Fortune Across the World

Chapter 34: Moving from the Countryside to the City (Part 1)

Ding Qiyu candidly told Lu Weiming, "This courtyard is great, Brother Weiming! But let's check the price first. If it's too much, I'll rent it for now."

"Hey, if you want to buy it, let's get it done. If you're short on silver, I'll cover the difference," Lu Weiming said, seeing how much Ding Qiyu liked the place. He added, "It's settled then. Didn't you sign two big deals with the Lu family army? Pay me back once you've earned enough. Let me handle the price negotiations."

They sat in the main hall of the central house, and thanks to Lu Weiming's involvement, the family of the old general, grateful to General Lu, offered the lowest price. The amount Ding Qiyu had earned so far was enough, without even dipping into the "blood money" compensation from the red-clad woman.

Originally planning to use all her savings on a modest courtyard, Ding Qiyu was thrilled to save money and buy a "luxurious city-center villa." She felt she owed Lu Weiming a meal for his help.

Unexpectedly, Lu Weiming said, "Haha, no rush. Once you move in, we can hang out more often. I know you're busy lately, so let's put the meal on hold until you're free!" Excited about Ding Qiyu's upcoming move to the city, Lu Weiming couldn't contain his enthusiasm. Growing up in the "cracks" of his family due to his mediocre talents, he was neither as skilled in martial arts as his brother nor as talented academically as his sister. The self-proclaimed elite ignored him, while opportunists sought his status, leaving him friendless. But Ding Qiyu was different, indifferent to his status and accepting of his simplicity. Lu Weiming cherished their friendship, finding Ding Qiyu genuine, clever, and vibrant, and felt no pressure in their company.

Ding Qiyu laughed, joking, "Alright, but you better remember, Brother Weiming. I might forget in a few days!"

Lu Weiming assured, "Don't worry, I have a good memory! When are you planning to move? The courtyard has everything; you should move in soon."

After thinking for a moment, Ding Qiyu replied, "I'll sort out the paperwork tomorrow, and we can probably move the day after."

Lu Weiming clapped his hands, eyes bright with excitement, "Great! I'll arrange some help for the move."

"No need to trouble yourself, Brother Weiming. I can manage," Ding Qiyu said, feeling a bit embarrassed to ask for more help.

Lu Weiming waved it off, "It's no trouble at all! Just treat me to a bigger meal with more dishes later!"

They joked and laughed as they returned to the mansion, where Ding Qiyu bid farewell to Lu Weiming and went on duty. At noon, she mentally granted herself two days off for the move (since there was no one to formally request leave from), and after listening to music as usual, she wanted to inform Lu Weixi about her move to the city. After waiting a while without seeing Qing'er, Ding Qiyu approached one of the expressionless female guards at the entrance of the lakeside corridor, politely asking, "Excuse me, can I trouble you to inform Miss Lu that I wish to see her?"

...

The air grew tense with silence. The guard remained unresponsive, as if Ding Qiyu hadn't spoken. Bemused, Ding Qiyu wondered if the guard was a statue. Trying again with another guard, she received the same silent treatment. Frustrated, Ding Qiyu decided to step inside, only to be stopped by crossed spears at her chest.

Coughing and rubbing her chest, Ding Qiyu nearly lost her patience. How did others manage to visit Miss Lu? Little did she know, visitors typically scheduled appointments and were escorted by maids from the mansion's entrance. Only her parents or brothers sought Lu Weixi directly; no one else barged in unannounced. The guards, adhering to their strict protocols, simply ignored Ding Qiyu's unusual approach.

"Fine, I'll wait." Resigned, Ding Qiyu retreated to a nearby tree, hoping to catch a passing maid. Yet, despite waiting over half an hour, no one appeared. Surely, even a nap wouldn't last this long!

Lingering wasn't a viable option, yet leaving felt wrong. Steeling herself, Ding Qiyu decided to take a bold step. "I'll risk my reputation today!"

Marching to the riverbank, she confirmed that only the stoic guards were around before clearing her throat and shouting toward the lakeside pavilion, "Miss Lu! Ding Qiyu requests an audience!" Her face flushed with embarrassment, consoling herself with thoughts of heroic gestures from tales like "The Legend of the Condor Heroes."

Inside, Lu Weixi, reclining with a music score, nearly dropped her book at the sudden shout. Recognizing the voice, she felt both amused and exasperated.

Nearby, Qing'er burst into laughter, "Haha! This Ding Qiyu is too funny!" The maids outside struggled to suppress their giggles.

Qing'er’s laughter made Lu Weixi blush, prompting her to glare, "What are you waiting for? Invite him in, unless you'd like to hear more shouting?" Amused, Lu Weixi marveled at how someone so clever could sometimes act so foolishly.

"Yes, yes, I'm going," Qing'er teased, "I bet he's been pining for you, Miss, and resorted to this silly method to see you!" Playfully needling Lu Weixi, she dodged her gentle reprimand and left the pavilion.

Confident her shout had worked, Ding Qiyu watched as Qing'er emerged, her amusement evident. Undeterred, Ding Qiyu obediently approached the entrance.

Chuckling at the endearing Ding Qiyu, Qing'er teased, "What were you yelling about? You woke our Miss from her nap."

So late, and a nap? Ding Qiyu, believing Qing'er, apologized, "Oh, I thought Miss Lu was awake. I'm sorry... Please convey my apologies."

Qing'er, finding Ding Qiyu's sincerity amusing, interrupted, "Apologize in person! Come on."

Entering the pavilion, as Ding Qiyu expected, the maids all stifled laughter, lamenting her tarnished image.

Meeting Lu Weixi, Ding Qiyu bowed deeply, apologizing, "Miss Lu, I didn't know you were resting. I shouldn't have disturbed you. Please forgive me."

Qing'er laughed from behind, puzzling Ding Qiyu.

Lu Weixi quickly grasped Qing'er's prank, shooting her a playful glare before gently addressing Ding Qiyu, "Qing'er was teasing. I wasn't resting. What brings you here, Qiyu?"

Unperturbed by Qing'er, Ding Qiyu explained, "I'm moving to the city the day after tomorrow. Brother Weiming found me a courtyard nearby, so I'll be busy and won't be able to listen to music for a couple of days."

Nodding, Lu Weixi replied, "I see. You have important matters; there's no need to treat it like asking for time off." Though unsure why she said it, Lu Weixi felt pleased by Ding Qiyu's explanation, yet compelled to probe further.

"No, no, it's important to me!" Ding Qiyu earnestly assured, fearing to lose their shared connection.

Exactly the reassurance Lu Weixi sought, Ding Qiyu's sincerity warmed her heart.

Ding Qiyu added, "Also, I was hoping—since I'll miss two days of music—if I might request you play for me today?" Genuine in her request, music was one of Ding Qiyu's few remaining pleasures.

Elated by having such a dedicated admirer, Lu Weixi smiled brightly, seating herself at the instrument, "As you wish."

After two performances, Ding Qiyu, in high spirits, felt her earlier embarrassment was worth it. She prepared to leave, but at the door, she turned to Lu Weixi, saying, "Miss Lu, your guards outside are too diligent. They're so rigid, they make stone lions seem lively by comparison. Be sure to reward them with extra drumsticks tonight."

Her comment coaxed a laugh from the usually reserved Lu Weixi, and Qing'er, clutching the door frame, laughed heartily. Unfazed, Ding Qiyu stood by her observation, genuinely impressed by the guards' steadfastness.