Unexpected Guests

"Oh? Shiyong actually has such thoughts?" Su Li was surprised. Su Shiyong's performance was exceptionally good, beyond her expectations.

Yuan Yu spoke approvingly when mentioning Su Shiyong, "Young Master Shiyong now works at the shop every day. The first thing he does when he returns to the village at night is to report the day's work to the old master. He's currently a junior worker, but he's already spotted some hidden problems in the shop. Though they're minor issues, fixing them will definitely improve business. The old master praises him highly and has great hopes for him."

"Hmm, that's good then." Su Li was also quite relieved. If Su Shiyong made a success working with Fourth Uncle, then Third Uncle's family wouldn't have to worry anymore.

Along the way, Su Li and Yuan Yu kept talking about Su Shiyong's business, while Bailu quietly listened without saying a word.

When they reached their doorstep, since the two families lived next to each other, they happened to see Su Shiyong coming out from Fourth Uncle's house.

"Sister Ali! Steward Xiao Yuan! Sister Bailu!" Su Shiyong smiled as he walked over to greet them.

Su Li smiled warmly at Su Shiyong. Compared to his previous rustic farmer look, he now carried a calm and dignified air, no longer appearing petty as before.

"Shiyong, we were just talking about you, saying you're doing well working with Fourth Uncle," Su Li said with a smile.

Su Shiyong scratched his head, showing a slightly shy smile, and said, "Fourth Uncle gave me the opportunity, so I definitely have to cherish it and not let him down."

"Good, Shiyong has made progress now. Your parents must be very happy," Su Li said with a smile. "You should head home early."

The four parted ways and went home. As she entered, Bailu glanced back at Su Shiyong and said, "Young Master Shiyong has truly transformed. When I first met him, he was timid and withdrawn. Who would have thought he’d change so much today?"

"Yes," Su Li smiled and entered the house, seeing Qingmu. She asked, "Has Master Yuanbao returned yet?"

Qingmu smiled and bowed, saying, "Madam, Master has already returned, and he brought two guests. He said to ask you to come find him as soon as you return."

"Huh? He brought two guests?" Su Li was even more puzzled. Yuanbao, known as the village fool, wouldn't bring guests home. So who were these two guests?

Su Li was murmuring to herself as she headed to the main hall.

Entering the hall, she saw Xiao Zetian chatting and laughing with two plainly dressed elderly men over tea.

"Lord Gu, Master Zhuge!?" Su Li was so shocked to see these two guests that her jaw nearly dropped.

When did Xiao Zetian get involved with these two?

"Miss Su, haha, we've been waiting for you," Elder Gu stood up, exuding a scholarly elegance. Though dressed simply in plain cloth, the aura of a once-powerful minister could not be hidden by his humble robes.

Su Li greeted the two and then sat down beside Xiao Zetian, glancing at him with curiosity.

Xiao Zetian smiled at Su Li proudly, "Ali, these two guests didn't come for me. They came looking for you."

"Huh? For me?" Su Li was extremely surprised. Lord Gu was once a powerful minister, and Master Zhuge was a famous contemporary scholar. Why would they come looking for a village girl like her?

Elder Gu saw Su Li's surprised expression and actually stood up, cupping his hands and bowing to her.

Su Li's jaw nearly dropped. Given Elder Gu's status, even facing a powerful rising minister like Xiao Zetian, he wouldn't normally bow. Why was he bowing to her?

What on earth was going on?