Reflections

•When the Wife gets Busy the Husband gets Worried•

Li Bai never hoped to become like a big sister to Kang Cuifen. She didn't have the emotional capability to humor the little tiger nor the fierce personality that allows her fight against every little wrong done against her or those around her.

There is nothing admirable about her and no one is more clear on this than Li Bai herself. But somehow Kang Cuifen had come to like and respect Luan Jiao Jiao, always sticking to her side like a pampered cat and calling her Jiejie[1].

Li Bai just thought Kang Cuifen's brain was programmed to become attached to whoever found her in the alley due to the plot. The transmigrator was unable to see that in her bid to swindle a boon from the adolescent's brother she inadvertently showed a dignified and thoughtful persona to Kang Cuifen.

Kang Cuifen might not like the world of nobility, but that didn't mean she didn't understand amongst them status— not strength, is everything. To the servants in the Wangfu she is only some child whose background is not notable enough for them to know due to popularity. From her looks she is also not one of the capital's top beauties, and her mannerism shows she's not been tutored by notable individuals.

On a normal day the kinder servants would only show her the most minimal curtesy, but thanks to Luan Jiao Jiao they treat Kang Cuifen with the utmost respect, whether or not Qinwangfei is around.

Qinwangfei would check on her little guest every chance she got, constantly asking about her health and doing whatever necessary to make Kang Cuifen comfortable. Though her days had gotten much busier, she would still make time to eat dinner with Kang Cuifen.

The thirteen year old was very touched by Luan Jiao Jiao's consideration towards a stranger like herself and therefore calmed her personality to make things easier on her benefactor. She also admired Luan Jiao Jiao who was apparently conducting many business deals while being a mother.

Kang Cuifen always thought a doting mother was one who bought her child anything and everything, but Luan Jiao Jiao made her reevaluate her thinking. From what the martial artist heard, Qinwangfei personally bathed and tended to her son. He didn't even have a nursemaid because Luan Jiao Jiao insisted on breastfeeding in spite of the effects it would have on her perfect body.

Kang Cuifen had never seen such a protective mother. Truly, she used to wonder how a living doll like Luan Jiao Jiao could take care of a child, but after further observation she found Luan Jiao Jiao is actually very loving and attentive to her son. Though she didn't smile or coo at the bun, there was a near imperceptible warmth in her eyes that let Kang Cuifen know the baby had become the moon in Qinwangfei's sky.

As such, Kang Cuifen had become even more entranced by the mysteriously distant yet loving Qinwangfei.

As for Li Bai, she had no way of knowing Kang Cuifen's thoughts. The girl's attachment did make her curious, but she was much too busy to be bothered by it.

Not long after meeting the three gentlemen, Gentleman Zhang and Gentleman Qing arrived at the Wangfu. From former she received the deeds to his inns and signed contracts stipulating their business deal.

Luan Jiao Jiao then completed her side of the deal by handing over the one hundred tales she promised and explaining to Gentleman Zhang the materials needed for construction of a replica of the Himeji castle[2] she'd watched a documentary on in her last life.

As for Gentleman Qing, she took her time perusing his apprentices, though she already knew which one she wanted. The novel described him as; So beautiful he was constantly mistaken for a woman.

Luan Jiao Jiao pointed him out after half an incense stick and handed Gentleman Qing a booklet holding a detailed description of the recipe for mini caramel and almond tarts and honey lemon ice tea.