Original Title: The Extraordinary Butler ("极品家丁")
Original Author: Yu Yan
Translator: Junyin_Pan
Contact for Copyright or Conflict of Interest Issues: 1085740859@qq.com
The following is the main text:
The master and servant both smiled at Lin Wanrong. The servant, eyeing Lin Wanrong's short hair, seemed to want to laugh but dared not, his face turning bright red.
Lin Wanrong knew the boy was mocking his short hair but found his innocent appearance endearing. He waved magnanimously, saying, "Little brother, if you want to laugh, just laugh. Don't hold it in."
Surprised by Lin Wanrong's informal address, the handsome young master raised an eyebrow, while the servant burst into clear laughter without restraint.
The servant's voice was so crisp that Lin Wanrong thought it sounded like a woman's. He had read about cross-dressing in novels, but after closely inspecting their flat chests, which could land a Boeing 777 or an Airbus A380, he dismissed the idea of them being women. He wondered if they were imported from Thailand, but quickly discarded that thought, feeling a chill run down his spine. He involuntarily took a step back towards Xuanwu Lake.
Seeing Lin Wanrong staring at them without speaking, the handsome young master grew annoyed. When he saw the look of disdain on Lin Wanrong's face, his expression softened and he called out, "Young Master, Young Master—"
It took several calls before Lin Wanrong snapped out of it and looked up, saying, "Brother, what's the matter?" His gaze still fell on the young master's chest.
The handsome young master, unaccustomed to Lin Wanrong's address, was about to speak but noticed Lin Wanrong's lingering gaze on his chest and grew even angrier, glaring at him as if he wanted to devour him.
Lin Wanrong, thick-skinned as he was, felt no fear and continued to boldly stare at the young master's chest, making the young master's face turn white, then red, unable to speak.
"What are you staring at, you rascal?" The servant, unable to bear it any longer, spoke up before the young master could.
Lin Wanrong was amused and thought, what's the point of studying two men's chests? Having found no results, he concluded they must be from Thailand. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong had traveled to Bangkok and Yangon several times and wasn't too averse to such things. He looked at the young master and said openly, "Brother, you called me earlier. What can I do for you?"
The two now stood side by side by Xuanwu Lake, appearing to onlookers like two scholars discussing poetry and art. Only Lin Wanrong knew the truth: a talented scholar? More like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
The young master's expression softened when he heard Lin Wanrong's normal address. He nodded and asked, "May I ask where you are from, brother?"
Lin Wanrong's gaze fell on the young master's face, which was like a piece of flawless jade, white with a hint of red, smooth and delicate.
Lin Wanrong secretly swallowed. Damn, not only does Jiangnan produce beautiful women, but it also produces such exceptional male beauties.
The young master blushed under Lin Wanrong's intense gaze and gave him an angry glare.
Lin Wanrong quickly turned away, now convinced Thailand must exist in this world. How else could there be such "beauty"?
"Judging by your accent, brother, you don't seem to be a local. And your manner of address is quite unique," the young master said, trying to make conversation since Lin Wanrong was no longer staring at him.
"Oh, yes, I'm not from here," Lin Wanrong replied with a fake smile. "I'm from the land of Jingchu, a native of the two lakes region."
Lin Wanrong wasn't lying; he was originally from Hubei. He was only here because he had taken a wrong turn.
"Jingchu has always been known for its talents. I used to doubt it, but hearing your exquisite verse today, I have no more doubts," the young master said sincerely.
"You're too kind," Lin Wanrong coughed lightly and smiled. "What advice do you have for me, brother?"
"I heard the verse you recited earlier, and although it was just the second half, it was extraordinary and uplifting. May I ask if there is a first half? Could you share it with me?" the young master asked eagerly.
So, he's a poetry enthusiast, Lin Wanrong thought. He smiled wisely and replied, "A good verse is naturally formed and comes by chance. With these two lines expressing my feelings, I am already content. Why seek more?"
Having spent years in the business world, Lin Wanrong was a master of playing games. He intentionally teased the young master. He wouldn't reveal everything without getting something in return.
As expected, the young master's face showed admiration. He bowed and said, "You truly have the demeanor of a master. I am enlightened."
In this era, people recited poetry with both lines in mind, often selling couplets for high prices. Lin Wanrong's approach of focusing on just one line was rare.
Seeing the young master's admiration, Lin Wanrong felt secretly pleased and humbly said, "I dare not claim such credit. I am merely a student."
The servant beside the young master snickered at Lin Wanrong's pretentious humility, finding it awkward.
The young master glared at his servant, who immediately fell silent.
"Your indomitable spirit and unpretentious talent are much better than those so-called refined scholars," the young master said, disdainfully glancing at the poets on the lake.
"Oh?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. He had been here for over a month and knew this world valued literature highly. Scholars were admired and considered heroic based on their essays. A good pen could lead to great success.
So why did this talented young man hold such disdain for his peers?
However, the young master's words were well-placed, and his flattery hit the mark. Lin Wanrong felt very pleased. If this young man worked in his previous company, he would definitely excel in sales.
You're right; I'm not a refined scholar. I'm a rogue scholar, Lin Wanrong thought with a smile.
"The scholars and beauties of Jiangnan have always been famous, known throughout the world. Although Jingchu has talented people, in terms of quality and quantity, it is slightly inferior to Jiangnan," Lin Wanrong said, pretending to be modest.
"Quality? Quantity?" The young master frowned, puzzled by these new terms.
"Oh, simply put, it means excellence and numbers," Lin Wanrong explained, sweating a bit. Explaining modern concepts in this ancient world was indeed challenging.
The young master nodded, smiled, and said, "Your explanation is truly novel. It's the first time I've heard it."
When the young master smiled, dimples appeared on his face, making him look even more charming, causing Lin Wanrong's heart to tremble.