Chapter 223: A Visit
Chapter 223: A Visit
Two days later, Mo Hua paid another visit to Mr. Zhuang and played a game of chess with Gu Laozi.
As they were leaving, they ran into Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi at the door.
During the New Year holiday, Mr. Zhuang was taking a break, so he also gave the Bai siblings some time off.
They were there to pay their respects to Mr. Zhuang.
When Bai Zisheng saw Mo Hua, his eyes lit up, and he asked, "Mo Hua, are you here to pay your respects to Mr. Zhuang as well?"
"Mhm." Mo Hua nodded. "I've already seen Mr. Zhuang, and now I'm heading home."
Bai Zisheng looked a little disappointed but quickly asked, "Can I come over to your place to play?"
"Sure," Mo Hua replied, a little puzzled. "Why do you suddenly want to come to my house?"
Bai Zisheng didn't hide his reason. "I want to eat meat."
"You don't lack meat to eat, do you? Even if you don't eat demon beast meat, there's still spiritual meat."
Bai Zisheng looked around and whispered to Mo Hua, "The food Aunt Xue makes is terrible."
Bai Zixi gave her brother a slight glare.
Mo Hua couldn't help but find the situation amusing.
"Don't tell Aunt Xue, or she'll get mad," Bai Zisheng said.
"Don't worry," Mo Hua assured him. He thought for a moment and then asked, "But will Aunt Xue let you come over?"
"I already have an excuse ready," Bai Zisheng said proudly. "I'll say that I want to express my gratitude in person for your kindness and Aunt Liu's care for me on a daily basis."
"Alright, as long as you can convince Aunt Xue," Mo Hua agreed.
Bai Zisheng nodded. "Then it's settled. I'll talk to Aunt Xue when I get back."
"Is there anything you'd like to eat? I'll ask my mother to prepare it for you in advance," Mo Hua offered.
"Anything is fine, as long as there's meat," Bai Zisheng said, not at all picky.
Mo Hua turned to Bai Zixi.
She thought for a moment and softly replied, "Anything is fine with me too."
When Mo Hua returned home, he told his mother about the visitors.
Liu Ruhua was a little surprised.
She had only heard Mo Hua mention that there was a brother and sister studying with him under Mr. Zhuang, and that they were descendants of a prominent family, with exceptional appearances and outstanding academic performance. However, she had never met them before.
Now that they were coming over to visit, Liu Ruhua was delighted.
"Although you are only nominal disciples, studying together forms a deeper bond than that of regular sect members. So make sure to treat them well," she said.
Mo Hua nodded.
In the evening, Aunt Xue arrived with Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi to pay a visit.
Aunt Xue still wore a veil, but her attire was much simpler and more elegant, and the cold aura she usually exuded was now subdued, making her seem much more approachable.
The Bai siblings were dressed in refined light-colored Daoist robes. Although the fabric was of good quality, their outfits were not overly extravagant.
However, their exceptional appearances and auras made it difficult to downplay their striking looks, no matter how modest their clothing was.
As soon as the Bai siblings entered, Liu Ruhua was taken aback.
Bai Zisheng had handsome features, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, while Bai Zixi's skin was fairer than snow, and her eyes shone like stars, as if she were a sculpture of jade and powder.
Liu Ruhua looked at Bai Zisheng and then at Bai Zixi, and she couldn't help but marvel inwardly:
"There are such stunningly beautiful children in this world."
Aunt Xue presented a gift—a first-grade hairpin, exquisitely crafted and luxurious.
Liu Ruhua, in turn, offered various snacks and treats to welcome them.
In the tidy and spotless living room, Mo Hua, Bai Zisheng, and Bai Zixi sat together, enjoying the food, while Liu Ruhua and Aunt Xue chatted on the side.
Bai Zisheng glanced at Liu Ruhua and thought to himself that this was what other people's mothers were like. She smiled warmly, prepared food for her children with her own hands, and looked at them with affection.
Bai Zisheng lowered his eyes. His own mother was not like that, and she rarely smiled.
Bai Zixi maintained her usual calm demeanor, her eyelashes casting a shadow on her eyes, which held a hint of sadness and envy.
Noticing their slight melancholy, Mo Hua pushed the food box towards them and said, "My mother made these especially for you. They're delicious.
Mo Hua took a bite as well, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
Bai Zisheng's heart was touched, and he gratefully said, "Thank you, Aunt Liu!"
Liu Ruhua smiled gently, "If you like it, have some more."
Bai Zisheng nodded repeatedly, his earlier worries completely forgotten.
Bai Zixi, on the other hand, gazed at the assortment of cakes before her, lost in thought.
The cakes were colorful and varied, each adorned with a different floral design. Some were osmanthus, some plum blossoms, some peach blossoms, and others orchids. They looked exquisite and delicious, emitting a subtle sweet fragrance.
She was momentarily unsure which one to choose.
After some hesitation, Bai Zixi decided to start from the beginning and taste each one. Some were soft and sticky, others crispy, and all of them carried a hint of floral fragrance.
Each bite melted in her mouth with a burst of sweetness...
Seeing Bai Zixi's enjoyment, Liu Ruhua couldn't help but smile as well, marveling inwardly, "This young lady even eats so gracefully."
Bai Zixi ate the cakes with a tranquil expression, only to realize that Liu Ruhua was looking at her with a gentle gaze. Feeling a bit flustered, she lowered her head slightly, a faint blush appearing on her pale cheeks.
Liu Ruhua found her even more endearing and poured her a cup of tea, offering it with a soft voice, "There are plenty of cakes, so feel free to take some home if you like them."
Bai Zixi nodded and softly replied, "Thank you, Aunt Liu."
Seeing this exchange, Xue Yi asked, "Sister Liu, how are these cakes made...?"
Xue Yi could prepare meals, but she wasn't particularly skilled. Her cooking was barely edible, just enough to fill their stomachs.
During their travels and studies with Mr. Zhuang, she had been the one responsible for preparing meals for Bai Zisheng, Bai Zixi, and Mo Hua.
Initially, Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi hadn't complained, but after tasting Liu Ruhua's cooking, they seemed less enthusiastic about Xue Yi's meals.
Recognizing her limitations, Xue Yi knew that cooking wasn't her forte. Still, for the sake of the Bai siblings, she wanted to learn as much as she could.
Noticing Xue Yi's uncommon aura, Liu Ruhua assumed that she rarely cooked and started from the basics, explaining the ingredients, cooking methods, and techniques like steaming, boiling, frying, and stir-frying.
Xue Yi then realized that cooking involved far more intricacies than she had imagined, requiring numerous steps and a great deal of patience to create a dish that was both tasty and aesthetically pleasing.
Although Bai Zixi maintained a calm expression, her eyes remained fixed on Liu Ruhua, absorbing every word with utmost attention.
After a while, Mo Shan returned home, slightly surprised to find guests in the house.
With the New Year approaching, Mo Shan had been busy with social engagements, entertaining guests, and exchanging gifts. Occasionally, he would join his teammates from the demon-hunting squad for drinks, keeping him occupied for most of the day.
Liu Ruhua briefly introduced the guests, and Mo Shan smiled in acknowledgment, marveling at the Bai siblings' remarkable appearances and bearing.
The fact that these aristocratic children studied alongside Mo Hua under Mr. Zhuang indicated that Mr. Zhuang was indeed an extraordinary master.
Mo Hua's acceptance as Mr. Zhuang's nominal disciple was indeed a rare opportunity.
Mo Shan's heart filled with gratitude towards Mr. Zhuang.
Bai Zisheng, noticing Mo Shan's tall and valiant stature, his sharp gaze, and light footsteps, asked with interest, "Uncle Mo, are you a demon hunter?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
