Hearing this, Lord Fu immediately put on a rather proud look, and even his slightly hunched back straightened up instantly.
Judging from his appearance, he was clearly a man who loved to take credit and chased after fame and fortune.
Cheng Xiran immediately seized this opening and continued, "Lord Fu's act is undoubtedly setting a good example for the nobles in the capital. I heard that the emperor even praised you publicly during the morning court for this."
Lord Fu said earnestly, "If my 20,000 taels of silver can bring a better future to the common people in the disaster - stricken areas and serve as a warning to those who usually spend money extravagantly, then it doesn't matter if I have to suffer a bit myself."
Cheng Xiran almost couldn't hold back her laughter. Fortunately, she had good professional qualities. Unless she really couldn't help it, she would never laugh.
"Well, actually I've wanted to do an exclusive interview with Lord Fu for a long time. But as you know, my father and you are not on close terms, and naturally, neither am I. So I've never had the chance. It's really a pity."
"I've often heard people talk about the newspaper you run. I've always wondered what a capable person the eldest daughter of the Cheng family would be. But seeing you today, I find you're just a young girl. It's really not easy for you."
Before Cheng Xiran could reply, he added, "Since you have this idea, I'll send someone to the newspaper to invite you when I'm free."
Cheng Xiran was overjoyed that her trick had worked. She bowed slightly and said, "Then I thank Lord Fu in advance."
After chatting with him for a few more words, Cheng Xiran said that it was getting late and she had to return to the mansion first, then left.
When she came out of the Huayan Pavilion, she happened to meet the group of people who had been chasing Helian Duo and Hua Bairu earlier coming back.
"That knight - errant has been causing trouble in the capital for a while. We must catch him quickly, or he'll surely ruin our grand plan!"
They said this openly, not paying any attention to Cheng Xiran who was passing by.
They thought she was just an ordinary person.
But why were Helian Duo and Hua Bairu in the Huayan Pavilion?
Who cares!
Cheng Xiran shook her head vigorously, forcing herself not to think about that stinky man anymore.
When she woke up the next day, she was still angry. Helian Duo hadn't come to see her for several days and didn't even offer an explanation. It seemed that all his so - called sincerity was just her misjudgment. She had been acting out a one - man show all along.
She thought a lot. After she figured things out, she ate a big breakfast.
After being fully fed, she set off for the newspaper.
She went with the intention of working. After all, she had promised Lord Fu last night, and he should send someone to invite her in the next few days. She naturally had to stay there and wait for the opportunity.
When the shopkeeper saw her, he was like seeing a child who had been away from home for several days. He quickly stepped forward and tentatively said, "Miss, you're finally here. The newspaper can't do without you."
Cheng Xiran gave a faint smile, followed him in, and sat down at his invitation.
"I'm not a guest. Don't be so busy. I'll just come here to write some manuscripts and then leave."
"Shopkeeper, who's here?"
Suddenly, a clear and sweet voice came to her ears.
Hua Bairu walked out of the back room, chatting and laughing.
Cheng Xiran's face immediately darkened, and the smile that had been on her lips froze.
Why was she here, and coming out of the back room?
Hua Bairu didn't seem to want to avoid Cheng Xiran when she saw her. She even waved at her and greeted her, "Good morning, Miss Cheng. We meet again."
If she showed her displeasure now, wouldn't it make her look like a resentful woman?
So Cheng Xiran softened her expression and nodded at her generously, "Good morning."
"You can just call me Huahua. Everyone else does."
Did "everyone else" include Helian Duo?
Cheng Xiran felt her heart turn cold for a moment, as if there was a hole in her chest and cold wind was constantly blowing in.
"I'm just about to go to the prince's mansion to have breakfast with the prince. Would you like to join us?"
The relationship was developing so fast?
Cheng Xiran shook her head slightly, "No, thanks. I've already had breakfast. You go ahead. I'll stay here to write a manuscript."
Hua Bairu skipped out of the newspaper. If someone didn't know, they would think she was going on a date with her lover.
Write a manuscript? What a joke!
She sat there in a bad mood for a while and finally didn't write anything. She just sat there in a daze. During this time, the shopkeeper came to explain several times. He said that Hua Bairu was here to take refuge because she was being chased by a mysterious force for no reason. And she didn't trust the envoys from Yulin Country, so she came here first to seek Helian Duo's protection.
Seeing that Cheng Xiran remained expressionless, he patiently persuaded her, "This is exactly what the prince told me last night. So, miss, don't think too much. Maybe she'll leave in a few days."
"I'm not thinking too much. Whatever relationship they have has nothing to do with me..."
She turned around and went up to the second floor.
Two days ago, she had picked some new daisies and put them in the glazed flower vase he had given her. Now, they were still intact and the water had been changed.
This didn't seem like something the shopkeeper would do.
Then she saw that her desk was in a mess, covered with sheets of rice paper. Occasionally, some of the ink had seeped through because the writing was too forceful, leaving dots of ink on the pear - wood table.
She didn't want to go forward to tidy it up. But a gentle breeze blew, scattering the rice paper on the table. Amid the rustling sound, she clearly saw that her name was written many times on those sheets of rice paper. The strokes were strong and elegant. It was definitely his handwriting.
It must be one of his tricks.
Cheng Xiran told herself this in her heart.
She couldn't stay on the upper floor, and it was too noisy downstairs. Moreover, she was afraid of running into Helian Duo again. So after much thought, she finally decided to leave.
"If someone from Lord Fu's mansion comes to invite me, send someone to the Cheng mansion to inform me. I'll be staying in the Cheng mansion these days."
The shopkeeper followed her out and couldn't help dissuading her, "Miss, won't you stay for a while? The prince will surely come here to work after breakfast."
"I don't want to stay here and disturb their lovey - dovey time. And don't tell him I've been here."
Cheng Xiran left after saying this. On the way back, she didn't see him at all.
When she returned to the Cheng mansion, she saw Mu Li waiting for her at the mansion gate.
"The prince is worried about you staying alone in the Cheng mansion, so he sent me to protect you."
Cheng Xiran was about to walk inside, leaving Mu Li behind, "No need. I can protect myself."
But no matter what, Mu Li wouldn't let go and wouldn't let her leave.
"Miss, please give me a chance!"