chapter28

The carriage stopped at the main gate of the Simeon residence. Before Ran could get out, she heard Simeon's voice from outside the carriage: "Ran, don't get out yet. There are too many people here. I have arranged a sedan chair to come. You can get in it and enter the residence directly later."

Ran did not expect him to arrange this. She wasn't sure whether to laugh, but since many men had followed outside, she agreed to his plan.

After all, she would be going to Bailu Academy in a few days. Her current appearance was not suitable for being seen by too many people.

Otherwise, if someone recognized her at the academy later, her life would be affected.

Although she was not afraid and could protect herself, she did not want her life disturbed.

Soon, the Simeon residence's servants brought out an exquisite small sedan chair. They lifted it directly onto the carriage. Ran just needed to lift the curtain and could step into the sedan chair.

The crowd following the carriage watched the Simeon residence's actions and started to protest loudly: "Scholar Simeon, what are you doing? This lady is not your wife yet. How can you stop her from going out and meeting people?"

"Yes! Even if she was your wife now, you can't do this!"

"She belongs to all of us! Everyone has the right to see her."

"I am the only son of the Fang family in town. Lady, please come out and meet me!"

"Lady, whatever you like, I will bring it to you tomorrow!"

In the noisy crowd, Xander and Spencer watched silently but with burning eyes fixed on the carriage.

Ran knew if she did not come out now, the situation would cause chaos.

After hesitation, she lifted the curtain and stepped out.

A fair, jade-like hand reached out first. Then, a figure in a goose-yellow robe appeared on the carriage.

She was beautiful and graceful. Her unique aura made people remember her at a glance.

Ran looked calmly at the almost crazed men around her. She said with a steady voice, "Thank you all for your kindness, but I just want a quiet life now. Please leave quietly and don't disturb the neighbors. Thank you."

Though calm, she said everything she needed and thanked the crowd. She did not enter the sedan chair but walked step by step into the Simeon residence under their watchful eyes.

Everyone was stunned that she would thank them. They stared hard as her delicate figure disappeared from their sight.

Until she was gone, the crowd came back to their senses and looked sadly at the now empty gate.

Many wanted to speak but were stopped by companions. The lady had said she didn't want to be disturbed.

The crowd at the gate gradually left, except Xander and Spencer who stayed.

"Spencer, should we visit Simeon? Since we are here, it might be rude not to," Xander said, fanning his hand as he looked at the gate.

Spencer glanced at him coldly and then turned back. His cool voice entered Xander's ear: "Do you think Simeon would believe you came to visit on purpose? Even if he lets you in, you won't see the lady."

Though Spencer had little contact with Simeon, he understood his thoughts clearly.

That beautiful lady, if discovered by him, would never want others to see her. Xander knew he was right, but still felt unhappy. Why would such a lady like that fake and hypocritical Simeon?

He did not like how Simeon was so calm and never fought for anything. He seemed extremely fake.

Now the lady was in his house. If Xander wanted to see her, he had to get along with Simeon, which made him feel very uncomfortable.

"Hey, Spencer, wait for me!" In just a moment, Spencer had already walked far ahead. Xander had to catch up.

But the more they walked, the more something felt wrong. Looking at the familiar street, Xander asked, "Spencer, isn't this the way to the government office? Why are we going there?"

"What do you think?" Spencer said simply and stopped paying attention to Xander, walking quickly toward the office.

"Oh, I get it!" Xander understood immediately and happily followed him.

It made sense. Since the lady came to the government office today, she must have something to do there. The office must know her identity. Maybe they could find out more information.

If not, at least they could learn her full name and which family she belonged to.

Thinking this, Xander looked even happier and walked more lightly.

When they arrived, many people had already gathered outside the office. It was clear they also wanted to find out news about Ran through the office.

But only a few people inside the office knew her situation, and the advisers had ordered them to keep quiet. No matter how hard they asked, no useful information came out.

They only learned her name. Nothing else was known.

"Ran? What a beautiful name!" Xander whispered softly, his face showing a kind of admiration.

Spencer did not seem as moved but repeated her name quietly, then took Xander away.

Since there was no useful news here, they would leave for now. In a few days, when fewer people were around, they would bring gifts to visit the office lord.

Meanwhile, Ran walked beside Simeon, ignoring the servants' curious looks as if she did not see them at all.

But if one looked carefully, Simeon walked a step behind Ran.

This showed his respect for her.

Ran was thinking about what to do next and did not notice his action.

As they entered the hall, Madam He came quickly to her side and examined her carefully. Seeing she was unharmed, she finally sighed in relief.

She knew well that a lady with such beauty like Ran was very popular outside. She worried that Ran might get hurt accidentally.

This was why she rarely allowed Ran to go out unless it was important.

"Madam, I'm fine!" Ran smiled as Madam He checked her from head to toe without any impatience. This sincere care and worry was something she hadn't felt for a long time, which warmed her heart.

"How did things go?" Seeing Ran was okay, Madam He finally remembered to ask about the main matter. She smiled brightly, looking at her with expectation.

Seeing Madam He's eager gaze, Ran awkwardly looked away and said nothing. Noticing her expression, Madam He's heart tightened. She glanced at the village chief behind Ran.

The chief sighed and walked over to help Madam He sit down. Seeing her anxious face, he calmly explained what had happened today. When they heard the official had not agreed to write a marriage contract for Ran and Simeon, Madam He felt a bit disappointed but not surprised.

She knew from the start that Ran was already twenty-five and still unmarried. She expected this would happen. The official was generous to give her half a year to find someone she liked.

Otherwise, he would have forced a marriage without her opinion. Madam He glanced at Simeon, who looked pale and sighed helplessly. Then she looked at Ran with a gentle and comforting tone: "Ran Ran, don't worry. At least the official gave you half a year. You can use this time well.

With your looks, any man would accept you if you want." Then she looked at Simeon: "And Simeon, you also need to support Ran Ran. Be gentle and kind. She's getting older now. You don't want her forced into marriage, right?

Besides, if the other side's character is unknown, it could cause trouble. It's better if you take the initiative to find a few suitable men for her. That way, you can all get along happily.

If you all get along well, Ran Ran will be happy. You don't want her to worry about problems at home later."

"Mother, I understand!" Although Simeon's heart ached thinking someone else would share Ran, he knew Madam He was right. He turned to Ran and forced a smile.

His voice was soft as he said, "Ran Ran, don't worry. I won't be stingy. I will get along well with the other brothers. I will never make you sad."

"Oh! Okay... okay!" Ran still felt dizzy. She never expected Madam He to say such things to her son. Wasn't that PUA?

Even more shocking was that Simeon accepted it so easily! He even comforted her back! Is this the men's code in this world?

Seeing her strange look, Simeon asked worriedly, "Ran Ran, what's wrong?"

"Oh! Nothing... I'm fine!" Ran came back to her senses and saw his worried face. She pushed down the strange feeling and gave him a bright smile.

She gently shook her head and said, "I was just thinking."

"That's good!" Simeon looked at her a few more times. Seeing she was truly fine, he relaxed.

Ran chatted with them for a while longer and then stood to leave: "Madam, Uncle Village Chief, it's getting late. I will go back now!"

"Since you know it's late, don't go before lunch!" Madam He stood quickly and stopped her.

"Yeah! It's about time for you to be hungry too. You can go shopping after lunch!" The village chief also tried to keep her there.

"Ran, after lunch, I'll go shopping with you!" Simeon looked at her eagerly. "Then I won't refuse!" Seeing they sincerely wanted her to stay, Ran didn't turn them down. It was getting late, and she really was a little hungry.

"Great, great," seeing her agree to stay for lunch, Madam He smiled and quickly told the servant nearby, "Hurry and inform the kitchen to get everything ready." "Yes!" Servant Song answered cheerfully and ran excitedly to the kitchen. Being chosen to carry out Madam He's orders was a great honor for a servant like him.

Besides, today it was for serving Lady Ran. Servant Song rushed into the kitchen. When the steward saw it was Servant Song, who served Madam He directly, he quickly came up with a smile and asked, "Brother Song, what brings you here today?

Did Madam He give any special orders?" "You must've heard the rumors going around the manor, right?" Servant Song took a deep breath to calm down and asked with a smile. "Such big news, of course we've heard!"

The steward looked at his expression and asked tentatively, "Could it be that lady..." "Exactly!" Servant Song saw that he had guessed it, so he stopped beating around the bush and said, "That lady is staying for lunch today, so Madam He specifically ordered you to bring out your best skills and cook well!"

"Ay!" Upon hearing that the legendary beautiful lady was staying for lunch, the steward got excited. He waved his hand and called out to the kitchen staff loudly, "Did everyone hear that? A lady is having lunch at the manor today.

You must give your best effort. If she likes your food, people will look at you differently in the future!" "Don't worry, we'll all give it our best!"

"Yes! Just the thought of a lady liking my food makes me so thrilled I can't sit still!" "That's enough! Don't say anything else yet. Wait until she actually likes the food first.

For now, let's just focus on cooking!" Seeing the chefs so enthusiastic, the steward was also very happy. "Brother Song, is that lady really as beautiful as the rumors say?"

He was full of curiosity. A lady like that was someone a rough man like him could never expect to meet. "Of course!" Servant Song's expression was full of admiration, and even his tone softened.

"Lady Ran has fair skin, striking features, and a graceful and delicate figure. One glance and you can't look away! And she's very gentle.

When I poured her tea, she smiled and thanked me!" Hearing Servant Song's description of Ran made the steward even more curious.

He never expected a lady could be so kind. Before entering the manor, he was a chef at a restaurant. Because Madam He liked his cooking, she paid a high price to bring him in.

But after some time, Madam He lost interest in his dishes. Before coming to the manor, he had met several ladies.

Each of them was cold and distant, looking at them as if they were ants. Forget about saying thank you.

The kitchen was lively today because Ran was here. All the chefs showed off their best skills, each hoping this noble lady would taste their specialties. Looking at the table filled with all kinds of dishes, Ran suddenly felt that her past days had been full of hardship.

"Ranran, try some. See if these dishes suit your taste." Madam He smiled and picked up a piece of chicken, placing it in her bowl with anticipation. Even though Ran wasn't officially her daughter-in-law yet, Madam He already saw her as one.

The more she looked at her, the more she liked her. "Thank you, Madam!" Ran picked up the chicken and put it in her mouth. A rich aroma instantly filled her mouth, and she couldn't stop nodding.

Although this world didn't have many seasonings, the chefs had figured out how to preserve the best flavors of the ingredients. "How is it? Does it suit your taste?" Madam He saw her eating happily but still couldn't help asking.

"Yes, it tastes amazing!" Ran nodded with a smile and said, "This dish not only keeps the flavor of the chicken, but it also removes the strong smell really well." The texture is perfect too. It's very tasty.

"If you like it, eat more!" Madam He gave her another piece of chicken and secretly signaled to Simeon, who was sitting beside her. Simeon understood right away. His cheeks turned slightly red, and he quietly began helping Ran with her meal.

"You should eat too, or the food will get cold soon. Cold food isn't good for your health." Ran casually picked some dishes and placed them into his bowl. "Eat well. I can take care of myself."

She wasn't used to being served like this for a simple meal. It made her feel uncomfortable all over. "Alright." Seeing her serious face, Simeon looked at the food in his bowl.

It was all his favorite. He picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. The smile on his face deepened.

The way he looked at her was full of gentle affection. Ran felt a bit awkward under his intense gaze. She quickly picked up more food and put it in his bowl.

When he looked over again, she glared at him playfully. "Eat properly!" Noticing her embarrassment, a flash of amusement passed through Simeon's eyes.

It was his first time seeing such a shy noble lady. Worried she might get angry out of embarrassment, Simeon quickly looked away. He quietly focused on his meal.

Madam He and the village chief, sitting at the head of the table, exchanged a smile after seeing how well the two got along. After lunch, Ran said goodbye. This time Madam He didn't try to keep her.

She reminded her repeatedly to stay safe on the road. Since Ran needed to dress as a man in a few days to attend Deerwood Academy, she thought about it briefly and changed into men's clothes again. Considering her recent days in the village, it was still more convenient to wear men's clothing.

Otherwise, it would be hard for her to get around. Once she changed, she was again that sunny and handsome young scholar. After saying goodbye to Madam He, Ran and Simeon sat in the carriage reading.

The atmosphere inside was peaceful and warm.