Shen Yinning and Lu Ying were accustomed to their banter, so she didn't mind his words. She even casually set an extra set of chopsticks and bowl for him.
Cui Ji listened, but his heart felt heavy.
His mother had passed away early, and he grew up eating meals given by various households. In his youth, he lacked understanding of social etiquette and focused solely on studying, unaware that visiting someone's home as a guest required bringing a gift.
Later, he encountered Shen Yinning, who taught him the rules and etiquette of interacting with people, making him appear like someone properly cultivated.
Thus, although his family was poor, every time he visited Elder Yu, he would bring some fruit and pastries.
He glanced at the set of calligraphy tools Lu Ying had brought as a gift.
The exquisite silk box was embroidered with the three small clerical-script characters "藏墨阁" (The Ink Repository).
