Wasn't he supposed to be beaten to death? Why did this powerful cousin love him so much?

The eldest son detests such frivolous behavior.

Qin'an inwardly groaned, feeling utterly unlucky to have been saddled with such a hot potato.

He couldn't help but feel a bit cynical. This girl was truly shameless, daring to get close to the young master!

They don't even consider whether they're worthy of it.

Seeing that Jiang Sese was approaching, Qin'an straightened his back, took a step forward, and blocked the courtyard gate with his hand. His tone was stiff, with obvious distance and wariness: "Miss, please wait. May I ask what brings you to Tingsong Courtyard? The eldest young master is not receiving guests at this time."

Qin'an was mentally prepared to be entangled, his eyes filled with vigilance.

It was as if Jiang Sese was some kind of monstrous flood.

But to Qin'an's surprise, Jiang Sese stopped a few steps away from the courtyard gate.

Jiang Sese smiled and said, "Young man, you misunderstand. Sese didn't come to see my cousin, nor would I dare to disturb his peace."

Qin An was taken aback, looking at Jiang Sese with suspicion: "Then Miss Jiang is...?"

Jiang Sese lifted the food box in her hand slightly and said, "Yesterday, Sese was almost punished, but thanks to Miss Qing Shuang's intervention, I was spared from blame. Sese is grateful and, thinking of how hard Miss Qing Shuang works serving my eldest cousin, I personally made some snacks to express my gratitude."

Jiang Sese added, "Sese knows that Tingsong Courtyard has strict rules and dares not enter without permission. Please ask you to give this food box to Miss Qingshuang and tell her that it is a small token of my appreciation, and ask her to accept it and try it."

His words were clear and logical, and his tone was extremely sincere, which was completely unexpected by Qin'an.

Weren't you here to see the eldest son?

Are you here to thank Sister Qing Shuang?

So that's how it is!

A look of surprise and annoyance immediately appeared on Qin'an's face.

This young lady... although her reputation isn't great, she seems to be a grateful person?

Qin'an looked at Jiang Sese, her beautiful face showing no pretense, her eyes filled only with gratitude and a hint of cautious anticipation.

Qin An suddenly felt a burning sensation on his face, as if he had been slapped silently.

Qin'an quickly suppressed all his disrespect, his voice softening unconsciously as he smiled and said, "You're so kind, Miss."

As he spoke, Qin'an quickly stepped forward and respectfully accepted the food box with both hands: "Don't worry, Miss, I will personally deliver this food box to Sister Qing Shuang."

"Thank you for your trouble, young man." Jiang Sese smiled slightly, her smile appearing particularly charming in the twilight.

"No, no, Miss, you're too kind," Qin'an quickly replied.

After Jiang Sese left.

Qin An looked down at the food box in his hand, and then, thinking about his rudeness, felt even more guilty.

When someone came to hand over the food, Qin'an picked up the food box, turned around and entered the courtyard with light steps to find Qing Shuang.

This young lady seems to be... different from what others have said?

……

Qin'an carried the food box and walked briskly to Qing Shuang's house, only to find it empty.

Qin'an thought for a moment and then turned to the front yard.

Under the eaves of the front courtyard, the maid Chaolu saw Qin'an carrying an exquisite food box and immediately came up to him curiously, asking, "Why are you coming this way? What are you carrying? Let me see!"

Qin'an quickly dodged and said, "It was that cousin Jiang Sese who is staying here. She specially made some pastries herself, saying that she wanted to thank Sister Qingshuang for speaking up for her in front of the Second Madam yesterday, and asked me to pass them on."

Qin'an couldn't help but add, "That young lady is very polite and knows her manners. She doesn't seem like the awful person they've made her out to be... Go in and see if Sister Qing Shuang is busy. If she's not, ask her to come out."

Upon hearing that it was for Qing Shuang and made by that cousin herself, Chao Lu couldn't help but smile and say, "Alright, Sister Qing Shuang is serving the young master his meal inside. You wait here, I'll go check on him for you."

As Chaolu spoke, she tiptoed to the door of the main room.

Inside the room, candlelight shone brightly, and Qing Shuang stood at the table.

Another head maid, Shutong, was setting out the dishes.

Chaolu didn't dare to look too closely, but whispered to Qingshuang, "Sister Qingshuang, Qin'an is outside. He said someone sent you something."

Qing Shuang frowned slightly, somewhat surprised.

Who would send her something at this time?

Qing Shuang glanced subconsciously at the person in the main seat.

The person made no response.

Qing Shuang knew this meant tacit approval, and whispered to Chao Lu, "I'll go out now."

Qing Shuang then gave a slight curtsy to the person in the main seat and quietly withdrew from the inner room.

Upon arriving at the front courtyard porch, Qin'an immediately greeted her, handing over the food box and quickly repeating Jiang Sese's words: "...Miss said that she was thanking Sister Qing Shuang for speaking up for her in front of the Second Madam yesterday, and she personally made some pastries to express her gratitude. She also specifically said that she didn't dare to disturb the Eldest Young Master's peace and quiet, and was only giving them to you, Sister."

As Qin'an spoke, recalling Jiang Sese's sincere and grateful expression, he couldn't help but add, "Sister Qing Shuang, you didn't see it, but Miss Jiang's attitude was truly sincere. I think she's quite grateful."

Chaolu, who was standing nearby, also came over and curiously examined the food box: "Did you make this yourself, Miss? What kind of pastries are they? Let's open it and see!"

Qing Shuang's heart stirred slightly. Although Qin An was young, he wasn't without discernment. His words suggested that Jiang Sese's behavior today was indeed somewhat different.

After a moment's hesitation, Qing Shuang gently opened the lid of the food box, under the expectant gazes of Chao Lu and Qin An.

What comes into view are four small, clean white porcelain bowls.

The bowl contained a translucent, amber-like substance that trembled slightly under the light of the lanterns in the corridor, radiating an alluring glow.

Inside the frozen body are many plump pieces of fruit, like scattered gold, which are mango chunks.

A sweet and rich coconut aroma mixed with the unique sweetness of mango gently wafts through the air, carrying a touch of coolness. It is completely different from the smoky and sweet smell that is usually present in the kitchen, and is particularly refreshing and tempting.

"What is this?" Chaolu couldn't help but exclaim, her eyes wide with amazement. "It looks like solidified honey? But it doesn't quite... And this fruit, is it a mango from the south? Putting aside the taste, it's just so beautiful to look at!"

Qing Shuang had never seen a dessert in such a form before.

The frozen fruit trembled slightly, seemingly fragile enough to be broken with a touch. Its color was clear and pure, dotted with golden flesh, making it extremely appealing.

Just as the three of them were gathered around the snack box, marveling at the four bowls of crystal-clear "coconut milk jelly," a delicate hand lifted the curtain of the inner room.

Shu Tong, another head maidservant of Xie Jue, came out and called out, "Qing Shuang."

Upon hearing the sound, Qing Shuang quickly closed the food box lid and turned around to ask, "What's wrong?"