When Lu Zheng heard her son refuse, although she didn't dare say anything, her expression was still not very good. She had already agreed to the other party, so if she went back on her word now, what would that make her?
Rong Dai's heart thumped wildly. She knew Huo Shao Ting was afraid she would tire herself out, but she couldn't give up on this job either.
Besides, this was the first thing her mother-in-law had asked her to do. If she backed out before even starting, wouldn't that be digging a pit for herself?
"Shao Ting, my leg injury is not a big deal anymore. It's just a thin quilt. Two months is plenty of time. Also, I'm studying fashion design. Making clothes myself is inevitable in the future."
"I'm currently on leave from school, and I don't plan on staying in the entertainment industry long-term either. After finishing this drama, I'll retire. I don't want to lose my original profession after retiring from acting. Consider this practice for me."
She smiled at Huo Shao Ting, her gaze shifting between Lu Zheng and Huo Mei Shu.
Although the Huo family was not as strict as other prestigious families, she had already promised the old lady this was what she truly wanted to do.
She had lived a life of luxury and nobility in her past life. This life, she only wanted to live a plain and simple life, sipping tea while watching the sunset, growing some flowers and plants, living the carefree life of fields and cranes.
Besides, she was not Huo Shao Jie. The Huo family could let Huo Shao Jie enter the entertainment industry because there was already a CEO in the family. They didn't need another CEO.
Although women were given more tolerance in this life, inequality still existed. The acceptance and understanding towards women was still limited.
She was not cowardly or compromising with life. She just didn't want to spend her time changing people's ingrained patriarchal thinking.
It was because she didn't abide by the rules that restricted women in her past life that she repeatedly "did her own thing". In the end, it brought the Rong family to ruin.
When it came down to it, she was at fault, but the times had determined certain cause and effect.
She didn't want to challenge the ignorance of foolish people again. She just wanted to live her own life well.
Hearing her words, Lu Zheng's expression improved. Huo Mei Shu was a bit surprised that Rong Dai didn't plan on staying in the entertainment industry long-term.
Seeing the look in her eyes clearly, Huo Shao Ting's heart softened.
She could always analyze things thoroughly. He didn't want her to be upset or put in a difficult position.
"Then we'll have to adjust your schedule at Uncle Jiang's place. I'll have someone make a timetable for you."
Since she wanted to do it, he would arrange things well for her so she could wholeheartedly do what she wanted without worrying about other matters.
"Okay." Rong Dai nodded. Huo Shao Ting's understanding and accommodation made her feel assured and warm.
"You two are so lovey-dovey this early in the morning. I can't stand the sourness!"
Huo Mei Shu couldn't help shuddering all over. Hugging herself, she unceremoniously complained about the two.
"So disrespectful. He's your eldest brother and sister-in-law."
Lu Zheng was happy inside. Rong Dai was sensible and considerate in her words and actions. She didn't cause any conflict between mother and son, nor break her promise.
Perhaps she really should look at this daughter-in-law in a new light.
Seeing her mother-in-law happy, Rong Dai felt at ease inside. After breakfast, everyone went to do their own thing.
Although Huo Shao Ting had agreed not to accompany her to Uncle Jiang's, he still dropped her off at the Jade Mansion first.
"I drove halfway across the city to send you here. Don't I deserve some indication of your feelings?"
Seeing her about to get out of the car, Huo Shao Ting felt very comfortable with how things had been between them the past few days. But he still wanted more, so he asked jokingly.
Rong Dai was startled, then realized what he meant. Her ear tips couldn't help turning red.
Then she swiftly moved closer to Huo Shao Ting and lightly pecked his lips before quickly getting out of the car and heading for the villa, her heart racing wildly.
This was already the second time she had been so bold. Rong Dai helplessly sighed at her own change inside.
But she was delighted by this change. She was happy with every change in herself.
It meant she was gradually coming to terms with her past and welcoming her new life.
Because of her actions, Huo Shao Ting's heart soared. Seeing her flee, the corners of his mouth curved up as his eyes smiled.
When he arrived at the company, his assistant Zhang stared at him like he was a ghost. How could the usually cold and stern CEO be smiling so early in the morning?
That smile...it was easy for one to imagine the CEO had encountered a stroke of luck in relationships.
After slowly calming herself, Rong Dai entered the villa. As usual, Uncle Jiang was practicing tai chi in the yard. Seeing her arrive, he ended his routine and let her go in first.
Looking at the breakfast the housekeeper had prepared, it wasn't bad, but she had also learned a lot about Western food culture online these days.
This was an era where different national cultures prospered and integrated. These cuisines all had their own characteristics, but she was genuinely someone from ancient times.
Comparatively, she still preferred Chinese cuisine. Seeing the milk and sandwiches the housekeeper had prepared, although there was also freshly cooked rice porridge, food was heaven for people.
Especially breakfast. It was the most precious meal.
In her past life, a single breakfast with the Emperor would cost at least a hundred taels of gold. The variety of dishes was comprehensive and abundant.
When the Shangyuan country prospered, a hundred taels of gold for the Emperor's breakfast was normal. For special occasions, the expense was even greater.
She still remembered when she entered the palace as Empress, the Empress Dowager was still around then. Her demands for meals were even more particular.
The imperial chefs had to get up in the middle of the night to think it over. Even a bowl of red date and lily soup took effort.
It was also because she valued food so much that the Empress Dowager lived until ninety years old in her past life.
Since she was here to learn skills from Uncle Jiang, she should have the proper student attitude instead of just relying on the convenience Huo Shao Ting brought her.
"Are there any other ingredients at home?" she asked the housekeeper.
The nearly fifty-year-old woman was startled by her question. Then she led her to the kitchen to see the ingredients.
"There's just these. Old Master Jiang likes fresh food. These were all bought this morning. Old Master has been eating like this the past few days. Is there a problem?"
The housekeeper asked her. She was uncomfortable with Rong Dai's actions of "meddling".
Because of the tea incident earlier, she couldn't even touch those expensive teas now. And now Rong Dai was finding fault with the breakfast she prepared. Of course she wasn't happy, but didn't dare show it.
"No problem at all. You did very well. It's just that Uncle Jiang is getting on in years. Aging is the natural way of things. So breakfast requirements should be more meticulous for his health and to nourish his stomach and intestines."
"You can go out first. Clean up the breakfast outside and have Uncle Jiang wait a bit. I'll make something for him."
As Rong Dai spoke, she started taking ingredients.
The Empress Dowager didn't like her much in her past life, but the Empress Grand Dowager was a very kind elderly woman. When she was isolated and helpless in the imperial harem, the old woman had protected her a few times. She also learned a couple dishes from the imperial chefs to please the Empress Grand Dowager. It just so happened she could put those skills to use now.
