[Yao Manor · Early Morning]
The early morning light filtered through the window lattices, spilling across a desk cluttered with military registers and mess hall ledgers.
Luo Ye sat behind the desk, flipping through a dossier. He casually pushed a stack of documents toward Ling Dang. "Since you're going to be my scribe, start by copying these."
Ling Dang nodded immediately, her expression serious as she picked up the brush.
As ink stained the paper, she carefully wrote the first line. At first, Luo Ye had thought to himself, This kid probably can't even write properly, but when he leaned in to look, he froze.
The strokes were upright and elegant. Though they held a hint of youthful innocence, they were balanced and fluid, possessing a natural grace that was far cleaner and more pleasing to the eye than the handwriting of many military advisors.
Luo Ye couldn't help but arch an eyebrow. "Kid," he blurted out, "you actually have excellent handwriting!"
Ling Dang's hand paused, a sudden warmth surging in her chest. She looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Really? Brother Luo, you're not just teasing me, are you?"
"Teasing you?" Luo Ye huffed, his tone carrying its usual bluntness. "I don't have time for such nonsense. Good work is good work. However..."
He paused, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "It lacks a bit of boldness. It's a bit too... delicate."
The tips of Ling Dang's ears turned red. She lowered her head and whispered under her breath, "Well, a girl's handwriting is supposed to be delicate..."
Though she grumbled, her heart felt as if it had been dipped in honey—sweet enough to bubble over. She focused even harder, her fingers trembling slightly with quiet joy.
Seeing her cautious yet radiant expression after being praised, something stirred in Luo Ye's heart. He feigned indifference and added, "Not bad. Stick with me from now on and keep the records for all the dossiers."
Ling Dang nodded vigorously, her heart fluttering so much it felt ready to take flight.
Just as she finished copying the stack and before she could even catch her breath, Luo Ye snapped his dossier shut and stood up.
"Let's go. Follow me to inspect the mess halls."
"Huh? The mess halls too?" Startled, Ling Dang quickly gathered the documents and trotted after him.
Luo Ye walked ahead with his hands behind his back, his tone matter-of-fact. "Being my scribe isn't just about copying words; it's about accompanying me for field records. The headcount, grain distribution, where we're short on firewood—everything must be noted down."
Running to keep up, Ling Dang nodded hard. "Yes, sir!"
At the first mess hall, the aroma of food was thick. Hundreds of soldiers were lined up, and steam billowed from the large vats. As Luo Ye entered, a manager immediately stepped forward to greet him.
"Is the rice that arrived yesterday sufficient? How many days will the firewood last?"
"Reporting to Lord Luo, the rice will last three days, but we're short on firewood—only half of what we need."
Luo Ye glanced back at Ling Dang. "Record it."
Ling Dang quickly opened her notebook, her brush strokes neat and precise.
The second mess hall was different. The kitchen was bustling, but the stoves were damaged, causing the heat to be uneven. Luo Ye stepped forward, felt the edge of a vat, and frowned.
"If we keep using this vat, it's bound to burst. Switch to the smaller pots for now. I'll send a blacksmith."
Ling Dang noted the details and even took the initiative to draw a simple diagram to mark the location.
Luo Ye caught a glimpse and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? You can draw too?"
Ling Dang whispered, "My father taught me..."
"Hmm, good." His tone was flat, yet it sounded more sincere than when he had praised her handwriting.
After inspecting two mess halls under the scorching sun, beads of sweat had formed on Ling Dang's forehead. Yet, she held onto her notebook tightly, terrified of missing a single entry.
Back at Yao Manor, Luo Ye flipped through her notes. The handwriting was clear, the details complete, and she had even noted the exact firewood deficit and the estimated time for repairs.
He remained silent for a moment, his lips finally curving into a rare smile. "Kid, you've actually got some talent."
Ling Dang's eyes lit up, her heart thumping. She murmured, "As long as I can help you, Brother Luo..."
Luo Ye looked at her, his gaze flickering for a split second before he huffed and closed the book with feigned sternness. "Don't get cocky. You're coming with me again tomorrow."
Ling Dang nodded instantly, her heart sweet as stolen honey.
[Afternoon · En Route to Inspection]
The third mess hall was on the edge of the city, requiring a climb up a short flight of stone steps. With the sun high in the sky, the stones were burning hot. Ling Dang clutched her notebook, following closely behind Luo Ye.
Sweat slid down her temples, and her steps began to falter.
"You doing okay?" Luo Ye asked without turning around, his voice seemingly casual.
"I'm fine! I can do it!" Ling Dang gritted her teeth.
No sooner had the words left her mouth than she stumbled. The notebook nearly slipped from her grasp as her body tilted, headed straight for a fall down the steps.
"Kid!"
Luo Ye spun around instantly, grabbing her arm and pulling her firmly into his chest.
Ling Dang slammed into him, the notebook sandwiched between them with a muffled thud.
She froze. She could hear his sharp, heavy breathing and smell the scent of wood-fire and medicinal herbs clinging to him.
"Idiot!" Luo Ye hissed. His voice betrayed a hint of suppressed panic. "If you're tired, tell me! Why are you trying to act tough?"
Ling Dang looked up blankly, meeting his burning gaze. Her heart felt as if it had been set ablaze, and her cheeks flushed deep red.
"I... I'm just hungry again," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Luo Ye stared at her for a moment before finally letting out a soft chuckle. He released her but took the notebook from her hands to carry it himself.
"If you're hungry or tired, say so. Don't keep it to yourself. I don't have time to play guessing games. How am I supposed to know if you don't speak up?"
Ling Dang lowered her head and gave a tiny "Mm..."
The tips of her ears were red as fire. Because of that brief embrace, her heart was racing, refusing to calm down.
"Let's go. Let's get some food in you first." Though his words were gruff, Luo Ye kept a protective hand behind her back, only pulling it away once she was walking steadily.
Ling Dang gripped the hem of her clothes, her lips curling upward bit by bit.
Being held by Brother Luo like that... wasn't so bad.
[Yao Manor · Late Night]
Moonlight fell silently, and the lights in the manor began to dim.
Yet Ling Dang remained hunched over a small desk, clutching her notebook. By the light of a flickering oil lamp, she meticulously recorded every detail of the day's inspection.
"First mess hall: rice sufficient for three days, firewood less than half..."
"Second mess hall: vat damaged, require blacksmith..."
"Third mess hall: salt shortage, soldiers' meals too bland..."
She read softly as she wrote, adding several diagrams to ensure nothing was missed.
Her fingers were flushed from gripping the brush so tightly, but she didn't complain. Her eyes were full of focus and a dancing light—the tiny pride of finally being able to help Luo Ye.
Suddenly, the door creaked.
Ling Dang jumped, slamming the notebook shut, but it was too late to hide it.
"What are you doing up this late?" a deep voice rang out.
She looked up sharply to find Luo Ye leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. The moonlight hit his brow, lending him a sharp, commanding air.
"I... I..." Ling Dang panicked, unable to find an excuse.
Luo Ye strode over, snatched the notebook, and flipped through it.
He saw the elegant script, the organized thoughts, and even the suggestions for improvement. He froze, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his eyes.
"Kid... you nearly collapsed today, yet you're staying up late to write this?" His tone was stern, but it couldn't mask the stirrings in his heart.
Ling Dang blushed and muttered, "I just wanted to record it so I wouldn't forget tomorrow... I didn't want to cause you trouble, Brother Luo."
Luo Ye stood stunned for a moment, a sudden warmth filling his chest.
He snapped the book shut but didn't scold her. Instead, he reached out and gave her head a gentle rap. "Idiot. You call this 'causing trouble'? This is clearer than anything my official clerks write."
Ling Dang froze, then looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Really?"
Luo Ye's lips twitched into a smirk, though he feigned impatience. "Don't let it go to your head. Go to sleep! We have more inspections tomorrow. If you stay up late and faint from exhaustion, I won't be there to catch you next time."
With that, he turned and stroded out, his back looking stiff and cold.
But Ling Dang touched the spot where he had tapped her forehead, her heart pounding. She couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face.
Brother Luo praised me. And he did it to my face.
The oil lamp flickered. She hugged the notebook tight, her smile as sweet as a hidden treasure.
[The Next Day · Mess Hall]
Ling Dang arrived early, rubbing her sleepy eyes and clutching her notebook, only to be met with a glare from Luo Ye.
"Did you actually sleep last night?" he asked, his voice low and laced with irritation.
Guiltily, Ling Dang tucked her neck in. "Yes..."
Luo Ye snorted but didn't press further, turning toward the mess hall.
A moment later, the head cook brought out a spread of food. Unlike the mass-produced meals the soldiers ate, this table was far more refined.
Ling Dang's eyes widened as she stepped inside. The table was piled high: a large pot of Angelica chicken soup, three plates of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, fried fish, braised tofu, and even a basket of steaming hot buns.
"Huh? Who is all this for?"
The cook scratched his head and pointed toward Luo Ye. "Lord Luo ordered it. He said it was specifically for—"
Before he could finish, Luo Ye shot him a chilling glare. The cook swallowed the rest of his words and beat a hasty retreat.
Realization dawned on Ling Dang. She stared at Luo Ye in disbelief. "Brother Luo! Is this... for me?"
Luo Ye sat down, arms crossed, his tone still gruff. "Aren't you a big eater? You were about to pass out after two steps yesterday. Today, I want to see if you can finish all of this."
Ling Dang's eyes sparkled like stars. She sat down immediately. "Then I won't hold back!"
She took a sip of the chicken soup. The warmth traveled straight to her heart.
"So delicious..."
She began to eat heartily, finishing bowl after bowl of soup and devouring the buns and vegetables.
Luo Ye watched her, arching an eyebrow. Even though his tone was mocking—"Eating like a starving wolf, how embarrassing"—he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes. He even reached out to ladle more soup into her bowl, worried she would choke on the dry food.
"Slow down. I'm not going to pat your back if you choke."
How could she not tell? This entire meal had been specially ordered by Brother Luo, with portions twice the normal size.
Watching her satisfied face, Luo Ye felt a warmth in his chest. He maintained his cold facade. "Finish every bite. Don't waste it. If you leave even a mouthful, you're staying at the manor next time. You won't be following me."
Ling Dang nodded vigorously, her eyes clearer than the soup bowl.
Her heart felt as though it were soaking in that warm chicken soup. Being cared for like this made everything feel incredibly sweet.