At first, Qi Jing and I were not in the same school.

My mother and I lived in the servant's quarters together.

We had no interaction with the aloof young master.

Neither in studies nor in daily life.

It wasn't until the Qi family prepared a banquet.

I heard from my mother that it was to select a wife for the thirteen-year-old young master.

Many people attended the banquet.

My mother was very busy.

She needed to guide each guest and provide them with good service.

I lay on the windowsill of the servant's quarters, watching the bustling crowd outside.

Although this banquet seemed more like a "selecting a wife banquet" for the young master, not only girls attended.

Adults brought children of all ages into the estate.

Each one dressed in splendid attire.

Perhaps one outfit could equal my mother's one month's salary.

— No, maybe a year's.

The steward did not prohibit the children of the servants from going out.

My little friends went downstairs early to join in the fun.

Some went willingly, while others were ordered by their parents to build relationships with the young masters and misses.

I didn't want to go.

But I couldn't resist my mother's request.

I reluctantly went downstairs and found a secluded spot to hide.

The estate was large, so even with many people coming, once they dispersed, not many were left.

Plus, most people were in the main hall.

I took a book and read by the distant light.

The snow fell heavily.

Soon, my book froze stiff.

I sighed, checked the time, and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, a cry for help came from behind me.