boyutpedia Chapter 161 Staying at the Villa
Chapter 161 Staying at the Villa
As the lights come on, the candlelight flickers in the restaurant of Fuxi Villa, creating a warm and quiet atmosphere.
The dining table was filled with a wide variety of farm dishes. Although they were not as luxurious as delicacies, they exuded a strong pastoral flavor.
The stir-fried seasonal vegetables are emerald green, and their fresh color seems to condense the vitality of the entire countryside.
The local chicken soup is golden in color, and the rich aroma fills the air, making you salivate;
There are also the golden thread cakes fresh out of the pan, which are golden and crispy with a faint burnt aroma.
Shen Li, Bai Jin, Shen Qi and Shen Yu sat around the table without distinction between master and servant. A day of hard work had increased their appetite.
They either chatted quietly, sharing their experiences and feelings about the villa, or focused on the food in front of them, savoring its simple flavor.
During the meal, occasional chuckles were heard, adding a bit of liveliness and comfort to this quiet night.
While chatting, Bai Jin bowed slightly and carefully took out a document from his arms.
Shen Li raised her eyes, a hint of doubt in her eyes. Bai Jin gently handed it to Shen Li and said softly, "Girl, this is the slave contract for more than a dozen people in the manor."
Shen Li took it in confusion. The paper of the slave contract glowed slightly yellow under the candlelight.
Seeing this, Bai Jin patiently explained, "This manor was a gift from the emperor. I knew many matters needed to be properly arranged, so I've already taken care of all of this for you at the county government office. This way, staffing and other matters at the manor can be more smoothly handled."
Shen Li felt a surge of warmth in her heart after hearing this. She looked at Bai Jin sincerely and said, "Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. I hadn't thought of this before. I'm really grateful."
Bai Jin shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his face: "You are too polite, County Lady. This is what I should do. I only hope that I can help you live a smooth and worry-free life in this villa."
After dinner, fatigue gradually set in.
The four of them stood up and, led by their servants, slowly walked along the winding corridor towards their respective rooms.
Shen Li's room was decorated in a simple yet elegant style. The wooden bed was covered with soft and light bedding. There was an exquisite oil lamp on the low table beside the bed, and the dim light was shining on the room.
The room was filled with a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. She walked into the room quietly, sat on the edge of the bed, and closed her eyes slightly, recalling the day's experiences, her heart filled with anticipation for her future life in the villa.
Bai Jin's room was filled with a faint scent of ink, and on the walls hung several landscape paintings he had painted himself, with delicate brushstrokes and profound artistic conception.
He stood in front of the window, looking at the beautiful scenery of the villa under the moonlight outside the window, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, as if he was conceiving a new painting.
After a moment, he turned and walked towards the bed, ready to rest well and recharge his energy in this quiet night.
Shen Qi's room was next to Shen Li's, and the furnishings in the room were rather plain. He paced casually for a few steps, took off his coat, then sat heavily on the chair and stretched.
Although he was physically tired, there was still a hint of excitement in his eyes, and scenes of the fields, forests and other places in the villa kept appearing in his mind. Since coming to Beichen and being with Shen Li, he felt unprecedented relaxation and satisfaction. This pastoral life was comfortable and cozy.
Shen Yu's room is at the end of the corridor, and the room is warm and comfortable.
He sat at the table, frowning as he thought about Shen Qi's actions today, and couldn't figure it out for a long time.
However, he could not resist the sleepiness after all. He blew out the light, lay down on the bed, and fell asleep soon.
The entire villa gradually quieted down under the cover of night, with only the occasional chirping of insects, seemingly telling the story of the night. The four people also put a perfect end to this fulfilling day in their respective rooms, preparing to welcome a new tomorrow.
After a good night's sleep, the morning light gently poured into the house through the gaps in the window lattice. Shen Li woke up slowly, feeling refreshed, and the slight fatigue of yesterday had disappeared without a trace.
At the same time, Bai Jin, Shen Qi and Shen Yu also woke up in their respective rooms one after another, all looking forward to the new day.
Sun Ying knew very well that the county lady did not bring any personal maids or other servants with her this time, so she arranged for her ten-year-old granddaughter Sun Chunxi to come and help Shen Li get up early.
Sun Chunxi was born smart and clever. Although he was still young, he exuded a simple cleverness.
She tiptoed into Shen Li's room carrying a basin of warm water. The water in the basin was steaming, and a warm vapor was emitted in the cool morning air.
"County Lady, you're awake." Sun Chunxi said softly, her voice clear and sweet, like a silver bell echoing in the room. She placed the basin on the rack, soaked the towel in the water, wrung it out, then walked to the bedside, bowed slightly, and handed the towel to Shen Li, "County Lady, wipe your face first."
Shen Li looked at the cute little girl in front of her, and a warm feeling arose in her heart. She took the towel with a smile and gently wiped her face. She felt that the warm touch instantly drove away the remaining sleepiness.
Sun Chunxi then busied herself with making the bed for Shen Li. Although her hands were tender, they were skillful and she had made the bed tidy in no time.
"Chunxi, how old are you this year?" Shen Li couldn't help asking.
"To answer the county lady's question, I am ten years old this year." Sun Chunxi answered obediently, his bright big eyes blinking at Shen Li, full of innocence and purity.
"You're ten years old now, so cute." Shen Li praised with a smile.
With Sun Chunxi's meticulous service, Shen Li quickly finished washing up. She looked refreshed and energetic, ready to greet a new day at the villa. Sun Chunxi stood quietly by, waiting for Shen Li's instructions at any time, looking like a loyal little servant.
After Shen Li finished washing up, she walked out of the room and saw that breakfast was already neatly laid out on the table as usual. Although the dishes on the table were not luxurious, they exuded an alluring aroma, especially the bowl of steaming vegetable porridge. The rising steam cast a hazy warmth in the morning light.
Shen Li gently sat down at the table, picked up the bowl of vegetable porridge, and took a sip. The soft and glutinous rice grains and the delicious aroma of the vegetables instantly spread on her tongue, making her nod slightly.
However, in this moment of tranquility and satisfaction, Shen Li suddenly slapped his head as if he was hit by something. Annoyance instantly appeared on his face, and he muttered: "Oh, this is bad. I will definitely be scolded when I go back."
Seeing her like this, Bai Jin, who was standing by, had guessed about 70% of what was going on, but he still pretended to be puzzled and asked, "County Lady, what's wrong? What's troubling you so much?"
Shen Li frowned and said helplessly: "I was so happy that I forgot such an important thing. I haven't told my parents that I have arrived safely at the villa. They must be so worried."
Bai Jin looked at her anxious and regretful expression and couldn't help but burst out laughing. Then he smiled and comforted her, "Don't worry, little girl. I had already anticipated that you would be careless yesterday, so before you noticed, I sent someone from my farm to rush back to inform Brother Shen."
Shen Li was stunned when she heard this, but then her eyes were filled with surprise and gratitude. Her originally furrowed brows instantly relaxed, and she said with a sense of relief: "Really? Sir Bai, you are so thoughtful. I don't know how to thank you."
At this time, Nangong Qi was watching Shen Li like this and felt that she became more and more adorable.
The little expression of frustration and the surprise after hearing the news were like a vivid painting unfolding before his eyes, causing ripples in his heart, the corners of his mouth unconsciously raised, and his eyes were full of doting.
After Shen Yu heard Shen Li's words, he felt full of self-blame.
He thought to himself that as a servant, he should have considered these matters carefully and always paid attention to the county lord's needs, but now he had made the county lord worry about this matter, which was really a dereliction of duty.
A trace of guilt appeared on his face. He lowered his head slightly and silently blamed himself for his carelessness in his heart. He thought that he must be more careful in the future and not make such mistakes again.
Bai Jin waved his hand, a gentle smile on his face, and said, "County Lady, what are you talking about? There's no need to be so polite between you and me. Don't worry about this anymore, just enjoy your breakfast."
Shen Li nodded, the worries in her heart had dissipated, and she picked up the bowl of vegetable porridge again. This time, her face was full of relaxation and joy. In this warm atmosphere, she quietly enjoyed her breakfast, and a new day in the villa slowly began in this peaceful atmosphere.