Page 381 of Doted By The Regent King

"My services come at a high price. If you want me to work for you, tell me, how much silver are you willing to pay to hire me?" Wufu asked with a faint smile.

Ah Jiu’s eyes flickered continuously, as he suddenly recalled the first time they met, when he was badly injured and had implored her for help. She had also clearly stated her price before taking action.

After several encounters, he thought they could, at last, be considered friends, yet she was still talking in terms of silver.

A trace of inexplicable melancholy momentarily flashed through Ah Jiu’s eyes, but he quickly leaned in and asked, "Then, what’s your price?"

Wufu burst into laughter.

"Ninth Master, I’m someone who dislikes constraints and restrictions the most. Even if I agree to work for you, I can’t be bound by them, free to come and go as I please. Would that be acceptable?" Wufu inquired.

Ah Jiu said, "I haven’t asked you to sign a deed of sale," implying his agreement.

Just as Wufu was about to respond, Hongyu hurried over and whispered a few words in her ear. Wufu looked somewhat surprised and instructed, "Have Liu Jin personally take them to the East Wing and offer some refreshments for a proper welcome."

Shopkeeper Lin had unexpectedly come for a visit.

"Ninth Master, may I take my leave and return shortly?" Wufu asked.

"Since you have guests, I’ll leave first." Ah Jiu gazed at her, his eyes deep with emotion, and said, "Wufu, I am someone who protects my own. Your only weakness is your mother. Stay by my side, and I will shield you and your mother, ensuring no one dares to bully you."

His words were lightly spoken, yet Wufu heard confidence in them.

Who exactly was he?

Wufu opened her mouth as if to speak, but then swallowed her words, saying, "Alright. I’ll think about it."

After she saw Ah Jiu out, Wufu went with Hongyu to the East Wing, where Liu Jin was talking with Shopkeeper Lin. Upon seeing her, he immediately stood up and announced, "Our Miss has arrived."

"Shopkeeper Lin, sorry to keep you waiting. We happen to have guests at home today." Wufu stepped forward to greet him and offered a quick explanation with a smile.

Shopkeeper Lin returned the greeting and said, "It’s my lack of timing that’s at fault."

He had just stealthily watched Wufu escort a richly dressed man out, and he was inwardly shocked. This extraordinary woman, she actually knew other nobles?

After reseating themselves according to status, Wufu took the lead and jokingly said, "Surely, Shopkeeper Lin, you haven’t come to rush me for delivery, have you?"

"I wouldn’t dare. I know you’ve just moved here and have many things to deal with," Shopkeeper Lin replied with a smile: "I also have matters to report to my lord, and just took the opportunity to drop by and get acquainted."

With a smile, Wufu ordered Liu Jin, "Go wrap up that Fortune-patterned hairpin on the study’s table, the one wrapped in red silk, and bring it here for Shopkeeper Lin."

"Understood." Liu Jin respectfully withdrew.

"You’re actually quite lucky, Shopkeeper Lin. That hairpin was just finished last night, but I don’t have any more than that."

Hearing that she had crafted another hairpin, Shopkeeper Lin felt pleasantly surprised and stroked his beard, saying, "That is indeed a welcome coincidence."

As they talked, Liu Jin presented the hairpin.

Shopkeeper Lin couldn’t wait to unwrap it and took a look: a Mutton Fat White Jade hairpin lay on the red silk, its quality top-notch, its carving exquisite, and its design meaningful yet elegantly refined.

Under the contrast of the red silk, the Jade Hairpin appeared even more lustrous, bringing joy to the beholder.

Shopkeeper Lin carefully rewrapped it and said, "Coming here today really brought me an unexpected delight. Tomorrow, I will go to seek an audience with my lord. Miss Wufu, would you be willing to accompany me?"

It was time for him to fulfill his promise and introduce her to Wen Congrui.

Wufu certainly would not refuse. After all, she and Madam Zhou would be living here from now on. Having the protection of a parental official was always advantageous, and to decline out of false pride would be foolish.