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The café was shrouded in a layer of dim yellow light, with waiters weaving through the red-brick floor, while the quiet gentleman reading the newspaper and the eloquent business talents engaged in lively discussions blurred into shadows, slowly becoming transparent, turning into a deserted world. Shaoyi sipped his coffee and coldly thought that it had been nearly a month since he took over the affairs of the library. Initially, he did not understand why Liu Wentang cared so much about this position, but after taking over, he discovered that the kickbacks from book purchases were not insignificant. However, he had no intention of coveting this small fortune, so he developed a relatively friendly relationship with the book distributor, Boss Fu.
"Young Master Shaoyi, sorry to keep you waiting." Boss Fu removed his black leather coat and sat down steadily. Although he was still somewhat unaccustomed to the change from Liu Wentang's responsibility for book purchases to Shaoyi's, he accepted this calm and composed young man once he realized that Shaoyi would not harm his interests by taking kickbacks.
Shaoyi's pitch-black eyes slightly regarded Boss Fu as he quietly pushed a list of books forward. "These are the books for today; I appreciate your help." Boss Fu glanced at the list and nodded, tucking it into his coat. "The books will be delivered within this week." His gaze casually swept outside the door and inadvertently caught sight of two strange figures.
Following his gaze, Shaoyi's sharp brows gradually revealed some intensity. "Boss Fu need not worry; those two are Liu's trusted aides, Afu and A'gui."
"Oh? Why are they..." Boss Fu asked, somewhat puzzled.
Shaoyi raised an eyebrow, exuding an air of handsomeness. Although there was a smile on his lips, there was still a chill in his eyes. "It must be Liu's orders." Boss Fu scratched his head; why would Liu want those two to keep an eye on Shaoyi? After years in the business world, he quickly figured it out: Shaoyi had taken Liu Wentang's position, and Liu likely felt dissatisfied. He sent Afu and A'gui to monitor Shaoyi, hoping to report any mistakes to Miss Cheng so that his son Liu Wentang could regain his position.
Shaoyi set down his coffee cup and nodded slightly, a polite smile gracing his handsome face. "I have delivered the book list; thank you for your assistance, Boss Fu."
Boss Fu came back to himself and stood up to shake hands with Shaoyi as they said their goodbyes. "The one who should be thanked is you, Young Master Shaoyi. It’s such a cold day; I appreciate you coming all this way. If there’s anything else you need at home, just let me know!" Shaoyi remained noncommittal as he stepped out of the café with measured strides.
This Shaoyi appeared to be around seventeen years old but conducted himself with remarkable steadiness and composure. The Cheng Residence truly had an abundance of talent, Boss Fu thought as he watched Shaoyi's retreating figure. However, those two little troublemakers were quite bothersome; while Shaoyi might not make mistakes immediately, it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn’t find something to hold against him over time. If Liu Wentang regained his position, Boss Fu feared he would return to a life of accepting kickbacks. With this thought in mind, his wrinkled hand tightened involuntarily as he decided to act discreetly.
The room was filled with the fragrance of books and bathed in soft yellow sunlight. The spacious study featured an array of uneven yet exquisite rosewood bookshelves. On the snow-white velvet carpet sat a green tea table, a red lacquered self-striking clock, and an intricately carved wine cabinet adorned with snowflakes. The walls displayed treasured calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists. Cheng Mo was nestled within this space, her delicate hand brushing over an art album.
The door opened softly and closed gently; she did not look up but heard the sound of the light switch being flipped. The dim room instantly brightened.
The person who entered was undoubtedly Shaoyi. Cheng Mo's rose-colored lips curled slightly as she elegantly asked, "How did today’s book procurement go?"
Shaoyi slowly sat down, his cold and stern face showing a hint of spirit. "As Miss instructed, everything has been prepared," he said, his tone devoid of any servile quality. Although he referred to her as 'Miss,' it felt distinctly different from how others did. Cheng Mo Su's eyes met his deep, night-like gaze; even at such a close distance, she could still sense his detachment and indifference.
Shaoyi glanced at Cheng Mo Su's slightly pursed red lips, and the coldness between his brows gradually dissipated. "Does Miss have any other instructions?" He raised an eyebrow and quietly watched Cheng Mo Su. Unsure if she was angry with him or herself, Cheng Mo Su replied somewhat defiantly, "Of course I do. Please bring me dinner; I will be dining in the library tonight."
The coldness in Shaoyi's star-like eyes began to gather again as he silently stepped outside. Cheng Mo Su stared blankly at his retreating figure, feeling that this person was quite strange. The closer she got to him, the more she sensed a massive curtain blocking her view, preventing her from seeing his true self. He felt like a mystery that flickered past her, elusive and difficult to grasp.
A delicate porcelain plate was gently placed before Cheng Mo Su with hardly a sound. Inside was exquisitely prepared foie gras. Seeing the meal lifted her spirits somewhat, and she lost interest in probing into Shaoyi. Her dark, bright eyes sparkled slightly. "It would be even better if there were some wine," she said as she looked up at Shaoyi, her expression saying it all.
Shaoyi remained calm and composed as he walked to the wine cabinet and handed her a bottle of sweet white wine. In the brightly lit study, her face appeared so clear, like a butterfly or a flower—like a stunning painting. Her feather-like eyelashes created beautiful arcs as she spoke with a hint of surprise, "How did you know I like sweet white wine with foie gras?"
Shaoyi paused for a moment, his gaze clear. "I didn't know Miss's preference; I only knew that foie gras is quite rich and requires a complementary wine that doesn't clash with it, so I chose sweet white wine."
Cheng Mo Su brushed her fingers over the cool wine bottle, a hint of smile in her eyes. "Then please pour me some." Shaoyi hesitated for a moment; a flicker of displeasure crossed his handsome but cold face as he held the chilled bottle. The wine flowed smoothly into the transparent glass. Cheng Mo Su quietly watched him; his pouring technique was quite skilled, prompting her to say, "You really know quite a lot."
Shaoyi showed no expression on his face, maintaining his usual icy demeanor. "Just skills for making a living," he replied without looking at her inquisitive eyes. "Miss may continue reading." His gaze was unfathomable, and before Cheng Mo Su could respond, he exited the room. As the door closed softly behind him, the two individuals inside and outside became immersed in their own thoughts.
For some reason today, there was no moon in the sky. Shaoyi strolled slightly in the courtyard; the entire dark blue sky resembled a massive curtain about to fall, heavily hanging on the horizon, waiting for the right moment to drop. With eagle-like keen vision, he captured unusual information; in the next moment, he saw Afu, bruised and battered, kneeling before him with a thud.
"Shaoyi, the last two incidents were ordered by Butler Liu. We servants have it hard too; we can only follow orders," Afu said with a quivering voice filled with tears. "It's not easy for anyone trying to make a living; why do you keep holding us accountable? Who sent someone to beat us up like this?!"
Shaoyi did not respond; his pitch-black pupils scanned both of them for a moment before understanding what had happened. His face remained cold as ever as he spoke indifferently, "It was Boss Fu who acted; he doesn't want you to catch my mistakes so that Liu Wen Tang can return to his position." He quietly observed them under the moonlight; his expression was defiant yet carefree. "If I wanted to beat you up myself, I wouldn't need to trouble anyone else."
Exchanging glances with each other in shock, Afu realized that Shaoyi seemed to have known they were following him all along? The thought sent chills down his spine as cold sweat broke out on him. "You already knew we were following you?" Afu mustered up the courage to ask this question.
In the darkness, Shaoyi's gaze appeared even colder, like a deep pool. "You made too much noise," he said, glancing at the two dejected individuals. He continued, "After you were beaten by Boss Fu's men, you came back to complain to Liu Butler. But Liu Butler is afraid that I will find out and inform the young lady, so he distanced himself from you and left you to bear this responsibility alone. You don't know what to do, so you came here to seek my help." He raised an eyebrow, looking confident and knowing, his sharp gaze fixed on them. "Am I right?"
At this point, there was nothing more to say. It turned out he knew everything; they had been too self-righteous and now found themselves in a difficult position, caught between two sides. Shaoyi remained expressionless as he took out some silver coins from his money pouch and tossed them away. The coins seemed to have a mind of their own as they landed in Afu's hands. "Take this and see a doctor."
"This..." Afu and A Gui exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. If they accepted Shaoyi's money, wouldn't that mean betraying Liu Butler by joining his side? A Gui closed his eyes and murmured softly, "Liu Butler has abandoned us; why should we remain foolishly loyal?"
Afu nodded in agreement, tightening his grip on the coins. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Shaoyi, Young Master! From now on, I will certainly serve Young Master with all my efforts!"
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