Fortune Across the World

Chapter 15: News Spreads and Visitors Inquire

The news of Madam He’s household acquiring a carriage quickly spread throughout Hejia Village. Coupled with the recent visit from the wealthy young master and miss to Madam He’s home, people began speculating that the beggar boy she took in a few months ago had made something of himself. They assumed he had not only befriended wealthy individuals but also secured a lucrative job, leading to the quick acquisition of a carriage. Many curious villagers wanted to find out more.

"Lian'er, isn't your precious Ah Yu just a carpenter's apprentice? How did he earn enough money to buy a carriage?" He Lijuan asked while working on embroidery with Lian'er in a courtyard in Fuze Village. Among the girls familiar with Lian'er, they affectionately referred to Ding Qiyu as "Precious Ah Yu" when speaking to her. This stemmed from an incident where a girl carelessly referred to Ding Qiyu as a "beggar" during a conversation, which infuriated Lian'er to the point of almost severing ties. From then on, the girls jokingly referred to Ding Qiyu as Lian'er's "precious Ah Yu," as everyone knew how much she treasured her brother, and no one dared speak ill of him.

"Well… Ah Yu saved the second young master and third miss of the General's Mansion. They thought he was clever and capable, so they arranged a position for him at the mansion. The carriage isn’t bought; it’s on loan from the General’s Mansion. So, it’s not what you think; there’s no big fortune involved," Lian'er explained succinctly, not needing to go into detail with others.

"Wow! The General's Mansion, huh! Your brother is close to making it big! Working there offers so many opportunities; he might even catch the general's eye and become an official. Hey, didn’t he save the general’s miss? If she and your precious brother fancy each other, he could become the general's son-in-law," He Lijuan joked casually.

Unexpectedly, Lian'er loudly refuted, "No way!!" Realizing her overreaction, she quickly added, "Ah, Ah Yu, what qualities does he have to attract a wealthy young lady? It's impossible; big families care about social status." Her latter words seemed more directed at herself, questioning whether Ah Yu really lacked the qualities to win over such an exquisite young lady. Lian'er didn't know the answer.

"Just kidding, why are you so worked up? But… your reaction is quite telling, Lian'er. Could it be that you…" He Lijuan's curiosity flared as she scrutinized Lian'er, trying to discern any clues.

Flustered by her gaze, Lian'er responded, "What about me? Stop with the nonsense and get back to work!" She turned away from He Lijuan.

He Lijuan, confident in her suspicions, leaned in and whispered mysteriously, "You're nervous, hehe, have you really fallen for your precious Ah Yu?" Seeing Lian'er's face turn crimson as she attempted to retort, she quickly added, "Whether you admit it or not, ask yourself; you know best. If you like him, seize the chance." With that, she let go of Lian'er's arm and returned to her work.

Lian'er was left blushing and embarrassed by her words. It was only recently that she realized she had indeed fallen for Ah Yu. But as a girl, how could she seize the opportunity? What were Ah Yu's feelings toward her? Would Ah Yu like her back? Lian'er, new to the complexities of love, couldn't find answers to these questions. The emotional turmoil left her both enjoying and tormented by these feelings.

Meanwhile, Ding Qiyu was on her way back from Master He's place. Master He had an unexpected errand and let her off work early. As she passed He Ankang's courtyard, He Ankang saw her and curiously inquired about the carriage.

Ding Qiyu's explanation was similar to Lian'er's, and He Ankang jokingly told her not to forget to help out her brothers once she made it big. Ding Qiyu laughed and agreed.

Not long after Ding Qiyu returned home, there was a knock at the door. She and Madam He immediately thought it might be someone curious enough to visit directly. They had been inundated with inquiries from various nosy neighbors over the past few days, which was becoming quite tiresome. However, everyone was merely curious without any malice, so they patiently explained the situation repeatedly.