Chapter 35: That Is the General's Daughter Inside

"Really? Why do I get the feeling that my little fool is lying to me? Tsk tsk, such a little fool indeed, you can't even lie properly." He offered this reminder with a mixture of seriousness and playfulness; he truly disliked it when the little one lied to him, even about the most trivial matters.

Lingwei simply closed her eyes and leaned motionless against the youth's warm chest. If she couldn't outtalk him, couldn't she at least hide from him?

In less than a quarter of an hour, the innkeeper nervously carried an exquisite jade platter into the private room and cautiously instructed the three attendants following him: "My lord, please move to another table."

The room was in shambles, littered with wood splinters and broken bowls. The innkeeper stole a cautious glance at the masked Xuanyuan Hongyu. Seeing him sitting still, he signaled the attendants to clear the mess quickly and brought in a new mahogany round table from outside.

"My lord, this is the specialty of our establishment—spicy fish. Please, enjoy." Cold sweat beaded on the innkeeper's forehead. This was the best dish in the house, and he was terrified that this fearsome character would be dissatisfied and finish him off on the spot.

Lingwei picked up her chopsticks, plucked a small piece of the bright red fish, blew on it, popped it into her small mouth, and chewed, revealing a truly adorable smile.

The murderous aura on Xuanyuan Hongyu’s face softened slightly. The innkeeper looked at the little one with gratitude; if not for the little miss, he would have... he didn't even want to think about it.

Watching the little thing eat with such delight, Xuanyuan Hongyu reached out and picked up a small piece himself. Hmm, it was passable—barely edible. Looking at Lingwei, who was enjoying herself so much, he felt a pang of pity. The poor little fool had never tasted any truly exquisite delicacies.

"What else is there?" Xuanyuan Hongyu looked at the half-empty jade platter and glanced at the innkeeper with displeasure. What poor service, to stand there after serving only one dish—was he waiting to die?

The innkeeper shrank his neck, not daring to speak, and stepped out. Once outside, he sprinted away. Panting, he returned with another exquisite jade platter and set it down.

Receiving another sharp look from the formidable lord, he dared not linger for a second and dashed back to the kitchen. After running back and forth several times, he was drenched in sweat.

The little one rubbed her belly with a grin and let out a hiccup. "Mm, *hic*, I'm full, *hic, hic, hic, hic*."

"Little pig, are you stuffed? Innkeeper, bring a cup of tea at once!" the youth ordered with displeasure. This innkeeper was truly incompetent.

The innkeeper didn't even have time to wipe his sweat; he bolted away again. Though he moved with incredible speed, not a single drop of tea spilled from the cup he carried back. He presented it respectfully to the youth.

The youth took the teacup, blew on it gently to cool it down, and held it out to the little thing, who was still hiccuping happily. "Be good, open your mouth."

The little thing turned her head away haughtily, let out a huff—*hic*—and covered her mouth, refusing to speak.

"Be good, open your mouth. Once you drink this, the hiccups will stop," Xuanyuan Hongyu coaxed patiently.

"No, *hic*, take it away, *hic*." Lingwei waved her hand in annoyance, striking the scalding teacup directly.

As the tea was about to splash onto the little thing, the youth reacted with lightning speed, batting the hot liquid away and shouting, "Zhantai Lingwei! What do you think you're doing?"

"I, *hic*, I didn't mean to," the little thing apologized, looking embarrassed.

"You fool! So reckless—when will you ever learn to be sensible?" The youth could not stand the sight of her aggrieved little expression; instead of his anger fading, it only grew.

"I'm sorry. *Hic*, you, *hic*..." Stung by the youth's fierce glare, the little thing quickly lowered her head to admit her fault.

Just as Xuanyuan Hongyu was about to scold her further, an androgynous voice drifted in from outside the door: "Is Zhantai Lingwei, the young lady of the General's manor, inside?"