Chapter 49: That's Not Allowed~

Sikou Yan smiled, and in the youthful lines of his face was a beauty capable of overturning the world. With a glance, he signaled Lin Si, who promptly took the rabbit-shaped lantern from him. Then, as if by magic, a small dagger appeared in his palm, and he began slicing the roasted chicken into thin pieces. At this moment, the chicken was no longer scalding hot—just the right temperature to enjoy. Sikou Yan seemed to have considerable expertise in culinary matters; every movement was precise and elegant. The aroma alone was intoxicating, making it impossible to resist.

Sikou Yan had never imagined that one day he would personally roast meat for a young girl. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, his mood was light and joyful—especially when he caught sight of her bright, sparkling eyes. Soon enough, Ji Tianxin’s bowl was piled high with the chicken Sikou Yan had sliced for her. Delighted, Ji Tianxin picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.

Though she was fond of good food, she was also a picky eater. But from the very first whiff of this roast chicken, her appetite had been thoroughly awakened.

Sikou Yan ate little himself, simply watching Ji Tianxin with a gentle smile. Her manners at the table were not particularly refined or formal, yet there was a certain comfort in watching her eat—a simple, unpretentious meal, yet carried out with an air of ease.

Ji Tianxin, after all, was from the modern world, and her every gesture and habit still bore traces of that era. She paid little heed to rigid social hierarchies, had few pretensions, and was unfamiliar with complicated etiquette. She spoke slowly, ate unhurriedly, chewing each bite with care.

Sikou Yan was in no rush either; he kept her company, eating slowly alongside her.

“Is there any more?” Ji Tianxin’s bowl was empty, and she gazed at Sikou Yan with a hint of expectation in her eyes. Usually so calm and indifferent, her eyes now shimmered, making her look especially lovely and endearing. Sikou Yan felt his heart soften.

But he merely raised an eyebrow and refused her, a faint smile curving at the corner of his lips. “You’re still young; you mustn’t eat too much. Roasted meat is heavy and can be hard to digest if overindulged. That’s enough for today.”

Ji Tianxin frowned slightly.

Suqing, meanwhile, was a little surprised—she hadn’t expected this young gentleman to show such concern for her mistress’s health. Master Bai spoiled her mistress to no end; if she wanted anything, he would scour the continent to find it for her. This gentleman, on the other hand, actually refused her mistress, and for such a reason.

Yet, her mistress was small, both in stature and age. The gentleman’s reasoning was sound, and Suqing found herself harboring a bit more goodwill towards him.

Ji Tianxin was a reasonable person. Though she wasn’t exactly pleased by Sikou Yan’s decision, she couldn’t find a good reason to argue. Still, desire gnawed at her, and she raised her chopsticks again.

“I think I can have a little more…” she said, sounding a bit like a child trying to wheedle her way. She tried to sneak another piece of chicken with her chopsticks, but as soon as she reached out, Sikou Yan pressed them down with his own.

“No, you may not,” he said, the smile on his lips tinged with mischievous amusement.

Ji Tianxin stared at him for a moment, then set her chopsticks down, a little sulky. She didn’t realize how much she resembled a child denied a treat, quietly pouting in frustration.

Even Suqing, who had known Ji Tianxin for so long and was used to her temperament, could hardly suppress a smile.

Seeing Ji Tianxin put down her chopsticks, Sikou Yan arched an eyebrow and glanced at Suqing and Lin Si, chuckling softly. “There’s quite a bit left; let this young lady and Lin Si finish it.”

Ji Tianxin: …I still want more…