Aran stood in the courtyard, her face burning red as she sorted the vegetables. Chu Hengyuan’s jokes were becoming increasingly reckless; if her father were to overhear them one day, what would he think? It was unheard of for a master to tease a servant in such a manner. She decided she must remain more reserved from now on and be careful not to be led astray by this man.
As Aran finished washing the vegetables and prepared to steady her nerves before heading to the kitchen, Chu Hengyuan called out from across the yard, "Aran, come quickly! The water is boiling."
"You really ought to go wash your face and change your clothes. I can handle the rest," Aran said, gesturing to her own cheek to signal that he should clean himself up.
Chapter 52