Drunken Flower Room - Chapter 72

After Su Xingze left, Zhou Gu leaned against the door, stroking his chin. “Su Xingze… If he ranks high in the imperial examination and enters officialdom, he’ll be unstoppable. The Crown Prince would be thrilled to have someone like him as an ally.”  

Speaking of the Crown Prince, Zhou Gu suddenly called for Zhou Xi and asked, “Any news on the person the Crown Prince asked us to find?”  

Zhou Xi shook his head. “There’s no trace of such a person. Could the Crown Prince have made a mistake? We’ve searched all over, and there isn’t a single fisherwoman who fits the description.”  

Zhou Gu frowned. “Expand the search. Keep looking.”  

Zhou Xi hesitated. “We’ll have to be more thorough, which means searching wider. But if we’re not careful, it could attract attention, which is exactly what His Highness wanted to avoid.”  

Zhou Gu thought for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right. Keep it discreet but broaden the scope. Finding someone without a name or clear identity in Jiangning is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We can’t rush this.”  

Zhou Xi agreed and left to continue the search.  

Meanwhile, Su Rong was in high spirits after hearing that she wouldn’t have to attend lessons with Teacher Zhou today. She decided to visit Zhou Gu.  

As she was about to leave her room, she suddenly stopped and turned to ask Yue Wan, “Did Uncle Xie send over that watermelon?”  

“Yes, Miss,” Yue Wan replied. “Since the Madam sends all the best things to Master Zhou, I’m sure it has been sent over.”  

Su Rong nodded. “That’s true. But with all those guards in his courtyard, they’ve probably finished it off by now.” She then instructed Yue Wan, “Go to the cellar and get another one.”  

Yue Wan complied and soon returned with a large watermelon in her arms. “Miss, do you need me to go with you?”  

“No need.” Su Rong took the watermelon and carried it herself.  

Meanwhile, Zhou Gu, still waiting for her, had picked up a book and was lounging near the window, lazily flipping through the pages. He frowned slightly, wondering why Su Rong hadn’t come yet. Just as he turned another page, a servant announced her arrival. He looked up just in time to see Su Rong approaching, her delicate wrist balancing a massive watermelon that must have weighed at least ten pounds.  

She carried it effortlessly, walking with an easy grace. Zhou Gu found himself recalling the first time he saw her. Back then, he had thought she looked so frail that a gust of wind could knock her over. Yet here she was, toting a watermelon as if it were nothing. He had been utterly mistaken.  

Putting down his book, he walked to the door and looked at her curiously. “And this is…?”  

Su Rong squinted at him. The way he stood there in the doorway, relaxed and effortlessly handsome, made her eyes sting a little. “I heard you didn’t leave the estate today, so I came to find you,” she said casually, then lifted the watermelon slightly. “Let’s eat this together.”  

Zhou Gu’s lips twitched. What kind of young lady carries a giant watermelon by herself and just waltzes in saying, ‘Let’s eat!’?  

He didn’t say it out loud. Instead, he silently stepped aside, holding the door open to let her in.  

Su Rong entered and called out to Yue Wan, “Bring two spoons and a knife.”  

The young servant quickly acknowledged the command and left.  

Zhou Gu looked at Su Rong in confusion. “The knife is for cutting the watermelon, but what are the spoons for?”  

“You’ll see in a moment.” Su Rong said mysteriously.  

“A few days ago, Uncle Xie brought back some exceptionally sweet watermelons. My mother sent some over to you, right?” She tilted her head. “Did you get to try them?”  

Zhou Gu nodded. “I did. They were indeed very sweet.”  

Su Rong smiled. “Good. These are from the same batch. My mother had some sent over, so let’s eat together.”  

Soon, Yue Wan returned with a knife and two spoons. Su Rong took the knife with a practiced hand, swiftly slicing the watermelon in half. Then, instead of cutting it into smaller pieces, she set the knife aside, plunged a spoon into the red flesh of one half, pushed it toward Zhou Gu, and kept the other half for herself.  

Under Zhou Gu’s puzzled gaze, she scooped out a spoonful and popped it into her mouth, savoring the sweetness. “See? This is the best way to eat it. Try it!”  

Zhou Gu stared in shock.  

Watermelons were rare in the capital. Every year, when they were in season, their transport was expensive, and only the wealthiest families could afford them. The old Duke’s residence never lacked fine fruits, and the Eastern Palace was naturally well supplied. But he had never eaten a watermelon like this before. Typically, they were sliced into delicate crescent-shaped pieces or neatly cubed and served with bamboo skewers.  

For the first time, he saw someone eat a watermelon in such a carefree, uninhibited manner.  

He hesitated. “This whole watermelon must be at least ten pounds. You expect us to finish it just like that?” He seemed unconvinced. “I doubt I could eat so much, and you, ” he glanced at Su Rong’s slender frame skeptically, “you really think you can finish your half?”  

Su Rong rolled her eyes. “We have a whole day. No need to drink water now, the watermelon is refreshing enough.” She scooped another spoonful into her mouth, clearly enjoying it. “It’s from the hills, gets plenty of sun, so it’s sweeter than the ones from the lower lands.”  

Zhou Gu hesitated but, seeing how much she was enjoying it, he mimicked her action and took a spoonful. As soon as the cool, sweet juice hit his tongue, his doubts melted away. He took another bite, then another. It was incredibly refreshing.  

Su Rong grinned. “See? I told you it’s the best way to eat it!”  

Zhou Gu looked at her bright, delighted smile and felt his heart stir. He lowered his gaze and continued eating, stealing glances at her now and then. She always had a way of making even the simplest things enjoyable. Where did she even come up with these ideas? She was so quick-witted and full of surprises.  

At that moment, Zhou Xi arrived with a letter in hand. As he reached the doorway, he paused, seeing the two sitting together, laughing, each with half a watermelon in front of them. Zhou Gu looked so at ease, while Su Rong was completely at home in his space. Zhou Xi was stunned for a moment.  

He hesitated. Should I interrupt? Maybe I should come back later…  

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, Zhou Gu caught sight of him and called out, “What is it?”  

Zhou Xi had no choice but to step forward and present the letter. “Young Master, a letter from the Crown Prince.”