After Zhang Xiaohua leisurely enjoyed his first lunch after returning to the manor, everyone around him had long since left.
Zhang Xiaohua had arrived later than He Tianshu to begin with. When he saw He Tianshu hurriedly finish eating, he too was about to rise, but He Tianshu stopped him and told him to eat slowly, not to rush. In any case, no work had been arranged for him that afternoon. So Zhang Xiaohua obediently sat back down, tasting this and trying that, until he finally felt full before leaving the dining hall.
The afternoon sunlight was warm and gentle. Especially after a full meal, Zhang Xiaohua strolled beneath it at ease, his steps light and brisk. Such a lovely afternoon was rare and ought to be properly enjoyed.
Unfortunately, a female voice called out to the squinting Zhang Xiaohua. "Zhang Xiaohua? Just finished eating?"
Turning around, he saw Qiutong in the small courtyard some distance away.
Zhang Xiaohua ran over delightedly and called, "Sister Qiutong, why are you here?"
Qiutong smiled. "The Manor Lord is in a bad mood today. I'm heading to the dining hall to see what tasty things there are here and bring some back for her."
Zhang Xiaohua asked concernedly, "What happened to the Manor Lord?"
Qiutong pulled a bitter face. "It's manor business. You wouldn't understand, so don't ask too much."
"Oh." Zhang Xiaohua honestly changed the subject. "Sister Qiutong, I only returned to the manor this morning. Ma Jing and Liu Er went to the escort agency to pick me up."
Qiutong smiled. "I know. I was the one who sent them. I haven't had time lately, but Tian Zhongxi happened to say today that some of his people were going to Pingyang City to purchase supplies, so I told them to bring