Chapter 9: An Unexpected Encounter in the Study

That! Old Man Wu! Look at this...

Young Master Chen, the master requests your presence in the study

At that moment, a voice from outside the study interrupted Chen Moran's thoughts

What a joke, although it has only been a few months since arriving in this era, at least Chen Moran understands the scale of things. Renting someone else's house, when the time comes, one must pay a visit with a gift; this is both a matter of etiquette and a way to finalize the rent for the coming year.

One of the girl's hands rested under her chin, while another curiously glanced at the cane in Chen Moran's hand.

The charming pout of the exquisite little girl before him made Chen Moran come to his senses; he no longer dared to stare at her. He clasped his hands in a fist and offered his apologies.

My father ... . ... obediently, the little girl before me is the daughter of Sun Jingnan. Upon realizing the identity of this girl, Chen Mo couldn't help but look up at her in surprise.

The carriage stopped in front of a grand Huizhou-style mansion located more than ten miles from the city. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, Chen Moran picked up a beautifully wrapped gift box and got out of the vehicle. With the New Year approaching, it was customary for Chen Moran to pay a visit to his landlord.

I beg your pardon, I beg your pardon! Please do not take offense, miss

The door opened again, and Butler Wu from the Sun residence stepped out from behind the door, making a gesture of invitation. After entering through the main gate, Chen Moran cautiously followed behind the butler under his guidance. Wealthy families often adhere to strict protocols, and at this moment, he was unwilling to offend any rules and risk being expelled from this grand residence and the factory.

The delicate laughter by his ear caused Chen Moran's heart to flutter inexplicably. He looked up to see a little girl covering her mouth and laughing.

Lunar December 23, Western calendar February 11, 1901

Hehe! Mr. Chen, my dad will probably come over later...

Sitting inside the carriage, with a hand resting on the slow-burning stove, Chen Moran occasionally lifted the white lace curtain of the window to look outside. The sky was a dull gray, and the aged trees lining the road stretched their short, bare branches toward the murky sky. Upon closer inspection, one could find clusters of tender yellow buds nestled among the gnarled branches.

Although it has been sixty years since the gates of the nation were forcibly opened by the British with cannons, how many Chinese in this era truly understand foreign countries? Take Sun Jingnan for example; despite having achieved the rank of a successful candidate in the imperial examination and having served as a governor, he could not even articulate how many countries there are in Europe, let alone others. Perhaps this is precisely why Sun Jingnan would inquire about the current situation from someone he considers a 'fraud.' They fundamentally do not comprehend the West, and China's true understanding of the West only emerged after the Boxer Protocol. Prior to that, the vast majority of people held assumptions that were taken for granted.

In the midst of the conversation, an elderly man in his fifties, with a radiant complexion, was already standing outside the study. When Chen Moran turned to look, it was none other than Sun Jingnan. Beside him stood a middle-aged man, approximately in his forties, who was observing Chen with a rather intrigued expression.

Young Master Chen, the master will be here shortly, please wait a moment

At this point, Chen Moran suddenly remembered that his words were actually the meeting lines he had prepared with a scholar before coming to the Sun residence, and he had never expected to use them on this young lady now.

Manshun, I will go in shortly. You should stay in the car and take a moment to warm up. It's freezing outside, so don't catch a cold!

Chen Moran's calm demeanor indeed left Sun Xiyun feeling somewhat embarrassed, prompting her to explain hastily

The graceful appearance of the girl startled Chen Moran. Before he could take a closer look at her features, he recalled the taboos of wealthy families and quickly lowered his head, clasping his hands in a gesture of respect.

You, as a person ... ...

The land beneath the vehicle was soaked in snow, dark and muddy. Looking ahead, some green gradually seeped into the hungry eyes. Chen Moran knew that those not very vibrant greens were the result of the early spring grass flooding the ground. Perhaps spring in the south arrived early, but the true essence of spring was still far away; yet it could penetrate the inner worlds of certain individuals

After introducing Chen Moran into the study in the backyard, Butler Wu gave a brief instruction and then exited. Once Butler Wu left the study, Chen Moran surveyed the room before him. This was the second time he had seen the study of a prominent family from this era. The study still exuded an air of ancient simplicity and elegance, with bookshelves lining the walls, neatly filled with various books.

It is! Young Master!

When Old Wu entered and announced his arrival, Chen Moran, holding a gift box, turned to look at the shivering and laughing Man Shun, who was rubbing his hands together and breathing into his palms. He then instructed, "This Man Shun is the carriage driver that Chen Moran hired last time he went to Huaro Daosheng. Due to his mobility issues, Chen Moran always hires a carriage for long trips, which is why he rented this carriage.

As Fang raised his head, unlike the previous moment of surprise, Chen Mo Ran felt truly amazed this time. What a beautiful little girl, but she is very young! She looks to be around fourteen or fifteen years old, with a pair of bright, large eyes, a delicate nose, and full lips, all adorning her lovely oval face. However, the lively sparkle in her eyes adds a touch of playfulness to her gentle demeanor.

I am Chen Moran, courtesy name Ranzhi. As my years draw to a close, I have come to pay a visit to the Sun residence

The girl by the door was initially startled upon seeing someone standing in the picture book house, and then gracefully offered a bow.

May I ask how to address you, Miss

With both hands clasped in a fist, he spoke with humility, yet there was a hint of pride in Chen Moran's brow. That time, he truly managed to deceive Sun Jingnan, the talented scholar, by pretending to be a graduate from a certain university in Massachusetts, having lived in Europe and America for over twenty years.

As the years draw near, Mr. Nanping is both a senior figure in the business world and an elder of Ranzhi. It is only fitting, both emotionally and logically, that I pay a visit. I would also appreciate it if Old Wu could convey this message on my behalf

Chen Hanmo, who did not understand the meaning of the words, raised the beautifully packaged gift box in his hand

Chen Moran smiled and took over the conversation for the girl in front of him, saying that "Chen the Cripple" is the term currently used to refer to himself.

May I ask whom you are looking for, sir

The reason for this is, on one hand, to conceal one's origins, and on the other hand, to embellish oneself.

In the early morning, as the wind and snow began to fall, a Western-style carriage slowly made its way along the wide and winding official road leading to the outskirts.

I am undeserving of such praise; it is truly a misjudgment by Mr. Nan Ping.

The girl's words left Chen Moran momentarily stunned, wondering what was going on

Hehe, Chen the Cripple, this must be the nickname that everyone is supporting!

Indeed, you are being overly courteous! Just so happens that today, during your visit, an old friend is also at home, and it is a perfect opportunity to introduce you to each other

The sturdy door opened, revealing an old servant dressed in a long gown. The servant did not exhibit the usual arrogance seen in the servants of wealthy families; instead, he appeared exceedingly humble

Mr. Chen, do not misunderstand!

No wonder my father says you are neither fish nor fowl

On the windowsill, several pots of evergreen flowers are exuding a faint, subtle fragrance. Gazing at those pots of flowers, Chen Moran suddenly feels refreshed; the greenery in winter always uplifts one's spirits. After standing in the study for about half a minute, a girl of around ten years old enters from outside. The purity and the enchanting expression emanating from her sparkling big eyes instantly catch Chen Moran's attention, causing his heart to inexplicably flutter.

The frozen mucus dripped down, and Man Shun quickly nodded. Having interacted with the young master for such a long time, he understood that the young master's words were not mere politeness; they came from a genuine concern for him.

Listen, this newcomer Chen in Shanghai...

The gaze directed at Sun Xiyun by the man before her made her delicate face flush with embarrassment; she had never been looked at by a man in such a manner at her age, especially not with such intensity in his eyes

My father once mentioned you, saying that you grew up in Europe and America since childhood, and that your return to the country this time is driven by the thought of saving the nation through industry

Not seen

Caw caw

Young Master Chen, has the master given instructions? As the year comes to a close, Young Master Chen is still young and has just started in business. Business is not easy, and it is wise to save some money for the use of the factory. Please return the gift.

Ah!