Throughout the whole day, I was speculating on why Zhou Xuezheng invited Luan Zhong to the banquet.

In the evening, the Daoist nun from the front yard brought me a plate of vegetarian dumplings. Just as I was about to eat, I saw Luan Zhong returning in the wind and snow.

His cloak was covered in snow. After greeting me with a bow, he took off his outer garment.

I glanced at him and asked, "You're back?"

Luan Zhong nodded.

I pushed the dumplings towards him and said with a smile, "These were just brought by the nun, still warm. Please have some, sir."

Luan Zhong waved his hand, "I've already eaten at the Zhou residence, I'm full."

I muttered sarcastically, "Oh, you've had delicacies, no wonder you look down on my vegetarian dumplings."

"What did you say?" Luan Zhong suddenly turned his head, looking puzzled, "I was distracted, didn't hear."

"Nothing," I raised my tone and asked, "Why did Zhou Xuezheng invite you, what's the matter?"

Luan Zhong smiled, "Actually, it was Miss Zhou who used her father's name to invite me over for a drink."

I was surprised, "Zhou Yan? What does she want? Is she trying to ruin my reputation again?"

Luan Zhong was puzzled, "Why do you say 'again'?"

I coughed lightly, "Sorry, I was out of line just now. When Miss Zhou invited you, was she inquiring about Cui Anren and me?"

Luan Zhong shook his head, "It's quite strange, that Miss Zhou didn't ask you anything. She only inquired about my affairs during the banquet, even asking if I was betrothed."

I furrowed my brows, this was truly odd.

At that moment, I saw Luan Zhong take out a porcelain jar from his bosom and place it on the table.

He smiled faintly, "There are no fresh lychees in winter, so this jar contains lychee jam. I had my brothers inquire around, and they heard that wealthy families in the countryside have it, so I asked for some."

I felt warm inside and asked, "Is this... specially sought for me by sir?"

Luan Zhong crossed his arms and raised his chin proudly, "Don't misunderstand, after all, Miss is the employer, and I must do my best to meet the employer's needs."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I opened the jar and scooped some lychee jam to eat, "My hometown is abundant with lychees. Since coming to Songyang, I rarely get to eat them. My cousin always claims to love me, but the gifts he buys are just rouge and powder, he never truly understands what I want. Thank you, Mr. Luan."

Luan Zhong waved his hand, "You're welcome. If Miss has no other instructions, I'll take my leave."

As he reached the door, the man suddenly stopped in his tracks. He seemed to hesitate for a long time before saying, "I am the second son in my family, thanks to my brothers' respect, everyone calls me Second Brother. If Miss doesn't mind, please don't address me as Mr. Luan in the future, it makes me feel old. You, you can call me Second Brother."

I sweetly smiled, "Alright, Mr. Luan."

I saw Luan Zhong grunt in frustration, then he left with his head down.