You've Got Mail: Cautionary Tale (YGMCT)

Chapter 48 - This Apparently Is A Trap Disguised As A Feast

They were fortunate. Because of Osmanthus, the server led them straight into the backyard. They set up a table and a few chairs there, and even had a stand of chinese wisteria next to them.

Although it was not yet time for the wisteria to bloom, and all they could see were luxuriant green leaves, from Osmanthus’s introduction, as well as the area the plant covered, Wu Xingzi learnt that the wisteria plant was over a hundred years old.

“Master, if you like it, once the wisteria blooms, let’s come and enjoy its blossoms. We can even pluck a few to make pastries.” Mint returned, having ordered the dishes. Warmly, she dragged Wu Xingzi along, deliberately ignoring Yue Mingzhu who was sitting at the head of the table.

According to custom, Hei’er was a fourth-grade military officer, and amongst their group, he had the highest rank. As such, the seat at the head of the table should have been given to Hei’er. However, Hei’er was currently attending to Wu Xingzi, and so everyone was well aware of who should actually be sitting in that seat.

It was impossible that Yue Mingzhu was not aware of it, but it was evident that her wilfulness was meant to embarrass Wu Xingzi, as well as to not respect Guan Shanjin at all. Mint and Osmanthus could not say a word about it, but their hearts were filled with indignation.

Chang Yi wanted to persuade her mistress. After all, the actual intent behind this feast was to ask for a favour. Should she not at least lower her status a little? Her mistress was also usually not this pigheaded!

“Sure, sure. Ah, I’ve never seen chinese wisterias in bloom before. I’ve heard that the sight is quite spectacular, and I really should come take a look,” Wu Xingzi exclaimed, his eyes glued to the plant.

Amongst the letters his father had left behind, he had once written about the blooming wisteria. A few lines were enough to make Wu Xingzi yearn for them, but there was not even one wisteria plant in Qingcheng County. Although they could be found in Goose City, the plants were all located in private gardens, and Wu Xingzi had neither the rights nor the contacts to get the opportunity to view them. Time passed, and his impression of the wisteria too faded away. With this unexpected opportunity of viewing a hundred year old wisteria plant today, his desire was once again lit up.

“When does the plant usually bloom?” Wu Xingzi could not help but ask. When he looked closely at them, amongst the leaves, tiny, tender buds could be seen. It should not be too long before the plant blossomed again.

“The flowers should come in about one or two months,” Osmanthus replied, counting with her fingers. Seeing how brightly Wu Xingzi smiled, Mint and Osmanthus were even more determined to let Wu Xingzi view the splendid sight of the blossoming wisteria plant.

Watching the master and the two young maids enjoying themselves, pointing at the wisteria plant as they laughed and joked, Yue Mingzhu’s face grew darker as she was left alone. However, in front of Hei’er, she was unable to vent her anger. Her fingers tightened around her cup, almost about to shatter it.

She had not come on her own accord to meet this old fellow, but was forced to do so by her father and brother.

That mousy old face made Yue Mingzhu extremely repulsed. Such a vulgar and crude person, in what way could he compare to Mr. Lu’s celestial disposition? To actually take this old thing as Mr. Lu’s substitute, did Guan Shanjin not find it nauseating in the least?