Chapter 31: Really? I Don't Believe It!
Chapter 31: Really? I Don't Believe It!
The group tidied up and headed to Master Sun's residence.
Along the way, Master Sun arranged for the other young masters to be safely escorted back to their respective mansions.
Two of the children still had injuries on their faces, so it was necessary to send someone to explain the situation to their parents clearly and avoid any misunderstandings.
Qingzhou Prefecture, located in the prosperous Jiangnan region, was much richer compared to other prefectural cities.
Master Sun's mansion was grand and imposing.
Compared to the inn where Suisui had stayed before, Master Sun's home resembled a majestic palace.
Suisui, a country bumpkin, was so amazed that she almost gasped aloud.
Seeing his sister curiously looking around, Feng Xuanrui felt a twinge of sadness. "Sister, this is nothing. Wait until we return to the capital and see our magnificent Qi Kingdom Palace. That's truly impressive!"
Master Sun: ...
If my mansion is more impressive than a palace, my body and brain must have parted ways and gone their separate paths!
Suisui didn't understand, but she trusted her brother, so she nodded obediently.
However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but sneak glances as they walked.
That pavilion is so beautiful, and the artificial mountain range over there looks grand. Look at all the flowers and the pond...
They hadn't walked far, but the scenery was truly delightful.
Perhaps it was because the night obscured the view, or perhaps the flickering candlelight added a touch of mystique, making everything appear more enchanting.
Sun Ronglin was thrilled to have successfully brought his sister back to his mansion, and he was so happy that he wanted to show off all his possessions.
However, most of a child's possessions are usually toys.
Sun Ronglin was terrible at his studies; he was the type of student who could frustrate his parents to death when it came to academics!
So, sharing books?
That was out of the question!
Toys, toys, and more toys!
Little wooden horses, wooden donkeys, nine-linked rings, and Luban locks...
All sorts of small toys filled two large boxes to the brim.
Several servants had to work together to carry the larger wooden toys, like the horses.
Suisui had never seen such a spectacle before.
Feng Xuanrui's main base was elsewhere, so he could only bring out a limited number of items at the inn.
Now, with Sun Ronglin's generosity, Suisui was completely dazzled.
"Sister, do you like this? It's yours!"
"And this one too, it's for you!"
"Sister, whatever you like, just choose!"
...
The usually stingy little fatty was being exceptionally generous, causing the Qiu brothers, who were cousins of the Sun siblings, to suck in their breaths in surprise.
They were cousins, and Sun Ronglin had never been so willing to share with them before.
They could only blame themselves for not being born as sisters!
But this sister was rather adorable!
The Qiu brothers cautiously observed Suisui as if she were a fragile piece of porcelain.
They took in her shaved head, her delicate features, and her beautiful big eyes.
After a long while, the older brother, Qiu Ping, whispered, "Sister is too thin. She needs to eat more."
The younger brother, Qiu An, agreed, "Yes, our cousin is strong and healthy. He has the energy to fight!"
Qiu Ping disagreed, "Sister shouldn't fight. We're here to protect her. She doesn't need to fight!"
Realizing his mistake, Qiu An quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, yes! Father always says that as men, we should protect women and children!"
...
At this moment, Feng Xuanrui paid no heed to the Qiu brothers' whispered conversation.
Because Sun Ronglin was too good at this!
Toys?
Does my sister like them?
Here, take them!
Is my sister too thin?
Needs to gain some weight?
Eat more!
...
Feng Xuanrui was so angry that he was gritting his teeth. "That little fatty sure knows how to play his cards!"
Suisui had been captivated by the toys that Sun Ronglin offered, her eyes sparkling with delight.
A country bumpkin like her had never seen so many wonderful things.
Noticing her brother's mood, Suisui quickly turned and ran to Feng Xuanrui's side. She gently tugged on his sleeve and said, "Brother, are you unhappy?"
"Little bro doesn't understand." Suisui's past living environment had shaped her sensitive thoughts and keen intuition.
Hearing his sister's question, Feng Xuanrui felt a mix of bitterness and joy. He wanted Suisui to be loved and cared for by others, as she had endured so much hardship. Yet, selfishly, he also wanted her all to himself, wondering, "Why should others meddle in our affairs? She's my sister." These conflicting emotions pulled at his heart, and he shook his head, only to nod in agreement a moment later.
Suisui was perplexed. Was her brother happy or unhappy? She couldn't tell, but she sensed that he didn't like her playing with other boys. So, she decided, "I won't play with other brothers! I only like my brother!"
Losing interest in the toys, Suisui obediently stayed by Feng Xuanrui's side. Seeing her like this, Feng Xuanrui felt terrible. He berated himself, thinking, "I'm so selfish! Why can't I let her be loved by others?"
Feng Xuanrui, wishing he could slap himself, quickly adjusted his attitude. With a smile, he asked, "Sister, do you want to know how to play with these toys?"
Suisui looked at him, unsure if he was happy again. She shook her head. Having never seen such things before, how could she possibly understand them? Feeling a bit dejected, she lowered her head and said softly, "Will brother think I'm stupid?"
Feng Xuanrui immediately denied it. "How could that be?"
Seeing his sister's dejected look, he took her hand and sat down at the table. Picking up a nine-linked ring, he demonstrated, "Sister, look, this toy is called a nine-linked ring. We need to..."
Sun Ronglin interrupted, seeing that his sister's attention had been captured by Feng Xuanrui. Pouting, he said, "I bet you can't solve it!"
Feng Xuanrui had only intended to demonstrate, but Sun Ronglin's challenge sparked his competitive spirit. "How is that possible? I'm the best at this!"
Sun Ronglin, now in full devil's advocate mode, retorted, "Really? I don't believe it!"
"Wait till I solve it, and you'll be crying!"
"Really? I don't believe it!"
...
The two boys bickered and soon found themselves in a competition to solve the nine-linked ring puzzle.
The Qiu brothers cheered them on from the sidelines, while Suisui worriedly watched Feng Xuanrui.
Time passed, and neither boy had solved the puzzle. As the incense stick burned down, they both realized they were hungry.
Exchanging a glance, they laughed at each other and then headed off to eat.
Doctor Liu had anticipated that Feng Xuanrui would be hungry. After his illness, the boy needed to eat well, especially since he had barely touched his dinner. However, given his recent recovery, Doctor Liu suggested a light and easily digestible meal.
Sun Ronglin's father, the prefect, ordered the kitchen to prepare noodles for the children.
The other kids were fine, as they had been very active, fighting and expending lots of energy.
But Doctor Liu was concerned about Suisui, so he asked specifically, "Are you hungry, Suisui?"
Knowing that children might be shy or hesitant to speak up, he quickly added, "You have to tell Grandpa the truth, okay?"
Sun Ronglin overheard this and whispered to Feng Xuanrui, "This Grandpa sure speaks kindly."
Feng Xuanrui shot him a glance and huffed, "He's a doctor. He's great at acupuncture."
Upon hearing this, Sun Ronglin instinctively moved away, putting some distance between himself and Doctor Liu.
At that moment, no matter how adorable his sister was, he wouldn't dare get any closer to the doctor!
(End of Chapter)
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