Fortune Across the World

Chapter 42: Warm Porridge Comforts the Heart (Part 1)

Upon entering the inn, the guards reported that rooms were scarce, with each student allowed only one room with their papers. After some discussion, they decided to send the guards back, but before they left, they had to reorganize their luggage, as it was too much to carry up the Persistence Path. Despite Lu Weiming's complaints, they booked the rooms, and the guards helped carry the luggage inside. The group began to repack, aiming to travel light.

Ding Qiyu, not one for excess baggage, had only essentials—mechanical tools and a change of clothes. Her "gear" consisted of the tool bag Lian'er made and a bundle for clothes, needing no further reduction.

Leaning against the doorframe, Ding Qiyu watched the siblings pack. They had numerous items, filling several large boxes. Lu Weiming, reluctant to part with any of his belongings, looked even paler than after the boat ride, as if each discarded item drained his spirit. Ding Qiyu found it amusing. Lu Weixi, on the other hand, was more decisive, hesitating only over her beloved qin, her brows furrowing in distress. Ding Qiyu felt a pang of sympathy and quickly offered, "If you want to bring your qin, Weixi, I'll carry it for you."

Touched, Lu Weixi was about to respond when Lu Weiming interjected, "Brother Yu, you're so biased! Whenever I ask your opinion on what to bring, it's always 'leave it,' 'no need,' 'the mountain has it,' but when it's Weixi's stuff, you immediately offer to help!"

Lu Weixi blushed at the teasing, while Ding Qiyu, slightly embarrassed, quickly retorted, "Brother, are you seriously comparing yourself to Weixi? If you were her sister, I'd consider carrying your things."

Lu Weixi covered her mouth, laughing softly, while Qing'er couldn't hold back her laughter. Lu Weiming, unable to win the argument, grumbled, "Biased, biased!" as he reluctantly continued to trim his luggage.

Seeing Lu Weixi's hesitation over another unopened box, Ding Qiyu instructed a waiting guard, "Please take the remaining box to Miss's room." She guessed it contained personal items, unsuitable to sort publicly, and since Lu Weixi was too reserved to ask, she took the initiative.

Lu Weiming paused, giving Ding Qiyu a knowing look, thinking how considerate Brother Yu was. Qing'er, feeling overshadowed by Ding Qiyu's attentiveness, was silently frustrated.

Watching the guard take the box, Lu Weixi felt a sweet happiness, a sense of care she'd never experienced, different from familial concern, tinged with shyness and nervousness. She glanced at Ding Qiyu, who was playfully glaring at her brother, and smiled softly before retreating with Qing'er.

As soon as they left, Lu Weiming abandoned his task to tease, "Brother Yu, I've noticed you have a way with the ladies! Keep it up—I support you. I'm just waiting for the day you become my brother-in-law!"

Ding Qiyu, slightly flustered, avoided his playful gaze, "What are you talking about? If Weixi hears, she'll ignore you for days!" She added, "And what do you mean 'a way with the ladies'? Sounds like I'm some schemer. My care is genuine!"

Lu Weiming chuckled, "Good, genuine is best. If you ever hurt my sister, I'll be the first to deal with you!"

A playful threat, yet Ding Qiyu nodded seriously, "I understand. I... am sincere..." She realized arguing further was pointless; she genuinely liked Weixi and had nothing to hide.

Now it was Lu Weiming's turn to be stunned, not expecting Brother Yu to admit it today! Recovering, he excitedly patted Ding Qiyu's shoulder, "You finally admit it! Great! I support you! But know that Weixi isn't easy to win over. If you need help, just ask!"

Lu Weiming's trust and support filled Ding Qiyu with gratitude. She joked, "I'll count on you, Brother Weiming." He enthusiastically promised to back her up, his fatigue not diminishing his resolve.

Yet, Ding Qiyu felt a pang of bitterness. Knowing certain truths, would Brother Weiming still support her as he did now? While others' opinions mattered less, what about Weixi's?

...

After slimming their luggage, it was nearly evening. The excess was sent back with the guards. The four ordered dishes and gathered in Lu Weiming's room for dinner. With the academy starting soon, the inn was bustling, and the hall downstairs was packed. The overwhelmed kitchen meant a long wait for mediocre food.

Having been away, Ding Qiyu missed Lian'er's cooking more than ever. No matter how exquisite the cuisine, it never matched her taste. Now, the inn's greasy, heavy dishes, and dry, coarse rice were unappetizing. Though hungry, she found it hard to eat. Seasick Lu Weiming and the usually light-eating Lu Weixi barely touched theirs. Ding Qiyu forced herself to eat, Qing'er managed a bit, but Lu Weiming and Lu Weixi merely picked at theirs.

After dinner, they discussed the next day's plan. Lu Weixi and Qing'er returned to their room, leaving Ding Qiyu to face an awkward issue. Though she lived as a man for nearly a year, she wasn't one, and sharing a room with Lu Weiming felt uncomfortable. She couldn't request to share with Weixi, risking ridicule.

Feeling trapped, Ding Qiyu found the room had a resting couch, likely anticipating such issues. She fetched bedding from a servant and prepared the couch.

Seeing this, Lu Weiming guessed Brother Yu wasn't used to sharing a bed. Understandable, as two men sharing a bed was uncomfortable. Lu Weiming offered, "Brother Yu, you take the bed. I'll use the couch."

Ding Qiyu paused, then joked, "No, no, how can a young master take the couch while the companion gets the bed?"

Lu Weiming protested, "Brother Yu! I told you, we're equals—not master and servant!"

Ding Qiyu reassured him, "I know, Brother Weiming. Without ranks, what's the problem? You're unwell; should I, as a brother, take the bed? If you truly see me as family, let's leave it at that."

Conceding, Lu Weiming sighed, "Family looks out for each other... If it's uncomfortable, tell me. We can squeeze in."

Ding Qiyu agreed, though she thought, "Thanks, but I'd rather sleep on the floor than squeeze with you."

They chatted briefly before Lu Weiming, exhausted, curled up in bed. Ding Qiyu lay on the couch, wondering about the academy's accommodations. Would she sleep on couches for six months? Or worse, on communal beds like in shows? The more she thought, the more uncertain she felt. But she was here, and worrying was pointless. She'd see tomorrow. Hopefully, she'd have some private space...

Hearing rustling from the bed, Ding Qiyu glanced over, seeing Lu Weiming tossing restlessly. After a moment, she got up and left the room.

It was early evening, and the dining hall was less crowded, with scattered diners. She noticed Lu Weixi's room still lit, indicating they weren't resting yet.

Downstairs, the staff was less busy, with one leaning against the counter, lost in thought, not noticing her approach.

Clearing her throat to get his attention, Ding Qiyu asked, "Do you have porridge?"

The staff, snapping back, inquired, "Porridge? Plain rice porridge?"

Ding Qiyu nodded, "Yes, hot porridge will do."

Apologetically, the staff replied, "Sorry, we only make porridge in the morning, so we don't have any now."

Undeterred, Ding Qiyu pressed, "Anything else light and easy to digest?"

The staff shook his head, "We usually make hearty dishes at night, thinking guests want something substantial after a long day. If it's too light, they might complain. So we don't have anything light now, and the kitchen's about to close. But I can show you the kitchen if you want?"