The coachman was about to prepare the wooden steps for him when Dongfang Ming leapt from the carriage.

Liu Duo registered mentally, Handsome men could make any action look stunning!

"Madam Ye, I apologize for coming so suddenly," he smiled at her and gave a sincere bow.

Liu Duo smiled back, "That's alright, Mr Dongfang. You've been very polite. There's nothing I can hold against you. Welcome to my humble abode. I hope you don't mind the mess."

Dongfang Ming spotted the dimples that appeared on her face when she smiled, as well as the red beauty mark that complimented her beauty. He thought that, if he had not issued an apologetic bow, she wouldn't have been pleased with him.

"It's marvelous, I have no words," Dongfang Ming followed her inside.

The coachman tied up the carriage and caught up with them. In his hands he carried several gifts.

Dongfang Ming admired the uniquely structured building in front of him. He presumed it had to be Liu Duo's design.

Then he took note of Little Huzi in her arms and asked, "Is this your child?"

"Oh, no. This is Sister Lian's son."

They went into the house, where Liu Duo placed the baby in his cradle before pouring a cup of water for both Dongfang Ming and his coachman.

"Madam Ye, these are our master's gifts from the capital. Please accept them."

The coachman placed the few gifts on the table.

"Thank you. Do take a seat. We don't serve tea in our household, so I hope you don't mind water."

"That's alright."

Dongfang Ming took a sip from his cup.

Liu Duo sat on her rocking chair, thinking, What business does he have coming here?

Since that was what she was thinking, she asked him directly, "Mr. Dongfang, why are you here in the village, visiting my house, when you could be visiting Anping Town with Miss Fang?"

He put his cup down, opened his folding fan, and began fanning himself leisurely.

"It's too hot to do any kind of shopping, and I heard from Miss Fang that you built your house within the bamboo forest. I was curious, so wanted to take a look and have a little stroll."

He knew few people who would build such an elaborate house in a farming village, and no one could say for sure why Liu Duo did what she did.

Er...

Liu Duo didn't really believed what he said. No one would simply drop by for a visit for no reason. Even though their house was built in a bamboo forest, it was still hot and maybe just a little more cooling.

It was then that Ye Ling exited the kitchen.

He knew they had guests when he heard Hei Xiaomeng barking. He thought people had come to sell tomatoes, so he didn't expect to see a handsome figure dressed in white. This man was most definitely not a villager.

"Ling, what are you looking at? Let me introduce you. This is Miss Fang's boss, Dongfang Ming, or Mr. Dongfang," she waved at him and made introductions.

Ye Ling hurried over, while Dongfang Ming turned to meet him.

When Ye Ling saw him, he admitted that Dongfang Ming looked handsome, but he was not as good-looking as his own brothers.

When Dongfang Ming saw him, he thought it was a shame that Ling was a cripple, for he would limp as he walked. On second thought, Dongfang Ming also found him to be quite a pretty thing. How androgynous.

As Ye Ling walked closer, Dongfang Ming stood up and bowed towards him, "My name's Dongfang Ming. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Although he had never been schooled, Ye Ling knew basic manners too. He nodded and said courteously, "Pleasure's mine. Have a seat, Mr. Dongfang. You're our guest. I'm Ye Ling, but you can just call me Ling."