You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 47 – There Are Some Things You Actually Did Not Forget

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

Rancui waved his hand, signalling his employee to collect the pengornis drawings that had been mailed to the Peng Society, and then welcomed Wu Xingzi to sit down and have some snacks.

Only when half the plate was empty did Wu Xingzi realise something. He watched Rancui with a questioning gaze for a moment before asking, “Manager, why are you in Bastion City as well?”

“It’s nothing, I just suddenly had an urge to have a change of scenery.” Rancui covered his smile, then nodded towards Hei’er who was standing outside the pavilion. “Adviser, with Commander Hei still following behind you the whole time, aren’t you annoyed by it?”

“What are you saying, Manager, it’s me who has troubled Hei’er.” Wu Xingzi anxiously waved his hands. He did not understand why Guan Shanjin insisted that Hei’er had to follow him. Hei’er was known as Commander Hei, he definitely had many duties to do, yet he still had to follow Wu Xingzi around. He must definitely feel upset about it!

“Commander Hei, don’t stand there like a statue. The rare rays of sun have all been blocked by you already.” Rancui could never feel at ease whenever he looked at Hei’er. Despite how honest this tanned, swarthy man looked, Rancui still remembered when Guan Shanjin destroyed the Peng Society, Hei’er had rolled his sleeves up without a word and went to work. Guan Shanjin was more verbal than physical, while Hei’er did not say a thing, and only focused on acting physically.

Rancui’s distaste for Guan Shanjin was due to his concern towards the members of the Peng Society, whereas towards Hei’er, he just plainly and simply did not like him. This bastard looked like a dog, and only when he grinned did one realise that he was actually a wolf.

“Apologies for my discourtesy.” Hei’er still had his head bowed, and he moved out of the way, looking very meek and submissive.

Rancui was steaming internally, but he could not express it openly. He could only snort coldly, and the salesman too happened to have returned, so Rancui just ignored Hei’er.

“Adviser Wu, take a look. All seven replies are here, would you like to examine them?”

“Ah, uhh…” Wu Xingzi blushed red. He stroked the seven letters, his action carrying a little of his yearning. However, he pulled his hand back very quickly as though he had been burnt, and shook his head continuously. “I- I’ll look at them when I get back. I have full trust in how the Manager deals with things.”

Wu Xingzi really did want to look at them. After all, these were amongst the top ten of his pengornis rankings. Still, under bright daylight, with a seemingly otherworldly Rancui in front of him, Wu Xingzi was too shy to pull the drawings out.

“Adviser Wu has complimented me too highly.” Rancui laughed lightly, but sighed internally. He had tried so hard to protect Wu Xingzi, but he did not manage to protect him from Guan Shanjin this evil wolf. How could he have the cheek to think that he had dealt with things well?

“Here, this is the newest edition of the Pengornisseur. Adviser, please have fun with it.” Rancui nudged the Pengornisseur that had just been published yesterday forward. It was very very thick, and Wu Xingzi’s eyes bulged out upon seeing it.

“This is…” The previous issues he owned were only about a hundred pages each, but this copy probably had about three or four hundred pages! In his hands, the book felt very solid and heavy, and in one corner was a small inscription, “Great Xia”.

“Oh, this Pengornisseur is a special edition, and we’ve selected the members from amongst the handsome, talented gentlemen throughout the entire Great Xia. The ones you had previously only consisted of the people from the south.” Rancui flipped open the exquisite looking Pengornisseur and started introducing the people within. “Look, the first fifty pages are citizens from the capital, and a remarkable place produces remarkable people. There are many talents there, and people like General Guan are so numerous that they’re like cobblestones on the ground.”

This was a bald-faced lie, but Rancui did not care.

Looking through the book, Wu Xingzi was unable to drag his eyes away.

It had to be said that after interacting so often with Wu Xingzi, Rancui understood what were the preferences of this shy, bashful adviser. Ignoring the rest, Wu Xingzi loved looking at beauties, especially those elegant, refined men who looked very cultured and scholarly. For this issue of the Pengornisseur, he had selected the entrants according to Wu Xingzi’s preferences.

As expected, Wu Xingzi’s face was flushed red, and he started studying the Pengornisseur carefully. Everyone within was the best of the best, with both artistic and moral integrity. The most amazing thing was that there actually was no one that came from an extremely aristocratic background, and they at most were from wealthy families.

“Wah, this master is so young, yet he has already passed the provincial-level imperial examinations?”

“Ah, this master’s appearance is like an immortal and is very adept at the zither. If there’s an opportunity, I really want to listen to him play.”

“Wow, this master is a physician! Recently, my chest has been feeling a little suffocated, I wonder if he’ll be able to tell me what’s wrong.”

Wu Xingzi’s eyes were bright, as though they held a galaxy of stars within.

It was Rancui who registered that something was not right. He eyed Hei’er, and frustratedly realised that this bastard was standing there like stone, with his head bowed and motionless, as though he was paying no heed to what they were doing. However, Rancui knew very well as this bastard had very sharp ears, and was also very loyal to boot. Whatever they said would definitely be conveyed word for word to Guan Shanjin.

Forget it, let him convey whatever he wants. As the Manager of the Peng Society, would he still be afraid of the Great Southern Garrison General? He too had the support of his boss and his boss’s lover behind him!

Thinking about this, Rancui poured a cup of tea for Wu Xingzi and spoke to him, seemingly casual. “Adviser, have some more of these snacks.”

“Ah, thank you, thank you.” As expected, Wu Xingzi was distracted from the Pengornisseur. He rubbed his hands on his thigh before picking up a walnut pastry and placing it into his mouth.

“Adviser, I heard you say just now that your chest has been feeling suffocated recently. Have you asked a physician to look at it yet?” Rancui sipped his tea, conversing casually.

“Uhh… ahh… Yes, a physician did come…” Talking about this matter, Wu Xingzi could not help but sigh. Picking up another walnut pastry, he nibbled at it, looking like he could not decide whether he should talk to Rancui about it or not.

“Adviser, if you’re not comfortable discussing it, let’s just avoid it. Why don’t you see which young master you’re interested in, and send him a letter to make friends?” Rancui signalled the salesman to bring out some writing materials, yet Wu Xingzi took the first step, shaking his head continuously to express his objection.

“No need for the trouble, no need for the trouble. Ai, I’ve already promised Haiwang not to make friends through the pigeon express again. If he were to know that I’ve once again picked it up, he’s going to burn all my pengornis drawings.” Even though it was something that had happened over the New Year, just thinking about how the pengornis drawings had turned into shreds in Guan Shanjin’s hands made Wu Xingzi’s heart ache in fright.

“Oh?” Rancui pursed his lips.

“However, it’s hard to say when he would end this tryst of ours. By that time, I’ll again be able to make friends through the pigeon express.” Rancui noticed that this sentence made Hei’er shift. He seemed to have very quickly looked up and glanced at Wu Xingzi. However, this action was too fast and too quick, and before Rancui could confirm anything, he had returned to his motionless state.

Clicking his tongue lightly, although Rancui was glad that Wu Xingzi had not fallen for Guan Shanjin’s pampering, he felt that something was wrong with this entire scenario.

“Has Adviser ever considered that the general might want to spend the rest of his life with you?” Rancui could not help but be curious.

“The rest of his life with me?” Wu Xingzi blinked, then laughed aloud. “Manager, you’re thinking too highly of me. Ai, I’m very aware that Haiwang likes noble and unsullied people like Mr. Lu. I’m ugly and old, and I don’t know anything, yet I eat so much. With regards to scholarly matters, I nearly did not pass my examinations, so what would Haiwang even like about me?”

Inexplicably, Wu Xingzi recalled a perfume sachet that he had nearly forgotten about. It had once been kept right next to his skin, and taken care of meticulously. One day, he finally woke up, and so he took the sachet out and hung it on his belt. After using it for three or four years, it wore out, and so he just tossed it aside and replaced it with a new one. There was no trace of sentimentality over it.

What scent did that perfume sachet hold? Wu Xingzi could no longer remember. However, that sachet unfathomably made him think of luxuriant peach blossoms.

Wu Xingzi could not help but shake his head, revealing a wry smile at Rancui. “Manager, there’s nothing special about me, other than knowing myself very well.”

These words were very bitter, and Rancui did not know how to respond. He could only laugh along and drink his tea.

Wu Xingzi was too used to reconciling himself to his situation. In no time at all, he recovered from his melancholy. There was no point in contemplating over certain matters, so why trouble himself? His days now were pretty good, and perhaps after drinking some of the medicine prescribed to him he would feel better. There was no need to seek out trouble for himself.

As such, he again cheerily and diligently scanned through the Pengornisseur, periodically giving compliments and exclaiming over the details within, and he was very contented.

There was no way for him to finish looking through this Pengornisseur during this period of time. Wu Xingzi recalled Guan Shanjin’s instructions, and dared not bring the book back just like that. He could only tell Rancui to hold it for him in the Peng Society first, and told him that he would be coming over often during these days.

Rancui naturally agreed. Seeing that it was about time for lunch, he wanted to invite Wu Xingzi for a meal. However, Wu Xingzi thought about the two girls who were waiting outside, and so decided to make his farewells.

After sending Wu Xingzi and the other three away, Rancui’s face sank.

In his eyes, the current situation was not anything good. Wu Xingzi himself might not have realised anything, but Rancui was knowledgeable in the affairs of romance, and he was extremely sensitive towards them.

No matter how Wu Xingzi convinced himself that it was only a tryst between Guan Shanjin and him, his heart was soon about to be moved. That suffocation he felt, was most likely due to him suppressing his feelings that he dared not express!

Previously, Rancui had suspected that as Wu Xingzi was so gentle and pliable, and in simple terms, he was very easy to fool, with the way Guan Shanjin pampered people, sooner or later Wu Xingzi would be moved by him. Furthermore, his feelings would be the sort that were deep and profound, that he would love him till the end of days.

However, Wu Xingzi instead surprised everyone. Despite how glued his eyes were to beautiful people, and that he kept thinking of the Pengornisseur, he had no intention of devoting a single bit of his feelings towards anyone. His heart was concealed deep within him, surrounded by an iron wall, and he dared not hand it out easily.

Using his boss’s connections, Rancui had spent over a month investigating before he finally found out about Yan Wenxin. As for what happened between the two of them, he was unable to find out anything more. However, Rancui speculated that it had something to do with an unfaithful man and a devoted lover. Why else would there still be this unresolved barrier in Wu Xingzi?

He must definitely have been very hurt, and so was willing to only be a frog in a well!

Rancui’s stomach started hurting again. However, a person who protected his heart so very well, once he gave his heart away, there was nothing that could make him take it back, and he would fall deeply and quickly.

Now, Wu Xingzi most likely was unable to protect his heart for long. When he realised his feelings, and sincerely fell for Guan Shanjin, would that fickle thing still continue to pamper and spoil him?

Ai, his stomach really hurt…

※※※

When Wu Xingzi led the two girls and left the Peng Society, they started discussing where they should have their lunch.

Unlike Goose City and Qingcheng County, Bastion City was divided into two. There was also a curfew at night, and gates to the city square were closed at 7pm, then they would open at 5am the next morning.

The city was separated to the east and west, and stalls selling food were mostly found in the west. Mint and Osmanthus led their master down to the place where all sorts of restaurants gathered with familiar steps, and they pointed at one of them. “Master, do you like mutton? This one is owned by our aunt, and the fried mutton is the best in Bastion City. Master, you can’t take food that’s too spicy, so we can also ask our aunt to adjust the spiciness.”

“Then I definitely must give it a try.” Wu Xingzi licked his lips. He was not picky about food, and ate everything. The two girls were very good at cooking as well, so their aunt would definitely be very skilled.

With dancing eyes, Mint and Osmanthus chattered away and introduced to Wu Xingzi which of their aunt’s dishes were especially delicious. Wu Xingzi’s saliva pooled, and he could not help but rub his belly.

However, just as they were about to step into the restaurant, someone called out behind them.

“Mr. Wu.”

Wu Xingzi hurriedly turned his head towards the voice, and it was actually a young lady of an outstanding appearance. She had a pair of starry almond eyes that was staring straight at him, making him redden, and he did not know what to do.

Hei’er was right next to him, and naturally saw that lady too. Expressionlessly, his tanned face twitched minutely, and with a stride, he stood right in front of Wu Xingzi, blocking him from the young lady’s audacious gaze.

This young lady, was Yue Mingzhu.

When she saw that Hei’er blocked her view, her face darkened immediately. Opening her mouth, she was about to scold him, only to hold it back. Instead, she angrily said, “Commander Hei, it’s good to see you.”

“Miss Yue, you’re very courteous.” Hei’er cupped his hands together. He did not move a step, clearing signalling that he wanted the other to back down.

But who was Yue Mingzhu? She was well-known for being spoilt and reckless, like a runaway wild horse. As a wilful and unruly rich young lady, how would she back down? Furthermore, she had finally bumped into Mr. Wu whom she had long heard about. No matter what, she had to at least meet him, and talk to him.

“May I ask if that’s Mr. Wu?” Even though Hei’er was obstructing her from seeing him, he should still be able to hear her, right?

“Ah, yes, I am. May I ask who…” Without thinking, Wu Xingzi poked his head out from behind Hei’er. Towards a young lady, he could not be impolite.

“Master, this is Mr. Lu’s fiancée, the third young miss of the Yue family.” Mint lowered her voice, sneakily introducing her to Wu Xingzi. “You have to be careful, Miss Yue is tyrannical and overbearing, don’t be taken advantage of by her.”

“Yes, yes, Master, you’re too soft-hearted. It’s better if you let Commander Hei’er deal with her.” Osmanthus chimed in with agreement. Both her sister and her had heard about Yue Mingzhu. Miss Yue was very famous. In Bastion City, this place where women were strong, bold and unrestrained, Yue Mingzhu could still be considered very prominent. It was said that other than her father and her brothers, there was no other man who could suppress her.

Of course, the people in the general’s estate did not count.

Honestly speaking, the girls held some secret admiration for Yue Mingzhu’s recklessness and unruliness. However, she was definitely not allowed to bully their master.

“I’m Yue Mingzhu. We’re seeing each other for the first time, Mr. Wu.” Yue Mingzhu did not hear what the girls were whispering about, but seeing how sneaky they looked, there probably was nothing positive about it. Her beautiful eyes narrowed sharply, scaring the two girls into bowing their heads.

“Miss Yue, I’ve long heard about you, it’s nice to meet you…” Only after speaking did Wu Xingzi realise his words did not seem quite right, and he smiled embarrassedly.

“Mr. Wu, you’re about to have lunch?” Yue Mingzhu did not continue with any more smalltalk. She was not the sort to do so, and with Hei’er around, who knew what would annoy him? She was extremely frustrated.

“Yes, yes, has Miss Yue had your lunch yet?” Wu Xingzi asked, only to have Mint and Osmanthus tug on one of his sleeves each. Blankly, he turned to look at the girls.

For Yue Mingzhu, this was a great opportunity. She put on a bright smile. “No, not yet. What a coincidence! Mr. Wu, why don’t you let me treat you to the local specialties of Bastion City?”

“There’s no need! Our master can’t take spicy food, but many thanks for Miss Yue’s invitation.” How could Mint allow her master to answer? She immediately rejected Yue Mingzhu’s offer.

“You’re too talkative. Since Mr. Wu is my guest, I’ll definitely go with his preferences. Is there a need for trash like you to flap your mouth?” Yue Mingzhu glared at Mint, sneering. She turned towards Wu Xingzi. “Mr. Wu, what do you think? Everyone has to eat, and I can be considered to be a societal person. Mr. Wu, you don’t have to worry.”

This made Wu Xingzi unable to refuse her. It was time for lunch, and he was truly hungry, but… why did he feel a sort of deja vu about this?

For some reason, Wu Xingzi stood on alert. He looked at the worried faces of the two girls, and could not help but laugh.

“Thank you Miss Yue for your invitation, but I’ve already promised the two girls that I’ll be eating at this restaurant. I heard that the fried mutton was the best in Bastion City, and so I can only apologise to Miss Yue.”

“Exactly! Our aunt is extremely skilled in the kitchen, and her cooking doesn’t lose a single bit to the general! Not only is her fried mutton delicious, her braised mutton, intestines and sheep’s head are extremely tasty too!” Mint was delighted, and quickly listed out some of the dishes. As expected, Wu Xingzi kept swallowing his saliva, his hunger written across his face.

“Oh?! This is simple. I’ll just treat Mr. Wu to a meal in this restaurant then, killing two birds with one stone.” Yue Mingzhu walked straight into the restaurant with her maidservant following behind, making Mint and Osmanthus stamp their feet in anger, yet they could do nothing about it.

Wu Xingzi however was unbothered. No matter who he was eating with, it was still eating, was it not?

Just as he was about to follow her in, Hei’er surprisingly caught hold of Wu Xingzi.

Wu Xingzi paused, looking at this man who was so silent as though he did not exist.

“Adviser Wu, don’t be too bothered by Miss Yue’s words. People would always only say things that are to their benefit.”

“Ah… yes, yes…” Hei’er’s sudden words had baffled Wu Xingzi. He was curious why Miss Yue wanted to invite him to lunch. The two of them had no relations with each other, so nothing important should happen, right?

As Wu Xingzi pondered over it, he entered the restaurant.

Mint and Yue Mingzhu’s maidservant Chang Yi went to see the restaurant owner, while Osmanthus greeted the server she was familiar with, asking him to prepare a quiet table. Miss Yue stood there with a noble air around her, her back straight, and the people around could not help but sneak looks at her, then quietly whisper to each other.

Hei’er followed Wu Xingzi, still silent and taciturn. He now stood right in front of Wu Xingzi, blocking him from everyone’s probing gaze.

Indistinctly, Wu Xingzi seemed to hear some whispers.

“Could this be that Mr. Wu?”

Someone’s reply came. “Seems like it. Ah, so it turns out that he looks like this.”

Wu Xingzi was a little lost. After coming to Bastion City, this was the first time he was walking about the city streets. Why were there people talking about him? Ill at ease, he lowered his head, secretly hiding behind Hei’er’s body.

Ai, could it be that there was some trouble around?