Just as Herta was about to turn and leave, Ruan Mei rose and caught her by the robe in an instant.
Herta froze, her eyes darting away, unable to meet Ruan Mei's clear, frosty gaze.
"Ruan Mei, it's getting late. That research report, and moving the furniture to the new house—perhaps we should discuss them tomorrow. What do you think?"
Ruan Mei curled her lips in a faint smile. Her snowy brows lost some of their cold detachment, gaining a hint of amusement. "Herta, the moon is already high. Would you stay and have tea with me, and sample a few sweets?"
Herta breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She straightened her sleeves and skirt, sitting properly beside her, her eyes betraying a flicker of eager anticipation.
Ruan Mei turned her head with a soft smile, leaned down to brew a cup of tea, and handed it to Herta.
"Thank you."
Herta took the cup carefully with her right hand, tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with her left, took a small sip, then placed it back down with composure. She had all the bearing of a refined Xianzhou noble lady.
"Excellent."
As she spoke, a book titled Essential Etiquette for Xianzhou Noble Ladies fell from under her table.
Herta bent to pick it up, but Ruan Mei got there first. The first page showed tea-drinking etiquette and accompanying phrases.
"Herta, what is this?"
Herta lowered her head, her cheeks uncharacteristically flushed, a trace of panic in her voice. "I... Fu Xuan gave it to me. She said she's disappointed with Qingque's attitude since their marriage."
Ruan Mei sighed softly and closed the book, placing it on the table. "Every household has its own troubles. Why did she give it to you?"
Herta smoothed her skirt, her teeth clenched, still looking down as she answered slowly. "She said that although I am a genius, I am too arrogant in dealing with people and things. I need some etiquette to set boundaries. And that I should read this book. In her words, etiquette cultivates self-discipline, and mutual respect is the most perfect state of marriage. She warned me not to repeat her mistakes."
Ruan Mei said nothing, simply watching the slightly flustered Herta before her. How to describe it? In Xianzhou terms, perhaps "first love." It seems that even a genius like Herta can change little by little. Such change is gradual, not overnight. If the Herta of a month ago could see herself now, she might find it hard to imagine.
Times change, and people do too.
Ruan Mei stepped forward and gently embraced Herta. The warmth and tenderness in her eyes deepened. She lowered her head and whispered in Herta's ear.
"Herta, just be yourself. These tedious etiquettes are but passing clouds and stars for us. Here, try this freshly preserved plum cake."
Herta reached for the plum cake, but Ruan Mei was quicker, bringing it to her lips.
Herta slowly closed her eyes, her joy and surprise evident without words.
This plum cake was the most perfect existence ever.