"Master, I really can't accept your apology. It’s too much for me," the waiter stammered, trembling in fear. He was silently wailing inside, thinking, "How did I end up with this job of serving tea? If I'd known, I would have stayed in the kitchen rather than risk this."

  Now, not only was he unsure whether he'd be rewarded with a tip, but he wasn’t even sure if his life would be spared.

  Ying Yi, with an impassive expression, grabbed the waiter by the arm and yanked him up, “Get up when I say so. No more nonsense.”

  The waiter was shaken by Ying Yi’s ominous tone, shivering, "Yes, understood."

  "Go on."

  "Yes, right away," the waiter replied, carrying the tray, and scrambled to find the manager. He needed to explain that he had possibly offended the National Master. What was he going to do?

  After the other waiters served the food, Ying San entered the room and immediately threw his arm around Ying Yi's neck, whispering, “Well done, brother. You really know how to act. Impressive.”

  Ying Yi calmly removed Ying San's arm, "You think too much. This is just how I am. No acting involved."

  Ying San pouted, “Boring, Ying Yi.”

  “Ying San.” Lian Muxiu, observing Ying San, was starting to feel more and more annoyed with him, "Go and instruct all the guards to buy a portion of every famous snack and dessert from Yipin Street, and have it sent to the National Master’s residence."

  “Master, what’s this about?” Ying San, not understanding the reason for the order, asked directly. Lian Muxiu, not one to be strict, allowed for questions if his subordinates didn’t understand.

  "Litle Nine will probably be too full to eat anything else after this. I promised her I’d take her to try everything on Yipin Street, and I cannot go back on that promise," Lian Muxiu said as he poured water into Little Nine’s bowl.

  Ying San, seeing Lian Muxiu attentively serving the little fox by the table, felt a mix of frustration and confusion. He silently sighed and moved to fulfill the order.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Ying San pulled out a peculiar flute from his chest and walked to the window. He played a tune, which was a unique communication method among their group of guards. The pitch and length of the notes conveyed orders.

  “Master, it’s done.”

  “Mm?”

  "Master, really?" Ying San thought. That was it? Just a simple response? It seemed like he was becoming more confused by the day.

  After a moment, Ying Yi spoke up, "Master, someone is coming."

  Lian Muxiu picked up a handkerchief from the table and carefully wiped the food crumbs and grease off Little Nine’s mouth, smiling, "Little Nine, how are you feeling? Are you satisfied with the food from Taibai Ju?"

  Little Nine was so busy stuffing the last bit of pastry into her mouth that she hadn’t even swallowed when Lian Muxiu picked her up. The pastry got stuck in her throat.

  "Squeak... squeak... squeak..." Little Nine was choking, her legs kicking, her eyes widening in panic.

  Lian Muxiu immediately flipped Little Nine over and placed her on his lap, using his hands to press on her belly, forcing out everything she had just eaten. The piece of pastry that was stuck in her throat was finally dislodged.

  "Squeak... squeak..." Little Nine, lying on Lian Muxiu’s lap, cried in distress. Her food, her precious pastry, she had worked so hard to eat it, and now it was all gone.

  Lian Muxiu poured her a glass of water and gently placed it by her mouth. "Drink this. Rinse your mouth. It must not feel good after throwing up."

  Little Nine drank a few sips and then turned her head, silently sulking.

  Lian Muxiu, noticing her mood, continued to soothe her with gentle actions, knowing that this little fox loved to eat and was disappointed that her meal had been wasted. He didn’t speak, just continued to comfort her through his actions.

  After a while, Little Nine finally turned her head, looking up at Lian Muxiu with her big, tear-filled eyes, full of grievance. Lian Muxiu’s heart melted at the sight.

  He comforted her softly, “Little Nine, don’t worry. We’ll go back to the manor soon. The guards have already sent food there. You can eat more when we get back. Don’t be sad, alright?”

  His voice was tender, and he didn’t scold her for making a mess of his clothes when she vomited. Instead, he had even poured her water. Little Nine’s tears welled up again, and with a quick nod, she blinked and the tears fell.

  They landed in Lian Muxiu’s palm, turning into a purple bead.

  “What’s this?” Lian Muxiu instinctively clenched his hand into a fist, glancing at Ying Yi and Ying San.

  Ying Yi and Ying San noticed Lian Muxiu’s gaze, "Master, do you need something?"

  Lian Muxiu stared at both of them for a moment but didn’t notice anything unusual. He sighed inwardly, relaxed, and responded in a calm voice, "It’s nothing."

  Although Ying Yi and Ying San were puzzled, they knew that when the master said "nothing," it meant just that.

  Lian Muxiu naturally placed the purple bead in his pocket and picked up Little Nine, "No more crying."

  His stern voice immediately stopped Little Nine’s crying.