When the troublesome little menace saw that Bi Honglang was unwilling to set the stage for her again, she lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then picked up the little pastries she had brought and pattered over to Gu Ruizhou.
Even if no one tossed out a brick, the jade could come running out on its own!
"Uncle~" Jiang Yingcheng tilted her head back, blinking her big eyes, looking perfectly sweet and obedient. "These are Chengcheng's pastries. They're for you!"
Step one to winning someone over: send the gifts ahead before you even arrive!
She rose onto her tiptoes, holding up the little plate, trying to bring the pastries into Gu Ruizhou's line of sight. "Hurry and try some, Uncle~"
Gu Ruizhou: "..."
He lowered his head but did not respond immediately.
After so many years as an official, he had his own methods for reading people.
The little girl's eyes were innocent and clear. One glance was enough to tell him that she was a child raised amid love, without much guile.
Yet this child seemed to harbor some hostility toward him. He had already sensed it while working on the accounts earlier-during the meal, she had even looked up and glared at him several times.
When something was out of the ordinary, there was bound to be a demon at work. Gu Ruizhou grew wary, but still reached out and chose the smallest pastry on the plate. "Thank you, Chengcheng."
-He did not want to take one, but Emperor Mingze was right behind her, staring at him with a profoundly meaningful look.
The most important thing in life was staying alive!
Seeing him finally reach out and accept one, Jiang Yingcheng, who felt she had successfully brought them closer, let out a long breath of relief.