After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

After this banter, the group stopped dwelling on Wen Tingzhu's matter. While waiting for the food to arrive, they couldn't resist taking a look at the calligraphy left by their predecessors.

Indeed, even after many years, Zhuangyuanlou still retains its original features: anyone who dines here can leave their calligraphy on this specially reserved wall for others to appreciate.

Therefore, the overall decoration style of the Zhuangyuan Building is bookish, which makes the walls covered with papers on all four sides look harmonious.

Otherwise, wouldn't it be incongruous to have a magnificent restaurant filled with works by literati of inconsistent styles?

Moreover, in order to preserve these papers for longer, Zhuangyuanlou does not sell hot pot or other steaming foods, which are more profitable, in the lobby on the first floor.

Even if it means earning less, the boss is willing to do it; this is the Liu family's ancestral motto!

It is precisely because of this perseverance that it is even more favored by scholars. After all, although it is not explicitly stated, most scholars feel that being covered in money is an insult to literature, but the opposite is worthy of praise!

Therefore, this move not only did not reduce the number of visitors, but also attracted many literati to come together.

The constant flow of people created a grand scene at Zhuangyuanlou. Just now, when Gu Liunian and his group first entered, they probably would have had a hard time finding an empty seat without the help of the waiter.

Everyone is eager to go and see, but judging from the current situation, it's possible that once they leave, this position might be lost.

As the group hesitated, Mr. Du smiled and said, "Go ahead! I've been here before, I'll be waiting for you."

The group exchanged glances, each seeing the struggle in the other's eyes: Was this really not a good idea? But they really wanted to go!

Understanding his disciples' wishes, Mr. Du waved his hand again: "Go ahead! This is a rare opportunity. I'll stay here and have some tea; it's fine."

Upon seeing this, the group bowed deeply to Mr. Du, saying, "Thank you, sir!"

Mr. Du smiled and nodded, and everyone excitedly went off together.

Seeing that his disciples had all left, Mr. Du looked at the person beside him who hadn't moved and asked, "Why aren't you going?"

Gu Liunian refilled Mr. Du's teacup and replied, "There's no rush. You might get bored here all by yourself."

Taking the tea, Mr. Du smiled and shook his head: "You just think too much!"

This disciple is an experienced person, and is probably more mature than him, but he lacks the recklessness and impetuosity of youth.

He clearly seemed interested before, but he held back.

Thinking of his background, Mr. Du sighed again: Well, it's not so bad this way.

Gu Liunian pretended not to notice the gentleman's sigh. He didn't think there was anything wrong with his current state. The world was difficult, and being too naive would only put himself and his family in danger. Being prepared for a rainy day was the way to survive!

The master and apprentice sipped tea while experiencing the local customs and culture of the capital.

Although the lobby wasn't as bustling as a typical restaurant, it wasn't as quiet as the private rooms, and you could still hear people talking around you.

"I feel like there are even more test takers this year! There are quite a few unfamiliar faces."

"I think so too. It seems that the competition will be even fiercer this year."

Seeing his companion nod in agreement, the man became even more dejected: "Sigh, I don't know how good everyone's level is. This is my second time taking the exam. If I don't pass again, my family will force me to get married."