On this good day, Fong momo was explaining how the accounting worked in household management to Hong Chun.

She knew the young lady of the house learned things fast despite her looking airheaded most of the time.

So the old nurse wasn't having any problems at all and was satisfied with their pacing.

Nobody felt that Hong Chun was bored as hell and would do anything to drop all of these.

But if she was to be married, she guessed these basic skills were needed so she wouldn't be looked down upon by the husband's family.

The accounting of the Hong fu was all done by Yi-shi. Without her here, Fong momo had to step in but she took it as her duty to teach their young miss.

It was problematic for the elder that Hong Chun never followed her mother to the stock room of the house.

Instead, she would stay cooped up in her own small courtyard every day or be dragged around town by the miss from Mao family.

So one must know Fong momo's happiness when their young lady was especially obedient today.

Entering the innermost room of the courtyard, the old nurse explained, "This here will be your dowry once you marry. Master spent years adding to Madam's old dowry so we have quite the sum here. A'Chun can walk with your head held high once you move in."

She stopped and looked at Hong Chun.

"A'Chun, this servant witnessed how Master and Madam are so picky about your betrothed. They won't settle for anyone less so rest assured that you will spend your married days comfortably."

Her eyes were getting teary up to here. "...This might not be my place to say it but this servant also knows that if your husband mistreated you one bit, Master will be the first one to recommend divorce. So you... don't be scared of this wedding."

Hong Chun's lips twitched upon hearing the last sentence.

"Momo, I think you're more scared than me. If someone heard you, they'll think that I'm at the losing end of the stick here."

Her tone was airy and there was mirth. A clear sign that she never really took this marriage seriously.

Fong momo sighed. How could they get it in their young miss' head that marriage wasn't a joke?

When they were out in the yard, a servant girl came. "Miss, a young man's outside and looking for someone surnamed Hong. He didn't specify who, though."

The nurse who hadn't quite gotten over her sentiments looked over Hong Chun. The words 'young man' didn't sit well with her.

The momo's blatant stare was starting to irritate Hong Chun. Did she ever come across as a frivolous woman?

But before the miss could talk, the nurse bowed a bit and said. "This servant will go."

The young lady wasn't supposed to meet male guests.

Seeing her so determined, Hong Chun relented. "I'll wait at the main hall."

The old woman was about to complain but she cut her off, "At least one person surnamed Hong should entertain this guest."

She had a point. Fong momo couldn't say no to this so they walked in two opposite directions.

Hong Chun was drinking tea when the person entered the main hall.

She had to stop sipping or else she might choke on it.

The so-called guest was none other than Si Hai who was obviously a bit cleaner than what he looked like yesterday.

"Y-you..."

"This young man claims to know the young miss Hong. Is it true?" Fong momo stared at her with sharp eyes.

Hong Chun's lips twitched for the nth time. It wasn't like she was committing adultery already, right?

"Elder, not once did this one see the young miss' face." Si Hai said while looking down as though proving his point that he still hadn't seen her face.

Hong Chun was thinking about where the young man with brain problems went. He was clearly as normal as he could be. He could even defend himself!

Even so, she glanced at her nurse with a look of absolute innocence.

"This gentleman is among Old Tao's group. We met but I was veiled. Do you know now?"

Upon hearing Old Tao's name, Fong momo visibly relaxed. She knew that Hong Chun liked helping the homeless people near the marketplaces of the capital.

Looking back at the 'dead child,' the miss inquired. "What have you come here for today, brother?"

At this question, Si Hai slowly knelt down. He didn't peek at Hong Chun despite their distance of a few steps.

"This one heard Lady Hong saying that begging in the streets is a lowly thing to do. Especially when we have the strength to earn for ourselves."

Hearing this, Hong Chun suddenly had a bad premonition but she couldn't stop the young man from speaking.

"I came here today, thickening my face, hoping this one can be of service in this residence. All Si Hai asks are food and lodging."

Hong Chun's eyes went wide in a dramatic effect because Fong momo was studying her reaction. But in her mind, she was cursing this blasted mini-villain.

He really went ahead and started dragging her to the plot that was yet to be laid.

The young miss of the house was quiet for a few moments so Si Hai thought she was refusing him.

He was ready to kowtow and beg but the lady's voice stopped her.

"Stand up!" She was somehow annoyed at this development but she couldn't take her heroic words back.

Who told her to be a generous person to those homeless people outside? Her curiosity to see one of her characters backfired against her.

This would probably trigger a death flag.

Her eyes shifted to Fong momo, she asked. "Old Shang needs help, right?"

"Yes, this servant already told this to Master but it was forgotten because they had to go." The old nurse doubtfully answered.

Hong Chun had to stop herself from sighing. "Follow Old Shang for now. Do whatever he tells you. Our family's not that poor. We can still pay for one more person but I'm telling you now to work hard for yourself."

"Yes!" The youth had a wide smile while thanking her.

Only then did he dare to look up to his benefactor.

Si Hai saw a plain lady with no outstanding beauty. But she carried herself in a fashion as though her thoughts were elsewhere.

This brief interaction led him to believe that she was just like any other young miss of an official's family.

When Si Hai was ushered out, Fong momo went near her.

"A' Chun, this one knows I'm also only a servant and this servant dares not question your decisions. But as someone who cares for you and has seen you grow up, I want to ask if it's really alright to let that person stay."

Hong Chun didn't answer her as she took a sip of tea.

"One can help a person in the streets but one cannot simply pick someone up and let him in the house." The old woman added.

Hong Chun only smiled. "That boy is pitiful if we let him be on the streets. With that face of his, people with evil thoughts can't resist him."

Fong momo also understood this. Si Hai had a sweet innocent face that even her heart was moved after knowing he was homeless. But protecting the two children of their family's house was still her first priority so she wasn't swayed one bit.

What confused her was, that normally, Hong Chun would always be reluctant when it came to making decisions for the household. But here was the young miss hiring a stranger and letting him in the house just because she pitied him.

Hong Chun somehow knew what was on Fong momo's mind but she couldn't possibly say her thoughts out loud. She didn't want to be labeled as a maniac and die this early.

The only thing she could do was pretend that everything was normal.

For a few days after that, Fong momo still kept her hawk eyes directed at Si Hai.

She made sure the young man wouldn't be a hundred steps near Hong Chun's courtyard.

This made Hong Chun laugh in secret because her nurse was overreacting.

For the most part, Si Hai spoke less and really helped a lot. The Hong residence's old housekeeper couldn't personally do repairs and complicated things anymore because of his age.

With Si Hai here, Old Shang was just dictating what to do and the young man easily learned them. That way, Old Shang could also take longer rests.

After seeing that Si Hai was a hardworking lad, Fong momo took it easy on him too.

In addition, Hong Ting who didn't like men lingering around his sister seemed to find the graceful youth intelligent. Whenever he could, he'd go home to discuss things with Si Hai even when the latter had work to do.

This meant that Hong Chun only saw the young man when it was time for meals because he was tasked to remind her of mealtimes. At least, these little interactions didn't freak out Fong momo.