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Lady Shi suddenly realized, "No wonder. Should we hang it in the basket and put it down into the well now?"

Gu Zao shook his head and said, "The weather isn't hot right now, and the well water isn't much cooler than outside. Just pour some strong ginger and vinegar on it once it cools down."

Shi Niangzi nodded and helped Gu Zao cook several other dishes to go with the wine, such as cherry pork, braised mutton offal, and a sachet tofu made with mushroom pods, bamboo shoots, and chicken broth. Since it was the Dragon Boat Festival, she also heated up some realgar wine. When she thought it was almost ready, she went to the back of the house to call for someone, but when she came back, she said that the two of them wanted to drink together in the bamboo forest.

Gu Zao smiled and helped Madam Shi pack the various dishes onto a tray for her to take away. Meanwhile, she prepared the last dish herself, simmering Chinese cabbage with sliced meat, ham, and mushrooms, then placing it in a coarse bowl and steaming it. Once it was almost done, she carried the steamer basket to the back of the house, where she saw Mr. Shi and the second master of the Yang family sitting opposite each other at a low table in the bamboo grove, already drinking.

Yang Hao immediately noticed that Gu Zao was carrying a steaming basket. Afraid that she would burn her hands, he stood up to take it. Gu Zao told him to sit down, placed the basket on the table, and lifted the lid. A burst of steam rose up, and the vegetable juice overflowed from the bowl, covering the rim and bottom.

Yang Hao asked with a smile, "What's the deal with this dish? Why is the broth overflowing like this?"

Gu Zao laughed and said, "The name of this dish is indeed 'A Complete Mess'."

Yang Hao glanced at the bowl in the steamer and chuckled. Mr. Shi, who was standing next to him, had already taken a spoonful and taken a bite. He nodded and said, "It tastes fresh and glutinous. The most wonderful thing is the name. It's a complete mess. It really is a complete mess."

Shi Niangzi, who came over to refill the bowls and chopsticks, smiled at Gu Zao and said to her husband, "You have a nephew who came to our house a few days ago. I suggested I act as a matchmaker for him, but he said he's a glutton and that his wife must not only be virtuous but also have cooking skills comparable to those of the cooks in the capital. Although your nephew lost his wife a few years ago, he's still a good person and has a good appearance. He also owns a farm and land outside the capital. Today, I saw Gu's second sister. Not only is she outstanding in appearance and her cooking is superb, but she's also very clever. I feel they're a match made in heaven. When it's convenient for you, have your nephew come over again, and I'll act as the matchmaker. If it really works out, that would be a great deed."

Mr. Shi gave a vague reply, but Yang Hao felt increasingly uneasy. After listening, his face darkened, and he looked up at Gu Zao, only to see her being led inside by Mrs. Shi. Fearing that Mrs. Shi was again trying to influence Shi's nephew, he felt uneasy and anxiously watched Gu Zao's retreating figure. Suddenly, she turned around and smiled at him. Though it was just a smile, it reassured him, instantly making him feel much better.

Because it was the Dragon Boat Festival tomorrow, Mr. Shi had already given all the students a holiday. The students in the school had all dispersed long ago, except for Qingwu, who stayed because his older sister was coming. Gu Zao was about to call Qingwu to come and have dinner with her and Mrs. Shi when she heard Mr. Shi calling Qingwu to come and keep the guests company from behind the house. Qingwu glanced at Gu Zao, saw her smile and nod, and then went to the bamboo grove on his own.

Mr. Shi had been on good terms with Yang Hao since his days as an official. Today, his old friend came to visit, and when he heard that Yang Hao was going to sponsor the printing of his collected works, the pent-up frustration in his heart was swept away. Seeing his prized disciple serving him wine and food with great attentiveness, he was in a great mood and talked non-stop. He got quite drunk, and before he knew it, the sun was setting and the wine had been warmed up countless times.

Gu Zao and Shi Niangzi ate a little something on their own, and then taught her how to make fermented soybean oil. They were thinking of going back as soon as possible. They peeked in countless times, but saw that Qingwu was still being held back by his master, and seemed to have drunk quite a bit of wine. Afraid that he would get drunk, their concern was somewhat evident on their faces. Yang Hao noticed this, and finally made an excuse to end the drinking before getting up.

Seeing that the meal was finally over, Gu Zao said goodbye to Shi Niangzi and prepared to take Qingwu home with her. However, Qingwu had only taken a few steps when he became unsteady on his feet, gave Gu Zao a silly smile, and then fell to the ground with a thud.

Gu Zao hurriedly went over and patted his face, but he couldn't wake him up. It turned out that Qingwu's alcohol tolerance was not very high to begin with, and the wine he had just drunk contained boiled realgar. After a few cups, the effects kicked in, and he had already fallen to the ground and was fast asleep.

Madam Shi chuckled and said, "His teacher has made a fool of himself today. Not only did he get drunk, but he also didn't spare his student. He probably won't sober up for a while. Let Qingwu stay at my house and go back to celebrate the festival early tomorrow morning."

Helpless, Gu Zao and Shi Niangzi helped Qingwu into the house and settled him in. After thanking her, they were escorted to the door.

Yang Hao and Mr. Shi said their goodbyes on the path outside the door. They were waiting for Gu Zao and her brother to go back together, but they found that only she came out. After asking why, she smiled slightly.

Madam Shi instructed Yang Hao to take good care of Gu Zao and escort her back to the city. Seeing that he solemnly agreed, she then helped the unsteady Mr. Shi into the house.

After Yang Hao rounded the ravine, he immediately approached Gu Zao and tried to take her hand, but she dodged him.

Gu Zao glared at him and shook her head, saying, "You really change your tune quickly. Just now you seemed like a decent person in front of Madam Shi, but now you're all smiles and joking around."

Yang Hao chuckled and, taking advantage of Gu Zao's inattention, scooped her up in his arms.

Gu Zao blushed with embarrassment and was about to ask him to put her down when Yang Hao had already helped her onto his horse. He laughed and said, "My wife made so many delicious dishes at noon, which satisfied my appetite, but you must have worked hard. I will lead the horse for you now, my wife, please sit carefully."

Gu Zao had initially thought he was going to play dirty again by hugging her, but instead he lifted her onto the horse. Somewhat surprised, she scolded him for being glib, but secretly felt a sweet warmth in her heart. A slight smile appeared on her face as she let him lead the horse, slowly making their way towards Jinming Pond. As they admired the scenery, she suddenly remembered Xiu Niang's situation from a few days ago and asked, "Hu Qing suddenly changed his mind and agreed to annul the engagement. I've been thinking about it, and I think it must be related to you, right?"

Yang Hao turned to look at Gu Zao, and seeing that she was looking at him, he smiled slightly and said, "It's nothing. I just asked an old steward on the ship to find Hu Qing and tell him that if the engagement is broken off, he can take him overseas to barter. If he doesn't have enough capital, he can lend him some. Trading tea and porcelain with people from Southeast Asia for pearls and spices can yield ten or twenty times the profit. Hu Qing has heard of this. Now that he's been reduced to a commoner, he's worried about how to make a living. How could he not accept such a good deal?"

Gu Zao was taken aback, wanting to scrutinize Yang Hao's expression, but seeing that he had already turned his head away, she simply grunted and said, "I'm afraid it's not that simple. I overheard San Dun say half a sentence the other day, something about Hu Qing wanting to become a savage. What exactly happened?"

Seeing that Gu Zao had asked clearly, Yang Hao helplessly turned back to look at her and said indifferently, "You are the apple of my eye. How could I let him get away with this? Since you pleaded for him that day, I don't want his life. I just have the people on the ship send him to a deserted island in the South China Sea and let him fight with the monkeys for food."

Seeing the ruthless glint in Hu Qing's eyes as he spoke, Gu Zao felt a chill run down his spine. But then he thought again, Hu Qing was indeed despicable; even making him suffer like Robinson Crusoe wouldn't be a problem. He chuckled and said, "That's fine, teaching him a lesson is no big deal. But if you have another ship passing by in a few days, have someone go and retrieve him. He's just a shameless scoundrel; don't bother with him too much."

Yang Hao looked at Gu Zao's smiling face for a long time before sighing and saying, "If you are always so soft-hearted, I'm afraid you will suffer a lot more in the future. Well, since you said so, I will send someone to check on him again in three to five months. If he is still alive, I will bring him back."

Gu Zao smiled without saying a word, looking up to see that they had already passed Jinming Pond, and there were far fewer people on the road. She also noticed that it was getting dark, and wondered how long it would take for him to return to the city if he led the horse on foot. Just then, she saw Yang Hao stop, swiftly mount his horse, and sit behind her. He wrapped one arm around her waist, grabbed the reins with the other, and spurred the horse forward at a gallop.

With his beloved seated in his lap, Yang Hao chatted and laughed with her on horseback, wishing the journey could be longer, yet it felt like they had arrived in no time. Gu Zao saw the city gate in the distance and urged him to dismount. Helpless, Yang Hao had no choice but to release his grip on her waist and dismount himself.

Once Gu Zao entered the city, she hailed a car and got in. Yang Hao escorted her all the way to the entrance of Ma Xing Street. After Gu Zao urged him repeatedly, he reluctantly left.

Chapter fifty-eight

Yang Hao returned to the Grand Commandant's mansion and was immediately confronted by three squatters as soon as he entered the main gate.

The three men who had been waiting there were eagerly anticipating Yang Hao's return. When they saw him approaching, with a gentle breeze seeming to blow across the land, they were overjoyed. They immediately rushed forward, grabbed the horse, and said with a grin, "Second Master, how was today?"

Yang Hao only grunted and hurried forward. San Dun quickly caught up with him and lowered his voice, saying, "Second Master, the old lady just called me over today. She said you've been acting strangely lately, staying in the capital for so long without leaving. She's been trying to find out what's going on with you."

Yang Hao paused for a moment, then continued walking forward, saying calmly, "What did you say?"

San Dun leaned over and said with a fawning smile, "Although San Dun is a bit slow, he still has a loyal heart. I just said that Second Master is now considerate of the old lady's advancing age and can't bear to be away from home all year round like before. He wants to show more filial piety to the old lady. The old lady was very happy to hear that and even rewarded me with a Buddha's Hand melon."

Yang Hao nodded and smiled, "At least you know what's going on."

Seeing that his second master had only offered a verbal compliment without slowing his pace or showing any other intention, San Dun approached again, feigning distress, and said, "Second Master, I once heard Sister Huixin, who serves the Old Madam, say that the scent in a room should have the cool fragrance of daffodils, the delicate fragrance of orchids, and the refreshing scent of Buddha's hand citron, all complementing each other to create an ambiance. The Old Madam has now bestowed upon me a Buddha's hand melon, which does contain one of these fragrances, but I am just a rough man and cannot achieve that kind of ambiance. This melon is of no use."

Yang Hao stopped and turned to look at San Quan, laughing and scolding, "You brat, you want a reward, don't you? You can't even read a single word, yet you managed to concoct some 'Three-Flavor Incense.' Fine, since you delivered the message well yesterday, here you go." As he spoke, he took out a piece of silver and tossed it to him.

San Dun took it in one gulp, weighed it in his hand, and hurriedly stuffed it into his pouch. Watching his second master's receding figure, he then walked towards the stable, grinning as he said to the big black horse beside him, "Thanks to that second sister of the Gu family, I no longer have to go to sea with the second master to dry myself into a dried fish, and I can even earn some extra money. I just hope to have some good news like delivering messages every day..."

He was muttering to himself when he suddenly bumped into someone. Before he could even see clearly, he had been kicked in the leg. It didn't hurt, but he was wearing a pair of new pants that had only been made a few days ago, so he was a little annoyed. Just as he was about to curse, the person who bumped into him shouted, "Are you blind? How dare you bump into me!"

San Dun recognized the voice and immediately shrank back, quickly stepping aside and bowing obsequiously. "It's Young Master! It's all my fault for being blind; I didn't see you in the dark and bumped into you. Did you get hurt? Let me rub it for you." As he spoke, his hand reached out, but Yang Huan slapped it away, laughing and scolding, "You little rascal! It's not like it's a slippery little wench's hand. You're just a rough, black thing trying to touch me. Get out of here!"

Seeing the little tyrant turn from anger to laughter, San Dun secretly wiped away a cold sweat, shrank back and was about to leave when he was suddenly stopped and asked, "I think I just heard you mentioning the Second Sister of the Gu family, and something about the Second Master. Is it the Second Sister Gu who cooks?"

San Dun inwardly groaned, wishing he could slap himself a few times, but dared not show it on his face. He opened his mouth and made up a story: "Where did this cooking-loving Second Sister Gu come from? I was just thinking about the play I saw in the theater last night. The Second Sister Gu in the play was so beautiful, I couldn't sleep well all night, and I still can't stop thinking about her today. I was leading the horse to the stable for Second Master just now, thinking that I would sneak out to see the play again when I had some free time, and I couldn't help but mutter it to myself. I didn't expect it to have caught the young master's ears."

After San Kun finished speaking, he noticed that the young tyrant was just standing there in a daze. Knowing that he was usually a womanizer, he thought that the mention of the actress had aroused his interest, and he was thinking of going over to find out what was going on. But then he broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly went over and said with a smile, "Young Master, that actress is good in my eyes, but she is nothing but dirt to you. When I was out today, I heard that some new girls have come to Sweetwater Lane. Not only are they beautiful, but they also say that they have amazing feet, singing, playing the zither, and dancing skills. A person like you, Young Master, will naturally go there to have some fun."

Yang Huan was reminded of Gu Erjie, who had refused his offer to become his concubine, by San Dun's words. It had been several months since he had last seen her. He was momentarily stunned when he suddenly heard San Dun urging him to go to Sweetwater Lane. He was already feeling a little tempted, but then he remembered his wife, whom he had only married a few months ago. All his thoughts vanished. He kicked San Dun in the buttocks again, ignored him, and headed dejectedly toward the inner courtyard.

Yang Huan used to live in the east room with his parents, but now that he's married, he's moved to the west room. When he got to the west room, he hesitated at the door for a few moments, really unwilling to go back and see his wife's face again, so he turned and went to the north room.

When Yang Huan arrived at his grandmother's room, he didn't need a maid to announce his arrival. Just as he was about to lift the curtain and go in, he heard a series of sobbing sounds coming from inside. Listening closely, he realized it was his wife, the beloved servant of Xu Hanlin.

"...My husband says I'm jealous and can't tolerate the maids and concubines in his room. I only disciplined them a little because I felt they had a seductive air about them and I was afraid they would corrupt him. Once I find a reliable person, I'll treat them like sisters, and I just want to serve my husband comfortably. But he's been instigated by some vixen, and every day when he comes home, he's always finding fault with me. Yesterday, we had a disagreement, and he smashed a teacup over my head, leaving a large bruise. He didn't care if I died or not and just left. I haven't heard from him all night and all day. My father's birthday is in a few days, and I'm afraid I'll go there with a bruised face, and I won't be able to explain it to my mother...Grandmother, Mother-in-law, you must do me justice..."

Yang Huan was completely exasperated, his anger rising. Just as he was about to kick the door open, he heard his grandmother slam her cane on the ground, angrily saying, "You naughty monkey, Huan'er! I always thought he was just a mischievous boy, but today he's done something like this, daring to slap your face like this. Those girls in his room, I always thought they had a bit of a vixen-like air about them, just like you said. Since you're the eldest, do I, this old woman, need to teach you how to behave? Just don't do anything too outrageous. My dear girl, come here quickly and let your grandmother see... Oh dear, what a pitiful sight! Your beautiful face is now bruised like this. That monkey really went too far. As soon as he gets back, I'll make him come and apologize to you..."

Yang Huan was so frightened that he pulled his foot back. Hearing Jiao Nu complaining inside again, he gritted his teeth in anger, but there was nothing he could do. He could only turn around and leave. Just as he turned out of the corridor, he heard an angry shout behind him. He was startled and turned around to see his mother.

Jiang had been in the old lady's room, listening to her daughter-in-law constantly complaining about her son. Although she was somewhat displeased, she couldn't show it because the old lady was protecting him. She had no choice but to suppress her anger and find an excuse to leave the room, hoping to avoid seeing him. Just as she stepped out, she heard the two maids at the door say that the young master had been standing there. He had only taken a few steps when his anger suddenly flared up, and he rushed over and stopped Yang Huan.

Seeing his mother standing there glaring angrily, Yang Huan felt a pang of grievance. He took two steps forward and cried out, "Mother, don't listen to that woman's nonsense! You told me you'd marry a beautiful and kind woman, and I agreed without thinking. Now I know that after she married into the family, she's revealed her shrewish nature in no time. Not only does she keep me confined to the other women in the house every day, but she also attacks and bites me at the slightest disagreement. If I say anything harsh, she cries and threatens to hang herself. The bruise on her head she mentioned earlier is clearly from yesterday when she tried to push me. I dodged, but she lost her footing and bumped into a pillar. What does that have to do with me? Mother, go tell Grandmother not to believe her lies!"

After hearing this, Madam Jiang sneered and said, "Do you think your grandmother really believed her? She just pretended to be deaf and dumb and went along with her because she saw that her father was very useful to your father now!"

Yang Huan was stunned for a moment, then angrily said, "I don't care! How am I supposed to live with such a shrew? If she provokes me, I'll just write her a divorce letter and go home!"

Before Yang Huan could finish speaking, Jiang grabbed his ear and scolded, "You good-for-nothing! You can't even control your own wife, and you still have the nerve to come to me and complain. If you say another word, I'll have your father get a board and beat you."

Yang Huan cried out, rubbing his ear which Jiang Shi had pulled so hard, and said with a tearful face, "Mother, why am I so unlucky? The woman I want doesn't want to be with me, and the woman I marry is so fierce."

Although Madam Jiang felt sorry for her son, she was also exasperated. She said bitterly, "Your father asked someone to put you in the Imperial Academy, hoping you could pass the imperial examinations and get a title. That way, you could hold an official position with dignity. But you're useless. You've mastered all the ways of the capital—eating, drinking, having fun, and living in brothels—but when it comes to studying, you're a blockhead. You've taken the exams for two years and haven't even produced a single result. Your wife's three brothers are all successful candidates in the imperial examinations. No wonder she looks down on you. Why don't you live up to my expectations? Are you trying to drive me to my death?"

When Yang Huan heard his mother bring up studying again, it felt like flies were buzzing around his ears. He muttered, "I'll go back and put on a good face for her, okay?" and quickly slipped away.

Jiang watched her son's departing figure, shook her head helplessly, and then frowned slightly as she remembered that her husband hadn't come to the main room for several nights. She then headed towards her east room.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Meanwhile, back at Gu Zao's home, the restaurant was busiest at the time. Third Sister, having cooked with Gu Zao for a long time, had learned a thing or two. When Gu Zao wasn't around, she took over the cooking, and the food didn't elicit any complaints from customers about the taste being off. Seeing Fang Shi and the others working up a sweat, Gu Zao immediately washed her hands and went to help. It wasn't until closing time that Fang Shi realized she hadn't seen Qingwu return. Hearing Gu Zao explain the reason, she learned that Mr. Shi also valued Qingwu, and she was quite pleased.

The next day was the Dragon Boat Festival. Because scholars and commoners in the capital were inviting each other to celebrate the festival, the Gu family only did business for lunch before closing their shop early. Following the example of families in the capital, they arranged peach branches, willow branches, sunflowers, cattail leaves, and mugwort in front of their door, offering them along with zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), five-colored rice balls, tea, and wine to the gods. They also made a small figure out of mugwort and nailed it to the door. Fang Shi prepared everything. When Gu's eldest sister arrived with her two daughters, the whole family sat together in the evening, and Yue Teng was also invited to join them. They had a lively and festive meal.

August arrived in the blink of an eye, and the martial arts examination was just around the corner. Gu Zao noticed that Yue Teng himself seemed fine, but his third sister appeared restless, so she simply let him go home so he could focus on his studies. Yue Teng's departure didn't seem to bother Gu Zao, but his third sister became even more uneasy. She would disappear for a period of time each day, and eventually even Fang Shi noticed. Fang Shi, a rough and unrefined woman, was always busy running the shop or gathering information from the streets, and had never paid attention to her third sister's thoughts. When she stopped her third sister to ask about her whereabouts, the third sister just smiled and shook her head; she couldn't get any information from her. Fang Shi scolded her a couple of times for being away from home, but Gu Zao noticed everything.

Taking advantage of a free day, Gu Zao, after speaking with her third sister, packed a basket of food and inquired her way along the way. Finally, she found Yue Teng at the Pujue Temple in the north of the city. When she entered, Yue Teng was wielding a spear, its movements swift and powerful. Suddenly, he saw Gu Zao and hurriedly stopped, wanting to greet her.

Gu Zao waved her hand and walked straight up to him. Seeing that he was covered in sweat and water was dripping from his forehead, she smiled and said, "The final exam is in a few days. Are you practicing with weapons?"

Yue Teng said, "The preliminary exam only tests archery and horsemanship. If you pass, you will be tested on the Seven Military Classics. I was just studying the books and I felt a bit sleepy, so I practiced my spear skills. I'm afraid I'll get rusty if I don't practice for a long time."

Gu Zao nodded, looked at him with a smile and said, "Third Sister has been going out every day these days, and she was just scolded by my mother a few days ago." After saying that, she looked at his expression.

Yue Teng's face immediately turned red, and he lowered his head in shame, saying, "Third Sister brought me some snacks when she came to my place. It was my fault. If you want to blame someone, blame me. It has nothing to do with Third Sister."

Gu Zao glanced at Yue Teng, sighed, and said, "My third sister is far more talented and has a better temperament than me, her older sister. It's just that back in Yangzhou, because of me, she was forced to break off her engagement with the family she was betrothed to since childhood. I often feel sorry for her, and I only hope that she can find a good marriage in the future, so that I can finally put my mind at ease."

Yue Teng was somewhat stunned as he listened to Gu Zao's words.

Gu Zao handed over the basket she had brought, smiling, "Third Sister only cares about you being alone in the capital, so she inevitably helps you out sometimes. But you can't judge a book by its cover, and I was afraid that her good intentions as a girl would be taken for granted in the end, so I told her not to come anymore. If you need anything in the future, just tell me, and I'll bring it to you. This basket contains rice noodle and vegetable buns that Third Sister made, and a piece of braised meat, already sliced. Take it and eat it; I'll be going now." As she spoke, she turned to leave, but after only a few steps, Yue Teng called her back.

Gu Zao turned around and asked, "Is there anything else?"

After stammering for a while, Yue Teng finally said hesitantly in a low voice, "Does my sister think I'm a reliable person?"

Gu Zao found it amusing, but said calmly, "You are certainly a good person, but I don't know what your relationship is with my third sister. My mother is saying that she will ask a matchmaker to come and check on your marriage prospects in the next few days."

Yue Teng's expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "Although my third sister and I haven't said it outright, we've always treated her with respect. However, we've already made up our minds about it, but we were thinking of waiting until we achieved some success before we could speak up. Sister, you must help me."

Gu Zao clasped his hands together, looked at him, and said, "You asked him to? What about your parents? How do you know they're willing too?"

Yue Teng said solemnly, “Sister, don’t worry. My parents are honest and kind. They know how well your family has treated me, and that you are such a talented person as Third Sister, whom I have my own preferences. They would never interfere. I was just unsure of your intentions before, which is why I didn’t dare to speak up. Now that you have said so, I will write a letter to my family and ask an acquaintance to take it to them, to inform them of the matter, and to have a matchmaker come to propose marriage.”

Gu Zao nodded and said with a smile, "That's good. I believe you then. There's no rush. Since you're going to take the exam, you should focus on it for now. We can talk about it after you've passed."

Yue Teng bowed respectfully to Gu Zao, thought for a moment, then told Gu Zao to wait before hurrying into the room. He came out shortly after, holding a blue jade pendant with a red silk ribbon. He handed it to her, saying, "Sister, this is what my mother asked me to take with me when I left home. It was her personal possession, in case I was short of money in the capital. Fortunately, I've kept it well hidden, otherwise it would have been stolen last time. I can't bear to sell it. Please take it and give it to my third sister as a small betrothal gift."

Gu Zao didn't know whether the jade pendant was good or bad, but he took it and looked at it carefully before putting it away. Then he picked up his empty basket, smiled, and said goodbye.

Knowing her third sister was anxiously waiting at home, Gu Zao headed south after leaving the Pujue Temple. The temple was located on the northern edge of the city, and there was little traffic. Gu Zao tried to hail a car, but after waiting for a while, she couldn't find one, so she hurried on her way. However, she hadn't gone far when a hand suddenly reached out from behind and stopped her.

Gu Zao was startled. She turned around and saw that it was Yang Hao. She then turned back, glared at him, and said resentfully, "My good second master, when did you start walking so silently? Are you trying to scare people to death?"

After Gu Zao finished speaking, he noticed that Yang Hao still had a sullen face and looked unhappy, so he smiled and said, "Second Master, what are you doing here?"

Yang Hao had been quite displeased, but Gu Zao's sweet "Good Second Master" had dampened his spirits considerably. Now, seeing Gu Zao smiling at him so sweetly, even that remaining enthusiasm dwindled to just one percent. He looked at Gu Zao and said, "I've asked San Dun to invite you several times, but you've ignored me. Yet you've been so eager to come to that remote place like Yue Teng!"

Seeing his huffy expression, Gu Zao couldn't help but laugh and said, "How can a grown man like you be so petty? Yue Teng calls me 'sister,' and he might become part of my family in the future. He has his martial arts exam in a few days, and I'm just here to bring him some food."

Looking at Gu Zao's smiling crescent-shaped eyes, Yang Hao finally sighed and said sullenly, "You set a set of rules for me: I'm not allowed to go to your shop, I'm not allowed to look for you in the middle of the night, and if I need anything, I have to have that kid San Dun deliver the message. In these past few months, I haven't seen you more than a few times. These past few days, I had something I wanted to tell you, and I sent San Dun to your place several times, but you always made excuses that you were busy and just wouldn't come to see me. I had no choice but to go to your shop myself today, and when I saw you come out, I followed you."

Seeing that he was both angry and aggrieved at the end, Gu Zao thought about how she had been so busy with the matter she was planning that she hadn't paid much attention to him these past few days, and felt a little guilty. After thinking for a moment, she smiled and said, "Second Master, my good Second Master, now that you've seen me, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry to tell me?"

Yang Hao stared blankly at Gu Zao, then took out a brocade box from his sleeve and handed it over, saying, "This is for you."

Gu Zao, puzzled, took the necklace and opened it. Inside was an exquisitely beautiful three-layered pearl necklace. The smallest pearl was the size of a marble, and they were arranged in order of size from smallest to largest. In the sunlight, they shimmered with a faint pinkish luster.

Gu Zao was stunned. Although she didn't know much about jewelry, she could tell at a glance that this necklace was no ordinary item. She quickly closed the box and handed it back to him.

Yang Hao didn't answer, but just looked at her silently, looking very stubborn.

Gu Zao thought for a moment, then slowly withdrew her hand and smiled, "Thank you. But wouldn't such a valuable thing get greasy if I carried it with me while cooking?"

Yang Hao then smiled and said, "Gold and gemstones are too tacky for you, but this pearl is a barely acceptable match."