably more sensible and knows how to cherish a good man."
Yan Ruyue's expression stiffened slightly.
"You mean… Gui Qingtong?" she asked, her tone subtly displeased.
Song Xuan nodded, but before she could say more, Yan Ruyue blurted out, "Why introduce her? She's still a child! Her studies should be her focus, and she's not even fully developed yet…"
She trailed off, seemingly surprised at herself for reacting so strongly.
Lin Yuan watched her with amusement.
'Interesting. She and Gui Qingtong don't even have any direct conflict, yet she's instinctively opposed to the idea of me meeting her. Jealousy is truly a fascinating thing.'
Song Xuan also noticed her daughter's reaction and simply smiled, saying nothing further.
Instead, she glanced at the time and stretched slightly. "Ruyue, you should send Xiao Yuan off. I have some documents to go through."
Yan Ruyue nodded, then turned toward Lin Yuan.
The two walked outside together, and for a moment, an awkward silence stretched between them.
Yan Ruyue appeared hesitant, almost as if she wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to. She fidgeted with her fingers, rubbing her right thumb against the palm of her left hand—a clear sign of nervousness.
Lin Yuan noticed her behavior and tilted his head. "What's wrong with your hand? Did you try learning acupuncture yourself? I'm already treating your mother, so there's no need for you to go that far."
Yan Ruyue's eyes widened slightly, and she quickly shook her head. "No… No, I wasn't learning acupuncture."
She then quickly changed the subject. "Are you… really going to the Mei Family's banquet tomorrow?"
Lin Yuan gave her a sideways glance. "Yeah. What's the matter?"
Yan Ruyue's cheeks flushed, and she avoided his gaze. Looking off to the side, she muttered, "That… That's good."
She said nothing more after that.
Lin Yuan smirked inwardly but didn't press further. Since she didn't want to speak, he wouldn't force her.
After a brief pause, he turned and left.
Yan Ruyue watched his retreating figure, biting her lower lip lightly. Her fingers intertwined nervously, as if struggling with a thought she couldn't bring herself to voice aloud.
---
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan had other plans.
Since the Mei Family banquet was tomorrow and there were many things to handle there, he decided not to bring Qiu Wanxi along. Instead, he had some free time today, so he planned to visit her.
More importantly, he wanted to have a serious talk with her about curing her illness. Even if she didn't start treatment immediately, she at least needed to be mentally prepared for it.
However, as soon as he stepped into Hope Cake Shop, he was immediately ambushed.
Before he could react, something was placed on his head.
Lin Yuan instinctively reached up to touch it, only to realize that it was a hat.
Thankfully, it wasn't green.
It was red—a Christmas hat.
Laughter erupted around him as Xiao Lian and Xiao He, the mischievous duo, peeked out from behind the door, giggling.
Lin Yuan arched an eyebrow. "What exactly do you two think you're doing?"
Xiao Lian grinned. "Putting a red hat on the Young Master!"
Xiao He nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! It suits you, doesn't it?"
Lin Yuan's lips twitched. "Isn't this a Christmas hat? There's still half a month until Christmas. What are you two up to?"
Xiao Lian straightened up, looking as serious as possible. "We discussed it with the store manager. We need to prepare ahead of time to make sure business is booming during the holiday season."
Xiao He chimed in. "That's right! And besides, the Young Master will give us presents, right?"
Lin Yuan sighed and flicked their foreheads lightly.
"Still a long way to go, and you're already thinking about presents?" He smirked. "Fine. Then I'll dress up as Santa Claus, sneak into your rooms at night, and let you experience the true meaning of fear."
He had meant it as a joke, but unfortunately, the two girls began seriously considering it.
"Wow! Master, you'd actually sneak into our rooms at night?" Xiao Lian gasped in feigned shock.
"How perverted!" Xiao He added dramatically.
Lin Yuan knocked their heads again, exasperated. "Enough nonsense. Where's Wanxi?"
"The store manager? She's baking cakes in the back. I'll take you to her." Xiao Lian offered.
Lin Yuan followed them through the store until they reached the kitchen, where Qiu Wanxi was diligently focused on decorating a cake.
Noticing his presence, she immediately perked up, wiped her hands on her apron, and ran over with a bright, joyful smile.
"Young Master!"
As long as she sees Lin Yuan, no matter what time, season, or weather, Qiu Wanxi instantly becomes very happy.
Lin Yuan reached out and gently patted her head. "How about we make cakes together today?"
Qiu Wanxi's eyes sparkled with delight. "Yeah!"
She nodded happily, leaning into his touch like a content kitten.
Lin Yuan smiled. "Then let's get started."