Little Young Master Jun had no idea that it was the events of the previous night that made Miao Xiaomiao feel even more embarrassed.

Recalling how she had, the night before, practically thrown aside all maidenly modesty, boldly confessed her heart to him, and even nearly forced Jun Moxie to yield, how could Miao Xiaomiao face him today without being utterly mortified?

Although at that time, having just survived a near-death ordeal, her emotions had become uncontrollable, leading her to pour out her heart… yet, even now, thinking back on it, Miao Xiaomiao felt as if her entire body was ablaze.

Before coming here today, she had been eagerly anticipating how she would handle seeing this vexing fellow again. Upon arrival, however, she only received the news of her beloved’s unexpected disappearance. Amidst the shock and panic, she had completely forgotten her previous thoughts. But now that her beloved was safely before her, the overwhelming joy was coupled only with endless shyness…

Observing the man and woman standing face to face, the man offered a helpless smile while the woman was so ashamed she dared not look up, only tracing circles on the ground with her toes, her jade-like hands nearly twisting the hem of her skirt into shreds…

Cao Guofeng and the others could only manage wry smiles.

In a situation like this, should they old fellows linger any longer? The two of them were locking eyes, exchanging sweet nothings; they were enough. Remaining here would make them giant light bulbs!

It didn't seem appropriate to instruct a disciple in such circumstances, did it?

Before anyone could prompt them, or even needed to, Cao Guofeng waved his hand, saying with a mixture of laughter and tears, "Disperse, disperse! What are you staring at? There’s nothing to see. Everyone go back to what you were doing…"

The gaggle of old men—some shaking their heads, some chuckling wryly, some sighing, or wearing knowing smiles—dispersed with a single murmur…

“Uh… the weather is really nice today, the sun is quite bright…” Jun Moxie looked at the beauty opposite him. Seeing her remain silent, only fiddling with her skirt corner, he let out two awkward laughs and spoke nonsense casually.

“Mm… the weather is indeed quite nice today, the sun is very bright…” Miao Xiaomiao finally replied, but her response seemed equally foolish. Then, both fell silent again.

“Yes, yes, look now, the sun is bright, the breeze is gentle… *… soon there will be the moon…” Jun Moxie looked up at the sky, only then realizing it was already dusk. Though the sky wasn't completely dark, the sun, which should have been quite large, had long since vanished…

“Mm… the moon also shines warmly on the body…” Miao Xiaomiao felt waves of heat rising throughout her body, and without looking up, she mumbled in agreement, seemingly still unaware of what she was saying…

“Pfft…” The last remaining spectator, Little Sprout, finally couldn’t hold back her laughter. Dusk was setting in; how could the sun still be bright? Not only would the sun be gone at this hour, but so would the moon. Moreover, could the moon “shine” warmly? Her young mistress was truly talented, as talented as Young Master Mo. They were truly a match made in heaven… Her sudden burst of laughter instantly broke the stalemate. Miao Xiaomiao finally realized what she had just said and instantly flushed with heat, letting out a soft cry before covering her face and running back.

Little Sprout playfully called out, “Miss, you’re heading the wrong way! The main gate is over here. That direction seems to lead to Young Master Mo’s room. Where are you going?”

Miao Xiaomiao stopped dead. She couldn't advance, nor did she want to retreat. For a moment, she was completely flustered, nearly crying from embarrassment…

“What are you shouting about?” Jun Moxie rolled his eyes. “Is my room somewhere that can’t be seen? There are no secrets there… Besides, the musical score for Lament of the Buried Flower is in my room. Miss Miao going there to retrieve it is precisely the right direction…”

Little Sprout mischievously stuck out her tongue, made a funny face, and stifled a giggle. “I misspoke! You are going in the right direction, aren't you? Aren't you trying to enter Young Master Mo’s room? I was talking nonsense!”

The young master, with impeccable manners, walked to the door of his room. “Miss Miao truly loves music… I knew you were coming to fetch the score, so I was just tidying up… Miss Miao, if you don't mind my humble dwelling, why don't you come in and sit for a while?” With this buffer and Jun Moxie's invitation, the awkwardness Miao Xiaomiao felt lessened slightly. She nodded gently. “I’m truly troubling you, Young Master Mo… I apologize for intruding…”

She then took tiny, hesitant steps, following Jun Moxie into the room, yet never daring to look up. Her eyes could only focus on Jun Moxie’s moving feet…

Little Sprout naturally followed them in…

Jun Moxie was leading the way when he heard Little Sprout’s startled shriek from behind, followed by a plea for mercy: “Miss… Miss, forgive me, I won’t dare again! At most, I won’t follow you in; do whatever you want, no one will see… Giggle, giggle, spare me!” Turning, he saw Little Sprout giggling and twisting away, caught by the embarrassed Miao Xiaomiao who was playfully tickling her. Little Sprout was begging for mercy, but her pleading seemed more like encouraging the game…

“You two have such a wonderful relationship,” Jun Moxie commented sincerely. In most noble households, although a young lady might be close to her personal maid, there was always an essential barrier due to status. The maid would never dare to be too presumptuous. A relationship like that between Miao Xiaomiao and Little Sprout, truly like sisters, was rare.

Especially in a place like Huanfu, home to the top noble families, a mistress like Miao Xiaomiao was truly precious…

Jun Moxie could clearly see that Miao Xiaomiao was not putting on an act, nor was Little Sprout intentionally flattering her. Between them existed only deep, sincere affection that allowed them to joke so unrestrainedly…

Jun Moxie had no doubt that although Little Sprout might tease Miao Xiaomiao, if a genuine crisis arose, she would absolutely help Miao Xiaomiao at any cost…

“Jun… forgive my forwardness. Although Little Sprout is nominally my maid, I have always treated her like a younger sister. We have no secrets between us…” Hearing Jun Moxie’s sigh, Miao Xiaomiao smiled, her eyes full of undisguised tenderness. “Her background… In short, I cherish her very much…”

Speaking of Little Sprout, Miao Xiaomiao’s demeanor became much more natural. But when the topic turned to Little Sprout’s past, she became hesitant again. This wasn't to keep secrets for Little Sprout, but out of genuine care for her—not wanting to dredge up the painful memories hidden deep in Little Sprout’s heart, causing her fresh pain…

“Miss…” Little Sprout looked at Miao Xiaomiao with reddened eyes, her voice catching. “Meeting you, Miss, is the fortune of Little Sprout’s entire life…”

“You silly girl, saying such foolish things. Your mistress cannot accompany you for a lifetime! In the future, you will naturally have a worthy partner to spend your life with; that is your true lifelong fortune…” Miao Xiaomiao said tenderly. “I only hope that no matter what happens, you never forget me, your sister, alright?”

“Little Sprout will follow Miss for life, never separating from her! I don’t want some partner!” Little Sprout immediately burst into tears… Miao Xiaomiao’s eyes also turned red…

Seeing the atmosphere turn sorrowful because of a single remark of his, Jun Moxie rubbed his nose, feeling quite astonished. Women were truly strange… A polite comment made both of them cry; they were truly sentimental creatures. Helplessly, to break the sad atmosphere, Jun Moxie decided to tease: “Oh? Never separate from your young mistress? Then… Little Sprout, won’t you end up being a… tong fang ya tou (a maid who sleeps in the master’s room)?”

Little Sprout’s delicate, tender face instantly flushed crimson, her bright, clever eyes blinking rapidly, unsure what to do. After a moment of stunned silence, she cried out, covering her face, and turned around, her tiny lotus feet stomping the ground repeatedly, both ashamed and mortified. “Ahhh… Young Master Mo, you are so wicked, so wicked, so wicked…”

Looking over, Miao Xiaomiao’s face was also completely red.

It was believed that anyone else saying those words, given Little Sprout’s quick wit, would have been met with an instant retort. However, coming from Jun Moxie, Little Sprout immediately fell silent, only showing embarrassment…

Because this “Mo Junye” before her was her mistress’s intended beloved. If she truly became her mistress’s tong fang ya tou, she would have to become his tong fang ya tou as well… Why was this man speaking so carelessly, so… indecently…

Miao Xiaomiao, seeing Little Sprout’s distress, couldn't help but chide, “There isn't even a single thread connected yet, and you’re already thinking of becoming a tong fang ya tou? Young Master Mo… your ambitions are quite grand… Uh…”