Feng Jin's eyes were filled with anger as she looked at Old Master Ling, who sat in the main seat, feeling nothing but dissatisfaction.
To think that a man of his age could come up with such a deceitful ploy. If this got out, wouldn't his reputation in his later years be at risk?
"Don't give me that look. I am your elder. If you are disrespectful to me, I'll tell Han'er to teach you a lesson."
Feng Jin couldn't help but let out a cold snort. There was no need to inform Ling Mo Han, as he would never dare to scold her.
"What's with that look? You look so resentful and blaming. What's wrong? Are you feeling wronged just because you came out for a walk with this old man!"
"Grandfather, you know that's not what I meant. If you wanted to go out of the mansion, you could have done so openly. You could have just sent a servant to call me. There was no need for such a lie, which could ruin your reputation if it spread."
She was truly impressed that he could devise such a method to trick his granddaughter-in-law. She wondered if he was afraid of being ridiculed.
"What's there to be afraid of? I'd like to see who dares to laugh at me!"
Old Master Ling's eyes widened, his beard bristling. He looked fearless, showing no concern for anyone's ridicule.
"Indeed, no one would dare to laugh at you, Grandfather. Where are you planning to take me by tricking me like this?"
She had truly believed it was Ling Mo Han looking for her and had rushed out. No one would have suspected such a thing could be fabricated. She had no idea where Old Master Ling intended to take her.
The creaking of the carriage wheels echoed, and a sense of unease began to creep into Feng Jin's heart.
"I've been cooped up in the mansion for so long, feeling quite bored. I thought I'd have you take me out for a walk. Tell me, where is the most fun place to go in the capital right now?"
He knew nothing about the capital and naturally needed someone to accompany him on his stroll. After much deliberation, Feng Jin was the most suitable person.
After considering many possibilities, Feng Jin never imagined this to be the case. The smile that had been on her lips instantly fell, the words "speechless" written all over her face.
If these were the matters at hand, couldn't he have just said so directly? Why did he have to devise a trick? She felt tired just thinking about Old Master Ling.
"I'm asking you a question. What is the most fun place in the capital at this time?"
Seeing Feng Jin's prolonged silence, Old Master Ling patiently asked again.
"Grandfather, it's this late. How about we go eat first, and then discuss other things?"
She was truly hungry. After finishing with Ling Mu Zhu, she had only managed to drink a few sips of osmanthus and lotus seed soup and hadn't had time to eat. Being tricked into coming out, she was now genuinely famished.
"Gurgle... gurgle..."
A timely sound echoed throughout the carriage.
Feng Jin suppressed a smile and looked at Old Master Ling, who sat opposite her. "Grandfather, shall we go eat first?"
Old Master Ling feigned a dignified nod. "Alright, let's go."
The carriage stopped in front of a restaurant. First, a woman of exquisite beauty alighted from the carriage, followed by an elderly man exuding an aura of authority. The old man and the young woman entered the restaurant together.
Feng Jin, familiar with the place, led Old Master Ling to a private room on the second floor. Ling Mo Han had brought her here initially, and after venturing out alone a few times, she had become quite accustomed to it.
She ordered a few dishes that were light and palate-cleansing, and then a few that were spicy and fragrant, aiming for a balance. She was mindful that Old Master Ling was older and his diet should primarily be light.
"This restaurant's location is quite good. From the second floor, one can see a large part of the capital's scenery."
Old Master Ling stood by the window, gazing outside. The prosperity of the capital was laid out before him, and he couldn't help but praise Feng Jin for finding such a place.
"Ling Mo Han often brings me to this restaurant. I'm glad you like it, Grandfather."
Upon hearing this, Old Master Ling's expression immediately soured. "That brat! He knows how to bring his wife here but doesn't bring me. He's truly raised in vain."
The saying "marry a wife and forget one's mother" was absolutely true.
Having gained a wife, he seemed to have cast everything else aside. Old Master Ling couldn't help but plan to give Ling Mo Han a good talking-to when they returned.
Feng Jin rubbed the bridge of her nose. She seemed to have spoken out of turn, but the words had been said, and there was no taking them back. She would let Ling Mo Han figure out how to deal with it himself.
Once the dishes were served, Feng Jin didn't hesitate or put on airs. She began to enjoy the delicious food heartily, deciding that all other matters could wait until she had eaten her fill.
"Girl, pass me the dishes from your side."
The dishes in front of him were all bland and tasteless, while those in front of Feng Jin looked appetizing, their vibrant red oil stimulating his appetite.
"Grandfather, these dishes are too spicy. You're old, and for your health, you should eat lighter fare. This green vegetable is the best. It's low in oil and salt, and a light diet is most suitable for you."
Earlier, during Feng Jin's examination of Old Master Ling, she had discovered that his blood pressure and blood lipids were somewhat high. Spicy and greasy foods were truly unsuitable for him.
"You little girl, you know I can't eat this, yet you deliberately ordered these dishes. Aren't you intentionally making me crave them? Since I've seen them, you must let me have some."
He had been craving them for a while. While Feng Jin wasn't paying attention, he quickly grabbed a piece of spicy fish. The taste that entered his mouth was麻辣鲜香 (málà xiānxiāng - numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant), far more delicious than the bland green vegetables that were barely visible.
He couldn't help but eat a few more bites, trying each dish on the table. Indeed, they were much tastier than the ones in front of him.
"Grandfather, you've eaten quite a bit. Eating too much spicy food will make your stomach uncomfortable when you rest tonight."
Feng Jin reminded him helplessly, directly stopping Old Master Ling. If he continued, he would eat every dish on the table.
"Grandfather, you can't eat anymore."
Feng Jin directly asked the waiter to clear away the strongly flavored dishes, leaving only the light fare.
"You're such a girl..."
He had barely eaten anything, and she was already stopping him. Did she even know about respecting the old and loving the young?
"This is all for your health..."
Feng Jin lectured at length, moving the light side dishes in front of her towards Old Master Ling. "Grandfather, please eat more of the light dishes. This will be good for your health."
"I'm not eating anymore. I'm full from anger. I'm going out for a walk."
Throwing a tantrum, Old Master Ling directly threw his chopsticks onto the table and got up to leave.
Feng Jin pursed her lips. This old man had quite a temper. Since she had the misfortune of being on this "pirate ship," she could only follow him helplessly.
"Grandfather, let's just sit in the carriage. Where do you want to go? We can take the carriage there, alright?"