Chapter 24

Ying'er could tell that Shenhe was truly innocent in nature, which was why she dared to speak so frankly.

Otherwise, if it were someone else asking such questions, they would likely have given Ying'er the cold shoulder.

Shenhe hesitated, unsure whether she should speak.

As a pure-hearted disciple of the adepti, coupled with the lonely murderous energy she had carried since childhood, she had developed a sense for detecting others' malicious intent.

The woman before her seemed to harbor no ill will—merely curiosity and concern.

Shenhe decided to engage in conversation with this woman. Perhaps she could truly help answer her questions? If not, she could always consult with her senior disciple later.

She explained her body's strange condition, omitting the details about being an adepti disciple and only mentioning that Jiang ning had shown her kindness.

As Ying'er listened, her eyes grew brighter. What started as a whim to pass time by stopping this ethereal woman had turned into such juicy gossip! Her face lit up with delight.

"So, my dear customer, you're feeling unwell because of these strange feelings in your heart?"

"Yes..." Shenhe replied.

"Well, if you ask me," Ying'er said, "you've fallen in love with this young master you speak of."

"Love... what does that mean?" Shenhe remained confused. Yet somehow, at the mention of love, her heart began to race, her cheeks grew warm... her body's reaction was unusual, but not unpleasant.

Ying'er's face bore a warm smile, though inwardly she marveled. What noble family had produced such an unworldly young lady? And which fortunate young master had earned the affections of such a celestial beauty?

"Love is when two people want to spend their lives together, never parting, growing old together, having children, living life in sweet intimacy, filled with tender moments~"

Ying'er couldn't help but let her suggestive nature show through.

Shenhe pondered for a moment before asking, "Like mother and father?"

"Yes," Ying'er smiled, pleased at Shenhe's quick understanding.

"Then why do I feel so strange when others approach him?" Shenhe asked.

"That's your possessiveness at work, dear. Plus, it's normal to feel uneasy when you haven't confirmed your relationship with your beloved. The only way to ease that unease is to... well, seal the deal, so to speak."

"Of course, these things need to be approached gently and gradually. Rush things, and they'll be half-cooked; take too long, and they'll burn... You need just the right rhythm to make both parties happy."

Ying'er continued her guidance, feeling a strange sense of mission to teach this blank slate of a woman about love. If things worked out, she might even score an invitation to a wedding feast, not to mention potential future business.

As for causing offense... well, she was just an employee of the Scented Breeze Shop—her boss would handle any problems~

"This requires cooking?" Shenhe asked, confused.

"Of course! How about this, dear customer—why don't you come inside for a detailed discussion? I can teach you some important things to keep in mind~"

After some hesitation, Shenhe followed her into the shop.

About half an hour later, Shenhe left the Scented Breeze Shop, carrying two beautifully decorated porcelain pieces. Ying'er waved goodbye cheerfully from behind.

She had gotten her fill of gossip, successfully played love guru, and sold two sets of porcelain... Triple the joy!

Ying'er was very satisfied.

...

When Shenhe returned home, she encountered Ganyu, who had just returned from work.

Ganyu was surprised: "Junior sister? Where's little junior brother?"

She looked behind Shenhe—weren't those two usually inseparable?

"I went for a walk alone... and bought some things," Shenhe said.

That's when Ganyu noticed the porcelain in Shenhe's hands.

"Scented Breeze Shop's porcelain... did you meet Ying'er?"

Ganyu asked while opening the door and walking inside.

"Yes... I learned some things, so I bought these as thanks. Like how the farmers we help offer money and food as gratitude, I followed their example."

Shenhe explained.

Ganyu fell silent, not daring to imagine what Shenhe might have learned from Ying'er.

In all her years in Liyue Harbor, many knew of her name, but few truly knew her. Besides some people within the Yuehai Pavilion, Ying'er was one of the few who did.

Ying'er knew of her half-adeptus status and still dared to make suggestive jokes that made people blush... and Shenhe had learned from her?!

"Um, just to be safe, did anything she taught you seem... strange?"

Shenhe thought carefully: "No, if anything, it helped ease some of my worries."

Ganyu breathed a sigh of relief. That's good... Wait, what worries?

Shenhe shouldn't have any worries, except maybe about little junior brother... Oh? Ohhhh?

Ganyu seemed to realize something. The innocent Shenhe, plus the suggestive Ying'er, combined with Shenhe's relationship with little junior brother...

Ganyu quickly looked up and said: "Shenhe, you can't commit crimes!"

But Shenhe had already disappeared.

Ganyu panicked. No, you need to wait a few months!

"Shenhe! Take it easy!"

She hurried into the mansion, not even taking time to close the door.

Meanwhile, Shenhe, using her familiarity with Jiang Ning's aura, searched for his location.

Is junior brother in his room?

Shenhe stood at Jiang Ning's door, closing her eyes to recall Ying'er's teachings.

'What's your beloved like, his personality and age?'

'Well, he's very gentle with me, always agreeable, and... younger than me.'

'Ah, a younger man... and seemingly passive... That makes it simple. Let me tell you, regardless of gender, there's nothing that can't be solved with a kabedon, passionate eyes, and a long, intense gaze.'

'Once the mood is right, then you can... hehe~'

Shenhe opened her eyes and pushed open the door, stepping forward with determination.

However, in her recollection, Shenhe seemed to have overlooked something very important...

That at this moment, Jiang Ning's room was filled with steam and... certain sounds.

Clearly, Jiang Ning was not in a state to receive visitors.