Finest Servant

Chapter 44 A Woman and a Dog (Part 1)

Lady Xiao's smile bloomed like a flower as she kindly visited each newly appointed servant, inquiring about their well-being. Lady Xiao was truly experienced in the business world, and although her actions were merely a show, they produced a positive effect. A few emotional servants were already brimming with tears, considering Lady Xiao as their rebirth parents.

Lin Wanrong's stomach had been hungry for a while, and he couldn't wait for Lady Xiao's arrival. He hurriedly grabbed a few bites of food and stuffed them into his mouth. When Lady Xiao arrived in front of him, he swallowed a mouthful of hot food and continued to chew vigorously.

"Milady, this is Lin San," Chief Steward Wang introduced Lin Wanrong to Lady Xiao.

Lady Xiao glanced at Lin San. He had a pleasing appearance, an easy-going personality, and a very approachable demeanor. She smiled and said to Lin Wanrong, "So, you're the contractual employee, Lin San?"

Lin Wanrong stood up and replied, "Yes, milady, I am Lin San." He naturally extended his hand, intending to shake hands with Lady Xiao. In his world, shaking hands with someone was a basic courtesy.

Lady Xiao's expression changed, and she said coldly, "What are you doing?"

It was an old saying that men and women should not have physical contact. Lady Xiao was a virtuous widow who held herself in high regard and took etiquette very seriously. People often said that there were many troubles in front of a widow's door, but Lady Xiao had been a widow for many years and had never been involved in any gossip or rumors, which spoke to her chastity. Therefore, when she saw Lin Wanrong reaching out his hand, she couldn't help but become angry.

Lin Wanrong realized he had made a serious mistake, but he was quick-witted. In an instant, he came up with a plan, and without retracting his hand, he boldly said, "To shake hands with milady."

"Shake hands?" Lady Xiao frowned, not expecting this young man to be so outspoken.

"Yes, in my hometown, when two people meet for the first time, shaking hands is the most basic courtesy," Lin Wanrong said with simple sincerity, a harmless smile on his face. His attractive appearance made it easy for others to trust him.

"How dare you!" Chief Steward Wang and Deputy Steward Pang shouted in unison, angered by this insolent youngster's attempt to take advantage of Lady Xiao.

"It's fine," Lady Xiao said with a smile, stopping the two stewards from scolding Lin Wanrong. Before Miss Xiao took over the Xiao family, it had always been Lady Xiao who managed the family business. Being able to keep the family affairs in good order, she was no ordinary woman. To be precise, she was a strong woman who was well-acquainted with various types of men and their gazes in order to protect herself. She was confident in her own judgment, and the servant's gaze was natural without any hint of disrespect. It seemed that she had misunderstood him.

Lin Wanrong had only wanted to shake her hand, so his gaze was quite normal. As for disrespect, even if he had the intention, it wouldn't show.

Lin Wanrong was also sizing up Lady Xiao. Upon closer inspection, she was still an extremely remarkable woman with a fair, jade-like complexion and beautiful, captivating eyes. There was not a single wrinkle at the corners of her eyes, though her brows were occasionally furrowed, revealing some hidden worries.

This was a true strong woman, Lin Wanrong thought. She was no less impressive than the various strong women he had met during his time as a marketing manager and even more beautiful.

"Where is your hometown?" Lady Xiao asked, showing some interest in this contractual employee. After all, she had never heard of contractual employees before, but the idea was quite innovative and creative. She was curious about the servant who could propose such a concept.

"My hometown? It's very far away, so far that milady might not know of it," Lin Wanrong said, a hint of desolation flashing in his eyes. He was now like a rootless duckweed, drifting wherever the wind took him.

Seeing that he was unwilling to elaborate, Lady Xiao didn't press him. Since he had signed a one-year work contract with the Xiao family, he could be let go at any time, despite being a servant.

Am I actually worried that a servant will abandon the Xiao family? Lady Xiao couldn't help but find her own baseless concern amusing. However, the Xiao family needed to retain any talent they found, a lesson learned from Lady Xiao's years of struggle in the business world.

Lady Xiao gave Lin Wanrong a friendly smile and turned away, not intending to shake his hand. No matter the customs of his hometown, when here, one had to adapt. If word got out that she shook hands with him, her reputation as a virtuous widow would be completely ruined, especially since he was a lowly servant.

Lady Xiao ascended the stage and delivered an enthusiastic speech to the newly appointed servants. She welcomed their arrival and encouraged them to be loyal, love their posts, and contribute to the Xiao family with their best efforts.

Later, Lin Wanrong saw a scene that was vaguely familiar - a representative speech by the new recruits. Seeing this segment, he couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. He had attended countless opening ceremonies and inaugurations, and every time there was this cliché. He never thought that it would also be present in this world.

The person who went up to represent the new servants in the speech was none other than the bookish Xiao Feng, which made Lin Wanrong almost choke with laughter.

Xiao Feng nervously walked onto the stage, took out a piece of paper with his pre-written speech from his pocket, and began to read while his hands trembled: "Work hard, make progress every day, love our great nation, love the Xiao family."

Lin Wanrong spat out all of his food, attracting the angry glares of many devout servants around him.

Returning to his small courtyard in the garden and tidying up his luggage, Lin Wanrong didn't see Uncle Fu. At this time, the old man should be taking a nap - that's what most elderly people do.

Just as he was about to lie down on the bed, he suddenly heard a lively chatter from the courtyard.

"Ah, this peony flower is so beautiful, it suits me so well."

"I think that foxtail grass would be more fitting for you."

"I've inquired clearly, the new servant assigned today is under Uncle Fu's supervision."

"Yes, yes, I came to see him. I heard he's tall, with big eyes and healthy skin, full of masculinity—"

"Please, just look at yourselves. Let me tell you, I heard that this new servant is quite impressive, not even buying the account of Chief Steward Wang—"

"He may not buy Chief Steward Wang's account, but if I were his steward, he would have to buy my account, right?"

"Tsk—"

"Enough talking, let's pick flowers first, then pick the handsome guy, yay—"

Lin Wanrong tightly covered his mouth. It was as if he had entered the cave of a mythical creature, encountering a group of enchantresses.

He walked out of his room and saw more than a dozen maids in the courtyard, all young and lovely. Although they couldn't be considered beautiful, their youthfulness was captivating. They were busy among the flowers, constantly picking blossoms.