The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 24: Waiting for Someone to Return

Before her stood a figure clad in a crescent-white brocade robe, pristine and unblemished. Apart from an exquisite white jade pendant, he bore no other adornments. In his hand, he held a fine oiled paper umbrella, perfectly shielding him from the blazing sun. His long, pale hands gripped the umbrella delicately. Although the umbrella obscured most of his features, his elegant posture and leisurely pace made it seem as if he were a gentle breeze descending from the heavens, captivating everyone without needing to reveal his appearance.

As he approached, all eyes—including Li Yun's—were drawn to him.

Gong Lu followed closely behind, chatting amiably with a beaming expression.

Li Yun couldn't help but marvel at the phrase "a stranger as fine as jade, a young man unlike any other." She had never understood its meaning before, but now it finally clicked. There truly existed people in the world whose presence was undeniable, regardless of their appearance. Steadying her thoughts, she focused her gaze on this man, quickly realizing he was indeed Rong Jing.

He was certainly extraordinary, living up to all expectations!

It seemed he sensed her gaze, as he slightly shifted the umbrella, revealing half of his face, which was breathtaking. Li Yun felt her heart flutter again. Was it really necessary for a man to be this beautiful? Did he have to affect her so deeply? Although she considered herself not one to judge by looks, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. She had encountered many handsome men, including the Fourth Prince, the Crown Prince, Ye Qingran, and her own brother Yun Muhan—each undeniably attractive, yet none had struck her like this one. Even the talented Yuting from earlier had only momentarily captivated her, whereas this man seemed to possess a magical allure that drew her in profoundly.

He could truly be described as having a face like a painting!

Thinking this, Li Yun's eyes narrowed slightly, and she quickly looked down, recalling Ye Qingran's warning. Perhaps it was wise to keep her distance from someone like him. They said the more beautiful someone was, the more dangerous; it was like a poppy flower. She didn't want to fall into a trap.

"Miss, it's Young Master Jing!" Cailian's voice broke through her thoughts, sounding like a distant echo.

"Hmm!" Li Yun nodded absently, raising her gaze again to look at Rong Jing, her mind clearer now.

She saw him turn his attention back to Gong Lu, saying something that made the elder smile before he returned to the palace. Rong Jing then glanced at the black carriage and its guard before slowly walking toward Li Yun.

As he approached, she felt as though she were admiring a masterfully painted ink wash, so exquisite was his presence. Truly, a person like him was a killer of hearts, rendering everyone else inconsequential by comparison.

Moments later, Rong Jing stood just a step away from Li Yun, his crystal-clear phoenix eyes studying her intently.

She had never before been scrutinized so closely by a man, feeling utterly transparent before him. Embarrassed, her face flushed slightly as she averted her gaze and coughed lightly, "You..."

"Let's go," Rong Jing said, turning towards the carriage before she could finish. His voice was smooth and pleasant, and he moved with an elegant grace, saying no more.

Li Yun blinked, surprised at his sudden departure. He just walked away like that?

He seemed oblivious to her stare as he approached the black carriage, where the black-clad guard took the umbrella from him and opened the carriage door. Rong Jing leaned slightly before entering, and the curtain fell, obscuring his figure.

Li Yun was left utterly dumbfounded. So this was how prominent figures behaved—somewhat eccentric.

As she stood there in a daze, the guard seated in front of the carriage didn't spare a glance her way, expertly cracking the whip to drive the carriage smoothly away from the palace gates.

Li Yun couldn't help but smile wryly. Such masters had guards that matched their peculiarities!

"Miss? Young Master Jing has left; should we go as well?" Cailian's voice pulled her back to reality. Although she was puzzled about why Young Master Jing would save Li Yun, she had heard that he rarely allowed anyone within three steps of him, yet he had just stood a mere step away.

"Yeah, let's go," Li Yun replied, pouting slightly.

Cailian hurriedly handed the reins to Li Yun, who deftly mounted her horse. "Do you want me to carry you?"

"No need, Miss. I'll just run behind you," Cailian quickly shook her head. Since Li Yun had woken up, she had acted quite strangely and had treated Cailian with an unprecedented kindness, leaving her both surprised and unsure of how to respond.

Running behind her horse? Li Yun was taken aback. Even though the palace was close to the Yun Prince's residence, it was still several streets away—at least five miles. It was possible, but it would be exhausting. She reached out to pull Cailian up, saying, "Get on; I'll take you back!"

"Miss, I really don't need to. How can I share a horse with you? I can just run..." Cailian stepped back, almost frightened.

"What are you hesitating for? If I say it's fine, then it is! Get on!" Li Yun said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

Cailian trembled, unable to retreat any further. Looking like she might cry, she gazed up at Li Yun, who softened at the sight and sighed, "You're my maid. What's wrong with me carrying you? Who would care? Hurry up! We need to get back; I haven't eaten all day, and I'm starving."

The truth was, she was also worried she wouldn't be able to find her way back to her residence without Cailian's guidance!

Cailian, on hearing this, swallowed her tears and looked around uncertainly. But seeing the determination and encouragement in Li Yun's eyes, she mustered her courage and took a step forward, trembling as she reached out her hand.

As soon as Cailian extended her hand, Li Yun grasped it gently and pulled her onto the horse behind her. Without further delay, she urged her steed into a gallop, taking off like an arrow.

Cailian clung tightly to Li Yun's waist, suddenly feeling an overwhelming warmth from her mistress, as if she were a long-lost family member.