Chapter 38: A Basin of Chicken Soup!

Mo Yu quickly freshened up his face before following Lin Zhixiang to the dining hall. Although he felt physically uncomfortable, he did not ask to bathe. He knew that if he had requested it, Lin Zhixiang would not have refused, and he also knew that the family would not begin their meal until he arrived. Thus, despite his discomfort, he did not want to delay them.

"Hello, brother!"

As soon as he stepped into the dining hall, Lin Jiujiu’s cheerful voice greeted him. To his surprise, the little boy was the only one sitting there; the others had not yet arrived.

"Xiao Jiu," Mo Yu chuckled, walking over to sit beside him.

Lin Zhixiang looked startled. "Young Master Mo, please sit over here."

Mo Yu sighed softly and said, "Lord Lin, you are the elder."

Lin Zhixiang paused, finally understanding Mo Yu’s meaning. He opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately, with a heart full of trepidation, he took his place at the head of the table.

"Brother, you look so good!" Lin Jiujiu said, resting his chin on his small hands, looking amazed. He remembered that his brother had looked quite plain just a moment ago, but now he had suddenly become so handsome.

Mo Yu smiled and ruffled Lin Jiujiu’s hair. "Xiao Jiu looks very handsome, too."

Upon hearing this, the little boy’s face lit up with joy; he was clearly delighted by Mo Yu’s compliment.

No sooner had Mo Yu finished speaking than people began to file into the room. Out of courtesy, he stood up with a polite smile.

Lin Zhixiang watched him with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He was genuinely astonished that Mo Yu would go to such lengths; it was something he had never expected.

"Master," "Master," voices called out one after another. These were the servants Mo Yu had seen in the courtyard, along with others he had not yet met. Without exception, every one of them appeared to have some form of disability.

The people who arrived filled two entire tables, and when added to the main table where Mo Yu sat, there were three in total. He couldn't help but feel surprised. Did the master really dine with his servants? It wasn't that he looked down on servants, but he found it unusual; households of high standing, especially government officials, rarely had a precedent for dining with their staff.

"Please, sit," Lin Zhixiang said, gesturing for Mo Yu to be seated once everyone had arrived.

"Second Brother!" No sooner had Mo Yu sat down than Lin Jiujiu’s excited voice rang out.

Mo Yu looked up to see Lin Qiyue approaching, carrying a basin overflowing with chicken soup! A basin—yes, indeed, what Lin Qiyue held was a vessel the size of a washbasin. Mo Yu’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Lin Jiujiu scrambled excitedly to hop off his chair, but Lin Qiyue quickly stopped him. "Xiao Jiu, behave yourself, don't move."

Lin Jiujiu pouted, aggrieved. He just wanted to share his happiness! Though he was annoyed, he dutifully climbed back into his chair and sat down.

"There we go," Lin Qiyue said with a beaming smile, clapping his hands. Looking at the spread of food on the table, he felt a surge of accomplishment. Turning to see Lin Jiujiu pouting, he quickly coaxed him, "I’m sorry, Second Brother was just in a hurry. Don't be angry."

"I suppose I'll forgive you, then," Lin Jiujiu huffed, though he couldn't hide the smile spreading across his face.

Children will be children.

Lin Qiyue asked with a smile, "What are you so happy about?"

Mentioning this, Lin Jiujiu hopped off his chair again, bursting with excitement. "Second Brother, Elder Sister said that if I greeted the new brother, he would give me a gift. He really did! Look!"

As he spoke, Lin Jiujiu proudly presented the one-tael silver coin he had tucked away, holding it out for Lin Qiyue to see.

"Brother?" Lin Qiyue blinked, looking confused.