Chapter 242: What Is Your Surname, Miss

Mr. Xu finally turned his head as if he’d just had a sudden realization, his face full of apology. "My apologies, my apologies—"

"For some reason, this young lady looks very familiar. I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before."

Gu Fei pursed her lips slightly. ’Isn’t this a classic line used by scumbags in my past life?’

Mr. Xu smiled and asked Gu Fei, "Is this young lady your older sister, Miss Gu? You don’t look much alike."

Gu Fei’s features were bold and striking, her beauty of the more vibrant type.

Lan Zhi’s features were delicate, giving her a serene and graceful appearance.

Gu Fei replied coolly, "She’s a distant cousin."

Although Lan Zhi was at the counter with her head bowed over her embroidery, they were all sitting in the main hall, so she heard every word of their conversation. Her face flushed an even deeper shade of red.

Gu Fei turned to Su Chen. "Oh, right. I haven’t properly thanked you for the congratulatory gift you sent the other day, Young Master Su. It was far too valuable."

Su Chen waved his hand. "It was nothing."

He leaned forward slightly. "Are you managing this inn by yourself now?"

Gu Fei nodded. "I heard from Brother Zhang that you’re studying at an academy now, Young Master Su?"

Su Chen smiled. "I’m studying at Qinglian Academy."

Gu Fei’s eyebrow twitched. ’Qinglian Academy... even in the future I came from, it’s extremely famous. The academy had weathered a thousand years of storms and produced many great scholars, renowned Confucians, and high-ranking officials.’

Gu Fei smiled. "Then your scholarship must be excellent."

Mr. Xu flicked his fan open and shot Su Chen a sidelong smile. "But of course. Su Chen writes the most brilliant essays. He even ranked first in this month’s academy examinations."

"Even our master said that Su Chen is guaranteed to pass this autumn examination."

Hearing this, Gu Fei mused internally, ’The autumn examination is for becoming a scholar. It seems Young Master Su has already attained the rank of Scholar.’

Su Chen blushed slightly and waved his hand. "It was just a stroke of luck."

Gu Fei smiled. "Then allow me to congratulate you in advance. If you pass, please send word, and I’ll be sure to send a gift to congratulate you."

’That would also be a good way to repay the favor for that green jade bok choy.’

She stood up. "Please wait here a moment, gentlemen. I’m going to change my clothes."

Gu Fei rose and went to the back courtyard.

The moment Gu Fei left, Mr. Xu also rose, walked over to the counter, and smiled at Lan Zhi, who had her head bowed over her embroidery. "May I ask your name, miss?"

Lan Zhi, who had already tensed up when she saw him approaching, blushed bright red at his question. She didn’t say a word, merely keeping her head down and continuing her embroidery.

Mr. Xu continued, "You have such skillful hands, miss. I have never seen such exquisite needlework."

Lan Zhi vaguely understood the young master’s intentions. She bit her lip, and without a thought for the unattended counter, she put down her embroidery hoop and fled to the back courtyard.

Mr. Xu watched Lan Zhi’s figure disappear through the back door, feeling a sense of loss and disappointment.

Su Chen watched Mr. Xu, his brow furrowed slightly. ’Back at the academy, Mr. Xu always seemed decent enough. Who would have thought his behavior was actually so frivolous?’

Qinglian Academy, where he studied, was a day’s journey from Ping’an City. He had finally gotten a three-day break and had only arrived home last night. This morning, all he wanted was to see Gu Fei.

But who would have known that Mr. Xu would show up at his door first thing in the morning? Su Chen had no choice—if he didn’t see Gu Fei today, he’d have to leave for the academy early tomorrow. He could only bring him along. And who could have predicted he would shamelessly stare at the young lady without pause?

Before long, Gu Fei emerged. She was still wearing a moon-white, fine-cotton blouse and skirt, only she had changed into a clean one.

Seeing Mr. Xu still craning his neck towards the back door, Su Chen worried he might cause some trouble. He stood up, bowed to Gu Fei, and said, "Miss Gu, Brother Xu and I need to make a trip to the bookstore, so we won’t disturb you any longer."