Chapter 15: Opening the Restaurant

“He’s gone.”

Xiao Qiao scratched her head and spoke hesitantly.

“Gone?”

Meng Qianwu was momentarily taken aback, not quite understanding what Xiao Qiao meant.

“That Shen Xuan took the silver voucher and left without any intention of meeting Miss at all.”

The young maid, somewhat annoyed, recounted the entire incident to Meng Qianwu.

“Gone!” Meng Qianwu repeated, but the puzzlement in her voice soon turned to surprise.

“Miss, you don’t need to take it to heart. Shen Xuan’s failure to see you is his loss!”

Seeing the astonished look on her lady’s face, Xiao Qiao thought she might have been hurt and quickly offered comfort.

“You’re overthinking it. I just find this Young Master Shen rather strange,” Meng Qianwu said, coming back to her senses. She folded the three pairs of couplets and tucked them into her bosom before smiling at Xiao Qiao.

“Strange? I’d say he’s just insensitive! A beauty like you, Miss, surely countless nobles would give anything for a chance to meet you!” Xiao Qiao pouted, clearly displeased with Shen Xuan’s behavior. “But Shen Xuan—such a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and yet he just refuses to see you at will.”

“I’m thinking—this Young Master Shen, with all his talent, only entered the competition for a thousand taels of silver. Don’t you find that odd?”

Meng Qianwu glided to the window, peering down at the lively Hua Manlou below, and smiled as she spoke to Xiao Qiao.

“Now that you mention it, Shen Xuan does seem a bit peculiar.”

Hearing her lady’s words, the maid agreed.

“So, Xiao Qiao, please help me investigate Shen Xuan’s identity. Find out which family he belongs to.”

Meng Qianwu turned and gently entrusted the task to Xiao Qiao.

“Hehe, Miss, no need to be so polite. I’ll go ask around right away and promise to uncover everything about Young Master Shen.”

The maid smiled, tapping her chest confidently.

Once Xiao Qiao had left, Meng Qianwu resumed her seat and murmured softly to herself, “Shen Xuan, huh? Truly interesting.”

“Brother Shen Xuan! Wait for me! Wait!”

After leaving Hua Manlou, Shen Xuan was preparing to return to the inn to rest when a voice called out from behind before he had gone far.

Turning, Shen Xuan saw Liu Ruifeng hurrying toward him.

“So it’s Brother Ruifeng,” Shen Xuan greeted, clasping his fists in respect as the man approached.

“Phew! Brother Shen, why did you leave without even a word?”

Liu Ruifeng seemed out of breath from running and complained once he caught his breath.

“I thought you might have other plans and didn’t want to disturb you, so I left first,” Shen Xuan replied with a smile.

“Ah, forget that—it’s not important. Brother Shen, your couplet was truly marvelous. Not to mention others, even Li Qiunian looked green with envy! Just thinking about it is amusing.”

Liu Ruifeng blushed slightly and lavished Shen Xuan with praise.

“I’ve just read a bit more, nothing worthy of special mention,” Shen Xuan downplayed modestly.

“You’re too humble. I’ve read plenty too, but I could never come up with such fine couplets.”

Liu Ruifeng waved his hands, raising his estimation of Shen Xuan even more.

Not only was Shen Xuan gifted, but he also lacked the arrogance common among other talented scholars.

Shen Xuan smiled but didn’t respond further.

Liu Ruifeng didn’t mind and continued the conversation.

“By the way, Brother Shen, are you heading back to the Prime Minister Qin’s residence?”

“I’ve already moved out. I’m planning to return to the temporary inn where I’m staying,” Shen Xuan shook his head in denial.

“An inn? Brother Shen, could it be that you were mistreated at the Qin residence? Kicked out, perhaps?”

Liu Ruifeng frowned, guessing the situation.

He was somewhat familiar with Shen Xuan’s circumstances, and hearing he had moved out, his mind jumped to unfortunate thoughts.

“Brother Ruifeng, don’t overthink it. I moved out on my own.”

Seeing Liu Ruifeng’s expression, Shen Xuan realized his assumptions and quickly explained.

“So, what are your plans next? The autumn examination is just a few months away. If you really have nowhere to stay, I have a courtyard. You can stay there for a while.”

Liu Ruifeng didn’t press further and warmly offered.

“No need, Brother Ruifeng, that would trouble you too much. As for my plans, I intend to open a tavern in the capital and will not be participating in the autumn examination.”

Shen Xuan quickly declined. After all, they had only just met today.

Although Liu Ruifeng seemed good-natured, Shen Xuan preferred not to cause trouble without reason.

“Opening a tavern? Brother Shen, you’re going to make your grilled skewers famous!”

Liu Ruifeng changed the subject upon Shen Xuan’s refusal.

He didn’t even mention the autumn exam, not buying Shen Xuan’s excuse.

With his talent, it would be a pity if Shen Xuan didn’t pursue an official career.

“Yes, I plan to purchase a shop first, then hire some staff and gradually establish the tavern,” Shen Xuan nodded and shared his ideas with Liu Ruifeng.

“Brother Shen’s skewers are delicious. Once the tavern opens, business will surely flourish.”

“Then leave the shop hunting to me. I have wide connections and know the capital well. I’ll find you a place with a good environment and reasonable price.”

Liu Ruifeng readily took on the task.

Shen Xuan hesitated a little but said nothing further.

“Brother Shen, don’t worry. I just admire your talent. If you feel awkward accepting help, then when the tavern opens, I’ll come to eat and expect a free meal.”

Liu Ruifeng urged as Shen Xuan seemed about to refuse again.

“Thank you, Brother Ruifeng. Once the tavern opens, no matter how business goes, there will always be a seat reserved just for you.”

Shen Xuan thought it over and stopped insisting, his expression sincere as he addressed Liu Ruifeng.

“Ha ha ha! That’s enough from you. I’ll have news for you by the day after tomorrow at the latest.”

Liu Ruifeng laughed heartily, pleased with Shen Xuan’s attitude.

After a few more casual words, Liu Ruifeng left first.

Watching his figure recede, Shen Xuan didn’t ponder much and headed straight back to the inn.

Although Liu Ruifeng’s behavior was somewhat sudden, Shen Xuan felt he had nothing to hide. If a friendship could be formed, he would not refuse another companion.

“Mother! Brother Xuan is truly outrageous! Not only does he refuse to come home, but he even goes to places like Hua Manlou—such dens of iniquity! He’s disgraced our Prime Minister’s residence utterly!”

Inside the Qin Prime Minister’s residence, Lady Song and others were fiercely arguing over Shen Xuan’s leaving.

Among them, Qin Shaotian’s tone was the most intense.

Since being driven away by Xiao Lin yesterday, Qin Shaotian had been simmering with anger, determined to teach Shen Xuan a lesson once he returned.

But to his shock, Shen Xuan had no intention of coming back at all.