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Cheng Jinsheng led the four through an exquisite shadow wall and into a spacious front courtyard. The courtyard was paved with blue stone slabs, adorned with several ancient pines. A pebble path led to the main hall, where a small pond in front housed a few koi fish.
"Mr. Cheng's residence is impressive, and the garden is elegant; it truly lives up to the reputation of a distinguished family," Fang Zigui remarked sincerely.
Cheng Jinsheng smiled humbly and waved his hand. "I am flattered; it is merely the result of my ancestors' virtue, leaving behind some modest estate."
"Father."
At the sound of a gentle call, a graceful young girl entered the hall through a side door. She appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in a light purple qipao, embodying the typical beauty of a southern woman. Her skin was as white as snow, her features picturesque, and her hair was styled in an intricate bun adorned with a jade hairpin.
In her hands, she held a piece of embroidery. Upon seeing guests, she smiled sweetly, revealing two delicate dimples.
"Ah, come here and meet our esteemed guests," Cheng Jinsheng said affectionately, beckoning his daughter.
Hearing her father's call, Cheng Siyun set down her embroidery and walked over gracefully. She bowed slightly and said softly, "Siyun greets all esteemed guests."
Cheng Jinsheng's face softened with love as he introduced her to the four visitors. "This is my youngest daughter, Siyun. She is twenty-two years old and studies at the women's normal school. In her spare time, she also learns some basics of Xiang Embroidery from me."
He then introduced the four guests to Cheng Siyun. With a bright smile, she linked her arm with Cheng Jinsheng's and casually glanced at the four. When her eyes landed on Lin Mingchang, she paused noticeably, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
"So you are Jiang Uncle's niece; I shall call you Sister Xiaoshuang," she said warmly as she took Ruan Xiaoshuang's hand. Turning to Lin Mingchang next, her beautiful eyes sparkled. "This Mr. Lin seems extraordinary; may I ask what profession you are in?"
Xiaoshuang was fond of this young girl they had just met and eagerly interjected, "My brother Lin used to be a detective at the Spring City Police Station but has resigned now to travel around with us friends."
"A detective?" Siyun's eyes lit up. "Then Mr. Lin must possess remarkable skills and extensive knowledge."
As someone who had been through similar experiences, Cheng Jinsheng immediately understood his daughter's feelings. He subtly remarked, "Siyun, our guests have not all arrived yet; why don't you take these esteemed guests to view our collection of embroidery? Make sure to entertain them well. I will join you for conversation when the banquet begins."
Siyun happily agreed, "Father, rest assured; I will do my best as a host."
Cheng Jinsheng nodded and then excused himself to attend to other arriving guests.
Cheng Siyun led the four through the courtyard to an elegant room in the west wing.
The interior was simply and elegantly furnished, with the walls adorned with various pieces of Xiang Embroidery.
"Everyone, these are the exquisite Xiang Embroidery pieces collected by my family over three generations," Cheng Siyun said, pointing to a vividly lifelike piece titled "Peacock Opening Its Feathers" hanging on the wall. "This is a work from my grandmother's youth, created using the Fen Xiu stitching technique. Please take a look at the peacock's feathers; the gradient of colors is so natural, and every stitch relies on a delicate touch. My grandmother once said that this piece took three months to complete, as each feather had to be embroidered with threads of varying shades layered upon one another."
The four of them watched with great interest as Cheng Siyun introduced each piece like a treasured heirloom, often positioning herself intentionally close to Lin Mingchang.
Lin Mingchang was not oblivious; he sensed Cheng Siyun's attentiveness and made an effort to maintain some distance from her.
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