Zinara only had a vague impression from that story. She just knew this world had more men than women, like wolves fighting over scarce meat. But she didn't understand the finer details of how things worked here.
For example, in this world, women were rare. Most were considered beautiful as long as they looked decent. Maybe due to natural selection, in order to win a woman's favor and get married, most men in this world were actually more handsome and striking in appearance.
Zinara's beauty was refined and extraordinary. Coupled with her youthful innocence, she didn't look like a delicate girl wandering the streets. People would instinctively assume she was just a thin, underdeveloped boy.
Zinara stayed silent for a moment, then quickly put on her boots and got out of bed. She ran her fingers through her hair to tidy it up.
After making sure her appearance was okay, she cleared her throat and deliberately used a boyish tone to call toward the door, "Come in."
The person outside had been waiting quietly without interrupting. Their calm and respectful demeanor was clear. Only after hearing the youth's voice did they slowly push the door open.
An elderly man entered, clearly past middle age. His long hair was tied up neatly, not a single strand out of place. His dark silk robe was plain but elegant, the wide sleeves adding to his calm and composed appearance. The fabric patterns were simple, but the fine craftsmanship was obvious. The clothes kept him warm and matched his refined air. Compared to Grandpa Hu, who gave her steamed buns last night, this man seemed like someone from a completely different world.
It really showed how wide the gap was between noble families and common folk in ancient times.
But she had no idea who he was.
Zinara thought she was secretly observing him. What she didn't realize was that her pure and clear eyes made it impossible to hide any thoughts from the old man.
He placed a tray on the table in the outer room. On the tray was a bowl of thick vegetable porridge, a small plate of delicate buns, and a dish of fancy treats she couldn't name.
After a night full of fear and uncertainty, Zinara was starving. The smell of the food drifted over, filling her nose with its warm fragrance. It made her want to forget her manners and run over to eat it all in a hurry.
Her stomach growled loudly.
She was still trying to control herself, but her stomach wasn't so polite. It made noise the moment it was hungry.
After setting things down, the old man turned and looked at her.
His beard was white but neatly trimmed. His face no longer showed signs of his youthful days, but his bright and sharp eyes were full of experience and wisdom. With just one glance, he could read a person clearly.
When he wasn't smiling, his presence was stern and commanding. Just a look from him could make someone feel nervous.
Growl
A louder stomach sound broke the silence in the room and shattered the serious atmosphere.
Zinara covered her belly, her face turning bright red. Her round eyes widened, making her look even more adorable, like a steaming bun fresh out of the pot.
Embarrassed, she lowered her head. That one silly strand of hair on top of her head twitched with her mood.
"Sorry, please don't be offended, sir!"
The breakfast just smelled too good
Seeing the youth like this, the old man couldn't keep up his serious act anymore. He had come to test and maybe intimidate her, but now it was clear that wouldn't work. One look at this kid and it was obvious she was timid.
The pressure in his gaze faded, and his face returned to its usual kind expression.
The old man spoke, "No need to panic, young master."
Zinara's stomach: growl
Old man: "I'm just a servant here. Everyone calls me Old Lin. I came to check on you."
Zinara's stomach: growl growl
Old Lin: "…to see if you're awake."
Zinara's stomach: growl growl growl
Old Lin said, "…I've also prepared some breakfast. I wonder if young master would like"
Zinara's stomach: grumble grumble grumble grumble
Old Lin: "…not?"
Zinara's stomach: grumble?
It was obvious Zinara was very hungry. Her conversation with Old Lin felt like a duet with her stomach as the rhythm.
Old Lin was a proper old-fashioned man, serious and respectable.
No one had ever doubted that.
He'd been dignified and stern for most of his life and had never been teased like this before.
Zinara was usually a quiet girl, but her stomach had never shown mercy to anyone.
She blushed and softly said, "Sorry."
Zinara's stomach: grumble
The two sounds rang out together, like mockery, showing no respect at all.
Old Lin: "…"
He quietly looked her over from head to toe, taking in her nervous and slightly awkward posture. He had already formed a judgment in his mind.
She seemed like a pure-hearted child. He'd lived a long life. Other than lacking experience with women, he'd seen all kinds of people and had never misjudged one.
So he showed the humility of a butler and politely said, "Why don't you have some breakfast first, young master?"
After he spoke, he stepped aside and made a gesture with his right hand, inviting her forward.
Hearing that she could eat, Zinara lit up like a wilted cabbage brought back to life. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Old Lin, as if the words you are a good man were written all over her forehead.
Old Lin: "…"
This child really had no hidden thoughts.
To Zinara, although Old Lin looked a bit stern, he was definitely a good person.
He took her in when she was wandering the streets, gave her a bed and a blanket so she wouldn't freeze, prepared breakfast so she wouldn't go hungry, and even forgave her loud and rude behavior earlier. If they could return home, her mom and brother would probably bring a banner to thank him.
Zinara ate her breakfast while Old Lin stood quietly by her side.
He didn't speak while she ate. For Old Lin, staying silent and attending without disturbing the guest during meals was part of proper conduct as a butler.
Zinara swallowed a mouthful of porridge and glanced sideways at the person standing behind her. He behaved properly, nothing wrong with him at all.
But Zinara was just an ordinary person. This was way too much pressure.
Old Lin noticed her glance and asked, "Does the meal suit your taste?"
Zinara nodded obediently, then asked, "Old Lin, would you like to sit down and talk with me?"
Her tone and eyes were equally sincere. Faced with such a clear gaze, Old Lin paused before politely refusing, "Young master doesn't need to mind me. If I'm bothering you, I can wait outside."
Zinara quickly replied, "No no no, just stand here if you like." Then she muttered quietly, "It's freezing cold out there."
What she didn't know was that although the old man was over fifty, he had trained in martial arts when he was younger. His body was even tougher than hers, not some average old man.
Old Lin watched the young one's puffed-up cheeks as she ate. His sharp gaze unknowingly softened with kindness.