The phoenix-eyed man said “Oh” with a trace of surprise, but his smile didn’t diminish. He poured her a cup of wine, “I’m surnamed Mu, third in my family. Young Master Li may call me Mu San.”

Su Zhen knew he was intentionally befriending her, so she didn’t say much more. She gave her name and hometown, raised her cup to drink, and asked, “What brings Brother Mu to the capital?”

“What does Young Master Li think?” The phoenix-eyed man seemed to gain interest, and the lazy look at the corners of his eyes clearly lightened somewhat.

Unfortunately, she was quite disappointing. After squinting to study him for a moment, she spread her hands, “Can’t guess.”

Mu San said, “Why not guess that I’ve also come to take the examination?”

Su Zhen glanced at him and giggled.

Her gaze was roguish, but the man wasn’t offended. He looked at her calmly, just waiting for her to speak.

He had been smiling warmly earlier, appearing utterly good-tempered, but now with this slight restraint, he truly matched his background with substantial bearing. Since arriving in the capital, everyone she’d encountered by chance, whether male or female, had been extraordinary. The capital was truly a place where dragons and tigers lay hidden. Su Zhen thought this while speaking directly, “Sir, you’re not someone who lacks money. Your clothing could rival that of officials. This is a marketplace, a place for ordinary candidates—you really shouldn’t be here.”

“Oh, if I shouldn’t be here, where should I be?”

“In some official’s household, being a good protégé.”

“Huaisu is an interesting person. But unfortunately… Mu has no love for such official households.”

“Good, sir has noble aspirations. I respect you and wish you success in this examination.”

Su Zhen said one thing while thinking another. In her heart she thought: San’er, at most you can come second—leave first place for me. The better the results, the higher the official position. All gods and Buddhas, what Zhen’er just said doesn’t count—you must not bless the wrong person.

But Mu San laughed out loud with a “puff” sound. His phoenix eyes glanced at the copy of “The Great Learning” she had hastily stuffed in her sleeve, “Though brother is no minister, he too has a heart that can hold boats. You’re also taking the exam yourself, yet you wish for my success in the imperial examination.”

This person had sharp eyes. Su Zhen laughed dryly, “Drink, drink. Let’s both wish for success together.”

Mu San was stunned, then laughed uncontrollably. Whether joking or serious, he said, “Huaisu can rest assured. Looking at your age, you’re probably only twenty. I humbly admit to being several years your senior, and this is my third time taking the imperial examination. I’ve failed every time, so you needn’t force yourself to wish me well.”

Su Zhen’s face darkened, then she beckoned him over and whispered in his ear, “Brother Mu, aren’t you just making things difficult for yourself? You could just buy an official position with money.”

Hearing this, Mu San stared at her for a long while. Su Zhen thought he was angry, but who knew that in the end, he also leaned close to her ear and said, “That way… wouldn’t be interesting.”

So he really was just making things difficult for himself! >_<

He didn’t seem to be joking, but Su Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. Why would he do this?

Though her ability to judge people was far inferior to her father’s, she could still discern whether someone was capable or not.

This person had lazy features but only appeared to be a wastrel—in reality he was quite formidable. How could he fail every examination? But looking at his expression, he didn’t seem to be joking.

Her curiosity was piqued, but she knew some matters weren’t appropriate to ask about. While she hesitated, Mu San called the waiter to order food.

Earlier he had only ordered some wine, but it was already the shop’s finest wine. Since they had just met by chance, though they got along well, she didn’t want to take advantage of him, “Brother Mu, you treat me to wine, I’ll treat you to food.”

Mu San didn’t refuse, simply saying “Good.”

So she ordered some suitable small dishes. There was no choice—though she had lived well at home with good food and clothing, now that her family was destroyed and people dead, though her father had prepared several thousand taels for her journey, she still had a long road ahead and wasn’t going to work for now, so she had to spend frugally.

The waiter muttered something about not ordering meat. For the first time, despite Su Zhen’s thick skin, she felt somewhat embarrassed. But Mu San laughed lightly, “I love eating fruits and vegetables most. We truly think alike. Thank you for your kindness, Huaisu.”

Hearing this, Su Zhen felt much better. This Mu San was really not bad—handsome too. She was genuinely delighted.

“Huaisu!”

Just as the two were about to continue talking, Leng Xue called her from behind, his voice carrying a tense tremor. Su Zhen felt alarmed for no reason, then turned around to see Leng Xue’s face pale with worry. What had happened?