Chapter 2984 - 2985: Suspicious Guard

Chapter 2984: Chapter 2985: Suspicious Guard

A figure approached the yard’s entrance, and Bai Ruozhu glanced over to see a tall guard.

She didn’t pay much attention, but the guard took a few steps forward, then stopped upon seeing her.

Instinctively, she looked again—the guard’s appearance was quite ordinary, but his eyes were exceptionally bright; his entire demeanor became alert upon seeing Bai Ruozhu.

Even though he didn’t show it explicitly, Bai Ruozhu’s intuition told her that he was wary of her, with a sense of caution.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the guard. Why was he cautious of her?

The people at the Meng Residence all knew her relationship with the Meng Family, and they treated her as a lady of the residence. Why be wary? Did she look like a ferocious beast?

"Greetings, Miss." The guard saluted, then stepped aside.

Seeing the guard, Meng Jinse’s eyes softened a bit, "Sister Ruozhu, this is my guard, An Jin. He saved me when my horse got startled during a recent ride."

Bai Ruozhu looked at Meng Jinse’s guard again. Not bad, he seemed very concerned for Meng Jinse, but his gaze and manner seemed to indicate more than just concern for one’s own mistress.

It was more like a man’s gaze towards a woman—a guard showing affection towards the lady of the house; either he was daring or discontented.

Yet his bright eyes didn’t betray any unease or insubordination. Probably, he had heard of Meng Jinse’s situation and sincerely wanted to protect her.

Setting aside matters concerning guard An Jin, Bai Ruozhu and Meng Jinse entered her Fragrance Room, neatly arranged with shelves holding small bottles labeled with tags. There were raw materials and finished products, most of which were housed in expensive glaze bottles.

Bai Ruozhu leaned in for a closer look, and Meng Jinse promptly warned, "Don’t move too close to smell, or you’ll lose your sense of smell for a while."

Bai Ruozhu nodded with a smile; this was clearly an expert.

Meng Jinse picked up a delicate pale pink glaze bottle and handed it to Bai Ruozhu, "This was made for you. Want to try it?"

"Wow, a middle-aged girl’s pink!" Bai Ruozhu teased with a smile.

"What do you mean by middle-aged girl’s pink?" Meng Jinse didn’t understand.

"Nothing, I meant it’s perfect for my style—you indeed understand me." Bai Ruozhu chuckled as she opened the fragrance bottle, letting the faint scent drift out.

"Rose fragrance?" She inhaled, "Is it a floral scent? And there’s a hint of fresh tangerine?"

Meng Jinse nodded repeatedly, "Ruozhu, your nose is incredibly sharp, how can you discern all that? How did you develop such a nose?"

In an exaggerated tone, Bai Ruozhu felt a bit embarrassed, "Not really, I just have a particularly keen sense of smell.

Meng Jinse laughed, explaining in detail: "I felt that roses suit you. I guessed you’d like them but wouldn’t prefer something too strong or sweet. You have a refreshing vibe, so I added some tangerine to give it a fresh lift."

She took a scent-testing wooden stick, dipped it slightly, "Give it a try."

She intended to apply it to Bai Ruozhu’s clothes, but Bai Ruozhu extended her wrist, "Fragrance dew can be dabbed on the wrist; it blends better with one’s natural scent."

Meng Jinse’s eyes shone, "So, would the effect differ if people with distinct body scents use the same fragrance dew?"

Bai Ruozhu, pleased with her quick understanding, said, "Exactly, different people suit different scents."

Meng Jinse quickly dabbed the inside of her own wrist, then waved and sniffed it, before leaning towards Bai Ruozhu’s wrist to smell.

"It’s really different! So interesting!" She exclaimed joyfully, "This is much more fun than applying it to clothes."

Bai Ruozhu shared more insights, saying, "Fragrance dew can also be applied behind the ear or on the neck. Each woman using it will have a unique scent—how romantic and enchanting is that?"

With glowing eyes, Meng Jinse said, "Sister Ruozhu, you know so much; why don’t you open a Xianglu Shop?"

"I only know the theory, but I lack the talent for fragrance making. However, you do, and that’s why I saw this business opportunity and immediately pulled you in for collaboration; you mustn’t turn me down." She said earnestly.

She wasn’t simply taking care of Meng Jinse—Meng Jinse indeed had the talent for fragrance making, along with the time and interest. With continuous learning and experimentation, she’d surely become an excellent fragrance maker.

Once Meng Jinse has the shop and becomes busy, she won’t overthink. Plus, she’ll have her income; even if single, she can support herself, perhaps adopting a child for companionship.

The two continued discussing details, finally settling on the decision. Meng Jinse was elated, almost jumping with joy, her face revitalized with smiles, reminiscent of the carefree days when she first met Bai Ruozhu.

Outside, the guard’s brow furrowed then relaxed; he worried Bai Ruozhu might recognize him, yet was reluctant to leave.

He could hear the exchanges inside, catching Meng Jinse’s laughter. If Meng Jinse becomes a successful woman, wouldn’t he drift further away from her?

Yet, what was more important than her happiness?

"It’s getting late; I’m going to find Achun and his father. Rest up, and we’ll talk more tomorrow." Bai Ruozhu said.

"Alright." Meng Jinse escorted her out.

As Bai Ruozhu reached the door, she glanced at the guard again. Meng Jinse personally accompanied her outside the yard, and the guard silently followed behind. As Bai Ruozhu walked afar, she looked back to see Meng Jinse turning, the guard turning to follow her.

Suddenly, she squinted; that figure—that back was so familiar!

Following her, it felt like a broad back shielding her from wind and rain, as if to protect her for life!

For a moment, Bai Ruozhu’s heart clenched tightly, her eyes watering slightly with emotion. How could she forget the masked figure that once attacked her, even managed to cut Sangta?

She should have loathed that person, but witnessing his sacrifice for Meng Jinse, she couldn’t bring herself to hate.

It must be him—the bright eyes, the gaze. What was he planning!

Bai Ruozhu’s heart sank again. He shouldn’t harm Meng Jinse; otherwise, he wouldn’t have risked his life back then.

But isn’t he supposed to be dead? How has he come back?

Bai Ruozhu decisively used her light skills, silently returning to Meng Jinse’s yard.

Soon, the room lights went out, and the guard remained stationed at the yard entrance. He suddenly looked up towards Bai Ruozhu hiding in the trees, "You found out after all."

"I wasn’t so certain, but didn’t expect it truly to be you," Bai Ruozhu whispered.

"Let’s talk outside, don’t wake her." The guard suggested, leading further away.

Bai Ruozhu, not wanting to disturb Meng Jinse and stress her further, quickly followed. The two avoided the City Lord’s Residence guards, finding a secluded nook to stop.