CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 27 COUSIN’S ANGER_2

The master and the servant traveled in silence.

Sang Wan couldn’t help but think to herself that Gu Fangzi was incredibly well-informed. She had barely stepped into the study when Gu Fangzi already knew about it. Seeing that she had left, Gu Fangzi would naturally go and interrogate to check on things. Sang Wan couldn’t help but be puzzled; with Gu Fangzi acting so fiercely watchful, could Shi Fengju really tolerate it?

She shook her head slightly; his taste was indeed rather strange.

What Sang Wan didn’t know was that Shi Fengju was actually feeling increasingly intolerant towards Gu Fangzi. He suddenly had a faint feeling that the cousin now was completely different from his cousin of the past. The cousin he knew before was understanding, lively and cheerful, resolute, and calm, possessing a courage, confidence, and flamboyance that wasn’t found in ordinary ladies, and it was precisely these unique qualities that deeply attracted him.

The Shi family had a large family business, and his wife needed to be capable of managing the inner courtyard, as well as being his helpful partner in business matters. After all, many core secrets of the business weren’t something he could casually reveal to even his most trusted attendants or managers, but his wife was different. Because they were essentially one.

It was not easy to marry a wife who was competent both inside and outside the home, and for the two of them to be childhood sweethearts, deeply in love. Thus, he valued her highly and cherished her greatly.

But, the feeling she gave him was gradually becoming different. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly where the difference lay, but it just wasn’t the same anymore.

For example, in the past, she would never question him with doubting eyes, asking repeatedly, "Really? You’re not lying to me?", nor would she constantly play the victim or remind him of how much she had suffered or compromised for him, and she would certainly not speak of other women with a sour tone, such as Sang Wan.

In the past, even if he went to brothels to drink and enjoy himself with business friends or hire pleasure boats for lake outings, she would just smile, unconcerned, and at most would playfully chide him.

He loved her air of confidence! Confidence in herself, and confidence in him.

He could sense her confidence becoming weaker and sparser by the day. She really had no need for it!

Sang Wan and Xingzhi returned to Ningyuan. Back in the study, Shi Fengju had not finished his meal when he busied himself coaxing a pitiful Gu Fangzi until he finally made her break into a smile through his tireless persuasion. By then, the food had gone cold, and he had lost any appetite to eat.

"I’m sorry, big cousin, it’s all my fault. Should I call for some refreshments?" Gu Fangzi expressed profound regret, but inwardly she gloated, seeing that her big cousin clearly still cared so much about her, putting her first. It was evident that to hold a man’s heart, one must constantly remind him, then he would value her.

Seeing Shi Fengju nod, Gu Fangzi instructed Lan Xiang to fetch some refreshments from the peony garden. The meals that Sang Wan sent over, hmmph, it was better not to eat them! Lest it nauseate her to see.

"Tomorrow night, I’ll definitely ask the kitchen to prepare a few of your favorite dishes to make it up to you, big cousin!" Gu Fangzi laughed again, her eyes sparkled, and she cheerfully added, "Why don’t we go to Yuhe Tower tomorrow for lunch? It’s been a long time since we’ve dined out! I’ll treat you tomorrow noon, how about that?"

Gu Fangzi smiled with her eyes curved, full of anticipation, and Shi Fengju couldn’t help but smile as well. Although she was a bit temperamental, it was because she cared about him!

Shi Fengju was just about to agree when Sang Wan’s delicate and gentle face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Yuhe Tower was the Shi family’s own restaurant, the best one in Qingzhou. If he went with his cousin, what would others think of Sang Wan?

"Tomorrow... I have to check on the warehouse at the wharf, and I’m afraid I’ll only return in the evening, so let’s not do it!" Fearing that Gu Fangzi would persist for the day after or days following, he hastily explained with a laugh, "I probably won’t be free these next few days, as right after the Dragon Boat Festival I have to travel to the capital with the fleet, so I need to keep a close eye on the warehouse and the wharf during these days!"

Gu Fangzi’s smile froze slightly on her face, she arched an eyebrow, eyeing Shi Fengju with suspicion, and blinked. Shi Fengju forcefully suppressed his dislike, waiting for her to start interrogating, but luckily Gu Fangzi didn’t pursue the issue further, and she nodded with a smile, "That makes sense, I almost forgot about that! Since there’s nothing much to do in the residence these days, how about I accompany you to the warehouse at the wharf tomorrow to help with the accounts and inventory, alright?"

"The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up soon, and we also need to prepare for the festival at home, the wharf and warehouse will be fine with me and the managers taking care of them!" Shi Fengju hurriedly added with a laugh.

Upon hearing this, Gu Fangzi’s face couldn’t hold back the tension, she fell silent for a moment and spoke indifferently, "Alright then! Cousin has made up your mind, what else can Fangzi do but listen to you? Everything will be as cousin decides! Fangzi shall obey without question!"

Her words, half-hidden and ambiguous, caused Shi Fengju another headache; he unconsciously frowned a little and managed a weak smile, "I knew you were sensible."

Gu Fangzi hummed an acknowledgment, neither agreeing nor denying. She clearly saw the frown on his face!

Shi Fengju became irritable. After a tense and busy day outside, dragging his weary body back home, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a moment of warm peace? Who had the energy to humble themselves? If it weren’t for Gu Fangzi in front of him, he would have already lost his temper.

"Alright, you go back first! Spend some more time with mother for me!" Shi Fengju said with a forced smile, not even waiting for Lan Xiang to bring the refreshments anymore.

Seeing that he ignored her indifferent attitude and didn’t even ask another question, Gu Fangzi huffed in annoyance, actually got up to leave, and on her way ran into Lan Xiang bringing the refreshments. She stopped her, obviously frustrated, and the master and servant both returned to the peony garden.