Yuhan He felt like the world had shifted. Never in her life had she suffered such a blow. Her meticulously chosen outfit—called "just okay"? Earlier dismissals like "too little fabric" were bad enough, but this direct verdict crushed the supremely confident Yuhan He completely.
Rosen stared at Lin Ming, dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected such words. Stammering, he asked, "You… you really think that?"
"Sure! What’s wrong? It’s just a little floral dress. Nothing special," Lin Ming declared firmly, oblivious to the darkening mood around him.
"Um… your breakfast is ready," a nervous voice piped up nearby—the maid, tray in hand.
Rosen fumbled for a reply. Something felt off about Lin Ming, but he couldn’t pinpoint it. Spotting the maid, his eyes flashed with insight. He pointed at her. "Kid, what do you think of this maid’s outfit?"
"Eep!" The maid yelped, startled to be dragged into this.
Lin Ming studied her. Her Maid Outfit fused top and skirt, layered with an apron; a frilly cap perched on her head—a classic design. He stroked his chin, shaking his head. "Hmm… not great. Why wear an apron if you’re not cooking? Must be sweltering. City Lord’s taste is… unique. What’s so appealing?"
The maid sighed. "…May I leave now?"
"Go ahead," Rosen waved her off. Her twitching eye betrayed her calm facade.
Rosen finally grasped Lin Ming’s flaw: terrible taste. That Maid Outfit—a masterpiece—left him utterly indifferent. Even Miss Yuhan He’s elegant dress got no reaction. His voice turned grave. "Then, kid, what kind of outfit *do* you like?"
Lin Ming rubbed his chin, pausing. "Well… clothes should glow gold head-to-toe. Sparkly jewels, blinding shine the moment you walk in." He drifted into daydreams, drool glistening at his lips—utterly unrefined.
Seeing this, Rosen knew Lin Ming’s aesthetic was hopeless. He turned, hands on Yuhan He’s shoulders. "Miss, it’s not you. Your outfit’s perfect. It’s Lin Ming—he has zero taste. Don’t be discouraged."
Yuhan He looked up, eyes hopeful. "Really, Grandpa?"
Rosen nodded firmly. "Exactly! Call it bad taste, or just… vulgar. To him, no outfit beats gaudy gold. Ignore his opinion, Miss!"
Her spirits lifted slightly, but she remained subdued.
"Eat first, Miss," Rosen urged.
"Okay…" She sat, eating slowly and neatly.
Watching her listless mood, Rosen sighed inwardly. When someone beautiful wears a carefully chosen outfit, they crave praise—to shine through their clothes. Who’d bluntly reject that? It crushed confidence. He studied Lin Ming—his low EQ, warped taste, yet fierce focus on tasks (and profit). Strangely, Rosen felt reassured. Maybe letting Lin Ming accompany the young miss wasn’t so bad after all.
He slapped Lin Ming’s shoulder, snapping him from fantasies. "Breakfast’s here. Eat up. Later, you’ll stroll with the junior."
"Huh? Oh." Lin Ming blinked, suspicious. *Why the sudden change? Last time he glared when I even thought about her. Weird.*
Rosen caught his odd stare. "Stop gawking! Eat. I’ve errands—busy day!"
"Tch!" Lin Ming grumbled, plopping at the table. He grabbed plates, shoveling food into his mouth at lightning speed.
Rosen compared Lin Ming’s messy gulping to Yuhan He’s delicate bites. He gazed upward, musing: *Now I get why the task went to him. No pretense. Just raw, unfiltered truth. No wonder Azure Spirit Academy’s Headmaster trusted him with something vital.*
Snapping back, Rosen saw Lin Ming already finished, picking his teeth with a toothpick. Glancing at the clock—8:30. Time slipped away.
"Miss, it’s late. I must prep for your Concert." He cleared his throat. "Two things: use Magic to dye your hair. Silver’s rare—too recognizable."
"Got it."
He pulled out a Storage Ring. "And this holds our savings from your contest wins. Spend wisely while shopping."
"Will do!" Yuhan He beamed, all gloom vanished.
"Money? Hey, old man—let’s negotiate! Hehe—" Lin Ming perked up at the word "money," leaning in slyly.
"Get lost!" Rosen shot him an icy glare that screamed: *Dream on. That ring’s off-limits to you.*
"Tch. Miser," Lin Ming muttered, instantly understanding.
"Right. Miss, return early tonight. And don’t hand that ring to *him*," Rosen warned, eyeing Lin Ming.
"Okay."
"What’s that supposed to mean, old man?!" Lin Ming snapped. *So paranoid, damn it.*
Rosen strode off without a backward glance, leaving only his retreating figure.
"Senior, let’s go," Yuhan He said beside Lin Ming. She’d finished eating during Rosen’s lecture.
"Fine. Whatever. Such a hassle," Lin Ming grumbled, scratching his head. *No cash to skim…*
"You made me sad for so long. So today, you’ll accompany me properly."
"Eh? Ah… sure!"
