Transmigrated Female Official

This old man Hu, whose relationship with Ji Qiran was unclear, actually treated Ji Qiran's words as a matter of utmost importance when discussing them with Chu Qingluo. While using a stick to pull a mud-like substance out of the kiln, he didn't forget to shower Ji Qiran with compliments, almost portraying him as 'perfect'.

However, judging from what Master Hu said, Chu Qingluo guessed that Ji Qiran hadn't revealed his identity to Master Hu. It was probably just a wealthy young man's leisurely trip to the countryside, where they gradually became acquainted.

Grandpa Hu kept muttering to himself, and Chu Qingluo had no choice but to follow him, forcing herself to keep up the conversation. Until Grandpa Hu finally broke open all the dark clods of mud, revealing the lotus leaves inside… instantly, the entire farmhouse was filled with a fragrant aroma!

She was nearly starving, and the aroma of this delicious dish only intensified her hunger. Her eyes gleamed, and she swallowed hard, asking, "Is this lotus leaf chicken?"

Ji Qiran found it amusing to see her drooling: "You certainly know your stuff."

"Of course." She took two more deep breaths of the fragrance and followed behind Master Hu with a bouncy gait.

Seeing this, Ji Qiran also stepped forward to help, helping Master Hu put the lotus leaf chicken on a plate. Chu Qingluo then found bowls and chopsticks, and the three of them happily began their meal...

Even if Chu Qingluo didn't want to admit it, she genuinely enjoyed the meal at the farmhouse restaurant. Most surprisingly, she seemed to see another side of Ji Qiran—not the cold and fickle prince, nor the aloof and handsome Yancheng man, but simply an ordinary human being with a childlike, carefree nature, and a kind and gentle side.

If only time could stand still. Ji Qiran stared at Chu Qingluo's retreating figure, thinking this more than once.

But the renowned clothing store was already in sight, and he had no choice but to help her off the horse. The two exchanged a silent glance, an inexplicable atmosphere hanging over them.

Chu Qingluo cleared her throat and spoke first: "Seventh Prince..."

"Hmm?" Ji Qiran frowned. "What did you call me?"

She sighed helplessly and changed her words, saying, "Ji Qiran, thank you for taking me to see such beautiful scenery today, and for letting me eat such delicious lotus leaf chicken." Especially since he secretly left some silver for Master Hu before leaving, she felt more respect for him.

"Hmm." Ji Qiran nodded and asked, "What about what I said today?"

"..." His intense gaze made it impossible for her to meet his eyes; she simply bit her lower lip tightly, lost in thought with her head down...

He was the apple of her eye, and also the person she shouldn't get involved with anymore. Thinking of this, her brows furrowed, and she was about to speak: "I..."

“You don’t need to answer me right away,” Ji Qiran interrupted her first, adding, “I just want to know if you’ve listened to me… if you understand what I’m saying?”

"...Yes, I understand. But..."

"No buts. You understand, that's good. I'm going back now, see you next time." He smiled at her and mounted his horse again. He knew from her expression just now that if he let her continue, it would definitely be unpleasant, so it was better not to say anything.

He pulled on the reins, glanced back at her one last time with reluctance, and finally left.

Chu Qingluo couldn't describe her feelings anymore; she just felt extremely awkward. It wasn't that she couldn't understand, but that Ji Qiran had changed too quickly.

As she stepped into the boutique, her heart skipped a beat the moment she met Gongsun Yu's gaze.

"Qingluo is back?"

His smile was still as warm as a spring breeze, making her feel cozy inside. "Yes, I'm back."

When Chu Qingluo and Ji Qiran appeared outside the shop riding the same horse, Gongsun Yu saw them. He didn't ask anything, but simply asked with concern, "Have you eaten?"

She nodded and smiled slightly at him. Why was he so good to her? So good that she couldn't even imagine losing him. She truly didn't understand herself. She clearly depended on Gongsun Yu, yet she was still swayed by Ji Qiran. Was it due to her own actions, or because the original host's heart still harbored feelings for Ji Qiran?

Or she should admit that she's a womanizer!

She let out a long sigh and shook her head. She went to the dark wooden table in the inner room and saw Lingnan and Dongxu busy at work, feeling a surge of satisfaction. She secretly planned in her heart that once the shop was on track, she would definitely double their monthly wages…

While she was drawing, an uninvited guest arrived at the clothing store, specifically requesting to see Chu Qingluo.

Hearing the sound, she went outside and saw Ji Qili standing straight in the center of the shop, with August beside him, looking troubled. Gongsun Yu, on the other hand, watched silently from the side.

Wow, it's been a century since I've seen him; he's practically an alien.

Chu Qinglu forced a smile and went to greet him: "The Fifth Prince's presence is truly an honor for Mingyi Shop."

Ji Qili gazed at her; after so many days apart, she was even more captivating. He smiled wryly, "It's been a long time since we last met, and Qingluo has certainly learned to be sarcastic."

"How dare I mock the Fifth Prince? I was clearly flattering him."

"...I was traveling elsewhere some time ago and missed the opening of Qingluo's famous clothing store. I've come here to apologize."

"Fifth Prince, what you're saying is trivial. Opening a small shop is nothing to us. How could we possibly trouble you? Besides, we're not exactly close friends."

Seeing that her words were barbed, Ji Qili did not get angry, but instead said, "I heard that you can make clothes here, so I came here to have a few tailored."

Chu Qingluo chuckled through her nose and continued to provoke him: "We don't have the high-quality fabrics from the clothing workshop here, so we really can't bring out the Fifth Prince's noble temperament."

"It doesn't matter, what I appreciate is Qingluo's ingenuity."

"..." She stared at him impatiently. He really was composed! Didn't he feel embarrassed at all? Since someone was practically offering money, she didn't need to be polite. "In that case, please come over here to have your measurements taken, Fifth Prince." With that, she gestured for August to take his measurements.

But August still didn't move, only stammering as she said, "The Fifth Prince just said he wants you to personally take his measurements..."

This time, Chu Qingluo could no longer tolerate it and sneered, "I'm afraid I can't comply. Fifth Prince, it seems you can't keep your little clothing shop." She was already his equal, and he couldn't force her to do anything.

Ji Qili's face quickly darkened... Even after so long, she still seemed to mind what had happened between him and Ji Jie. But she had really been too disrespectful in front of everyone today. He was somewhat annoyed, but he still forced himself to remain calm: "Then I'll have to trouble this young man."

Seeing this, August glanced at Chu Qingluo. Seeing that she didn't react, he braced himself and stepped forward to help Ji Qili take his measurements.

Chu Qinglu remained silent, letting Ji Qili do as he pleased. Then, she walked up to Gongsun Yu, affectionately hooking her arm around his, her smile radiant. "Yu, let's go home."

Gongsun Yu was momentarily stunned by the title, feeling somewhat flattered. Then, seeing Ji Qili's face before the storm... he tactfully wrapped his arms around Chu Qingluo's waist and said softly, "That's wonderful, our Qingluo can finally rest."

After saying that, the two left the clothing store, their hearts filled with affection.

Ji Qili stared towards the door, his fists clenched so tightly that the veins bulged on his skin. August was so frightened she didn't dare breathe...