To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 28-2: Her Moods

Luo Sheng proceeded to give a salute to Sheng Dalang and the others: "I've also troubled several biaoge." Sheng Dalang returned the salute, saying, "I wish Biaomei a smooth journey."

Sheng Erlang coughed lightly and suggested, "How about I accompany Biaomei? Sanlang is still young, after all—" Sheng Sanlang almost punched him and glared, "No, we agreed that I would be the one to accompany Biaomei!"

Sheng Dataitai and Sheng Ertaitai were taken aback. Today, Sheng Laotaitai, Dalang, and their other sons seemed a bit off. Could they be under some kind of spell?

Luo Sheng glanced at Sheng Jiayu and then at Luo Chen, who stood there quietly. The thirteen-year-old boy resembled a young bamboo—tall, upright, and full of vitality, with the stubbornness typical of his age.

Luo Chen had made up his mind to ignore Luo Sheng, even though he was present to see her off.

Luo Sheng approached him and said softly, "Remember to take your medicine." Luo Chen turned his face away.

"Then I'm leaving." Luo Sheng turned around indifferently.

The original Miss Luo didn't have a deep relationship with her brother, and neither did she. However, Luo Chen was willing to jump into a lake to save his sister so she could treat him like her own younger brother.

Seeing that Luo Sheng was about to leave, Luo Chen couldn't help but shout: "Wait a minute." Luo Sheng looked at him, and the seriousness in the boy's expression was evident. "Don't cause any trouble again, or Father might send you back here." While she may not care about her reputation, he still valued his.

"Understood." Luo Sheng smiled and reached out to ruffle the boy's hair. Luo Chen frowned but didn't evade her touch.

Standing beside Sheng Dataitai, Sheng Jiayu watched as Luo Sheng boarded the carriage with Hongdou. She hesitated to speak several times but ultimately chose to remain silent. After so many disagreements and quarrels, there was nothing left to say between her and Luo Sheng. It was best for her to leave—the Sheng Mansion would return to normal once she was gone.

In the morning light, the carriage passed by the gate of Su Mansion just as Su Yao was about to head out. Sheng Sanlang, riding a horse, greeted Su Yao, "Su Erge, are you going to the academy?" Like Sheng Dalang and Sheng Erlang, Su Yao was also preparing for the upcoming Imperial examination. "Yes, Sheng Sandi, and you?" Su Yao's gaze shifted toward the green-curtained carriage.

Sheng Sanlang smiled and replied, "I'm accompanying my Biaomei back to the Capital."

Su Yao's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, but his attendant behind him displayed surprise. Oh my god, Miss Luo, who had inappropriate thoughts about his master, is going back to the Capital!

"Then I wish Sheng Sandi a smooth journey." Su Yao cupped his hands.

"Thank you for your kind words. Let's share a drink when I return," Sheng Sanlang replied, urging his horse forward to catch up with the carriage, which continued its journey without stopping.

"Thank goodness that Miss Luo is finally leaving," the attendant exclaimed joyfully. Su Yao stared expressionlessly at the departing carriage for a long time before saying lightly, "Don't talk too much." She was only leaving for the Capital, and they would inevitably meet again in the future.

Luo Sheng's departure created ripples in the calm lake, but eventually, the ripples subsided. There were rumors that Sheng Laotaitai was reluctant to let her granddaughter leave and had cried enough to wet two handkerchiefs. However, not many people believed such stories.

After a few days of traveling, Sheng Sanlang's initial anticipation turned to deep disappointment. He had hoped for the good fortune of having his Biaomei prepare all kinds of delicious food to satisfy his appetite, but it never happened!

On this particular day, the carriage stopped by the side of the official road to rest. Sheng Sanlang, drinking bitter tea from a nearby teahouse, couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Biaomei, I've heard that you can cook."

Luo Sheng did not deny it. "I can," she confirmed.

A flattering smile appeared on Sheng Sanlang's face. "Then why don't you showcase your skills?" Observing how comfortably she had been eating simple meals these days, he couldn't help but feel she didn't resemble someone capable of preparing that mouthwatering stir-fried fish dish. Whenever he thinks about that dish, he can't help but salivate.

Luo Sheng turned slightly to look at Sheng Sanlang and replied, "I usually only cook when I'm in a good mood."

Sheng Sanlang's eyes lit up. "How is your mood today?"

Luo Sheng gazed ahead and spoke lightly, "Normally, I'm not in a good mood."