Chapter 446: Day 11 into the Farming Story

Chapter 446: Day Eleven of Transmigrating into a Farming Story

Was Young Master An serving him some kind of immortal tea or what?

An Yi had no clue what was running through Di Qingji's mind at that moment.

This tea was a recent favorite of his, from the world where he used to be a dinosaur.

He'd stockpiled a ton of it in his space, including quite a few tea trees.

"So, Young Master An's a scholar?" Di Qingji stifled his amusement, set down his teacup, and casually started the conversation: "The courtyard's tidy, and there are books on the table—you must be a real scholar. I'm a rough guy, so forgive me."

"I can read a bit and flip through books now and then—nothing worth calling real scholarship. I just stay here for some peace and quiet." An Yi's tone was gentle, his answer deliberately vague.

Di Qingji, though, seemed really intrigued by this stranger.

Having spent years escorting goods, he'd dealt with all sorts of people; reading faces and handling folks was second nature to him.

But a young scholar like An Yi—so uniquely composed, stunningly handsome, articulate yet natural and unassuming—was a real rarity.

He didn't have that quiet snobbery scholars usually had toward martial artists, nor the arrogance of rich kids. His manner was calm and easy, and being around him just felt super comfortable and relaxed.

"Peace and quiet—that's rare, and precious." Di Qingji chuckled. "Those of us who run escorts spend our days covered in dust, roughing it outdoors, dealing with all kinds of people and dangers on the road. Real peace is hard to come by. Every time I finish a long haul, my bones feel like they're gonna fall apart, and all I want is to find a quiet place, shut the door, and rest for a few days without a care in the world."

He added, "Someone like you, Young Master An, who can sit in a courtyard, sip tea, read, and watch the seasons change—that's something to envy." That was at least seventy percent sincere.

"Every trade has its hardships, but also its own rewards." An Yi smiled, his voice clear and smooth. "Young Chief Di, you travel far and wide, crossing mountains and rivers, seeing all kinds of customs and people, and running into all sorts of strange stories and dangers. That's a rare kind of life experience—something people stuck in one place could never understand."

The words hit the right note, and Di Qingji felt pleased, warming up to An Yi even more.

The two of them fell into easy conversation, chatting about this and that.

Di Qingji did most of the talking—he was naturally chatty, and with all his travels and knowledge, plus such a good listener, he found himself opening up easily.

He talked about weird encounters on escort routes, the wildly different customs and local specialties of various regions, and the funny daily antics of his fellow guards...

An Yi listened, occasionally asking a question or two about the details.

Interesting.

An Yi found these tales of adventure and experience pretty entertaining.

As Di Qingji spoke, his gaze would occasionally drift over An Yi's quietly attentive face, catching the slight curve of his lips, and his heart seemed to skip a beat. He'd then look down and take a sip of tea to hide it.

He had to admit to himself again—this Young Master An was truly... extraordinary in presence, and way too good-looking.

To have such looks without being flashy or showy, with that calm, composed temperament perfectly balancing his beauty, created a unique and deadly charm that made you instinctively want to get closer, look more, talk more.

As they talked, the servant Di Qingji had sent out earlier came back with mud and lime, asking to come in from outside the gate.

Di Qingji went out to give a few instructions, and the servant quickly patched up the damaged corner of the wall.

Di Qingji inspected it himself, running his hand over the new mortar, making sure it was solid and level, and the color matched the old wall well enough. Only then did he nod, satisfied, and send the servant back to the agency.

Before they knew it, the sun was starting to set, casting slanted light into the courtyard and bathing the old tree, the stone table, and the two of them in a warm glow.

The charcoal in the little clay stove on the stone table was almost gone, and the tea had been topped up twice, so it was pretty weak by now.

Di Qingji was a little surprised to realize he'd spent almost an entire afternoon chatting with a guy he'd just met—someone he couldn't even really say he knew—under this old tree?

And without ever feeling the time drag or running out of things to say. If anything, he felt like he could've kept going.

Since when had he become so... chatty?

His mind was turning, but it was getting late. Staying any longer would be rude.

Despite a twinge of reluctance, Di Qingji stood up quickly, clasped his fists again, and smiled—hearty but with a faint hint of regret: "I've really taken up too much of your time today, Young Master An—listening to all my rambling and drinking your good tea."

"If you've got time another day, let me treat you—a proper apology and thanks in one. How about it?" He looked at An Yi with expectant eyes.

An Yi also stood, nodding with a smile: "Young Chief Di is too kind, and I appreciate the thought. I enjoyed our talk today too. This little thing isn't worth mentioning. If fate allows, we'll meet again." His reply was courteous yet left room for maneuver.

A faint flicker of disappointment passed through Di Qingji's heart, but the other guy's attitude was beyond reproach.

He glanced once more at An Yi's face—even more handsome and soft in the setting sun—and at those eyes, and his fondness and curiosity grew even more.

A figure like this seemed born to be cherished, to be carefully explored.

He clasped his fists in a solemn farewell: "Then I won't disturb your peace any longer. I take my leave."

"Go safely, Young Chief Di." An Yi saw him to the courtyard gate.

Di Qingji turned and strode off with long, brisk steps, his tall silhouette quickly vanishing into the deepening dusk of the alley.

An Yi watched him leave until he was out of sight, then looked up at the sky. His stomach was beginning to growl.

Time to find food!

These days, Jiang Chiliu's malatang business was thriving in the county town, drawing crowds of food lovers and livening up the whole street.

He could drop by tomorrow at noon to see what the fuss was about and sample the protagonist's cooking.

As for tonight... he'd check out that well-regarded restaurant in town. He was in the mood for hotpot... right, in this world they called it "gudong soup."

He tidied up the tea set, locked the courtyard gate, and strolled out of the alley, merging into the bustling street crowd of the county town.

----------

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the escort agency.

Di Qingji sat on the stone steps by the training ground, idly rubbing the hilt of the saber at his waist.

The training ground was empty now. The escort guards and outriders had finished their day's work and were gathered around the open space outside the kitchen, eating and laughing loudly.