Here, after Lu Chi had walked far away, Shi Fa Ke turned to look at He Ketian. “He Ketian, you went too far!”

He Ketian frowned. “How did I go too far? You, as my good friend, actually helped a poor scholar of unknown origins propose to me. I clearly refused this marriage, yet knowing I left the mansion, he still followed me here. Who’s being more excessive?”

“I already explained the He family’s rejection clearly to Master Lu.” Shi Fa Ke said angrily. “He came today not because of you, but because I arranged another match for him!”

Only because He Ketian was her friend did she not embarrass her on the spot.

“What?” He Ketian was stunned, then her face alternated between pale and red. After a long while, she sneered coldly. “Then let’s wait and see which family in Copper Gong Town is willing to marry their perfectly good daughter to a poor scholar of unknown origins!”

After saying this, she left with a flourish of her sleeves.

Shi Fa Ke was also angry and shouted at her retreating figure, “Master Lu isn’t as bad as you say!”

He Ketian snorted and didn’t look back.

The two parted on bad terms.

After He Ketian left, Shi Fa Ke became angrier the more she thought about it.

This anger persisted until her eldest brother returned home. Her eyes lit up, all the gloom swept away, and she approached him with anticipation written all over her face. “Big Brother, how was it? What did County Deputy Zhou say?”

Big Brother Shi saw his sister’s expectant expression and couldn’t bear to disappoint her, but he still shook his head.

“What happened?” Shi Fa Ke was stunned. “Wasn’t it suitable?”

Big Brother Shi was also somewhat puzzled. “The County Deputy has always liked scholars. When I first mentioned there was a scholar, he seemed very interested, repeatedly toasting me, even saying if this matter succeeded, he’d give me a big matchmaker’s red envelope. But somehow, as we talked, things went wrong. Perhaps he had too much to drink—he actually threw his cup and left, looking very angry.”

Shi Fa Ke was dumbfounded. Why would this happen?

What went wrong?

Then she became somewhat worried. “Big Brother, did I cause you trouble?”

Big Brother Shi smiled and patted his little sister’s head, saying cheerfully, “No, don’t worry. The County Deputy keeps public and private matters separate. This isn’t my first time drinking with him—what happens at the drinking table won’t be brought to the county office.”

Shi Fa Ke felt relieved but began worrying about how to tell Lu Chi about this matter.

Thinking that tomorrow she would not only have to explain Miss Zhou’s situation to Lu Chi but also apologize for He Ketian’s behavior, Shi Fa Ke tossed and turned all night. Early the next morning, she went to Willow Leaf Lane to find Lu Chi.

After knocking and seeing Lu Chi open the door, Shi Fa Ke opened her mouth, but the words she had rehearsed many times on the way suddenly got stuck. “What are you… doing?”

In the morning light, his hair was slightly damp, fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and he wore only a mysterious-colored straight-hem single garment. The collar was loose, revealing his fair but tantalizingly contoured chest that rose and fell slightly with his breathing.

Hmm, though he looked thin, his chest seemed unexpectedly… substantial… Shi Fa Ke thought somewhat dazedly.

Lu Chi was also somewhat surprised to see her come so early. “I was practicing martial arts.”

“Ah right, practicing martial arts is good for the body. You can’t just focus on studying.” Shi Fa Ke snapped back to her senses, coughed lightly, averted her gaze, and said very understandingly.

She remembered her third brother, who was also a scholar. Every morning he would practice a set of “Five Animal Play,” saying that the imperial examinations now tested not just the mind but also physical strength. During exams, candidates had to stay in cramped examination cells for several consecutive days under what could be called harsh conditions. Many candidates with insufficient stamina would collapse in the examination hall after several rounds of testing.

Lu Chi smiled slightly and looked at the paper bag in her hands. “Did you come to bring me breakfast?”

Ah, she really had come too early!

Shi Fa Ke’s expression showed some embarrassment as she unconsciously handed him the pastry she was carrying. “I brought pastries.”

“Thank you.” Lu Chi laughed and stepped aside. “Come in.”

Shi Fa Ke reluctantly walked in. As she passed by him, she felt that Lu Chi, sweaty from martial arts practice, didn’t seem as harmless as usual and inexplicably made her feel some pressure.

Lu Chi found her quite interesting, watching as her bright black and white almond eyes looked everywhere except at him. He looked down at his attire and realized… it was indeed somewhat inappropriate.

“I’ll go change clothes. Wait a moment,” he said.

“Ah… mm, the morning weather is still somewhat cool. You’re sweaty, so hurry and go. Don’t catch cold.” Shi Fa Ke breathed a sigh of relief and said hurriedly.

After Lu Chi went inside to change and came back out, Shi Fa Ke indeed looked much more comfortable.

“Actually, I came to apologize. I’m really sorry about yesterday. I’ve already explained clearly to He Ketian that you have no intention of pestering her.” Shi Fa Ke said with a guilty expression.

“No need to apologize—it wasn’t your fault.” Lu Chi sat down and took a bite of the pastry. “Mm, delicious.”

However, Shi Fa Ke’s expression didn’t show relief but became more troubled.

“There’s another matter…” Shi Fa Ke glanced at him and spoke hesitantly.

Lu Chi curved his lips. She really was a girl who couldn’t hide anything in her heart. “The marriage with the County Deputy’s family didn’t work out?”

“Eh, how did you know?” Shi Fa Ke’s eyes widened suddenly.

Lu Chi couldn’t help but smile, pointing to his own cheek. “It’s written all over your face.”

…This conversation sounded strangely familiar.

Shi Fa Ke immediately deflated.

“I was already prepared for this. Don’t worry about it.” Seeing her deflated state, Lu Chi consoled her gently.

But Shi Fa Ke suddenly remembered what he had said that day: “The County Deputy’s young lady probably wouldn’t look favorably upon me.”

Her anger flared up. Shi Fa Ke slammed the table and said urgently, “Master Lu is such a good person, you definitely deserve an even better girl! Don’t worry, I will definitely find you a satisfactory wife!”

She really was a girl who didn’t know what discouragement meant. Lu Chi felt somewhat helpless. “Miss Shi, actually you don’t need to trouble yourself…”

“I’ve already sworn on a matchmaker’s dignity that your marriage is my responsibility!” Shi Fa Ke said righteously.

Lu Chi raised an eyebrow, looked at her for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. “Yes, I’ve already entrusted my lifelong happiness to you, Miss.”

Shi Fa Ke was stunned and looked at him foolishly, not knowing why she suddenly shivered.

Hmm, this early spring weather really did carry some chill…

Seeing her foolish expression, Lu Chi felt his hands itch, suddenly wanting to pinch that little round face. It seemed like it would feel very nice.

“Yesterday I came to find you actually to tell you that I found work at the school in town.” Lu Chi clenched his hands and changed the subject.

“Really? That’s wonderful! Now you won’t have to set up a stall on the street anymore.” Shi Fa Ke quickly cast aside that sense of unease and said happily.

She really was a particularly easy girl to coax.

Lu Chi smiled as he finished the pastry in his hand, finding it incredibly sweet.