Chapter 561 - Who was it over there just now (1/2)

Chapter 561: Who was it over there just now

“Grandpa.” As Zhang Yichen was right there, Su Qingsang naturally felt incapable of broaching the true subject she wished to discuss. “I don’t suppose I could visit you when you have nothing on?” She asked.

“Yes. Of course, you can,” Old Master Huo said with a smile. “When all of you aren’t around to keep me company, I’ve only the parrot to talk to. You’ve come at the right time, and now I have you to talk to.”

“Grandpa, isn’t Uncle with you now too?”

Su Qingsang was no longer surprised by Zhang Yichen’s presence in the Huo Mansion. Speaking of Zhang Yichen, he seemed to genuinely care about the Old Master. Each time that he arrived in Rong City, he would visit and keep the Old Master company.

After Zhang Yichen had helped her the other time, she told Huo Jinyao to treat him to a meal. They hadn’t met him since he had returned to his army unit, and thus had yet to invite him.

“Yes, Yichen is a good boy.”

Old Master Huo was fond of Zhang Yichen as he was thoughtful – always going over to visit whenever he was in Lin City.

Su Qingsang refrained from comment. Seeing as how, Zhang Yichen was her senior in their family by a whole generation, she could only laugh silently to herself.

Mr. Cheng unexpectedly appeared at the door. He called out, “Old Master, Second Master Huo has called.”

The Second Master Huo Mr. Cheng was referring to could be none other than Huo Yangyuan. Upon hearing that he had called, Old Master Huo glanced over at Su Qingsang. “Chat with your uncle. I’m going to take this call.”

He went off in a hurry, forgetting that Zhang Yichen was about the same age as Huo Jinyao.

Su Qingsang was taken aback for a moment and a little baffled by the suddenness of Old Master Huo’s suggestion.

The parrot who had been making so much noise before fell silent.

She looked over at Zhang Yichen.

Zhang Yichen looked back at her from where he was standing. Su Qingsang felt a little awkward when their eyes met.

“About the other day… thank you.”

She was referring to the incident at the hospital when someone had decided to make trouble. If Zhang Yichen had not appeared in time, and if she and Huo Jinyao had tried to settle the problem themselves, they would probably have gotten the short end of the stick.

“You’re welcome.” Zhang Yichen turned away deliberately, avoiding her gaze. “It was a small matter.”

“It may be a small matter to you, but not to me.”

Su Qingsang smiled, her sincere gratitude apparent in her eyes. “I told Jinyao that I would pick a day to treat you to a meal.”

“You don’t have to. It’s really not a big deal.”

“I insist.” Su Qingsang was not one to ignore her debts. “How long are you staying in Rong City? Just let Jinyao and I treat you to a meal.”

Zhang Yichen finally turned around to look at her. Her eyes clearly held a genuinely grateful look within them. The way she looked at him was no different from the way she would have looked at any elder in her home. He was under no illusions, but it was still difficult to conceal the bitterness deep in his heart.

“I don’t like to eat out.”

The curt reply made Su Qingsang looked at him in puzzlement.

Zhang Yichen tacked on, “The last time I was at your house, your… your housekeeper cooked quite well.”

“Let’s eat at my place then.”

Su Qingsang did not think anything of his request, as Ms. Yu’s cooking was indeed quite good. She tried to think of a time that would be convenient for everyone.

“Uncle, check and let me know if you would be free on any of these next few days. You let me know what dishes you like to eat, and I’ll buy the ingredients.”

Su Qingsang initially wanted to get Ms. Yu to do the grocery shopping. Since she wanted to thank him however, it would be more sincere if she got the groceries herself.

“Thanks for the trouble.”

“How is that trouble? I was the one who troubled you.”

Zhang Yichen looked at her. She seemed as if she wanted to have nothing to do with him, and wished that they’d never known each other. It discomfited him.

To stop looking at her, he turned around towards the parrot.

Surprisingly, the parrot kept its silence. Without thinking too much about what she was doing, Su Qingsang took two steps forward, to stand in front of the parrot.

“Hello, Jade.”

The parrot turned its head away haughtily and completely ignored Su Qingsang.

She felt a little embarrassed. She and the parrot had been at odds with each other before this, and now the bird was cheeking her as Zhang Yichen was watched.

Zhang Yichen glanced over at her, and she moved aside. He stared at the parrot, without needing to say a word.

At first, the parrot stared back at Zhang Yichen, but the moment he lifted his hand, the parrot began to squawk loudly.

“Someone’s going to kill a bird, help. Someone’s going to kill a bird, help.”

Su Qingsang had been waiting for the parrot to talk, but she had not expected it to say something like that. She was totally caught off guard and burst into laughter.

Wasn’t that parrot just too hilarious? Who would kill it here?

She was laughing gaily, her eyes crinkling in amusement. Zhang Yichen standing right next to her, observing her from that angle, thought that her smile was beautiful as his heart leaped.

Looking away, Zhang Yichen pushed down his emotions.

Su Qingsang realized at that moment that she was getting carried away. She turned awkwardly to look at Zhang Yichen.

“I’ve made a fool out of myself, I’m sorry.”

Zhang Yichen said nothing, as he didn’t know what reply he ought to give.

He had not felt uncomfortable meeting Su Qingsang when he hadn’t known her identity. Since the moment he came to know who she was, he had the persistent feeling that he would trouble her, if he spoke too long with her.

So now, his attitude towards her was naturally altered from that of when he first met her.

Since Su Qingsang treated him as an elder, she did not feel as though anything was amiss.

She would be rather more worried if Zhang Yichen continued to behave in the same manner as when they had first met.

She realized that it was inappropriate for Zhang Yichen and her to stand so close to each other like that. Not to mention, what with all the guests around, she probably would not be getting any answers to her questions that day.