How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

"How is she?" Although Master Song had a beautiful woman in front of him, he was not in a hurry.

Grandma Dun smiled genuinely, "Oh my, she's such a fairy! So clear and fresh, her skin is so tender, she's even more delicate than freshly made tofu pudding!"

Mr. Song also became interested, "Is it really as good as you say?"

"That's right," Grandma Dun recounted in detail what she had seen and heard in the small building.

"You don't know, that girl is delicate and timid, well-behaved and sensible, with a scholarly air about her. Although she is a modern female student, she is not so bold and passionate. She is gentle and lovely, just what you like, sir."

Master Song took a puff from his pipe, the smoke filling his face with smugness.

"Has your identity been verified?" Master Song asked again, having already stood up.

"It's been checked, she's still a virgin."

Now it's a new era, and some men and women are not conservative in matters of love and affection, only pursuing "happiness".

Therefore, Master Song was concerned about whether this female student had learned to "fall in love" or even lost her virginity, hence this test.

Upon hearing what Granny Dun said, Master Song could no longer sit still and was about to get up and go to the small building.

When Grandma Dun left, she thoughtfully closed the door for Yanru. Yanru looked around, and only when she was sure no one was coming did she feel safe and sat down, taking a ladle to scoop hot water and pouring it over herself.

She only felt a little bit at ease when she was alone.

Thinking about how to see Master Song, she suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly, "Why would he want to see me? There's no reason why he absolutely has to. What if I bring up the matter of saving people again? Will he agree or not?"

Despite her immense anxiety, Yanru still clung to the hope that the Song family might value her friend, Mr. Lü.

"Bang, bang," the little one banged on the door from the outside, "Are you done washing?"

"No." Yan Ru was absolutely annoyed with her. "What do you need? If not, go and rest."

After a while, there was still no sound, and Yan Ru had no more interest in soaking in the water.

Just then, the water cooled down, so I grabbed a bath towel, wrapped myself in it, and got out of the tub.

The pajamas that the little thing brought were scattered on the bed, and Yanru didn't mind, so she went over and started picking them out.

They were all Western-style nightgowns or robes, but for some reason, the fabrics were somewhat thin and sheer, and the styles weren't very conservative, either with low necklines or spaghetti straps.

After rummaging through them, Yanru had no choice but to choose a jade-colored silk skirt that reached her ankles, and then put a robe of the same color over it. She put away the rest of the skirts.

Just as she finished dressing, the little one knocked on the door again. She brought up the tea and, upon entering, gave Yan Ru a once-over.

Yan Ru felt extremely uncomfortable under that gaze, as if she were a commodity to be picked over by others.

He then said sternly, "What are you looking at? I didn't ask you to serve tea. It's getting late, you don't need to come up."

This time, the little one didn't argue, but after looking at the room, he didn't leave and started tidying up on his own.

Yanru urged her to stop, saying, "Don't bother tidying up, I need to rest."

The little thing remained silent. Actually, there wasn't much to tidy up in the room; it was just Yanru's clothes that had been taken off, but they were so torn that there was no need to wash them.

She didn't speak, nor did she leave, nor did she roll her eyes or glare. She stood there awkwardly for a while before turning and walking away.

Yan Ru breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that she still needed to work on her temperament.

What if I offend them and get kicked out? I'm currently the only heir of the Lü family, so I have to endure it to save my life.

"Knock knock." Yan Ru was fixing her hair in front of the dressing mirror when the knocking sounded again.

"What? Can't we talk about it tomorrow?" Yan Ru was extremely annoyed.

She strained her ears, but heard nothing more than someone coming downstairs. Yan Ru took a deep breath and stormed open the door…

When Master Song saw the newcomer, he felt his breathing become heavy, and only the phrase "like a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally beautiful without adornment" remained in his mind.

Yan Ru wore a jade-white robe, revealing only her slender white neck and delicate ankles. Her face, free of makeup, was even more beautiful and captivating.

A gentle breeze carrying the scent of osmanthus blossoms wafted by, causing her silk dress to cling tightly to her body, accentuating her curves. Her half-dry hair was casually draped behind her head, water droplets still clinging to the ends, trickling down her curves and into…

Mr. Song's heart immediately burned with excitement.

Yan Ru felt completely bewildered, and...

"Ah!" she screamed in fright, slamming the door shut. Her heart pounded; anyone would be flustered if a man knocked on their door late at night.

With her mind racing, Yan Ru felt uncertain. Could it be... could it be Master Song who dared to come to the door of a female guest so boldly?

Mr. Song was somewhat embarrassed by being turned away.

Had I known this would happen, I should have sent the second concubine first. At the same time, I'm also glad I left my servant downstairs; otherwise, that beautiful scene just now…

He has no desire to share with others.

After only a moment of stunned silence, Master Song quickly regained his usual composure and authority.

He smiled confidently. A young girl like her? He, a man accustomed to the ways of the world, was not necessarily unable to win her over.

Thinking this, he stopped knocking and simply identified himself at the door.

“Miss Lü, I am Song Wenqu, the owner of this house. I am busy during the day and only have time to see you in the evening. Please forgive me.” He made no mention of what had just happened.

When Yan Ru heard that it was indeed Master Song, she breathed a sigh of relief, secretly resenting that the little thing was usually chattering non-stop, but had become quiet when the master of the house came.

However, Yan Ru would not complain to Master Song. She simply tried to remain calm and said softly, "Wait a moment, I'll be right back after I change my clothes."

Yanru felt that she was being impolite, so she quickly opened the box and rummaged through her clothes. She found a loose-fitting, high-necked, pink cheongsam and put it on. She then combed her long hair up and loosely tied it with a wooden hairpin.

When they came out again, Master Song was already sitting in the small hall outside, sipping his tea.

Upon seeing her arrive, she smiled and nodded in greeting, then pointed to the seat next to him, "Please, Miss Lü, sit here."

"Hmm," Yan Ru replied softly, then, fearing that Master Song might not have heard her clearly, quickly added, "I'm coming."

Even after arriving, he didn't dare to sit next to Master Song. He chose the seat furthest away from him, and sat halfway there, looking very reserved.

Master Song poured himself a cup of tea and said with a smile, "Isn't my tea fragrant? It's so strong that it keeps you away."

In fact, Master Song himself had sword-like eyebrows that reached his temples, phoenix eyes that exuded power, and a dashing appearance. If it weren't for his protruding belly and chest, he would have the air of looking down on all the heroes under heaven.

Although he wore an approachable smile, he exuded an air of authority without anger or arrogance, carrying the aura of someone who had long held a high position. Therefore, Yan Ru dared not act rashly.

After hearing his words, Yan Ru moved forward a little and sat down opposite Master Song.

Master Song intended to intimidate her with his imposing presence before plotting anything against her. Therefore, although he smiled, he was already subtly displaying his authority.

He reveled in her panic, like a frightened fawn, lost and bewildered, her movements echoing wildly in Master Song's heart.

Yan Ru sat down nervously, unable to contain her anxiety.

"Ahem," she coughed, mustering her courage, and prepared to tell Song Wenqu her earlier thoughts, "Master Song..."

"Have some tea first," Song Wenqu said, handing her a cup of tea. "This is a new tea that came to the estate this year. It's light and refreshing, perfect for you girls."

Yan Ru had no choice but to pick up the teacup and take a sip, but she couldn't taste any difference between this tea and other teas.

"Mr. Song, I..."

"Perhaps, I may know your name first? Yanru, as beautiful as peach blossoms and plums?"

After being interrupted twice, Yan Ru was somewhat discouraged. It seemed rather impolite to make demands before even greeting someone at their home!

“No,” Yan Ru said awkwardly, “it’s a banquet for peace and prosperity. My father hopes that the place where my sister and I live will be peaceful, joyful, and politically stable.”

"A nice name," Yanru thought to herself, then asked, "And your sister's name is... Qingru?"

“Yes.” Yan Ru was a little puzzled. Didn’t Master Song know their names before?

Mr. Song noticed the question written all over her face, but offered no explanation.

He looked at her with a smile, "Are you settling in well at the manor? I had some things to do this morning, which is why I didn't pick you up."

Yan Ru was flattered and overwhelmed. "Ah! This... you don't need to pick me up, I'm just..."

Shaking off her shyness, she gritted her teeth and laid out her thoughts, "Master Song, I am very grateful for your taking me in, and the little house prepared for me in the manor is very nice, but..."

I'm not here to be a pampered young lady, and I certainly don't need to stay in your boudoir. I'd like to find a job here. I'm a college graduate, though only a freshman, but I'm perfectly capable of handling clerical work. I feel really bad for bothering you and taking advantage of your hospitality.

Seeing Yan Ru's expectant eyes, Master Song was amused. "Hmm? Do you think my Song family can't afford to support someone like you?"

Yan Ru quickly waved her hand, "That's not what I meant. Your family is so wealthy and powerful; you could support a hundred of me, let alone one. But I'm educated, and I can't take your kindness for granted. Besides..."

After considering his words, he continued, "Besides, to be honest, my father is embroiled in a lawsuit, and my sister is still out of town. I have to take care of both of them. If I could find a job to make a living, I could help them."

Master Song sipped his tea, not in a hurry to answer. He finished the cup before speaking, "It's good that you have such ambition. However... you are unaware of the current situation."

Yan Ru's heart pounded as she looked at the loss of her relaxed smile on Master Song's face. "Situation? What...what situation?"

Master Song put down his teacup and said seriously, "I went to deal with this matter this morning. Your father entrusted it to you the day before yesterday, and I thought you understood. But now it seems that you don't understand at all."

Yan Ru felt somewhat ashamed. "Father and sister have always been in charge of family matters. I... I'm ashamed to say, I've received so much kindness from them, I could never repay it even with my life. Now that something has really happened to the family, I can't share their burdens, I can only barely survive, it's truly..."

Yan Ru couldn't continue speaking; her throat tightened, and her voice choked with sobs.

Master Song was also moved and wanted to embrace Yanru to comfort her, but he was afraid of being too forward.

He could only clench his fist and comfort her, "Don't worry, it was your father's idea to let you escape. It wouldn't be good for a girl like you to end up in prison. And then there's your sister..."

The word "sister" piqued Yan Ru's interest. "Sister? Mr. Song, have you found my sister?"

Feeling ashamed, since the other party had no obligation to help, he could only lower his head.

Mr. Song couldn't resist in the end and reached out to pat her back. Even through her clothes, it was indeed smooth.

Putting aside her romantic thoughts, she said gently, "As soon as your father had his accident, I sent people to look for you and your sister, fearing that you might fall into the hands of Commander Guo. The people I sent said that your sister went to the old house to collect rent and has not returned."

There's no trace of Commander Guo either, which is the best news. It seems your sister went into hiding as soon as she received the news. Don't worry, I've already sent men to pursue her.”

Hearing that her sister was safe, Yanru felt a little relieved, but she didn't know how her father was, so she looked at Master Song again.

Master Song said, "Your father... offended Commander Guo, but I couldn't find out. Perhaps the matter is very secretive and he has already taken care of people. You can put your mind at ease."

Yan Ruxin felt relieved. "Thank you very much, Master Song."

"You can stay here and rest assured, don't worry about anything else."

If Yan Ru were more experienced, she would have been able to tell that no promises had been made.

However, Yan Ru was well protected by her father and sister and was not good at interpersonal relationships. When she heard what Master Song said, she thought that he would definitely help her.

Without thinking it over, she realized that her father had never mentioned this person before, which showed that the two families did not have any dealings and were not close. Why would he help her?

On the contrary, Master Song was surprised by his feelings for Yanru. He originally planned to take advantage of this beauty tonight, but who would have thought that she could not see through his intentions at all.

Instead, she looked at him with gratitude, clearly regarding him as an elder, and felt somewhat embarrassed.

Admittedly, Master Song never felt old, but now he was afraid that Yanru would find him too old. With a mixture of surprise and uncertainty in his heart, he sat for a while, reassured himself, and then hurriedly took his leave.

This was the first time that he had left the boudoir at night without going in. Song Yi, who was following him, asked curiously, "What's wrong? Where are you going, sir?"

However, Master Song was no longer in a good mood. "Go back to your study and don't say another word."

Song Yi quickly shut his mouth, exchanged a glance with Song Ren, and hurried after him to serve him.

The little thing chased after them from the side room, but didn't even see a glimpse of Master Song's clothes. It stomped its foot angrily, "Useless, couldn't even keep him for one night."

She glared fiercely at the upstairs, turned her face away and ran off. No one knows which girl's room she went to to fool around with. Anyway, since the master didn't like her, Yanru had nowhere to complain.