Anyway, if there was anything he needed to do, his older brother would tell him.
With his older brother around, the Young Scholar could put worldly affairs and chores out of his mind and focus on his studies without a worry.
So...
If he hadn't overheard a little of his older brother and sister-in-law's conversation yesterday, he would have naturally assumed this was just like before.
The Young Scholar didn't show any sign that something was amiss.
It was as if he really didn't know anything.
He tilted his head slightly.
He looked at his older brother and sister-in-law with some confusion.
Woodcutter: ...
For a moment, the woodcutter thought, Maybe I should just let it go.
His younger brother looked...
How did he look even remotely like someone whose brain had been ruined by studying?
The woodcutter slowly curled his fingers.
"Husband,"
the woman said softly.
The woodcutter came to his senses.
He held out the bowl in his hands.
It was filled to the brim with white steamed buns.
Soft and fluffy.
They looked very tempting.
The Young Scholar drew in a small breath.
"They smell so good."
The Young Scholar grinned.
"Brother."
"Did you come all this way just to bring me steamed buns?"
The Young Scholar reached out and took the bowl from the woodcutter.
He set it on the windowsill.
Then he asked with a smile,
"No."
The woodcutter shook his head.
"This was just on the way."
The Young Scholar paused.
Then he gave a wry smile.
His older brother was as... straightforward as ever.
The Young Scholar smiled.
"Then what did you come to see me about?"
"Wait."
When the woodcutter opened his mouth, the Young Scholar stopped him.
"Come in first."
"Don't stand outside