Bai Youan's expression flickered with hesitation, but it was quickly replaced by a smile.
"Where would I usually go? I'd just be at the clinic."
But hearing this answer, Song Qingchao felt a chill.
"Really?"
She looked up into Bai Youan's eyes, which were as placid as ever.
Song Qingchao's gaze made Bai Youan panic slightly.
But after a moment's thought, considering that Song Qingchao hadn't gone anywhere and the items she brought today, his panicked heart settled.
However, just as he was about to utter the word "indeed," Song Qingchao interrupted him.
"Mr. Bai, have you received the letter my people sent?"
"Naturally." Bai Youan stayed close to Song Qingchao, "Please stand up, I came today precisely for this matter."
Song Qingchao stood up with Bai Youan's help.
She stumbled slightly and fell into Bai Youan's arms.
Bai Youan's accommodating embrace made her feel a little uneasy.
Ever since she saw Bai Youan go to Shuiyun Jian, although she trusted him, she couldn't help but have reservations.
Bai Youan's absence for a few days seemed to solidify this suspicion.
She had wanted to ask just now, but she thought, "A man's mouth is a deceptive ghost."
Another idea sprouted in her mind.
She needed to see the specifics for herself.
So she steered the conversation to the blueprints she had handed over.
They walked back while talking.
By the time they returned to her cave dwelling, the rooms had been tidied, and everyone had dispersed.
As she walked further in, she saw Zhou Zhengxi, whom she hadn't seen in a while.
At that moment, Zhou Zhengxi was surrounded by the Zhou brothers, and beside them stood a machine taller than a person.
She hadn't seen Zhou Zhengxi in a long time either, but upon seeing him, she noticed he had indeed lost weight.
It was likely due to being put through the wringer by Bai Youan during the day and then having to find Xiao Guo for work at night, without proper rest.
The calls of "Mistress" and "Happy New Year" somewhat soothed Song Qingchao's mood.
After a brief reunion with Zhou Zhengxi, Song Qingchao noticed Song Qingmu, who looked drowsy, beside them.
"This is?"
Zhou Yi stepped forward to explain, "Young Master Song usually stays with everyone, so he inevitably gets plied with drinks. When Mistress is here, it's alright, but after you left, everyone went wild. Young Master initially refused, but with so many people toasting him, it was hard to decline, so he ended up like this."
Song Qingchao felt a headache coming on, but at the same time, she was happy.
Mu Mu had always been inarticulate, but seeing her getting along so well with everyone put her mind at ease.
It seemed that the moniker "King of Hell" would not befall Song Qingmu in this life.
Song Qingchao had the Zhou brothers settle Song Qingmu and told them to rest without being on duty.
The Zhou brothers were perceptive. Seeing their eldest brother return, they assumed he had matters to discuss with their Mistress.
Thus, they left promptly, and even the least sensible Zhou Ri didn't cause a scene.
After they left, only Song Qingchao, Bai Youan, and Zhou Zhengxi remained in the cave dwelling.
"Now we can talk about serious matters."
Bai Youan adjusted his glasses with a serious expression, then asked Song Qingchao, "This is the movable type printing machine built according to your blueprints."
As he finished speaking, Zhou Zhengxi picked up a stack of pedal boards from the side and showed them to Song Qingchao. "Mistress."
Song Qingchao took them and picked up one of the characters to examine it.
"Engrave characters with clay, fire them to harden them, then arrange them in sequence for printing."
Bai Youan explained while demonstrating with another stone tablet.
"Since I wasn't sure how many characters you would need, I've only carved some commonly used ones for now."
As he was speaking, an old man carrying a basket entered.
"So, for convenience, I've also brought the old man who manufactured this machine."
Bai Youan spoke while observing Song Qingchao's expression.
Seeing her eyes involuntarily measure the old man, a smile curved his lips.
At least his efforts had not been in vain.
Although the old man was small and thin, he was full of spirit.
Even in the dead of winter, they still had to wear cloaks, but this old man was only wearing a padded jacket.
As he entered from outside, a thin layer of sweat still covered his brow.
This was in stark contrast to the sickly Song Qingchao.
Upon entering, the old man bowed generously, "Miss Song."
Bai Youan introduced the old man, "This is Old Man Tan, a craftsman. Don't underestimate him; his craftsmanship is exquisite. As long as you give him the blueprints, he guarantees he can build whatever you need."
Song Qingchao's eyes lit up even more upon hearing this.
What she lacked most now were artisans!
Although she was already cultivating them, learning from books always felt superficial; one needed to practice to truly grasp the intricacies of everything.
She had many subordinates, but she lacked such skilled artisans!
She understood the importance of skilled artisans all too well!
If she hadn't met Aunt Fang and Old Yu, she would probably still be worrying about housing and clothing.
Every profession has its specialists, and in this regard, Song Qingchao had to admit her own "inadequacy."
Song Qingchao also rose to return the courtesy.
"Is Miss Song satisfied with this machine?"
Old Man Tan was the first to ask.
Song Qingchao was, of course, satisfied.
She had only intended to see if Bai Youan could help, but she hadn't expected him to be such a great help.
"Old Man Tan's craftsmanship is truly superb."
Song Qingchao first praised him, then revealed her intention, "I wonder if Old Man Tan would be willing to stay and help me carve more characters?"
"That wouldn't be a problem."
Old Man Tan agreed readily and very cheerfully.
"However, my conditions here aren't the best, and I fear it might be a bit of hardship for Old Man Tan for some time."
Song Qingchao was a little worried, but Old Man Tan waved his hand and said, "No problem."
Could he dare to refuse?
His own master had asked him to come.
Not only could he not leave, but he had to serve this Miss Song diligently.
But he wasn't unwilling either, after all, the blueprints for movable type printing were truly excellent...
If there were more...
Bai Youan narrowed his eyes as if he had seen through Old Man Tan's thoughts, "Miss Song, rest assured, if Miss Song has enough unique blueprints, I believe even if I wanted to find Old Man Tan later, he wouldn't want to leave."
Old Man Tan's thoughts were exposed, and his face flushed slightly, but he still held his back straight.
This was his only hobby.
Otherwise, why would he follow his master?
Song Qingchao understood after Bai Youan's words.
After all, being a craftsman, the allure of blueprints was indeed great.
This gave her confidence in keeping him.
Her spatial dimension was filled with all sorts of blueprints.
So Song Qingchao picked up the conversation, "Old Man Tan, don't worry, I will do my best to fulfill your wishes. It's very late today, and it's also a festival. I'll have someone arrange accommodation for you. Will you rest first?"
Old Man Tan bowed in assent.
Zhou Zhengxi took Old Man Tan out.
Only Song Qingchao and Bai Youan were left in the cave dwelling.
For a moment, the atmosphere was neither ambiguous nor awkward.
It was Song Qingchao who spoke first, "What, Mr. Bai doesn't need to leave today?"