The call of “brother” made Gu Yuanqing beam with joy.
Although the steamed buns didn't taste good, they could at least fill one's stomach. So Cheng Xiran still munched on one while disliking the two of them intensely. She intended to leave without a care, but was stopped by Gu Yuanqing.
“Good morning, Miss Cheng.”
After all, he was going to be a county magistrate. As a mere commoner, how could she ignore him when meeting him?
So Cheng Xiran had no choice but to turn around reluctantly, facing them with a cold tone and a blank look. “Oh, I wondered who it was. It's Magistrate Gu.”
Gu Yuanqing was slightly stunned, then modestly said, “I won't officially take office for more than half a month. Although it's already determined, Miss Cheng doesn't have to be so polite. Moreover, we'll soon be family.”
Cheng Zhiyue's smile at the corner of her mouth suddenly froze.
Gu Yuanqing didn't notice, but Cheng Xiran saw it clearly and couldn't help secretly sneering at him in her heart. On the surface, she still nodded perfunctorily, then continued to munch on the steamed bun and told the shopkeeper to invite them in.
She specifically told the shopkeeper to brew the worst tea.
When they sat down side by side, Cheng Xiran noticed that Gu Yuanqing was actually holding a newspaper just published this morning.
“I'm really curious where you got these wonderful ideas, Miss Cheng. You can write such fascinating articles. On our way here just now, we saw many people sitting together discussing the following plot.”
The smirk on Gu Yuanqing's face was obviously a professional fake smile.
Cheng Xiran was too lazy to respond. After returning a smile, she casually picked up the *Sutra of Complete Enlightenment* that Helian Duo had read before. Before she had even looked at it for a second, she heard Gu Yuanqing change the subject. “Buddhist scriptures are good for self - cultivation. Miss Cheng has good taste.”
Although she really couldn't stand his obsequious appearance, she just laughed it off. “I wonder what brings you and my sister here today, Mr. Gu? I don't like to be disturbed when I'm reading. If you two have nothing special to do, you may leave.”
Cheng Xiran personally issued the order to evict guests, and her attitude was a bit unfriendly. However, Gu Yuanqing's mood was not affected at all. Cheng Zhiyue beside him was obviously getting impatient.
This showed how deep Gu Yuanqing's mind was.
“I asked Zhiyue to accompany me here today. First, I want to ask you for advice on something. Second, I also hope that we can have lunch together.”
Gu Yuanqing said it seriously, but Cheng Xiran mocked, “You're going to be a county magistrate of the court, with a bright official career in the future. I'm just a commoner. How can I help you solve your doubts?”
Suddenly, Gu Yuanqing tightly held Cheng Zhiyue's hand that was naturally placed on the table. His face was hard to hide his excitement. “Actually, it's very simple. I want you to write a realistic article about Zhiyue and me. I want to announce to the whole capital that we're together.”
In contrast, Cheng Zhiyue's face suddenly turned ashen.
“Why didn't you tell me this in advance? You should at least let me get prepared.” There was a hint of blame in Cheng Zhiyue's words.
Now it was Cheng Xiran's turn to rest her chin on her hands and watch them. There was going to be a good show next.
Gu Yuanqing was a bit stunned when he saw this. His tone softened a little. “I didn't want to tell you in advance for this surprise. Aren't you happy?”
Cheng Zhiyue could only deny it. “Of course not. I just think it's too sudden.”
Avoiding eye contact, gently biting her lips and blushing, she was obviously lying.
Cheng Xiran was sure that Gu Yuanqing had noticed it.