Chapter 57: What She Fears Is Ji Tianxin

Although in terms of status, she was above Ji Tianxin, she simply could not bring herself to utter the words “Madam.” Strangely enough, using a humbler form of address felt far more comfortable to her. It was… odd.

Ji Tianxin understood the implication: after Chen’s death, this woman had taken her place. In other words, this woman was now the mistress of the main household.

Ji Tianxin merely glanced at her before withdrawing her gaze. Su Qing caught the hint in Ji Tianxin’s eyes and smiled demurely. “Come in,” she said.

Zhao looked at Ji Tianxin, and seeing that there was no objection, finally stepped over the threshold.

Though Ji Tianxin now appeared harmless, Zhao was still as stiff and cautious as if she were facing a grand occasion. Once inside, she handed over the basket she carried, forcing a smile. “I heard Tianxin likes these little treats, so I had my servants gather the finest sweets and snacks in Jin’an City this morning. I hope you’ll find the flavors pleasing.”

Su Qing couldn’t help thinking that this woman’s smile was more painful than crying. And what was with that trembling hand clutching the basket?

Zhao was terrified. Though the young Buddha seemed unlikely to resort to violence, even a mere wave of her hand could mean death for someone. No matter how much she wished to curry favor, fear always lingered.

Su Qing accepted the basket, gave it a cursory glance, and smiled. “Madam, you are thoughtful. These snacks are exactly what the lady has favored lately.”

Ji Tianxin also looked over the treats. Indeed, these were the very things she had enjoyed recently in Jin’an City, though she only sampled them for the taste. She couldn’t claim to be particularly fond of them, but they were good enough for passing the time and keeping her teeth busy.

A faint curve lifted at the corner of her mouth as she looked at Zhao. “Sit.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, understated yet pleasant to the ear.

Upon hearing this, Zhao managed a weak smile and slowly took her seat. It had been worth the effort of questioning the chef about the young Buddha’s recent preferences; her heart was now at ease. If she could cater to the young Buddha’s tastes, surely nothing would go wrong.

But just as Ji Tianxin raised her hand to adjust her posture—

Zhao, startled, sprang upright as straight as a rod.

Su Qing fell silent.

Ji Tianxin was momentarily taken aback, looking at Zhao’s rigid posture. “Do you… prefer to stand?”

Knowing she was out of line, Zhao forced another smile. “Lately, my back has been bothering me. Standing is more comfortable.”

She would have liked to sit, but given the circumstances, it was best to remain standing.

Zhao felt truly miserable inside; if only she hadn’t come—oh, how regretful she was…

Su Qing frowned. If this woman was so afraid, how did she find the courage to come at all? It was hard to say whether she was more pitiable or annoying.

Since Zhao insisted on standing, Ji Tianxin did not press her to sit. She shifted into a comfortable position and lowered her hand.

“There’s no need for pleasantries. If you have something to ask of me, speak directly.” Ji Tianxin regarded her for a moment before adding, “Whether I agree or not—that remains to be seen.”

Each pause in Ji Tianxin’s words made Chen’s heart leap, especially as her tone grew more ambiguous.

When at last she uttered the words “remains to be seen,” Chen could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

At least she had finished speaking.

There was no need to agonize over whether Ji Tianxin would refuse outright.

To think that someone could speak so slowly and make others feel as if they were awaiting execution—how agonizing.