Chapter 10

The weather was growing colder, and it even looked like snow might fall.

I sat in the shop, propping up my chin, pondering what delicious dishes I could make to boost business even further.

Suddenly, someone staggered in through the door.

I looked closely-wasn’t this the scholar who had stayed at my place for a night just a couple of days ago?

How come he didn’t even have his bundle with him?

Before I could say a word, he fainted.

I found a doctor for him and fed him medicine.

I even cleared out a room for his sake.

When he woke up, the first thing he did was thank me: “Miss, you saved my life. Someday I will repay your kindness tenfold, but right now I’m afraid I’m penniless-”

“Put it on credit.”

I interrupted him crisply, placing a tray of food on the only table in the room.

Warm white porridge, steamed perch.

And some freshly pickled side dishes, tender and green.

He was slightly taken aback, then nodded, “Alright.”

Though he said alright, he still sat stiffly, unwilling to pick up his chopsticks.

I thought for a moment-could it be that my tone just now was too harsh?

So I took out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone that Liu’er had just bought for me, and spread them out in front of him.

“How about this? My shop still needs a name. Write one for me, and I’ll have someone carve it later. That way, you won’t have to pay for this meal.”

He frowned slightly, as if he could already see through me.

I lifted my chin and tapped the table, “Only this meal is free. I won’t waive anything else.”

“If you pass the exam, I can even sell your calligraphy for money. Who knows who’ll get the better deal?”

A hint of a smile appeared on his pale face, and he nodded gently, “Alright, whatever Miss says.”

After that meal, I learned his name was Xu Zhao’an.

He learned my name was Lin Li.

I called him Young Master Xu, and he called me Miss Li.

A few days later, Xu Zhao’an finally recovered from his illness.

At this point, he should have been preparing for the exam in the capital, but on the way, he got separated from the other scholars and was robbed by bandits.

When he set out again, I found him an ox cart, which happened to be heading to the capital.

I also gave him five taels of silver.

“Miss Li… I… I can’t accept any more.”

I stared at him without moving, and said seriously, “You are the first bet I’ve ever made in my life, Xu Zhao’an. This time, I’m sure I’ll win! Pay me back when you pass the exam! If you don’t, I’ll go to the capital and file a complaint!”

Xu Zhao’an hesitated for a long time, then suddenly looked up and asked, “What if I don’t pass?”

I waved my hand, urging him to get on the road, “Plenty of people don’t pass. You can try again, or go home.”

“There’s no one in this world with hands and feet who would starve. Pay me back when you’ve earned the money.”