Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 85.2 Holding onto His Hand

Shen Shaoguang examined Deputy Magistrate Lin's hand intently. Mhm…It was an elegant hand—slender, straight, fair, with uniform fingers and slightly prominent knuckles. She turned it over, noting the brush calluses between his fingers and the marks left from gripping a sword in his palm. She gently traced the textures with her fingertips, feeling the subtle bumps and roughness. Perhaps this is what is meant by tactile quality, she mused.

Lin Yan merely smiled, allowing her to do as she pleases.

Shen Shaoguang glanced up at him, a smile playing on her lips as she intertwined her fingers with his.

Lin Yan returned the gesture, hesitating briefly before extending his other hand. Now, holding both hands, they gazed at each other, smiles playing on their lips.

Their proximity now was even closer than when they had shared the carriage ride back from West Market. The beauty was indeed a beauty. Although his lashes weren't particularly delicate, they were thick and long. The lines at the corners of his eyes were also striking when he smiled, reminiscent of an orchid's first bloom or the gentle ripple of an autumn pond. His skin, while not as flawless as A'Yuan's or her own, was still quite good. His nose was notably high and straight, a feature that was truly enviable. Then there was the light stubble above his lips… 

She met his gaze, noticing the subtle amusement in his eyes. What would he do, she wondered, if she reached out and touched that stubble?

Under her intense gaze, Lin Yan swallowed hard, glanced downward, and licked his lips.

Shen Shaoguang's eyes followed the movement to his lips. Ultimately, she managed to control herself and sighed, “Sir, you are quite handsome.”

Lin Yan lifted his gaze, which had just dropped, and smiled as he asked softly, “Why aren’t you calling me Sir Yan anymore?”

Shen Shaoguang was willing to comply and nodded with a smile, "Sir Yan." Unfortunately, her voice lacked sentiment, resembling the teasing tone she used with Ming Nu.

Lin Yan chuckled, then, thinking it was an opportune moment, asked, "A’Ji, what is your given name?"

Shen Shaoguang paused, released his hands, leaned back on the pillow, and laughed heartily, "Guess!"

Lin Yan laughed and pressed his lips together.

A'Yuan lifted the curtain and entered, saying, "Miss, you're awake. Would you like some water?"

Shen Shaoguang wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I've had enough already."

What's wrong with Miss? A’Yuan looked at Sir Lin.

Sir Lin simply smiled gently in reply. A’Yuan shook her head in resignation and left the room once more.

…

During the days Shen Shaoguang was ill, Lin Yan visited her almost every afternoon. While it was manageable for a day or two, his regular presence made Shen Shaoguang feel somewhat uneasy. “Won’t this interfere with your work?”

Lin Yan smiled. “It’s no trouble at all.”

Shen Shaoguang couldn’t help but think his words carried a touch of ‘Loyal to the Land, Enamored by Beauty,’ and she found herself smiling slightly. What woman is without a hint of vanity?

In their time together, they engaged not only in playful banter but also in earnest and meaningful work.

After Shen Shaoguang’s fever subsided, she felt considerably better. Each day, she busied herself with sorting the accounts and information for the two taverns, compiling the autumn summary, and drafting plans for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Lin Yan occupied himself with the books and official documents he had brought. They sat at the long table in the reception room, each absorbed in their own tasks.

Despite their individual pursuits, their time together was not devoid of interaction.

Lin Yan picked up the paper Shen Shaoguang had completed and examined it closely.

The document began with a series of numbers, detailing various items such as ingredients, cooking methods, cost prices, sales volume, profits, and even customer leftovers—each aspect meticulously recorded and processed. Shen Shaoguang had also included comparative charts, followed by a thorough analysis of these figures and charts. The document concluded with an evaluation of gains and losses, along with well-considered recommendations.

Lin Yan then reviewed the new quarterly planning Shen Shaoguang was preparing, noting its equally meticulous detailing—she had even included a backup plan.

If the year-end summaries from various ministries and departments in the imperial court were as thoroughly structured and clear as this, it would set a high standard… The officials in the capital could certainly learn much from her approach.

Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow and glanced at him.

Lin Yan smiled gently and remarked, “A’Ji, it’s a pity you aren’t an official in the Ministry of Revenue.”

Shen Shaoguang awkwardly smiled and replied, “Actually, I’d prefer the Ministry of Justice or the Imperial Court of Judicial Review…” She laughed after making the statement, almost playing it off.

While Lin Yan couldn’t help but recall the evildoers she had so adeptly analyzed.

A’Yuan brought their afternoon snacks. Shen Shaoguang's side featured extremely bland dishes such as steamed yam cake, steamed lotus root with egg whites, and lily petal and lotus seed soup. In contrast, Lin Yan's side was a veritable feast, with flavorful stir-fried crab, deep-fried crab, and even a glass of osmanthus wine.

A’Yuan just had to add, “We all agree that the stir-fried crab is more flavorful than the fried one. Sir Lin, please give it a try.”

Shen Shaoguang: "…" Do patients have no rights? Didn't Confucius say, 'What one worries about is not the small population but instability, not poverty but uneven distribution'? Aren't you afraid I might retaliate against society?

She picked up a piece of yam cake and took a bite. It was indeed soft and glutinous, with a subtle yam fragrance, quite pleasant in flavor. However, no matter how good something is, eating it daily becomes tiresome. Additionally, Yu San had reduced the sugar to avoid irritating her throat. She glanced at the bland steamed lotus root and soup base, and then looked over at the feast on the other side…

Shen Shaoguang sipped her soup, taking small spoonfuls, all the while keeping her eyes fixed on Lin Yan.

Lin Yan eventually couldn't withstand her stare any longer and laughed, "You really can't eat this."

Shen Shaoguang attempted to negotiate, “Just one piece of stir-fried crab.”

Lin Yan shook his head.

“How about a piece of the fried crab?”

Lin Yan shook his head again.

Shen Shaoguang made a concession, “Just one crab claw. I only want a small taste.”

Lin Yan laughed even more.

Seeing his ‘laughter akin to a blooming flower’, Shen Shaoguang had a sudden realization.

“There is another method for you to give me taste...” Shen Shaoguang's gaze lingered on his lips for a moment, and she gave what she considered a flirting smile, looking every bit like a licentious rogue.

Lin Yan looked at her, uncertain how much longer he could endure.

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The author has something to say: 

Shen Shaoguang, pleased with herself: ‘Caressing Hands’— Achievement Unlocked!

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Food:

Steamed Yam Cake (山药糕) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RJ65ac0WeQ