Chapter 160 - 152: Didn’t Buy Groceries

Chapter 160: Chapter 152: Didn’t Buy Groceries

Although they didn’t know what dumplings were, the moment they heard the name, Meng Nan and the Jin guard sensed they had to be a delicacy. After all, anything Bai Zhi made was bound to be delicious.

The Jin guard chimed in with a hopeful smile, "Miss Bai, could you make those egg pancakes from last time again?" The poor man hadn’t even gotten a taste; his young master had devoured them all himself.

Bai Zhi readily agreed, "Sure."

Emboldened by her quick agreement, the Jin guard decided to push his luck. "The corn and pork rib soup we had last time was also amazing. Could you make that again?"

Bai Zhi shook her head. "I wish I could, but I don’t have any corn or pork ribs at home. I can’t make it."

Disappointment washed over the Jin guard’s face as he shot a reproachful look at Meng Nan. "Young Master, this is all your fault. If only we’d gone to the market for groceries just now." If his master hadn’t complained about the crowds and refused to go, he would definitely be having corn and pork rib soup for lunch.

He had been dreaming of that flavor for the past few days.

Meng Nan shot the Jin guard a cool, indifferent glance, and whatever else the guard had wanted to say died in his throat. He immediately clamped his mouth shut.

He gently smoothed his new robe—a pure cyan silk overlaid with matching fine gauze. A fully embroidered bamboo-patterned sash, in a slightly darker shade, was centered with a sapphire the size of a pigeon’s egg. He wore tall boots of fine brocade silk, stitched with a cloud pattern. From head to toe, his understated elegance radiated an almost oppressive opulence.

’Go to the market for groceries dressed like this?’

’Then again, I never expected that Bai Zhi really wouldn’t have any groceries at home...’

Bai Zhi said, "Maybe next time. If you visit again, remember to bring the ingredients. Bring whatever you want to eat, and I can cook it for you."

The Jin guard quickly piped up, a hint of excitement on his face, "Miss Bai, if I want to drop by for a meal in the future, would you still host me if I came alone?"

Although the Jin guard was just a guard by Meng Nan’s side, judging by the casual way they spoke, it was clear he was no ordinary guard. He was obviously a capable and trusted aide to Meng Nan.

’Even if that weren’t the case, he was still a proper government official. A country girl like me should be doing everything I can to get on his good side. If anything ever happened, at least I’d have a connection in the government office.’

She smiled and nodded. "Of course. Brother Jin, you’re welcome anytime."

’Brother Jin?’

Meng Nan raised an eyebrow. ’This girl calls me Lord Meng, but she calls the Jin guard ’Brother Jin’?’

"If I’m not coming, you’re not allowed to come either," Meng Nan said, his expression suddenly turning cold as he shot the Jin guard a sidelong glance.

The Jin guard froze, still trying to puzzle out the meaning behind his master’s words, when Bai Zhi stood up. "It’s getting late. Hu Feng and I have an errand to run. You two can rest here. We should be back by noon."

On a normal day, she wouldn’t dare claim they could be back by noon. But today was different. Today, they had a carriage.

There were two paths to Luoying Mountain. One was the narrow trail they had taken before, which could only be traveled on foot and was impassable for carriages. The other was a road used by families with ox carts to haul grain during the autumn harvest, which was perfectly suitable for a horse-drawn carriage.

Besides, the sun was vicious today. Riding in the carriage would not only save them the effort of walking but also shield them from the scorching rays.

It was just after 9 a.m., and noon was still more than two hours away. ’And she expects me to just sit here doing nothing for that long?’

Meng Nan asked, "Where is this errand taking you? If it’s convenient, I can go with you." ’I’ll just be sitting around here anyway,’ he thought. ’Might as well get out and stretch my legs.’