Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1225 - 625: Nian Garden (Part 2)

"Sister, no need for formalities," Shen Qian said with a cheerful smile.

Back when Shen Qian wanted her to recognize him as her teacher, the matter was left unfinished. Now meeting again, Shen Qian specifically called her sister, Lian Manman could only call him "Brother Xiao Jiu."

"Ah," Shen Qian immediately responded, and then his eyes twinkled as he smiled at Lian Manman. It was the first time Lian Manman called him Brother Xiao Jiu; although the word "little" was added, it still acknowledged that he was older than her, solidifying his brotherly status, wasn’t it?

Shen Qian was delighted, and seeing Shen Qian’s raised corners of his mouth and his fox-like eyes shaped into two crescents, Lian Manman could easily guess what this no-longer-chubby fatty was thinking.

It’s true his birthday is indeed a bit earlier than hers, and he’s a classmate of Wu Lang. However, just calling him Brother Xiao Jiu can make him happy and proud like this; some things about Fatty Shen have not changed. It makes her feel close and familiar.

"Manman, Xiao Qi, my Sixth Brother and Fifth Sister are inside, waiting for us. Let’s go in," Shen Qian said, seeing Lian Manman not only called him brother but stood obediently, his pride couldn’t have been higher as he beckoned Lian Manman and Xiao Qi to walk into the flower hall.

"Sixth Brother lives in this Evergreen Garden, Fifth Sister is in the Lotus Pavilion at the back, and I live in the neighboring Xiao Shan Ju," Shen Qian informed Lian Manman’s siblings as they walked inside.

"Brother Xiao Jiu, you came back from the Capital City to stay here; aren’t you studying?" Since she heard in the carriage that Shen Qian just returned from the Capital City a few days ago, Lian Manman asked.

"Fifth Brother took leave from the academy," Shen Qian winked at Lian Manman with a smile and said, "I came with Fifth Sister. Master Chu came along with me, and I’m here to study in peace."

Seeing Shen Qian’s mischievous demeanor, yet his mouth saying he would study in peace, Lian Manman couldn’t help but laugh inwardly.

"Manman, come to my Xiao Shan Ju later; it’s the quietest place in the garden and the best for studying," Shen Qian, seeing Lian Manman’s cheerful smile, instinctively took two steps toward her before realizing he shouldn’t leave Xiao Qi aside, then turned and smiled at Xiao Qi, "Xiao Qi, you come too, let’s study together."

Chatting along the way, they entered the flower hall.

Unlike previous meetings with Shen Liu and Shen Qian, inside and outside the flower hall stood many maids and matrons. As Lian Manman glanced around, she saw these maids and matrons were all finely dressed, standing orderly and quietly in various places. Just one look already spoke of a far greater scale and rules than the Song Family.

A table was set up at the head of the flower hall, with two people sitting by it. As soon as Lian Manman entered the door, she immediately saw the person sitting at the top seat was Shen Liu.

Today, Shen Liu wore a loose robe with hidden patterns on a silver-white background laced with gold threads. His head was uncrowned, hair casually pinned up with a white jade hairpin, and waist loosely tied with a jade belt. He was sitting lazily drinking tea while he heard Lian Manman and others coming in, he looked up and his gaze met directly with Lian Manman’s.

Shen Liu’s phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, slowly putting down the teacup.

"Sixth Master," Lian Manman and Xiao Qi hurried forward to greet Shen Liu.

Shen Qian and Wu Lang were classmates, but Shen Liu was not. Additionally, he was a few years older, and had entered officialdom much earlier; even if he restrained, his official air was quite commanding. Hence, while the three siblings could call Shen Qian brother, they always addressed Shen Liu as Sixth Master.

"No need for so much formality," Shen Liu nodded slightly, raising his hand for Lian Manman and Xiao Qi to stand.

"Manman, Xiao Qi, this is my Fifth Sister," Shen Qian then introduced the siblings.

At a table, Shen Qian sat at the head, with someone dressed in a lotus-colored spring gauze blouse on his left. This girl appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a slim waist and shoulders; she bore a seven to eight-tenths resemblance to Shen Liu, especially her phoenix eyes identical to Shen Liu’s.

Lian Manman knew that this girl must be Fifth Miss Shen Jin who sent her the small letter inviting her.

This was a somewhat heroic girl, which surprised Lian Manman slightly, having made some guesses about her due to the Jasmine Paper.

"Greetings, Fifth Miss," Lian Manman curtsied, bowing to Shen Jin.

As soon as Lian Manman curtsied, Shen Jin stood up from her seat, slightly side-stepping as she returned the courtesy to Lian Manman and Xiao Qi.

After mutual greetings, Shen Jin came over, took Lian Manman’s hand, and brought her to sit next to her at the table. Shen Qian, instead of taking his rightful seat at the right hand side of the table, called for two embroidered stools, one for him and one for Xiao Qi, sitting at the lower end beside Lian Manman.

Xiao Qi sat close to Lian Manman, while Shen Qian sat close to Xiao Qi.

One had to say, these kids sat together quite warmly.

Once seated, naturally, there were further courtesies exchanged.

"... I plan to stay here for some time, and haven’t many friends. Hearing Sixth Brother and Ninth Brother often mention you, as soon as I settled in, I sent Aunt Luo down the mountain to your home to see if you were there. If you were, I would definitely invite you over so we could meet... While staying here, it would be nice to have more friends around," Shen Jin said to Lian Manman.

It turned out both Shen Jin and Shen Qian were planning to stay in Nian Garden.

"That would be more than welcome," Lian Manman laughed.

Shen Jin had a face as white as jade, and her phoenix eyes glancing around made Lian Manman secretly admire her beauty. Coupled with her humble and not arrogant demeanor, Lian Manman found her quite likable. Yet upon first meeting, not knowing what type of person Shen Jin was, Lian Manman refrained from speaking much and only observed Shen Jin’s every move.

It was the first encounter for Shen Jin as well, her eyes couldn’t help but survey Lian Manman up and down.

Both girls paid particular attention to each other, while Shen Liu sat high at the table, slightly smiling. Only Shen Qian seemed most at ease.

"... Xiao Qi, why don’t you come study with me."

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First off, here’s an update, more will follow shortly. Seeking pink/vote encouragement for the update. (The story continues. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)