You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 41 - Will o’ Wisp Lu’s Tricks Are Rather Stale

Chapter 41 — Will o’ Wisp Lu’s Tricks Are Rather Stale

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

The place where Mr. Lu was staying at was named Wangshu Residence. Its location was tranquil, with a forest of plum trees as its backdrop. The buildings were constructed rather tastefully, and were made from green bamboo. There was a remarkable feeling of serenity amongst the bustle.

The plum trees were right in the midst of flowering, and brilliant red bloomed everywhere. It was as though even the breeze blowing by was stained with rich colours. The view was extremely elegant, yet still very vivid, and Wu Xingzi was entranced.

This place was fairly similar to Mr. Lu. He recalled that slim figure dressed in white, beautiful and fair skinned as well as scholarly and refined. He was like a clear spring, a ray of moonlight, glimmering in one’s eyes and darting into their heart, completely unforgettable.

Seeing that he was Guan Shanjin’s teacher, Mr. Lu was definitely not young anymore. Still, he looked very youthful, just like a young man of twenty.

Hua Shu registered that Wu Xingzi had stopped and was staring into the forest. He could not disguise the annoyance in his eyes, and so he bowed his head a little as he urged, “Excuse me, Mr. Wu. Mr. Lu’s mealtime cannot be delayed, so please follow me closely.”

“Ah, oh, sorry, sorry.” Wu Xingzi jerked back into his senses. He reddened, hurriedly cupping his hands in apology and followed behind Hua Shu properly as they walked into the bamboo house on the left.

“Mr. Lu, Mr. Wu is here.”

“Mn.” In the bamboo house, there was a dainty round table. On it, there were a few dishes, and two sets of bowls and chopsticks were set across each other. The decor was simple and plain, yet was heavily laden with subtle elegance. The window, covered with a bamboo screen, was half-open, and outside was the plum tree forest, the light wind filling the entire place with the scent of plum blossoms.

Mr. Lu was reclining on the daybed under the window on the right. Between his almost translucent fingers was a half-read book. After hearing their footsteps, he lifted his lids slightly and looked over. Wu Xingzi quickly cupped his hands together.

“It’s been a while, Mr. Wu. How have you been?” Mr. Lu put the book down, standing up rather ungainly to welcome him. His leg looked as though it had recovered greatly, but he still needed to keep it rested.

“Many thanks, I’m very well. How is Mr. Lu’s injury?”

“There’s no longer a need for Mr. Wu to be concerned. My leg is fine now, the only thing being that I’m still rather clumsy with it, so please don’t mind me.” Hua Shu helped Mr. Lu to take a seat by the round table, then retreated a few steps and stood servilely in a corner of the house.

“Mr. Wu, quick, please take a seat. I apologise for having only vegetarian dishes, as I’ve been a vegetarian for many years. Please forgive my impoliteness.” Only after Mr. Lu’s words did Wu Xingzi now take a seat, and he swiftly glanced at the dishes on the table.

It was true that the dishes were all vegetarian, and not a trace of meat could be seen. However, the colours of the dishes complemented each other very well. The serving plates were simple, all dainty and green, the colour deepening towards the center. They looked just like lotus leaves, tender and delicate.

The rice bowl was also the colour of jade, and so the light brown colour of the bamboo chopsticks became even more conspicuous.

Wu Xingzi was momentarily feeling rather lost. First, the portions of these dishes were all fairly small. Even if he ate them all, he probably still would not feel full. At most, they could only be considered an appetiser. Next, the placement of the bowl and chopsticks were like a piece of art. They gave off a feeling that they should not be touched, and Wu Xingzi was unable to bring himself to move them. Unconsciously, he wrung his sleeves non-stop.

“Are these not to Mr. Wu’s liking?” Mr. Lu’s brows knitted, looking very self-reproachful. “Seems like I have been impolite. Mr. Wu is here all the way from Qingcheng County as a guest, I should have prepared a more sumptuous meal.”

“No no no, you’re too courteous, too courteous. I’m only an unrefined man, and I’m afraid of offending Mr. Lu, that’s why…” Wu Xingzi rubbed his nose, looking at Mr. Lu before lowering his head. He really wanted to eat, but seeing how Mr. Lu had no intentions of picking his chopsticks up, he could not display his greediness. Also, that pair of chopsticks looked very slippery and difficult to manoeuvre.

“It’s me who has been thoughtless and ended up slighting Mr. Wu.” Mr. Lu wrinkled his forehead as he sighed lightly, and summoned Hua Shu. “Please ask the kitchen to prepare a bowl of steamed egg for Mr. Wu.”

“But…” Hua Shu glared at Wu Xingzi resentfully, only to discover that Wu Xingzi was currently drooling at the sweet and sour cabbage. With how greedy he appeared, it was highly likely that he did not notice what they were saying. Hua Shu gnashed his teeth. “Mr. Lu, you’ve remained a vegetarian for the General for a dozen years, why…1”

“Hush, just go.” Mr. Lu cast a sidelong glance at Hua Shu, a faint smile curling around his lips, and there seemed to be a mockery in his eyes. Hua Shu quickly bowed his head to hide his own expression, and hurriedly retreated.

“Hmm?” Wu Xingzi’s attention was finally pulled away from that fragrant sweet and sour cabbage that whetted his appetite, only to see Hua Shu leaving rather hastily. He looked at Mr. Lu in confusion, blushing slightly as he secretly reminded himself not to reveal his timidness.

“I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Mr. Wu. Hua Shu, this child, is not wicked, he’s only overly protective of me.” Mr. Lu sighed lightly. Seeing how Wu Xingzi was nodding along very perfunctorily, he could not help but feel angry. Hua Shu’s words had not been within his expectations, but they could not be considered to be very surprising. However, they clearly had not been heard by a certain someone who was supposed to hear them, and it was a completely lost battle.

“I understand. The two girls at my place are the same as well, and they’re extremely adorable.” Wu Xingzi thought about Mint and Osmanthus. They were clearly two young girls who could be his daughters, yet they were protecting him as though he was their calf, and warmth suffused his heart.

“Oh?” Mr. Lu laughed shallowly. “It’ll be a pity if the food turns cold. Mr. Wu, have some first. Hua Shu will come back later with the steamed egg to add on to the dishes.”

“There’s no need for all this trouble, you’re too polite.” Wu Xingzi waved his hands. He was already hungry, and to continue declining would make him seem too small-minded. Although he was a little hesitant, he still picked up his bowl and started eating.

The few dishes were all delicious and displayed the excellent skills of the kitchen in the general’s estate. Wu Xingzi was eating with great relish, but worrying about how Mr. Lu barely picked up his chopsticks, he had no choice but to put down his own pair after finishing a bowl of rice and sip at his tea to curb his hunger.

At this time, Hua Shu returned with the steamed egg. The fragrance of egg and chicken broth filled the air. Wu Xingzi had clearly eaten a bowl of rice and half the dishes already, yet his stomach still gurgled, growling out without any care for the situation.

His face turned red like a tomato. Bowing his head, he apologised as he rubbed his stomach firmly.

“Mr. Wu, don’t stand on courtesy. This steamed egg has been prepared for you, please eat it while it’s still hot.” Mr. Lu invited him to continue, but his face was a little pale, and his head angled slightly as though he was avoiding something. Hua Shu quickly handed over a handkerchief. Frowning, he held back his words as he glared at Wu Xingzi.

“Uh… Mr. Lu, if you’re not feeling well, then I won’t bother you anymore…” Wu Xingzi really could not understand what was going on. Could it be that Mr. Lu hated eggs?

“Mr. Lu has not touched a single bit of meat over the past several years. The smell of this steamed egg is so strong, of course he’ll feel discomforted! Mr. Wu, just sit there and eat your food, why do you insist on making it difficult for Mr. Lu?” Hua Shu seemed to have been pushed to the edge, as he complained rudely.

He clearly did not remember that it was not Wu Xingzi who had requested for the steamed egg, as well as that it was Mr. Lu who had insisted on having this meal.

“Ahh… Uh… I’ve been improper! Oh no, I’m really sorry, I’m sorry!” Distressed, Wu Xingzi apologised as he quickly pulled the steamed egg towards himself. Scooping a large spoonful, he wanted to shove it into his mouth. The steamed egg was still steaming hot, and by doing so, he would definitely end up scalding his throat badly.

Seeing this, Mr. Lu took a breath and quickly reached out to stop him. In the confusion, the steamed egg somehow ended up spilling.

By chance, it spilt onto Mr. Lu’s flawless hand. He cried out softly, his face paling. A red mark was left on his hand, and then it blistered. The bowl containing the steamed egg rolled to the edge of the table. Still steaming, it fell and shattered on the ground.

The house was momentarily silent. Feeling at a loss, Wu Xingzi looked at Mr. Lu who was enduring the pain. It was Hua Shu who first gasped in alarm, then glared at Wu Xingzi hatefully. He hurriedly carried over a basin of cold water for Mr. Lu to submerge his blistered hand within, before calling out loudly for the other servants.

Naturally, Hua Shu was not the only one taking care of Mr. Lu in his residence. With a few shouts, two serving boys appeared out of nowhere.

“Quickly invite the physician over! Mr. Lu has scalded his hand!” Hua Shu commanded in a rage. The two serving boys seemed to be scared by this situation as well, and they flew off to do as told.

The physician came very quickly. Before Wu Xingzi could even understand what was going on, he was pushed away by the two serving boys, and could only watch from afar as the physician applied ointment for the ashen-faced Mr. Lu. After he quietly gave Hua Shu some instructions, Hua Shu glared at Wu Xingzi indignantly, looking as though he wanted to lunge at him and bite him. Still confused, Wu Xingzi’s shoulders came to his ears fearfully.

“The general is here!” Someone shouted suddenly. The scene turned chaotic, and the only people standing firmly were probably the two serving boys holding onto Wu Xingzi.

In no time, Guan Shanjin strode over. Behind him were Hei’er and Man Yue.

“What’s going on?” Upon stepping in, Guan Shanjin immediately saw Wu Xingzi trapped in the hold of the two tall and sturdy serving boys. His already dark face turned even colder.

“General, Mr. Lu…” Seeing that something was not quite right, Hua Shu hurriedly spoke up, only to be stopped with a raised hand from Guan Shanjin.

“Go take a look.” He turned to instruct Man Yue, while he himself walked over to Wu Xingzi and pulled him into his arms. “Why are you here?”

“Uhh… I came… for a meal…” Wu Xingzi’s stomach grumbled again. Guan Shanjin’s lips curved up, as though he was about to burst out laughing. It was only because he did not want to embarrass Wu Xingzi too much, and that was why he suppressed his laughter.

“You’re still not full yet?” Guan Shanjin rubbed his stomach affectionately, and felt very dissatisfied by the emptiness within. “You haven’t eaten?”

“I had a bowl of rice.” Wu Xingzi’s face burned, feeling so embarrassed that he dearly wished that he could bury himself somewhere.

This was too embarrassing! Why was his stomach so useless in front of everyone? And Guan Shanjin even heard him!

“Only a bowl?” Guan Shanjin again rubbed his stomach, his brows coming together tightly as he looked up and glanced at Man Yue.

Man Yue was standing next to Mr. Lu and asking the physician about the situation. On the other side, Hua Shu’s eyes were filled with resentment and anger. Guan Shanjin did not pay attention to him at all, but Wu Xingzi was unable to ignore it, and he tugged at Guan Shanjin’s sleeve lightly.

“You’re not going over to take a look at Mr. Lu?”

“I’m not a physician.” Guan Shanjin eyed him amusedly. However, with the feelings that he had cultivated over the years, he was still rather worried about Mr. Lu’s injuries. “If you’re very hungry, just go back first to eat. There should be some food in the kitchen left, I’ll get Hei’er to get them for you.”

“Uhh…” Wu Xingzi was a little tempted. After that bowl of rice and vegetables, his appetite had completely awakened, and he was fiercely hungry. Still, he had some responsibility for the injury on Mr. Lu’s hand, and to just depart like this was very unreasonable of him.

“General! You, you have to stand up for Mr. Lu!” Looking at the two people huddling together intimately, Hua Shu finally could not help but open his mouth.

“Oh?” Guan Shanjin raised a brow. He had been too busy ever since he returned, and did not yet have the time to deal with Hua Shu’s attitude around the estate. Since someone wanted to throw himself at the front of the spear, Guan Shanjin was more than happy to follow along. “Teacher, are you alright?”

Just now, Man Yue had silently mouthed at him, telling him that Mr. Lu had a blister from scalding his hand. Guan Shanjin’s heart ached a little, but he did not feel the usual desire to want to wrap Mr. Lu up and take good care of him. He was now more worried about Wu Xingzi’s stomach. This old fellow needed to eat a lot, and could never endure his hunger. It was already long past mealtime, what would happen if he got sick from hunger?

“It’s nothing, it’s only a blister.” Mr. Lu replied gently. After a pause, he continued, his voice carrying traces of worry as he reminded Guan Shanjin. “It’s actually Mr. Wu who has been alarmed. It’s me who has been an inconsiderate host.”

“Mr. Lu! Isn’t this injury all because of Mr. Wu? You’re still speaking on his behalf?” Hua Shu was unhappy. Without waiting for Mr. Lu, he bowed towards Guan Shanjin. “General, you’re more aware than anyone about Mr. Lu’s character. Today, Mr. Lu invited Mr. Wu for a meal, and naturally was very meticulous and attentive to every aspect of it. Mr. Lu has remained a vegetarian to seek blessings for you for so many years, and you know how he has never touched meat, yet he still specially arranged for the kitchen to prepare steamed egg to add an additional dish for Mr. Wu. However, Mr Wu…”

“Steamed egg?” Guan Shanjin frowned. He knew that Mr. Lu could not touch a single bit of meat, as well as animal byproducts. Even things like garlic and onion could never appear on his table. “Teacher, you’ve been very thoughtful. So, where is the steamed egg now?”

It would be perfect to pad Wu Xingzi’s stomach with.

Guan Shanjin did not realise how extremely biased he was now. With Wu Xingzi in his arms, he took a few steps forward, and his alluring eyes glanced at the table. However, he only saw a few dishes of vegetables, including a plate of sweet and sour cabbage. This dish would normally not appear on Mr. Lu’s table. After all, it was full of scallion, ginger and garlic, and it seemed like Mr. Lu truly put in great consideration for his guest.

Since Mr. Lu could not eat this dish, Guan Shanjin pushed Wu Xingzi to take a seat. Scooping a bowl of rice for him, he poured the entire plate of cabbage into the bowl. The covered rice grains were now golden yellow, and the tart aroma wafting off it was extremely tempting.

“Go ahead and eat first, don’t starve yourself.” As long as Guan Shanjin was around, he would never let the old fellow go hungry.

Since Guan Shanjin had already said it, Wu Xingzi no longer stood on courtesy but picked up the bowl and started eating.

A peculiar atmosphere permeated the house, and even Man Yue could not help but stare straight at Guan Shanjin and Wu Xingzi, unable to look away. Ah, how clingy they were! He wanted to retch.

“General, Mr. Lu is still injured. You…” Hua Shu looked very wronged, and tried to gain Guan Shanjin’s attention.

“How was Mr. Lu injured?” Since he insisted on him handling this matter, Guan Shanjin hoped that they would be able to take whatever he dealt.

“It’s only a small injury.” Mr. Lu stopped Hua Shu from speaking, and smiled faintly at Guan Shanjin. “Has Haiwang eaten yet? You’ve been too busy these days, and even have to split your attention to help me arrange for the matters of my marriage. I’m really sorry about that.”

“Teacher, don’t say things like this. These are all the things that I should do as your student.” He looked at Mr. Lu’s serene and elegant face, and his heart was still moved. It was just that the feeling was not as strong as before. This person who was once as tranquil and luminous as the moonlight, now seemed to have faded.

Mr. Lu sighed, reaching out as though he wanted to touch Guan Shanjin, only to pull his hand back and pressing it against his chest. “I know that Mr. Wu is your beloved, and you must treat him well. In the future, I will still remain a vegetarian and pray for you, so don’t force Mr. Wu.”

“Force?” This word, no matter how he heard it, sounded very uncomfortable. Guan Shanjin was willing to play the fool for Mr. Lu, but it did not mean that he truly was a fool. No matter how unwilling he was, he could still perceive the vague malice in that word.

Mr. Lu turned his head away, refusing to answer. His sad countenance made one unable to help themselves but feel for him, and in the end, Guan Shanjin still softened.

At the end of the day, he did not want to think negatively about Mr. Lu.

“Teacher, don’t think too much about it. After your marriage, you’ll still be my teacher, and I know that you’re always worried about me.” Guan Shanjin lifted up Mr. Lu’s hand lightly. Mr. Lu struggled a little, but did not manage to break free. Guan Shanjin secretly used a bit of force to hold on tight, examining the injury that had been treated.

The physician had made a timely appearance. Other than the redness of the skin, the injury was not very serious. After expelling the fluid from within the blister, and applying the ointment and taking care of it, it would probably fully recover in a few days.

“Teacher, you should have someone cleverer to attend to you, so as to prevent people from creating trouble for you once you’re married.”

“What does that mean?” Mr. Lu once again tried pulling his hand away. This time, Guan Shanjin let him go. His eyes curved, as though he was smiling, but the emotion never reached his eyes. Mr. Lu had never seen such a cold look before. Guan Shanjin had always been gentle and considerate in front of him, afraid that he would accidentally alarm him.

“Hei’er, drag Hua Shu out.” This command was neither cold nor angry, but instead was as gentle as the wind in March. However, it sent chills down people’s spines.

“Haiwang, you’re…”

“Teacher, I’m doing all of this for you.” Guan Shanjin gently tucked Mr. Lu’s hair behind his ear.

On the other side, Hua Shu’s face had turned white with fear. He knelt heavily onto the ground, crying, “General, please judge judiciously!”

Guan Shanjin ignored him, gesturing at Hei’er. Hei’er then blocked Hua Shu’s mouth, dragging him away as though he was carrying a chicken, and no one knew where he would end up.

Wu Xingzi watched the drama in front of him. Holding onto his empty bowl, he was completely lost. Things had changed too fast, even faster than that bowl of steamed egg which he still did not know how it spilt. There was something wrong with this Guan Shanjin!

“You…” Wu Xingzi opened his mouth, but realised that he could not say a word.

“Hmm?” This Guan Shanjin was too similar to the version he had seen during their first meeting. Arrogant and indifferent, he carried with him a bloodiness that could not be disguised. He was like a wild beast who would bite, and Wu Xingzi had almost forgotten that there was this side of Guan Shanjin.

Swallowing, Wu Xingzi put his empty bowl down. Stiffly, he sat up on his seat, and timidly asked after a pause, “D-do you eat pickled cucumbers? They’re very delicious.”