Exile at the start? The princess is no ordinary woman.

"Miss Gu, it's been a long time,"

Gu Nanzhi also greeted him with a smile.

"Second Young Master, Young Master Jiang,"

Xu Ruilin's gesture of inviting him while seated

"Come, come, Miss Gu, we have a few guests at home today. Let me introduce you..."

Xu Qingning held onto Gu Nanzhi's arm the whole time, while Xu Ruilin made the introductions.

These people were all prominent figures in Junlan, and their manners were impeccable. However, Gu Nanzhi's outstanding appearance inevitably stirred feelings of jealousy in others.

But since there are so many people here, and it's in someone else's home, they won't show it.

Gu Nanzhi nodded in response. Although she was cold by nature and made friends by chance, she was in someone else's home after all, and the Xu siblings meant well, so she appreciated their kindness.

After introductions, Xu Qingning pulled the person down to sit, then instructed Xiao Tao...

"Xiao Tao, go and tell the kitchen to bring up all the prepared snacks."

Then he turned to Gu Nanzhi.

“Sister Nanzhi, there’s still a while before we start eating. I’ve already asked the cook to make a portion of all the desserts she knows how to make. You can try them all later and take some back with you.”

"Yes, thank you, Qingning."

Gu Nanzhi didn't refuse the food; after all, the Xu family's cook was so skilled, making delicious pastries that were sweet but not cloying...

"Yes, yes, Miss Gu, have a good taste later. If there's anything you particularly like, have the cook make it and take it home."

These people all knew each other through their elders, and they had never seen the Xu siblings be so attentive to anyone before.

Wang Yanran then spoke up about this matter leisurely.

"Young Master Xu, please, Sister Ning, we already have refreshments on the table. Why prepare something else separately? Are you perhaps looking down on us...?"

This was clearly nitpicking, but Xu Qingning wasn't the type to play both sides; if she was biased, she was biased.

"My sister Nanzhi loves the pastries made by the cook at home. Since she's finally free today and we've invited her to our home, we naturally have to prepare a lot."

I previously heard that Ms. Wang didn't like sweets because she said eating too much would easily lead to weight gain. Why is she no longer watching her diet?

Xu Qingning showed absolutely no respect, and Wang Yanran's face immediately darkened. Xu Qingning was just like that; she was truly unlikable.

She wouldn't have come if it weren't for arrangements made by her family.

Now that they've embarrassed her to her face, she's even more displeased.

It's not that she doesn't like sweets; it's just that they make her gain weight too easily, and she has to restrain herself to maintain her figure. But what does Xu Qingning mean by this...?

Seeing that the atmosphere was shifting, the others stepped in to smooth things over.

"Since Miss Gu is a distinguished guest, Brother Xu and Sister Qingning should certainly show her respect. Judging from Sister Qingning's words, her cook must be exceptionally skilled. I'll be able to benefit from her cooking later."

"Yeah yeah,"

"Then I'll have to give it a good taste later..."

Wang Ziming, of course, knew what his younger sister was thinking, and stepped forward at this moment.

"Please excuse my rudeness, Miss Gu. My younger sister is spoiled at home, so I hope you'll forgive my joke. By the way, I heard from Brother Xu and Brother Chengzhi that the popular Chuiyanlou restaurant in the city is owned by Miss Gu. We've both tried it before."

The dishes were indeed plentiful and the taste was superb, with many fresh dishes as well. I had been wondering who had discovered it, but now that I know, I am filled with admiration…”

"Yes, yes, Brother Zimo is absolutely right. It is truly fortunate to meet Miss Gu today. I never imagined that Miss Gu would have such an extensive knowledge of food..."

Seeing Gu Nanzhi surrounded by everyone and becoming the center of attention, Wang Yanran felt even more uneasy. She had never heard of a Gu family before; where did this person come from...?

These people weren't her friends to begin with, and she didn't care if some of them had ulterior motives, as long as they didn't cause trouble in front of her.

She didn't care about Wang Yanran at all.

As for how many of the others are truly sincere, she doesn't care; as long as things appear superficial, that's enough.

"You're all joking. It was just a sudden idea. If you like it, you're welcome to come to Cuiyanlou to try it anytime in the future."

As they were talking, Xiao Tao brought out all the snacks. Gu Nanzhi's eyes lit up when she saw the snacks. In her eyes, the food was more interesting than the people.

"Sister Nanzhi, come, have a taste,"

"Please try it and see if it suits your taste,"

Since they are guests, it's natural to avoid any complaints about their hospitality, and we certainly won't neglect the others.

Everyone took a piece of pastry and began to taste it.

"Hmm, this pastry is sweet but not cloying, and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. It's really good; no wonder Miss Gu likes it."

After tasting it, everyone gave their opinions. In their eyes, it was more of a social etiquette, and it's unclear whether they actually liked the dessert.

Gu Nanzhi was probably the only one in the entire room who was seriously eating.

She was not reserved. While others were chatting and laughing, she ate every pastry on the table without interacting with anyone. If someone brought up her topic, she would say something, but otherwise she remained indifferent.

Seeing her greedy expression, did Wang Yanran, who had been silent all along, find another opportunity to sneer?

He muttered to himself.

"As if they'd never eaten before."

His face was full of disgust.

These words actually reached Gu Nanzhi's ears. She finished the last bite of pastry, calmly took a sip of tea, and slowly spoke.

"I've never eaten it before. After all, it's made by the Xu family's cook, and you can't buy it anywhere else."

Without waiting for anyone's reaction, he pointed directly to three pastries on the table.

"Second Young Master, Qingning, could you please pack one of these three items together?"

Xu Qingning naturally heard Wang Yanran's disdain and was about to speak up in her defense. What was wrong with this person today? She always acted so aloof, it was really unpleasant...

At that time, Gu Nanzhi diverted her attention.

"no problem,"

He immediately nodded and called Xiao Tao forward.

"Xiao Tao, did you remember? Have the cook prepare another serving so that Sister Nanzhi can take it with her when she goes back later."

"Yes, ma'am."

Xu Ruilin was perceptive enough to notice that Gu Nanzhi had eaten quite a bit of snacks. Not wanting to just sit there with everyone, he suggested they take a walk in the garden.

"Sitting here is boring, why don't you come with my brother and me to the garden to enjoy the scenery?"

“Excellent. I’ve heard my mother say that the scenery in the Xu family garden is beautiful. Today I finally have the opportunity to enjoy it.”

"Brother Yihang is absolutely right. The exquisite details of the Xu residence are truly exceptional. Today, let Brother Ruilin show everyone around."

"Judging from your tone, Brother Chengzhi, you've already met him?"

"That's right, Brother Ruilin and I are good brothers, so naturally we've met quite a few times,"

Of these people, Jiang Chengzhi and Xu Ruilin were the closest to each other.

"please"

"please"

Led by the Xu siblings, the group began to stroll through the garden. The scenery in the mansion was indeed beautiful, and now that spring was in full bloom, it was even more enchanting.

As you stroll through the landscaped gardens, you'll find babbling brooks, vibrant flowers, and more...

It made me feel much better.

Having walked along the pond for a while, Gu Nanzhi suddenly stopped, her gaze falling upon it...