Chapter 108: It Was Little Lian Who Spoke Out of Turn

"Do not worry, Miss. Elder Fu is a master of medicine; he will surely develop a new remedy, and Brother Ling Xiao will certainly not meet an untimely end."

Xiao Lian spoke in a rush, desperate to comfort Zhang Xiaolan. However, in her anxiety, the phrase "untimely end" slipped out, which immediately struck a nerve with Zhang Xiaolan.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft! What untimely end? You are not allowed to say such things!"

Zhang Xiaolan hurriedly spat three times to ward off the bad omen. Even she had become superstitious about such talk lately.

Zhang Xiaolan felt a deep sense of care and concern for Ling Xiao. To her, he felt like a reflection of herself in this place—both of them were solitary souls, far from their families. The difference was that while Zhang Xiaolan’s parents were still alive back in her own time, she had been transported here, whereas Ling Xiao’s situation was different. Despite their similar circumstances, they were destined for very different endings.

"I spoke out of turn, Miss."

Xiao Lian realized she had touched a sensitive subject and apologized quickly, sticking out her tongue in secret and hoping Zhang Xiaolan wouldn't take it to heart. She realized she hadn't been mindful of her words.

While Xiao Lian was still fretting over her slip of the tongue, Zhang Xiaolan had already shifted her focus, asking if there was any milk available in the manor.

"Xiao Lian, is there any milk in the manor?"

"Milk? Does Miss mean cow's milk?" Xiao Lian wondered if that was what she meant.

"Yes, yes! That’s exactly it." Zhang Xiaolan remembered that this was how it was usually referred to in ancient times.

"We do have some. The large yellow ox at Mother Zhang's place just had a calf, so there is milk, but she would have to go back and milk it for you."

Xiao Lian recalled that Mother Zhang kept a yellow ox. She had heard recently that the ox had calved, so there might be milk available. In these times, people didn't typically consume cow's milk. Furthermore, oxen were primarily kept for plowing the fields, so it would be difficult to purchase milk on a whim. Fortunately, Mother Zhang had some, though Xiao Lian wondered why Zhang Xiaolan had suddenly taken an interest in drinking it.

"That sounds like a hassle! But please, ask Mother Zhang to go and get some. Tell her I’ll pay for it."

Zhang Xiaolan thought to herself how difficult it was to procure even a little milk here, but as long as she could get her hands on it, that was all that mattered. She had suddenly remembered a dessert she used to love. Fortunately, it was easy to make, requiring only milk and eggs. She wanted to prepare something special for Li Rui.

"The milk from Mother Zhang's yellow ox is usually for sale, but if it is for you, Miss, she certainly wouldn't take your money."

Mother Zhang was the cook from their time at the villa and was quite close to Zhang Xiaolan. She was a kind woman and would surely refuse payment.

"I won't take things from others for nothing. Whatever is fair should be paid, so leave that to me. I'm going to rest for a while."

Zhang Xiaolan smiled as she instructed Xiao Lian. These people worked hard for a living, and she could not simply take their goods without compensation.

With the milk secured, Zhang Xiaolan felt at ease and decided to get some rest. The other ingredients were common enough; she just needed the milk to arrive.

"Very well, Miss. Please get some rest. I will wake you when it is time for dinner."

Xiao Lian accepted the instructions, seeing that Zhang Xiaolan was exhausted after being out for most of the day.

"Mm, see to it for me, won't you?" Zhang Xiaolan trusted Xiao Lian’s efficiency and knew she could just wait for the results.

At dinnertime, Xiao Lian came to wake Zhang Xiaolan. Shortly after finishing her meal, Zhang Xiaolan pulled Xiao Lian into the kitchen, ready to begin her "grand project."

"Miss, what are you planning to do in the kitchen?"

Xiao Lian was confused. Wasn't she just going to drink the milk?