Ch71 - The broadcasting station is famous

Ya Wen was stunned by his enthusiasm.

After such a brief exchange, she had a rough idea that Jian Mei’s family might be facing some difficulties. She said, “No need to pay. Helping you find someone is no trouble at all, and you even helped me earlier!”

Jian Mei smiled warmly. “His name is Lu Dazhuang.”

Ya Wen was momentarily stunned after hearing that, then pursed her lips and smiled. “Why that name? Do you know where he’s from?”

“I don’t know,” Jian Mei replied.

Ya Wen hesitated and asked, “Is he from Stan Star? Or could he be from another planet?”

Jian Mei thought for a moment and answered, “He’s from Stan Star.”

Ya Wen said, “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Jian Mei remembered that they had once shared an address, and the map had shown this planet as the location. To confirm, he even flipped through maps in his master’s study before finally being sure. “It’s our planet.”

Ya Wen felt this was more complicated than she initially thought. “Our planet? With the last name Lu, the possibilities are actually quite limited.”

Jian Mei didn’t quite understand. “Why do you say that?”

“There are very few Lu families on our planet,” Ya Wen explained. “First, there’s the imperial family, then several major medical families.” She told him, “There’s no need for a missing person notice in this case.”

Jian Mei briefly explained that he had never met the person in question.

After hearing this, Ya Wen couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. She smiled and said, “I can’t believe an imperial member would do something so romantic. I feel a bit envious, but… don’t you think you might be getting tricked?”

Jian Mei froze for a moment.

“I work at the interstellar broadcast station, and I’ve met many people. I’ve seen the young masters of the Lu family, but none of them go by that name,” Ya Wen told him. “So, I think either someone is deliberately impersonating a Lu, or that gentleman just didn’t tell you the truth.”

You’ve been tricked.

Ya Wen didn’t say this directly, but her meaning was crystal clear.

After hearing her words, Jian Mei’s expression froze. His wide, round eyes were fixed on Ya Wen, as if the question had caught him off guard, leaving him speechless. The once lively person now stood there, looking helpless. He stammered, “I… I don’t think that’s possible. He… he wouldn’t lie…”

Ya Wen suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.

In truth, it was Jian Mei who was probably the most anxious.

What were those nobles thinking? Was it fun to toy with a child’s feelings like this?

Ya Wen felt a sense of sympathy in her heart but finally said, “I’m not sure about that, but don’t worry. I’ll make an announcement and keep an eye out for any news about you. Do you have a way to contact me?”

Jian Mei didn’t have one, though he did have a communication terminal. However, he couldn’t read and didn’t know how to use it.

Ya Wen suggested, “Then leave an address. If I get any news, I can mail you a letter.”

Jian Mei immediately nodded. “Okay!”

The address he left was for the mansion. After providing the information, he felt much more at ease. He also made plans to invite Ya Wen for a meal the next time they met before leaving.

As he returned to the front, Grandma Li was looking for him and said, “Mei, it’s time to prepare for the New Year’s Eve vigil.”

Jian Mei didn’t expect that they would also observe this tradition in this world. He asked, “How do we celebrate the vigil, Grandma?”

“Observing the vigil means staying up with your family until midnight. It’s considered auspicious,” Grandma Li whispered. “But the young master has spent the last few years alone. You should stay close to him tonight. Don’t let him feel abandoned.”

Jian Mei asked, “Why? He could stay with the master and madam, right?”

Grandma Li sighed. “It’s our tradition. People who have been hurt or are physically incomplete are considered bad omens, and they can’t stay up for the vigil with others. That’s why the young master usually spends it alone.”

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Jian Mei sat beside him. “Why are you drinking?”

The young master smiled lightly. “It’s the holiday. Couldn’t resist.”

Jian Mei said, “You should drink less. Your body might not be able to handle it.”

“I’m drinking just a little,” the young master replied casually, chatting more than usual today. “What about you? Where have you been?”

Jian Mei became excited as he spoke. “I walked around a bit and met someone from the space station. She said she could help me put up a missing person notice. This way, I can find Dazhuang-ge.”

The young master’s gaze darkened slightly. He smiled but said nothing.

As the carriage neared the mansion, the sky had darkened. When they reached the attic, Jian Mei didn’t know the customs for the New Year’s Eve vigil. However, when he entered the dining room, a full spread of food and drink had already been laid out.

Jian Mei jogged over. “Wow, this looks so sumptuous. Do we still have another meal at home?”

The young master nodded. “Yeah, I’m not fond of the food at the square. Come, have some with me.”

Jian Mei had been busy talking to Ya Wen earlier and hadn’t eaten much, so now, he wouldn’t refuse. He immediately agreed, “Okay.”

They sat at the very top of the attic, with a crescent moon hanging above them.

To Jian Mei’s surprise, Grandma Li had even brought out some wine.

The young master looked at him and asked, “Want to have a little?”

Jian Mei almost said that he didn’t know how to drink.

“It’s not strong,” the young master said with a teasing smile. “This is osmanthus wine, brewed here at the mansion. Most people can’t even get a taste.” He added, “It’s the New Year, so it’s okay to have a sip.”

In Jian Mei’s mind, the young master wasn’t someone who liked to indulge, but today, he was acting quite differently.

In truth, the young master didn’t have a strong liking for alcohol. It was probably the special occasion, or perhaps the homesickness, that led to this change, so Jian Mei agreed.

Jian Mei took a sip, and to his surprise, it wasn’t as bitter as he had expected. It actually had a hint of sweetness, almost like a beverage. He was delighted. “It really tastes amazing!”

The young master chuckled. “I’m glad you like it. Even though it’s not very strong, don’t drink too much.”

Jian Mei nodded distractedly.

He noticed that many of tonight’s dishes were some of his favorites, and it made him feel so happy. He smiled and said, “When I was at home, my mom used to make all kinds of delicious food for me.”

The young master asked, “What kind of food?”

“Braised pork,” Jian Mei counted off, “sweet and sour fish, and chicken stew with mushrooms…”

For the first time, the master and servant sat together, drinking and chatting casually. Maybe it was the happiness of the moment, but as they talked, the young master began sharing stories from his youth. It was the first time the two of them had such an open conversation, and they talked for a long time.

Jian Mei even mentioned his dream. “I want to be a doctor.”

The young master asked, “Is that really what you want to do?”

Jian Mei nodded.

The alcohol was starting to take effect, and he was feeling a bit light-headed, though he hadn’t noticed yet.

The young master spoke softly. “It’s hard to become a doctor without any healing powers. Do you really like the profession?”

“Actually, I don’t like it.” Jian Mei leaned on the table, hiccupping softly, and sighed. “I hate the smell of medicine, the disinfectant, and the stuffy air. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I’ve been there for so long, I just want others to be able to leave that place too.”

The young master looked at him, surprised.

Jian Mei took another sip of wine, clearly getting drunk. “Even though I don’t have to stay in the hospital here, I miss my mom and dad so much.”

The young master asked softly, “Didn’t they pass away?”

Jian Mei shook his head slightly. “No, my mom and dad… they’re not… they’re not dead.”

His words were slurred, and though he had been sitting at the table, he now wobbled to stand up.

He staggered toward the side of the attic, but just as Jian Mei grabbed the railing, he couldn’t hold it in anymore and vomited.

The young master was alarmed and immediately sat up. “Jian Mei!”

Jian Mei shook his head. “I’m… I’m fine.”

He tried to stand but felt dizzy from squatting too long. As soon as he stood, everything around him seemed to blur, and he stumbled backward, headed for the wall. His body lost balance, and he was about to fall.

The young master, who had been sitting in his wheelchair, immediately froze. His eyes sharpened. In a split second, he stood up, taking several quick steps and catching Jian Mei just before he could hit the ground.

Jian Mei was yanked into the young master’s chest. The impact of the collision was a bit strong, making his nose hurt.

The young master looked down at him. “Are you alright?”

“Mm…” Jian Mei blinked, a little dazed. He then looked at him, asking, “Young master, is your leg better?”

The young master chuckled helplessly. “Shouldn’t you be more worried about yourself? You almost fell.”

Jian Mei turned around and, as if just realizing, glanced at the building behind them. He quickly moved forward a few steps, sighing, “It’s so high.”

The young master sighed in resignation.

But alcohol made people bolder, and Jian Mei, with his low tolerance, didn’t think too much about it.

By the time the midnight bell tolled, the drunk boy had already fallen asleep with his head on the table. His sleeping posture was very well-behaved. Even though he had drunk, he didn’t cause any trouble, as if a gentle person at heart could remain gentle, even when intoxicated.

The young master called for Grandma Li to come over.

Grandma Li gently lifted Jian Mei and said helplessly, “This child has such a low alcohol tolerance.”

The young master sat back in his wheelchair and followed Jian Mei all the way to his bedroom. The slightly drunk boy, once on the bed, immediately hugged a pillow and fell asleep. Grandma Li asked, “Will you rest as well?”

The young master shook his head. “I’ll stay here for a while. He’s drunk, and I’m worried he might suddenly wake up and something might happen.”

Grandma Li thought to herself, “It’s not often you see a master staying to look after a servant.”

She also could have taken over. After all, what could possibly happen?

But seeing the young master, the child she had raised, she understood what he was thinking.

With a knowing smile, she left.

The room fell silent, with only Jian Mei’s soft breathing in the air. The young master sat by the bed, watching him. Jian Mei seemed restless in his sleep, as though dreaming, murmuring in a way that was almost unnervingly cute.

The young master leaned in, noticing the tear at the corner of Jian Mei’s eye. The Lantern Festival was meant to be a happy celebration, yet here was someone, drunk and crying in his sleep on such a day. How much sadness must one carry to reach this point?

He moved in closer, intending to wipe away the tear, but saw Jian Mei curl up like a shrimp. His tear slid down his cheek, and his body carried the faint scent of alcohol. From his slightly parted lips came a soft, murmured voice: “Mom… Dad…”

So, he was missing his parents.

The young master sighed inwardly. Reaching out, he gently wiped the tear from Jian Mei’s eye. But as he did, the boy’s furrowed brow softened. His features relaxed, as if he had seen someone he was happy to see. In a low, dreamlike tone, Jian Mei murmured: “Dazhuang-ge…”

The young master froze.

His gaze darkened. After wiping the tear, he paused briefly before withdrawing his hand.

When he left the room, Grandma Li, still awake, saw him and asked quietly, “Young master, is your leg better?”

“Yes, I can walk a few steps now,” the young master answered. “Jian Mei’s method is effective. He truly has the potential to be a doctor. If he really doesn’t have any special powers, maybe his existence could bring about a change in the lower-class society.”

Grandma Li smiled with nostalgia. “When I first met that child, I knew he was destined for success. I was sure of it.”

The young master remained silent.

“Although Jian Mei didn’t mention anything, I noticed he was packing his belongings. The spring enrollment for the Imperial Academy is approaching, and I

“Although Jian Mei didn’t mention anything, I noticed he was packing his things. The spring enrollment for the Imperial Academy was approaching, and I figured he was getting ready to ask for your permission to leave,” Grandma Li said, her face showing concern. “What do you think about this?”

She expected the young master to object.

But he simply responded, “Give him some extra pay. He might need it on his journey.”

Grandma Li was caught off guard, surprised by his answer.

“Do you really think you can stop him?” the young master asked, sitting in his wheelchair. “His heart isn’t here. Keeping him would do no good.”

That child had more on his mind than just the people here. What would keeping him accomplish? If he could truly make a difference in the world, there was no need to hold him back. I shouldn’t have been the one to stand in his way.

……

In the Imperial Capital — The Palace.

The Chongxiao Festival was supposed to be a time of celebration, but by the time Lu Xingwang returned after staying up for the New Year, it was already midnight.

Aruo hadn’t rested much either. She had been waiting in the palace all night, preparing hot water in the room for Lu Xingwang to wash up as soon as he arrived.

He told her, “You don’t need to stay for the Chongxiao Festival. You’ve worked all year. I’ll give you a long break. Go home tomorrow morning and spend time with your family.”

When Aruo saw that Lu Xingwang didn’t head to his bedchamber but instead went straight to the study, she knew he wasn’t planning to rest anytime soon. She sighed and said, “You’ve worked hard all year too, Your Highness. Why don’t you take a break yourself?”

More than anyone, Aruo understood how much Lu Xingwang had been working.

His mood had been darker than usual, and his personality had become more withdrawn. He worked tirelessly, barely smiling anymore. The young general occasionally joked that His Highness was just a tool, which, though it sounded like an insult, Aruo thought wasn’t entirely untrue. After all, hadn’t Lu Xingwang completely neglected his own health?

Lu Xingwang entered the study and sat at the desk. “There’s nothing for me to do during the holiday.”

Aruo sighed. “Your Highness, you could go out and have some fun. You don’t always have to be consumed by state affairs. You could watch some entertainment or listen to the radio—things like that.”

Lu Xingwang had drunk a little that day. He put down the official documents and casually asked, “Like what kind of entertainment?”

…?

Aruo was at a loss for words. She didn’t watch much herself, so she wasn’t sure what programs to suggest.

Finally, she said, “If you’re not interested in anything else, you could occasionally tune into news channels or radio stations. For instance, the Interstellar Radio Station has been really popular lately. If you have time, you might want to check it out.”

Lu Xingwang didn’t usually need entertainment, but since Aruo had brought it up, he made a note of it and said, “I understand.”