The two walked one after the other, Yu Xiucai’s face ashen, and Hu Qiaohui’s expression also somewhat unpleasant.

Upon seeing Su Yujin and Ai Cao, they both stopped.

“Miss Su, Sister Ai Cao,” Hu Qiaohui smiled, her eyes crinkling. “What a coincidence to meet you here.”

Turning to Yu Xiucai, she said, “Brother Yongye, you go back first; no need to see me off. I can go back by myself. I’ll go see Brother Yongye later and also tell Auntie that I’ve been a bit busy these past few days. I’ll talk to Auntie after I’m done and tell her not to worry.”

Yu Yongye escorting Hu Qiaohui home?

Hu Qiaohui and Zhao Shi seemed to have a very close relationship?

But wasn’t Yu Yongye currently with Shuangye…?

Su Yujin’s expression immediately turned serious.

Yu Yongye’s face was also gloomy. “You can’t just say things like that. First, I wasn’t offering to take you home. We just bumped into each other on the road, and you wanted to travel with me, but I refused. Second, my mother isn’t in a hurry for you to come to my house to keep her company. On the contrary, she complains that she’s busy with many things every day, and your visits are too much of a disturbance. Miss Hu, please have some self-respect.”

This bookworm, how can he not understand how to be considerate of a lady? In front of outsiders, he doesn’t even give them any face, saying whatever comes to mind?

Hu Qiaohui’s face paled instantly, and she looked extremely embarrassed. “Brother Yongye, what are you saying? You can’t be really angry just because I threw a tantrum. I’ll apologize, okay?”

“Whether you throw a tantrum or not has nothing to do with me. I won’t be angry with you, and I don’t care.” Yu Yongye frowned, his tone serious. “But if you try anything funny in front of Shuangye again, or try to ruin Shuangye’s reputation with something like the earrings, don’t blame me for being impolite!”

Su Yujin had heard about the earrings these past two days.

Shuangye had acquired a new pair of earrings, supposedly a gift from Hu Qiaohui, but a few days later, she vaguely heard some people gossiping, saying that Shuangye was greedy and would try to take anything she wanted.

At first, Su Yujin thought it was some misunderstanding, and she never paid attention to rumors, so she didn’t take it to heart.

But now, hearing Yu Yongye’s words, she immediately understood the key point.

It was a real shame Hu Qiaohui wasn’t selling tea.

“No wonder there have been flies buzzing around me these past few days; someone must have thrown manure here first.”

Glancing at Hu Qiaohui, Su Yujin’s tone was icy. “My Shuangye is gentle and doesn’t like to argue, but I’m someone who can’t tolerate injustice. If someone talks nonsense in front of me, I don’t mind taking a broom and sweeping up the area around me.”

Su Yujin was beautiful, possessing a refined and dignified beauty, gentle and graceful. Such beauty was pleasing to the eye and easily evoked a sense of warmth. However, when angered, her appearance was extremely imposing, inspiring fear.

Especially now, seeing the anger between Su Yujin’s brows, the coldness in her eyes, and the faint smile at the corner of her mouth that seemed to carry a hint of ferocity, Hu Qiaohui involuntarily shrank back. But inside, she felt an endless rage.

Yu Yongye was the one she had her eye on.

In the past, when she frequently visited Yu Yongye’s home, he didn’t mind, and Aunt Zhao often smiled, praising her as a diligent and virtuous girl.

But ever since Yu Yongye met Shuangye, the whole situation changed.   

Yu Yongye kept her at arm’s length, and even Aunt Zhao’s attitude was indifferent. Their hearts and eyes were only for Shuangye, and they couldn’t see her at all.

How could she bear this?

Tears streamed down Hu Qiaohui’s face as she looked at Yu Yongye through her tear-filled eyes. “Brother Yongye, we’ve been childhood sweethearts, inseparable since we were little. Now that we’re grown up, and you’ve even passed the imperial examination, you still look down on me…”

“I’ve often heard people say that heartless men are fickle and unfaithful, that men easily change their hearts after gaining money and power. I always thought Brother Yongye was of upright character and certainly not that kind of person. Now it seems I was wrong!”

Hu Qiaohui sobbed uncontrollably, covered her face, and ran away.

“You…” Yu Yongye trembled with anger, then hurriedly explained to Su Yujin, “Miss Su, please don’t believe her. Our two families are just a bit close by, and we’re about the same age. But I’ve been studying since I was little and haven’t played with many people. There’s really no question of us being childhood sweethearts.”

“You don’t need to explain too much. Everyone knows what kind of people you are,” Su Yujin said. “But you should explain things to Shuangye more so she doesn’t misunderstand.”

“Certainly,” Yu Yongye agreed, but his face was full of trouble. “It’s just that Hu Qiaohui is being so persistent; it’s really annoying. I’m really afraid…”

He was afraid that if this went on for too long, something bad would happen.

Although he didn’t like Hu Qiaohui, he was still a man, and they were neighbors who lived nearby. He couldn’t hit her; he couldn’t scold her, and even if he spoke to her harshly, it would be considered bullying.

It was like tofu falling into ashes—you couldn’t blow on it, and you couldn’t hit it.

“Shuangye is sharp-eyed and discerning, and she should be able to see through Hu Qiaohui’s tricks. However, such matters shouldn’t be delayed any longer, lest more complications arise,” Su Yujin said. “In my opinion, since Yu Xiucai is interested in Shuangye and Aunt Zhao agrees, many things should be brought forward. We can take care of what needs to be done, completely extinguish any lingering thoughts of others, and prevent damage to your and Shuangye’s reputations.”

Delaying the clarification of certain matters will only give Hu Qiaohui enough time and opportunity to stir up trouble, which is ultimately counterproductive.

“Miss Su is absolutely right. I didn’t consider things carefully,” Yu Yongye said with a face full of shame, bowing repeatedly to Su Yujin. “I will go back and discuss the matter of proposing marriage with my mother.”

“I’m standing in as Shuangye’s family. I’ll gladly take the role of her jiějie and see her married with all the honor and ceremony she deserves.”

The proper etiquette and customs must be observed.

She would also give Shuangye her dowry in full, according to custom, to ensure her financial security.

Su Yujin didn’t say it explicitly, but Yu Yongye understood. “Thank you for your understanding, jiějie. Please rest assured, Shuangye is the best girl I’ve ever met, and I will dedicate the rest of my life to her.”

He then bowed deeply.

“Yu Xiucai has many things to attend to, and I also have things to do here, so I’ll take my leave.” Su Yujin curtsied and continued carrying the basket full of oven-baked flatbreads with Ai Cao.

The beggars of Qinghe County would beg along the streets at mealtimes, mostly gathering near restaurants and eateries, hoping to encounter kind people who would give them a steamed bun, leftover noodles, or something similar.

(End of Chapter)

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