In the kitchen, Lan Yan was chatting with everyone. "Our village suffered a famine, and then one family after another died out. So I took Xiao Yao, and we walked all the way here. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to arrive here."
"Young Lan has had it tough too, traveling so far just to find the Factory Director," said Madam Hui, slapping her thigh. "Young Lan, from now on, consider this place your home. Stay with us with peace of mind."
"Don't let the Factory Director's cold demeanor fool you; he's actually good to us servants. If anyone falls ill, he'll give them money for treatment. You don't need to believe the gossip outside."
However, others chimed in, "But the Factory Director has indeed killed many people, and his subordinates are very skilled in their methods." They were afraid and dared not approach the Factory Director.
"So, Young Lan, even though your intentions are good, you must choose your company wisely. I think you should earn enough money and then find a good family to marry into."
Jun Yelan, who had just arrived outside the door, overheard this. He was about to leave but was stunned by what he heard next.
Lan Yan smiled, "I came for him, and I won't marry anyone else." Disregarding the surprised reactions of others, she knew this was her mission objective, and leaving meant death.
She used the excuse that it was getting late to dismiss everyone. Left alone in the kitchen tidying up, a gust of wind suddenly swept in from outside, extinguishing the candle on the table. She trembled all over and cried out, "Oh my, it's so dark!"
She tried to take a step, but the wind made the windows creak and rustle, and strange noises could be heard from time to time. She dared not move further, bracing herself on the stove as she searched for the fire starter she had used earlier.
Just then, the candle on the table suddenly lit up, illuminating the entire kitchen. Standing in the middle was Jun Yelan.
Lan Yan breathed a sigh of relief and no longer stayed in the kitchen so late. She walked forward, but her legs felt weak. She smiled apologetically at Jun Yelan, "Factory Director, could you do me a favor and give me a hand?"
Jun Yelan, who had been at the door and heard Lan Yan's cry, had come in to light the lamp. He looked at Lan Yan's legs, walked straight past her, and extended his hand.
Lan Yan then tightly grasped Jun Yelan's arm for reassurance and walked forward.
The touch on his arm, carrying the warmth of a person, surprised Jun Yelan. Ever since he became a eunuch, he hadn't had such close physical contact with anyone.
Lan Yan, unaware of Jun Yelan's reaction, sat down on a stool by the table, let go of his arm, and smiled, "Thank you."
Jun Yelan nodded, his gaze falling on his creased sleeve, where something seemed to linger.
Seeing that Jun Yelan remained silent, Lan Yan asked, "By the way, did you finish the meat buns I gave you today?"
"Mm," Jun Yelan stood before her, watching Lan Yan massage her calves, and said, "Since you're alright, I have other matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now." He turned towards the door but stopped, asking, "Is there anything more to eat?"
Lan Yan immediately smiled, "Of course, wait a moment." Seeing Jun Yelan looking at her legs, she walked a few steps and said, "I'm fine now. I'll make you some noodles."
Jun Yelan wanted to say that he wasn't concerned about her legs, but the words wouldn't come out. Seeing Lan Yan busy alone, he rolled up his sleeves and helped wash the pot.
Lan Yan was preparing the seasonings nearby and found that although Jun Yelan had a cold demeanor, his actions were quite warm. She said, "Factory Director, please sit there. I'll handle it."
She began to cook the noodles.
Jun Yelan waited idly and saw a small head peek out from the doorway, staring at him.
Jun Xiao Yao mustered his courage and walked in, coming to Jun Yelan's side and whispering, "Brother, can you be nicer to Sister Lan?" He clenched his small fists, his round eyes looking up at Jun Yelan.
"Why do you think she's good?" Jun Yelan retorted, wondering why even this little girl felt that way.
Jun Xiao Yao tilted his head and murmured, "Because she's Sister Lan." Seeing that Jun Yelan was no longer as intimidating as before, he climbed onto a stool next to Jun Yelan and whispered, "Sister Lan likes sweets, and she likes pretty clothes and jewelry."
Jun Yelan was slightly taken aback. Was this little girl teaching him how to please someone? He placed a small paper packet in his hand on the table and said, "Wait a moment, you and Sister Lan can share this."
"Thank you, brother," Jun Xiao Yao smiled.
"What are you two siblings talking about?" Lan Yan came in with two bowls of noodles. Seeing them getting along so harmoniously made her very happy.
Jun Xiao Yao covered his mouth and smiled, "It's a secret."
Lan Yan was amused, "Eat up, it won't taste good if it gets cold." She noticed the small paper packet on the table, which she assumed Jun Yelan had brought for Xiao Yao, and didn't look at it further.
After finishing his noodles, Jun Yelan saw that Lan Yan hadn't touched the paper packet and wondered if she disliked it. He assumed Song Cheng had tricked him and decided to buy something else next time. He suddenly realized why he was thinking of "next time" and quickly got up to leave.
He shouldn't forget everything from before; Lan Yan was only by his side to stay alive. With this thought, he calmed down and walked towards his study.
Lan Yan looked at Jun Yelan leaving with confusion. "Never mind, at least I finished the noodles." She held Jun Xiao Yao's hand and also walked towards their room.
Jun Xiao Yao pointed to the small paper packet on the table, "Sister Lan, this is what brother left for you."
"For me!" Lan Yan was truly surprised and felt that her efforts had paid off. She opened the paper packet, looked at the candies inside, and shared them with Jun Xiao Yao.
Then, the two leisurely went back to sleep.
The next morning, as soon as Lan Yan arrived at the kitchen, she saw Madam Hui pushed to the ground. She quickly helped her up. "Sister Hui, what happened?"
Madam Hui looked angrily at the woman standing before her.
The woman was stout and plump, wearing several hairpins and makeup. With her hands on her hips, her eyes bulging, she glared at Lan Yan. "You're the new cook. The cooks are under my management, and today I'm taking charge of the cooking."
"My old home had a wedding ceremony, and I was away for two days. When I returned, they no longer obeyed me. It seems the people inside are asking for a beating!"
A flicker of anger appeared in Lan Yan's eyes, and she prepared to step forward but was stopped by Madam Hui.
"Young Lan, don't go. Her husband is the steward of the mansion, and her maternal family has connections with people in the palace." Madam Hui rubbed her waist and snorted coldly, having been hurt by the fall.
Hearing this, Lan Yan's anger couldn't subside. She first helped Madam Hui up, rolled up her sleeves, and approached the woman. Seeing the woman about to add Sichuan peppercorns, she directly took the peppercorns away.
"The Factory Director cannot eat spicy food."
"Give it here, this place is under my jurisdiction," the kitchen supervisor, Jin Sanniang, said angrily. Seeing Lan Yan refuse to hand it over, she reached out to grab it.
Lan Yan placed the Sichuan peppercorns aside, her eyes cold. "I said, he doesn't eat spicy food!"
"Insubordination!" Jin Sanniang grabbed a rolling pin and lunged at Lan Yan fiercely, terrifying Madam Hui and the others around.