Reborn as a Landlord

Second update, requesting pink tickets.

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Shen Liu’s gaze carried a hint of inquiry.

Under Shen Liu’s gaze, Lian Manman seemed to sense something, while Fatty Shen’s mouth began to droop slightly.

Shen Liu beckoned to Fatty Shen, who glanced at Lian Manman before slowly walking to Shen Liu’s side. Though it was only a few steps away, he walked as if each step required him to turn back and look.

Upon reaching Shen Liu’s side, Fatty Shen stopped.

Shen Liu extended his hand and gently patted Fatty Shen’s head, as though offering comfort.

Fatty Shen’s mouth quivered as if suppressing grievances, and the brothers simultaneously cast their gazes toward Lian Manman.

Both brothers stared at Lian Manman, yet their expressions differed. Fatty Shen’s gaze was filled with grievance and attachment, while Shen Liu’s held scrutiny and inquiry. Fatty Shen’s lips drooped slightly, while a faint smile tugged at the corners of Shen Liu’s mouth.

What was this? It seemed like she was the one bullying Fatty Shen. Lian Manman thought. Judging by Shen Liu’s expression, he appeared to know something. Could it be that Shen Liu was aware beforehand that Fatty Shen had come to speak with her?

If that were the case, Shen Liu certainly indulged this chubby fellow.

Shen Liu brought Fatty Shen along but did not enter the Lian Manman family’s gate directly. Instead, he strolled around the premises, casually observing.

"With this, I suppose we have barely lived up to the Emperor’s bestowed favor." After completing his inspection, Shen Liu said this to the accompanying members of Lian Manman’s family.

Lian Manman understood Shen Liu’s meaning. The Emperor had rewarded them with gold and a monumental archway. If her family continued living as they once did, it would essentially cast disgrace upon the imperial gift. The current growth and scale of her household only barely met the threshold of not failing the Emperor’s grace. Yet to truly deserve this favor, they still had to strive further.

That much was certain. Lian Manman clenched her fist inwardly. Who wouldn’t want their days to steadily improve and prosper?

After surveying the estate, Shen Liu and Shen Jiu proceeded toward the Lian Family courtyard, lingering briefly by the garden’s lotus pond before heading into the main hall.

The main hall had already been meticulously arranged. Shen Liu and Shen Jiu took their seats, and aside from the Lian Family members in the room, only two personal servants stayed behind to tend to them.

Before entering, Fatty Shen had summoned one of the servants and whispered something to him. Once Shen Liu and Shen Jiu were seated inside, the servant, along with another, entered the room carrying tall boxes filled with pastries.

"Manman, remember what I mentioned earlier? I brought you snacks." Fatty Shen glanced at Lian Manman and said. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"Thank you, Ninth Master." Lian Manman performed a courteous bow and smiled.

"You’re no longer calling him Fatty?" Shen Liu’s lips curled into a smile, his tone lighthearted, clearly in a good mood.

Fatty Shen nervously stared at Lian Manman, as if afraid she might take offense.

At this moment, Lady Zhang entered with a tea tray. Lian Manman quickly stepped forward to receive it and placed it on the table beside Shen Liu.

"Sixth Master, please have tea. Ninth Master, please have tea." Lian Manman spoke with impeccable manners.

In this way, she skillfully diverted the earlier topic.

Shen Liu did not press further.

"Sit and talk. When you’re with me, there’s no need to be so formal." Shen Liu lifted the teacup, lightly taking a sip as he spoke.

Lady Zhang went out to prepare the meal, while Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi acknowledged the command and took their seats.

"How is the harvest this year?" Shen Liu inquired.

"Reporting to Sixth Master..." Lian Shouxin promptly stood up.

"Remain seated." Shen Liu gestured downward with his hand.

Only then did Lian Shouxin sit down again and began describing the details of this year’s spring farming. Being an honest man, he spoke without pretension, candidly recounting how much land was planted, what crops were sown, the excavation of fish ponds and lotus ponds, and even offered an estimate of this year’s yields from the fields, fish ponds, and lotus ponds.

Shen Liu reclined slightly, his eyes half-closed, listening quietly.

Taking advantage of the moment, Lian Manman began carefully studying Shen Liu.

Today, Shen Liu wore a long robe with dragon-scale patterns in shades of ’sky-clear after rain,’ accented by a broad sash at his waist. His jet-black hair was simply tied with a jade crown. Such simple, understated attire only complemented his face, which was as refined as polished jade, with sharp yet harmonious features.

It had been a long time since she last saw him. She constantly heard of Shen Liu’s endless busy schedules, yet judging by his appearance, he seemed unchanged from before. Perhaps he was long accustomed to this kind of life, Lian Manman pondered.

One had to admit, those who achieved success always possessed vitality far beyond the norm.

"Not bad." After hearing Lian Shouxin’s account, Shen Liu nodded slightly.