1.28

Mrs. Bai praised repeatedly, "This little guy is really smart. He now understands what he's called."

After rubbing Ping An's furry head once more, Mrs. Bai said to Wushuang, "Wushuang, you slept for a whole day and a night this time. You must be hungry now. If you want to eat something, I'll make it for you."

Wushuang thought for a moment and said, "Then let's have some porridge and stir-fried vegetables."

As they walked toward the kitchen, Wushuang said casually, "Mom, thank you for helping me tidy up the study. I can do it myself next time; you don't need to work so hard. Just take a rest when you have time."

To her surprise, Mrs. Bai responded, "I didn't tidy up your study. It was yesterday afternoon when Master Wang came to see you, and he sorted it out for you."

Wushuang paused mid-step. Wang Zefeng did that? Wushuang couldn't imagine someone like Wang Zefeng, a dignified county magistrate, rolling up his sleeves and cleaning her messy study. The image of him, perfectly groomed in his elegant robes, bending down to pick up scrolls and papers, was so absurd that she almost laughed.

Mrs. Bai, noticing her daughter's surprise, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Wushuang, does Master Wang want to take you as a concubine?"

Wushuang's eyebrows shot up in shock. She turned to Mrs. Bai and asked, "Mother, why do you think he wants to take me as a concubine?"

Mrs. Bai looked at Wushuang as though the answer were obvious. "Isn't it clear? Lord Wang is from a prestigious family, and he is also the county magistrate. Our family is just a regular, poor family. Even if you have some money now, it's not enough to buy a single outfit for someone of his status. How could Lord Wang want to marry you? You're not a good match."

Mrs. Bai continued, her voice laced with concern. "Lord Wang hasn't married yet, so I wonder if he has a maid to serve him. I've heard that sons of wealthy families can't have concubines before marriage; they can only keep maids. If Lord Wang has feelings for you, he might take you as a concubine. It's not as lowly as a maid, but it still has a bad reputation. Even if he wanted to marry you, his parents and relatives would never allow it."

Mrs. Bai sighed deeply, her eyes filled with worry. "I am just an ordinary person, Wushuang. I may say I'm in a good position, but if the mistress wanted to sell you, she could. I want you to marry into an ordinary family and become a proper wife. Life as a concubine isn't easy. When you're young, men love your beauty. Maybe he'll protect you from his wife for a while, and you'll live in comfort. But beauty fades, and what happens when you're no longer young? Where will you be then?"

Wushuang took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions she hadn't expected. Mrs. Bai's insight had hit a nerve. It hadn't occurred to her that Mrs. Bai would notice Wang Zefeng's behavior and interpret it so keenly. Mrs. Bai's words, though laced with worry, were wise and came from a place of deep care.

Trying to ease her mother's concerns, Wushuang smiled softly. "Mom, don't worry. I'm not that foolish. I have no intention of becoming Lord Wang's concubine or having any romantic ties with him."

Mrs. Bai watched Wushuang closely, searching for any signs of disappointment. Seeing none, she felt a surge of relief. In her eyes, it was better if Wushuang was not too clever. Simplicity could be a form of protection—if you don't think too much, you don't get your heart broken.

"That's the spirit, Yaya," Mrs. Bai said, affectionately using Wushuang's childhood nickname. "You're capable and have your own ideas. Let's find someone who matches your status, or at least someone handsome enough to match your beauty. You can set up your own family and have a child, someone you can raise and call your own. Life as a proper wife may not be luxurious, but it's stable. You won't have to suffer, and you'll always have someone to care for you when you're old. It's better than struggling to please a man in a rich household."

Wushuang couldn't help but laugh genuinely this time. Who would have thought Mrs. Bai, a woman from ancient times, would have such progressive ideas about love and marriage? She reached out and took Mrs. Bai's arm, smiling as she said, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you."

In truth, Wushuang's feelings for Wang Zefeng were never that deep. Any misgivings she'd had were likely due to his striking appearance and status. It was hard not to be flattered by the attention of such an outstanding man. But Mrs. Bai's practical words had served as a wake-up call, grounding her back in reality.

Besides, what's the use of being a concubine anyway? This isn't some fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after. Even the supposedly romantic Jia Baoyu couldn't keep his hands off other women while pining for Lin Daiyu! How laughable!

Wushuang's thoughts wandered to Dream of the Red Chamber, an ancient version of an idol drama, and she chuckled inwardly. Jia Baoyu, the so-called tragic romantic hero, was depressed over Lin Daiyu, but it didn't stop him from flirting with other girls. What's more, men like Nalan Xingde, revered for their poetry and supposed depth of feeling, still kept concubines and mistresses on the side.

Why would I think my fate would be any different? she mused. A lifetime of true love? Yeah, right. Might as well wish for a magic carpet while I'm at it.

Moreover, as a tasker, Wushuang was bound by certain rules. Having children in these task worlds was forbidden. Too many taskers had gone rogue, letting personal attachments and the instinct to protect their offspring override their duties. It had even led some of the best agents to ruin small worlds for the sake of their children—tiny universes collapsing like sandcastles in a storm. These little worlds might be derivative, offshoots of novels and shows, but the people inside them were real. The Quick Travel Department, seeing the destruction, had placed a strict ban: no offspring, no exceptions.

For modern people, the idea of having no descendants was hard to accept. For the ancients, it was the worst of the three unfilial acts. Wushuang never intended to entangle herself with Wang Zefeng. Still, she couldn't deny that the attention of a handsome, successful man was flattering.

But so what if he's handsome and rich? Wushuang thought. In the end, money is the only thing that won't let you down. Family, men, even your own health—they'll all leave you someday, but gold coins never will.

Wushuang had made up her mind: she would focus on her work, her craft, and her independence. The task world offered her a basic guarantee: as long as the plot didn't require it, she would live a long, healthy life. She didn't need to worry about growing old alone or finding someone to take care of her.

Who needs a man anyway? she smirked to herself. If I get bored, I can always hire a pretty boy for company. At least he'll be there because I paid him, not because of some fleeting affection that'll fade with time.

Once she decided this, she felt lighter. When Wushuang next met Wang Zefeng, she was her usual self—calm, collected, and cordial. At first, Wang Zefeng was relieved, thinking things were back to normal. But soon, he sensed something different. Wushuang was polite, but there was a distance, a frankness that kept him at arm's length.

Wang Zefeng grew restless. How could he close this gap? How could he make Wushuang see him as more than just a distant admirer? Meanwhile, Wushuang kept herself busy, sketching new patterns for clothes, losing herself in the creative process. She wanted to design as many variations as possible—hundreds, even thousands.

The more options, the better. It's like being rich: it's not about having one thing, but having a choice. Being spoiled for choice is the ultimate luxury.

It wasn't until after the roll call one day that Wang Zefeng managed to catch Wushuang before she slipped away. He stopped her in the courtyard, his expression determined.

"Wushuang," he began, his voice a little too formal, like he was about to pronounce a sentence. "I'd like to speak with you."

Wushuang glanced at him, her smile polite but her eyes cautious. "Of course, Lord Wang. What would you like to discuss?"

Wang Zefeng hesitated. He hadn't thought this far ahead. What could he say to bridge the gap? He had never had to work this hard to win someone over. But Wushuang stood there, her posture straight, her gaze steady, and suddenly, Wang Zefeng felt the challenge in her presence.

Wushuang looked up at him expectantly. Great, here comes another lecture on how he's the best thing that could ever happen to me. I wonder if he's prepared a speech or if he'll just wing it. She held back a chuckle .