Friends 04

Lin Chengze was in a rather pitiable state. Having missed his first stroke of luck, he was exhausted, starving, and suffering from excruciating back pain. He wandered around, desperate to find work to sustain himself, but people took one look at his wretched appearance and shook their heads in refusal. Fortunately, fate still smiled upon him—an elderly woman, moved by his plight, took him in for the night and even mended his torn clothes.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lin Chengze swore an oath to repay the old woman someday.

As if his connection with the Liu family wasn’t entirely severed, the next day, the kind-hearted woman, pleased by his charm, offered to introduce him to a menial job. Lin Chengze didn’t refuse, especially when he learned the position was at the Liu residence. He was stunned.

However, unlike before, he entered the Liu household this time as a lowly servant, assigned to menial tasks from the start. He had almost no chance to interact with Vice Minister Liu, his wife, or their daughter, Liu Ning. Yet Lin Chengze remained undeterred—this was his first step toward establishing himself.

With his silver tongue, Lin Chengze gradually won over the other servants, and his reputation began to rise. One day, Liu Ning overheard her maids gossiping about the new servant and grew curious. She stole a few glances at him and was pleasantly surprised. Cleaned up, Lin Chengze was strikingly handsome—almost like a refined scholar, if not for his servant’s attire.

That day, she didn’t lift the curtain to greet him, so their paths didn’t officially cross.

During a family banquet, Lin Chengze was finally permitted to assist in the inner courtyard. There, he caught sight of Vice Minister Liu, his wife, and their daughter, Liu Ning. The moment he saw Liu Ning, his heart raced—she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Liu Ning noticed him too, and when their eyes met, she lowered her gaze shyly.

Lin Chengze’s ambition flared. If he wanted to rise above his station, winning over the young mistress was the key.

Soon, the guests arrived—mostly Vice Minister Liu’s colleagues. But it seemed they were still waiting for someone, until the gatekeeper bellowed, "Censor Sha has arrived!"

Everyone rose to greet the elderly statesman. Though retired, Censor Sha was a revered figure who had served three dynasties. Though his official rank wasn’t high, many owed him guidance and favors, so he commanded deep respect.

Lin Chengze stood to the side, waiting attentively while plotting his next move. But when he glanced up, he saw someone he never expected.

Fang Zhiyi!

Dressed neatly—though not extravagantly—Fang Zhiyi looked every bit the learned scholar, a far cry from Lin Chengze’s current state.

Lin Chengze was shocked but knew he couldn’t speak up. He could only hope Fang Zhiyi would recognize him. Judging by the scene, Fang Zhiyi must be accompanying the old man. If he could put in a good word for him, things would move much faster!

Lin Chengze’s mind buzzed with possibilities.

Yet, even as the banquet began, Fang Zhiyi didn’t spare him a glance.

"Master Sha, who is this young man?" Vice Minister Liu inquired.

"Ah, this is the very person I wished to introduce to you all today," Censor Sha replied with a chuckle.

"Oh?"

"We’ve long heard Master Sha speak of a great talent he wished to present to us. Surely it can’t be… this youth?"

"Master Sha, you must be jesting."

But Censor Sha’s solemn expression silenced them—he was not a man who joked.

Lin Chengze was equally dumbfounded. A great talent? That fool?

Without hesitation, Fang Zhiyi dipped his finger in water and wrote a few strokes on the table. The curious guests crowded around, then gasped in awe.

"A prodigy! Truly a prodigy!"

"This old man has failed to recognize true greatness!"

Lin Chengze, standing too far to see, fidgeted like a monkey with an itchy backside. His restless movements caught the steward’s eye, who promptly smacked him. "Stand still! Have you no sense?"

Glaring at the steward’s retreating figure, Lin Chengze clenched his teeth. Just you wait!

As the guests exchanged pleasantries, drank, and feasted, they even raised their cups to Fang Zhiyi.

Growing desperate, Lin Chengze coughed loudly.

"Cough."

No one paid him any mind.

"Cough! Cough!"

A nearby maid turned to look.

Noticing Liu Ning also observing Fang Zhiyi, Lin Chengze panicked. Fang Zhiyi, look at me! Look at me!

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

This time, everyone turned. Lin Chengze’s face flushed red from the effort.

"Vice Minister Liu, I’ve heard rumors of a contagious illness called lung cough spreading lately. Could it be…?" Fang Zhiyi covered his nose and mouth.

At his words, the guests recoiled from Lin Chengze.

Lin Chengze froze. Had Fang Zhiyi recognized him or not?

"Guards! Remove him at once! Do not disturb our guests!" Vice Minister Liu, humiliated, shot Lin Chengze a glare.

As the steward dragged him away, Lin Chengze cried out, "Ah-Yi! Fang Zhiyi!"

Fang Zhiyi squinted in confusion.

"It’s me! Ah-Ze!"

Vice Minister Liu hesitated. "Young Master Zhiyi, do you… know this man?"

Fang Zhiyi slapped his thigh as if just noticing him. "Ah, yes! We’re from the same village."

The guests exchanged knowing glances. Lin Chengze shook off the steward’s grip and smirked. With Fang Zhiyi’s status, his own standing would surely rise.

"I’ve been looking for him. When we first arrived in the capital, he dragged me to dine without paying, then slipped away while I was relieving myself. The vendor chased me instead—quite the ordeal. Ah, what a shameful memory."

Lin Chengze gaped. Was he really airing this in front of nobles?

Censor Sha stroked his beard, amused. "What I admire about this young man is his honesty. Let me clarify—though he was penniless at the time, he never forgot this debt. I personally accompanied him to repay the vendor and compensate the injured party." He cast a disdainful glance at Lin Chengze. "Such integrity is rare. Pity he shares a hometown with this sort."

The guests’ expressions turned icy, including Liu Ning’s. Now she recognized him—the man who had once stopped her carriage!

"You—I—" Lin Chengze, usually quick with words, found himself speechless. Fang Zhiyi hadn’t lied, yet something felt off.

"My household has no place for such scoundrels! Throw him out!" Vice Minister Liu slammed the table, then hesitated. "Unless… Young Master Zhiyi has other thoughts?"

Fang Zhiyi feigned reluctance. "Ah, well… he is my fellow villager, after all…"

Taking the hint, Vice Minister Liu relented. "For your sake, he may stay—but only to chop wood in the back courtyard!"

Lin Chengze was hauled away, the steward delivering a final kick. "Think I didn’t see you glaring? Serves you right!"

Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyi effortlessly charmed the so-called elites, his wit leaving them in awe. It was a masterclass in social maneuvering.