Finest Servant

Chapter 304 Top Scholar

What was this girl getting at? Her words carried a strange philosophical undertone that he naturally despised. ‘Speak plainly, damn it, I hated your cryptic ways.’

Upon seeing Lin Wanrong steal the limelight, Ye Yuchuan couldn't bear it and shot him a glare, saying, "Miss Xu, to appreciate flowers, one needs to have the heart for it. Since Lin San doesn't want to go, let's proceed ourselves."

Seeing the crowd's cheering sounds came from the orchid garden, Xiao Yuruo couldn't help but say, "Among the four noble flowers of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, I'm particularly fond of orchids, Lin San, shall we go take a look?"

‘Weren't you fond of roses? Even the perfume you wear is of a passionate rose scent. How did you connect it with the elegant, subtly fragrant orchid? Could it be that you have a dual personality? Modest in public, but wild in private? Damn, this could be a treasure, I am in luck.’ He gave her a once-over, his gaze lascivious to the extreme.

Xiao Yuruo hurriedly tugged at his hand, asking, "Are we going or not? Everyone is waiting for you!"

‘Sweat, since when did I become the leader?’ Overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, he chuckled, "Alright then, I won't go to the restroom just yet—I'll go after we're done admiring the orchids."

The two young ladies felt uncomfortable hearing this. Something as beautiful as admiring orchids was awkwardly connected with a trip to the restroom—it was as distasteful as it could get.

Lin Wanrong was no stranger to orchids. In his past life as a sales manager, his clients had a variety of hobbies—some loved risky adventures, others indulged in extreme sports, and yet others had a refined taste, a fondness for flowers and plants—especially for orchids. An exclusive pot of precious orchids was not cheap, and it made an inconspicuous gift, an excellent subtle way of giving presents.

Upon entering the orchid garden, they found it exquisitely arranged, filled with blooming orchids everywhere. Orchids were different from other flowers, their blossoms exuding a subtle fragrance. If mixed with other strongly scented flowers, one could not smell the scent of the orchids at all. The garden was filled with nothing but orchids and green grass, perfectly highlighting the aroma of the flowers. Whoever had arranged this garden was undoubtedly a true connoisseur of orchids.

As soon as the Eldest Miss entered the garden, she started looking around, gently touching any pretty orchid she laid her eyes on. Lin Wanrong watched her, finding it amusing. Although she was mature and steady, in the garden she became youthful and adorable, like a child. True orchid lovers would never touch the blossoms. The proverb "One can look but not play" perfectly applied here.

"Miss, do you truly like orchids?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.

Xiao Yuruo nodded earnestly, "Of course, I used to keep a few pots in my room." Lin Wanrong had a sudden realization. Unlike plum or peach trees that needed to be planted outdoors, a small potted orchid placed indoors, watered periodically, could thrive. Thus, the Eldest Miss also became a "lover of orchids."

Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile, and said nothing. He thought about how this young girl was always busy with family affairs, where she could find time to take care of these plants. A girl as delicate as a flower was working so hard. He didn't ridicule her any further. With tender feelings swelling in his heart, he took her hand, "If you truly love orchids, I will accompany you every day to grow them, and tell you about their habits, ensuring that you can grow the most beautiful orchids in the world."

The Eldest Miss could feel his emotions and was deeply moved within. She yearned to throw herself into his arms and sob uncontrollably, yet given the present company, she could only manage a quiet murmur of acknowledgment, a simple sound carrying a thousand unspoken words.

"Where is the unique flower, where is it?" Xu Zhiqing noticed their intimate moment and interjected with a jovial tone.

A crowd of young men and women had formed a circle, pointing and discussing a pot of orchids at the center. Standing beside the orchid, a handsome young man was smiling at the crowd. "This is a new orchid that I recently acquired, but I do not know its name, let alone how to appreciate it. Today, it so happens that we are here at the Grand Prime Minister Temple's flower viewing festival, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to find connoisseurs who can appreciate this unique flower with me."

Lin Wanrong glanced at it and couldn't help but burst into laughter. He observed the orchid splitting from the center into two petals, resembling two open hands joined tightly at the base. Was this also considered a unique flower? Damn, then he could be considered a unique individual too.

The Eldest Miss, feigning her love for orchids, naturally could not identify what it was. She grasped Lin Wanrong's hand, and upon seeing his smiling face, she couldn't help but ask, "Do you recognize this orchid?"

Xu Zhiqing was also contemplating, hearing this, she said, "Lin San, do you also appreciate orchids?"

Lin Wanrong spread his hands, indicating that he didn't, Miss Xu smiled and said, "Our great nation is the birthplace of orchids, with a long history of cultivation. Its beautiful flowers and fragrant scent make it beloved. The appreciation of orchids can start from the four aspects of fragrance, color, posture, and shape."

The Eldest Miss responded with an 'oh', and laughed, "Sister Xu, you really know a lot."

Xu Zhiqing responded with a slight smile, "What does it matter if I know a lot? I've just wasted time and remained the same. It's rather shameful, really."

Listening to her elaborate explanations, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but say, "Miss Xu is a master in the world of orchids, I admire your knowledge. Do you know the name of this orchid?"

Xu Zhiqing scrutinized the orchid closely, then softly said, "This orchid embodies the 'shape' aspect of the four appreciation categories. I believe its name is inspired by its shape. However, it seems to be a new cultivar. I have never seen it before and thus, do not know its name."

The dashing young man holding the orchid glanced at Lin Wanrong, a peculiar glint in his eyes, and chuckled, "This gentleman appears to know its name. Please enlighten us."

‘Damn, was this guy eavesdropping on me?’ Lin Wanrong cast a sideways glance at the man, noticing his striking features, dressed in a white robe with a friendly smile on his face, exuding charm and grace. Many ladies around were stealing glances at him.

"Pretty boy!" Lin Wanrong cursed under his breath. To him, anyone with fairer skin deserved this title.

"Well, it's called a 'Sword Orchid,'" Lin Wanrong said with a smile, "Aside from its unusual petals, there's nothing particularly impressive about it."

"Sword Orchid? Indeed, the flower lives up to its name." The young man laughed, "I thank you for your guidance. I have another orchid here, a rare variety. I would like to invite you to take a look at it as well."

He carefully removed an orchid from the brocade box he carried with him. The leaves of the flower were thin and long, reminiscent of a willow's graceful droop. The stem was tender white, pale as jade, and four petite flowers blossomed from it, immaculate as snow. As soon as the flower was revealed, a faint, refreshing fragrance wafted from the foliage.

As soon as this orchid appeared, it immediately drew the attention of everyone present. The orchid was so beautiful, pure white and sparkling, that anyone would have desired to touch it, yet also hesitant to lay a hand on such a precious thing.

The Eldest Miss was utterly captivated, tightly clutching Lin Wanrong's hand and asking, "Lin San, what kind of flower is this? Could you teach me how to grow it?"

Lin Wanrong was privately astounded. Goddamn, the best flowers were wasted on the undeserving. Such a premium orchid was a priceless rarity even in future times. He wondered where this young lad had gotten it from. Hearing Yuruo's words, he patted her hand with a smile and said, "Don't worry, there's nothing in this world I can't do."

"Boasting," the Eldest Miss replied with a lovely smile.

Xu Zhiqing sighed, "This should be the Great Snow Lotus."

The young man looked at Xu Zhiqing and said, "The lady is indeed knowledgeable. Since you know its name, do you also know its origin?"

Xu Zhiqing truly was talented, Lin Wanrong thought with private admiration. This Great Snow Lotus was a rare and prestigious breed of orchid, known to very few in the world, yet beloved by those in the orchid connoisseur community. Lin Wanrong remembered it well because of its exorbitant price when he had once gifted it.

Xu Zhiqing shook her head and said, "I happened to hear a flower craftsman from Yunnan describe this orchid's shape. I've never seen it before, let alone know its origins."

Lin Wanrong was secretly astounded by her sharp memory. The handsome man turned to Lin Wanrong and said, "It seems that this brother is quite knowledgeable. I wonder if you could enlighten us."

Lin Wanrong glanced at the man and replied with a smile, "This Great Snow Lotus is a famous flower from the Duan Family in Yunnan, mainly grown in the Wuliang Mountains. It blooms in the first month of the year, its roots buried in snow while enjoying ample sunlight. That's why it's so white and sparkling, highly sought after, a top-quality breed among orchids."

The man nodded slightly and said, "Brother, you have impressive knowledge and a strong memory. I'm greatly impressed by your knowledge of the Great Snow Lotus's origin."

Lin Wanrong responded, "My knowledge is nothing extraordinary. What's extraordinary is you. The Great Snow Lotus, which grows in the snow, will wither and die within three days once removed from the snow. Traveling from Yunnan to the capital, a journey of thousands of miles, and preserving the orchid in such excellent condition, surely required constant protection by ice and snow and reaching the destination within days. This is no easy feat, and it shows you are no ordinary person."

Upon hearing Lin Wanrong's speculation about the flower's history, Xu Zhiqing was already somewhat surprised, but his subsequent reasoning left her even more astonished. Lin San was meticulous and quick in his thinking. No wonder he had been the chief contributor in quelling the White Lotus rebellion in the past. Prince Cheng's persistent wooing of him was not unfounded.

"My apologies for any misunderstanding," the young man bowed with a smile. "My name is Su Mubai. It's a pleasure to meet the two young ladies and this gentleman here."

"Su Mubai? This name sounds familiar." The Eldest Miss murmured softly.

Lin Wanrong chuckled in her ear, "And what about my name, does that sound familiar to you?"

"You're so annoying." The Eldest Miss pinched his hand and chided him, her radiant and charming annoyance tickling his heart.

The silent Xu Zhiqing, however, looked surprised. "Su Mubai? Are you the newly crowned top scholar, Young Master Su Mubai?"

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