You've Got Mail: Cautionary Tale (YGMCT)

Chapter 77 - Yan Wenxin

“Hmm? Does Master not like them?” Mint pressed her lips together, trying to persuade him the moment she opened her mouth. “Master, the capital is unlike our Bastion City. If you don’t dress a little better, others will look down on you. You’re such a good person, I cannot let you suffer any such indignity.”

Normally, Rancui would accompany Wu Xingzi, and even if some people would be surprised, even looking down on this plain and simple man who looked shy and bashful, they would not reveal what they were feeling on their face. However, today, Wu Xingzi was going on a hike with Ping Yifan. That Ping Yifan also looked to be a rather ordinary person, and so Mint and Osmanthus were a little worried about Wu Xingzi, afraid that he would be ostracised by the “big shots” of the capital.

Of course Wu Xingzi understood what she meant, and he could not help but reveal a wry smile. The girls had been looking at too many picture books. In those stories of gifted scholars and beautiful ladies, there were often those of noble status who considered everything below their notice, their demeanour cruel and ruthless. However, talents could be found everywhere in a place like the capital, and the higher their position, the more they knew to disguise themselves, presenting a humble and courteous front. Even if the other party was currently down on his luck, who could guarantee that he would forever be down on his luck?

Furthermore, prominent and wealthy families had fallen to poor and humble families before. It was better to have more friends than enemies in the circle of officials.

Also, the rule of the reigning emperor was very strict, the governance was well regulated, and there was no particular extremely imposing family. At the very most, it was the son of the Protector General, the Great Southern Garrison General Guan Shanjin, who tended to do as he pleased.

Thinking about Guan Shanjin, Wu Xingzi’s heart pounded slightly, but it was quickly suppressed.

The thing he anticipated the most now was still the hike with Ping Yifan. Ever since the day he had been sent back, Wu Xingzi would unconsciously think about Ping Yifan’s face and demeanour, especially those hands of his holding the flute. The jade colour of the flute contrasted beautifully with the fairness of his skin, and both Wu Xingzi’s eyes and mind were dazzled.

Wu Xingzi would forget whatever that happened when he drank. When Hei’er and Rancui made subtle mentions about how he had displayed his affections towards Ping Yifan, Wu Xingzi was so embarrassed that he dared not see anyone for the next two days. He did not know why Ping Yifan was not scared away, and he instead took the initiative to invite him out… Could it be that Ping Yifan was also interested in him?!

Aiyah!

Wu Xingzi’s face flushed red, and he dared not look at his face in the mirror. Although clothes made the man, there was no way to adorn an ordinary appearance such that it would become refined and elegant.

Noticing Wu Xingzi’s blushing face, Mint secretly stuck her tongue out at her sister, seemingly sighing in relief. Naturally, Wu Xingzi completely did not register what she did.

Ping Yifan had arrived a quarter of an hour earlier than their arranged meeting time. Wu Xingzi had yet to fill himself up, half a bowl of porridge in his mouth. With bulging cheeks, he blinked at Hei’er who had come to announce his arrival.

Ignoring the risk of choking, Wu Xingzi hurriedly swallowed the porridge into his belly. His voice sounded a little hoarse as he said, “P-Ping-gongzi is here? Quick, invite him in!”