Hanni only knew from the vague memory of that story that in this world there were more men than women, like wolves hunting scarce meat, but she did not understand some of the small details of this world.
For example, because women were rare, most were considered beauties just by having a gentle appearance. Maybe it was survival of the fittest. To win the favor of a beauty and get married, most men in this world looked even more handsome and charming.
Hanni's looks were extraordinary and unique. Plus, the slight innocence of a teenage girl hid her true appearance. People were more likely to think this thin, still-growing child on the street was just a skinny boy in puberty, not a delicate girl.
Hanni was silent for a moment, then quickly put on her boots and got out of bed. She fixed her hair with her hands.
After making sure she looked okay, she cleared her throat and deliberately made her voice sound like a young boy's. She called toward the door, "Please come in."
The person outside waited quietly, making no sound, showing proper manners. Only after hearing the boy's voice did they slowly open the door.
The person who came in was an old man in his fifties. His long hair was tied high and neat, dressed in a dark, simple but well-made silk robe. The sleeves were wide. The patterns on his clothes were not complicated, but you could tell it was fine work. The clothes kept him warm and also showed dignity, fitting for a master's servant. Compared to the old man who gave her steamed buns last night, this was like heaven and earth.
It showed the big difference between noble families and commoners in the ancient world.
But Hanni didn't know his exact status.
Hanni thought she was secretly watching him, but with no life experience, her clear, bright eyes couldn't hide any thoughts in front of the old man.
The old man put a tray on the table outside the room. On the tray was a bowl of thick vegetable porridge, a plate of small, delicate steamed buns, and another plate of exquisite snacks she didn't know the name of.
After being scared and worried all night, Hanni was very hungry. The food's aroma floated over, making her want to run over and eat without manners.
Her stomach growled loudly.
She tried to control herself, but her stomach had no brains and kept making noise.
The old man looked over after setting the food down.
His beard was gray but tidy. His face no longer showed his youthful charm, only sharp eyes full of wisdom. Years had taught him how to see through people.
When the old man did not smile, he looked serious and dignified. Just one look could make people feel embarrassed.
Growl—
A louder stomach growl suddenly broke the quiet, serious atmosphere.
Hanni covered her stomach and her face flushed red. Her big round eyes looked even cuter, like a basket of freshly steamed buns still steaming.
Feeling embarrassed, she lowered her head. The little tuft of hair on top of her head stood up with her mood.
"Sorry, please don't mind, sir."
The breakfast smelled too tempting.
The boy's look made the old man lose his sternness. He had come to test and scare the boy a little, but now it seemed impossible. This child was clearly timid.
The pressure in his eyes faded. He returned to his usual kind expression.
The old man said, "Little young master, no need to be afraid."
Hanni's stomach: grumble—
The old man said, "I am just a servant in the mansion. Everyone calls me Old Lin. I came to see the young master."
Hanni's stomach: grumble grumble—
Old Lin said, "Are you awake yet?"
Hanni's stomach: grumble grumble grumble—
Old Lin said, "I also prepared some breakfast. I wonder if the young master likes it."
Hanni's stomach: grumble grumble grumble—
Old Lin: …No?
Hanni's stomach: grumble?
You could tell Hanni's stomach was really hungry. The conversation with Old Lin sounded like background music.
Old Lin was a classical old man, serious and proper.
No one ever doubted that.
He had been serious and solemn most of his life and had never been made fun of like this before.
Hanni was usually a quiet girl, but her stomach never gave anyone any respect.
Hanni blushed and softly said, "Sorry."
Hanni's stomach: grumble—
Both sounds came out at the same time, almost mocking her, giving no respect at all.
Old Lin: …
Old Lin secretly looked Hanni up and down, noticing her nervous but polite posture. He already had an idea in his mind.
She looked like a simple-minded child. He had lived most of his life meeting all kinds of people, except he saw fewer women, but he never misjudged anyone.
He then showed the humility of a butler and politely said, "Why not have breakfast first, young master?"
After speaking, he stepped aside and made a gesture with his right hand to invite her.
Hanni, hearing she could eat now, came back to life like a wilted little cabbage. Her eyes were bright and shiny as she looked at Old Lin, as if she wanted to write "You are a good person" on her forehead.
Old Lin: …
This kid really had no tricks.
To Hanni, even though Old Lin looked a bit serious, he was just a good person.
He took her in when she was homeless, gave her a bed and blanket so she wouldn't be cold outside, prepared breakfast so she wouldn't be hungry, and forgave her earlier rude stomach noises. If she could go back, her mother and brother would bring a banner to thank him.
Hanni ate breakfast while Old Lin stood quietly nearby.
No talking while eating. To Old Lin, serving quietly during a guest's meal was what a butler should do.
Hanni swallowed a mouthful of porridge and glanced at the person standing behind her. Her behavior was proper and nothing was wrong.
But for Hanni, an ordinary person, this was really stressful.
Old Lin noticed her glance and asked, "Is the meal tasty?"
Hanni obediently nodded and then asked, "Old Lin, why don't you sit down and talk with me?"
Her tone and eyes were sincere. Facing such clear eyes, Old Lin was a little stunned and gently refused, "Young master, you don't need to mind me. If I disturb you, I can go wait outside."
Hanni quickly said, "No no no, if you want to stand, please stand here." Then she quietly mumbled, "It's so cold outside. It must be freezing."
What Hanni didn't know was that although Old Lin was over fifty, he practiced martial arts when he was young. His body was stronger than hers, not an ordinary old man.
Old Lin watched the boyish cheeks of Hanni as she ate with puffed cheeks. His sharp eyes softened with a kindness he didn't even realize himself.