âFamiliar?â The chairman was taken aback. âGu Huiyan mentioned this was the young ladyâs first work, and he had to persuade her to let him have it.â
Si Fuqing was only eighteen when she embroidered this piece of the Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, her potential was immeasurable.
The chairman had even made an exception to sign a document inviting Si Fuqing to become a member of the International Arts Committee.
âAh! I remember now!â a judge exclaimed, clapping his hands. âIâm watching her drama series, itâs a xianxia show.â
The chairman was silent for a few seconds before he slowly asked, âYou mean her main job is actually acting?â
âYes,â the judge replied, quite pleased. âThe series is nearing its finale, and I canât wait to see the Celestial Ruler die.â
The Great Xia Empire has a rich cultural heritage spanning five thousand years.
As a member of the International Arts Committee, the judge had always been studying Great Xia culture.
Although âCrossing the Demon Realmâ had a fictional setting, Tang Haijiuâs meticulous and demanding nature had showcased many different cultural elements.
The judge was thoroughly enjoying it.
The chairman was once again silent.
He suddenly turned and walked away.
No, he couldnât let this slide, even if today was Great Xiaâs Lunar New Year. He had to question Gu Huiyan on how he could let an embroidery genius become an actress!
It was utterly ridiculous!
**
The next day.
Great Xia Empire, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Si Fuqing was awakened by the sound of firecrackers outside.
She felt refreshed without any lingering effects of a hangover.
After a simple wash, she got dressed and went out.
âSister Qingiqng, youâre the last to get up. The opening firecrackers have already been set off,â Nian Yiâan said while making dumplings. âWe need to have a vegetarian meal first today.â
âIs that a tradition?â Si Fuqing walked over. âLet me help.â
As she reached out, Yu Xiheng gently held her hand, his voice calm, âHave you forgotten what you can and cannot do?â
Si Fuqing frowned. âMaking dumplings isnât cooking them. The filling and dough are already prepared. Surely, I can make dumplings?â
Yu Xiheng lifted his eyes slightly. âYou only need to know how to eat them.â
Si Fuqing pouted. ââ¦You canât compare me to that ungrateful girl.â
Little Bai yawned.
It considered itself noble, only eating gold.
And occasionally, minerals better than gold.
âSister Qingqing, you should rest,â Nian Yiâan said. âWeâre almost done, so donât trouble yourself. Let us men handle it.â
Si Fuqing rested her chin on her hand, watching Yu Xiheng.
His fingers were long and slender, the tips smooth and white, like finely carved jade.
She had seen him hold a fan, drink tea, and grind ink and paint.
But this was the first time she saw him making dumplings.
Even such a mundane task exuded a gentlemanly elegance from him.
No wonder thereâs a phrase that says âa feast for the eyes.â
After finishing the last dumpling, Yu Xiheng turned to meet her gaze, his tone even, âDo you remember what happened yesterday?â
This question gave Si Fuqing a bad feeling. She tried to recall but came up blank, then tentatively asked, âWas I not very well-behaved and quiet yesterday?â
âVery well-behaved,â Yu Xiheng replied noncommittally. âLike a cat.â
Si Fuqing breathed a sigh of relief. âThatâs good then.â
Yu Xiheng rolled up his sleeves and said slowly, âStay here.â
With that, he walked into the kitchen.
As soon as he left, Little Bai started chirping excitedly, vividly recounting everything it had seen yesterday.
It even mimicked Si Fuqingâs actions of hugging, using its legs to cling to her leg, and burying its head in her clothes.
The more Si Fuqing listened, the tighter she clenched her fists. She said expressionlessly, âEnough, stop talking.â
Little Bai, with its innocent big eyes, continued chirping.
Si Fuqing gritted her teeth. âIf you keep talking, Iâll kill a Pixiu and silence it!â
Little Baiâs eyes widened in horror.
It immediately scampered off, running to Ye Zhenmianâs side.
Si Fuqing was still clenching her fists.
She truly had no idea how many embarrassing moments she had presented to Yu Xiheng.
At that moment, the door opened, and Nian Tingchu returned from outside.
Seeing Si Fuqing looking so down, he was puzzled, âQingqing?â
âHmm?â Si Fuqing snapped back to reality. âUncle.â
âYouâre up?â Nian Tingchu took off his coat. âWhat are you thinking about, daydreaming?â
Si Fuqing glanced at the three busy in the kitchen. âI was thinking, Uncle, youâre part of the In family, right?â
Nian Tingchuâs movements paused, his body instantly tensed, like a beast about to hunt.