Fortune Across the World

Chapter 48: A Chance Encounter with Yun Yi

Lu Weixi hesitated. While she enjoyed Qiyu's care and attention, she didn't want to trouble him with everything or make him feel burdened by her needs.

Qing'er suddenly spoke up, "Young Master Ding, let me go with you!"

Ding Qiyu shook her head, "No need, it's not far! You both should eat."

Seeing her insistence, Qing'er handed over the identification papers to Ding Qiyu on Lu Weixi's behalf. After Qiyu left, Qing'er teased Lu Weixi, who was still looking towards the door, "Snap out of it, Miss. Young Master Ding will be back soon. It won't take long."

How could her intentions be so misinterpreted? Lu Weixi, embarrassed and annoyed, retorted, "You silly girl, what nonsense are you spouting? I'm not..." Not missing Qiyu, just worried he'd tire himself out for her sake...

Qing'er, with a playful grin, continued, "I understand, Miss. Young Master Ding is thoughtful and considerate. He wants to do things for you because it's his way of showing he cares. A little fatigue is nothing compared to you. If you don't let him help, he'll feel distanced and might be hurt!" Qing'er's analysis was spot on—taking care of and cherishing someone you like makes any effort feel worthwhile to Ding Qiyu.

Though her face warmed at Qing'er's words, Lu Weixi pondered them seriously. Could she really just enjoy Qiyu's care without worry? But she genuinely worried about his exhaustion... Perhaps it was time she did something for him too.

After running a couple of errands, Ding Qiyu fetched the supplies for Lu Weixi and her group, bid them farewell, and decided to grab breakfast for Lu Weiming on the way back. Just a few steps away, she heard a haughty female voice, "Are you blind? How dare you bump into this princess!!"

Curious, Ding Qiyu turned to see what was happening. A richly dressed young woman was berating another girl wearing simple, light-colored clothing, her hair tied back with simple accessories. The girl, struggling to balance a stack of books, was apologizing softly to the angry woman.

With a silent sigh, Ding Qiyu considered walking away since she didn't know the full context. But as the arrogant woman's maid shoved the girl, causing her to fall and scatter her books, Ding Qiyu's compassion won out. She hesitated only briefly before stepping forward to help gather the books.

The girl looked up, surprised to see someone assisting her. The person was handsome, with a gentle and warm expression that exuded friendliness. She was momentarily stunned.

Ding Qiyu collected the scattered books, holding them in her arms. Catching the girl's gaze, she noticed her delicate features and a tear at the corner of her eye that evoked sympathy. Smiling kindly, Ding Qiyu pointed to the books in her arms, "Let me carry those for you."

The girl quickly wiped her tears, grateful but hesitant, "Thank you, young master, but I can manage..."

Not insisting, Ding Qiyu stood and nodded, "Alright, I'll help you with these. Lead the way."

The girl stood with difficulty, likely having twisted her ankle when she fell. Ding Qiyu wanted to help her but was burdened with books himself. Watching her limp ahead, he caught up, "Is your foot hurt? Let me carry the books, or you might worsen your injury."

After a moment's hesitation, the girl handed her stack of books to Ding Qiyu. He adjusted his hold and offered, "If it hurts too much, you can lean on me." He raised his arm slightly.

Nodding slightly, the girl grasped his sleeve lightly, "Thank you, young master."

Ding Qiyu gave a polite smile, "You're welcome. Let's go."

They reached her small courtyard, the door left open. As they entered, a young maid with her arm in a sling ran out, exclaiming, "Miss, you took so long! I was worried sick!" Noticing her mistress's limp, she asked urgently, "What happened to your foot?"

Ding Qiyu realized the girl was a lady, not a maid as he had assumed, influenced by the arrogant lady's behavior and the girl's modest clothing. It seemed her maid's injury had forced her to fetch supplies herself, leading to the encounter with the haughty woman.

"I'm fine... Just fell. Thankfully, this young master helped me." Her voice was soft and reserved. She smiled gratefully at Ding Qiyu, and even the injured maid awkwardly bowed in thanks.

Setting the books down, Ding Qiyu nodded, "It was nothing. Your lady's ankle seems sprained. If you have any medicine for bruises, apply it to reduce swelling." Seeing the pair—one with a sprained ankle, the other with her arm in a sling—he added, "Have you collected all your supplies? If not, I can help."

"Yes! This is the last of it." The young lady quickly replied, touched by Ding Qiyu's kindness.

"Alright, then I won't intrude further. Take care." Ding Qiyu bowed slightly, ready to leave.

Seeing him about to go, the girl hurriedly said, "My name is Yun Yi. May I ask for your name, young master?" Her tone was a bit anxious.

"Miss Yun, my surname is Ding, and my given name is Qiyu," he replied before taking his leave.

Returning with breakfast, Ding Qiyu found Lu Weiming emerging from his room, rubbing sleep from his eyes and massaging his aching shoulders. Seeing Qiyu, he remarked, "Brother Yu, you're up early? The way you slept last night, I thought you'd be out until tomorrow's enrollment ceremony!"

"I've been up for a while! I've collected all the supplies," Ding Qiyu handed the breakfast to Lu Weiming. "Your things are in the study. There's a handbook among the books—a Qingyi attendant said we should read it beforehand. I'll be in my room." With that, she headed to her room.

Sitting at her desk, she found the handbook and began reading. It detailed the history and overview of Cang Huan Academy. Initially founded privately, it gained prominence when several influential figures, including the former emperor's tutor, came from its ranks. The emperor then designated it as an official academy, expanding it with state funds and resources. Today, Cang Huan Academy is the most renowned institution in Da Qian. Nobles, including princes and princesses, study here, with teachers often appointed from Cang Huan.

The main academy is located on the main peak of Cang Mountain, where the most prestigious students study. While it accepts students from humble backgrounds, they must excel in rigorous selections to enter, often studying in other areas of the academy.

Thinking of the arrogant lady she encountered earlier, Ding Qiyu wondered about Yun Yi's status. Browsing further, she discovered that aside from "mandatory subjects," there were "electives." Amused, she noted that while students must attend classes, companions like her had more freedom and were encouraged to attend but not required. This flexibility pleased Ding Qiyu, allowing her to pursue her studies and, hopefully, spend more time with Weixi.

The next day, Ding Qiyu and Lu Weiming donned the attire provided. As a companion, Ding wore a light green robe with a black scholar's cap, exuding a scholarly elegance. Lu Weiming wore a light blue robe with intricate embroidery at the collar and cuffs, and a blue cap, both made of finer materials than those for companions. But these details didn't concern Ding Qiyu.

Equipped with a small notebook and a modified bamboo pen, Ding Qiyu joined Lu Weiming at the meeting point outside their residence. They were early, with only two other young masters and their companions present. The others nodded at Lu Weiming in greeting. As the appointed time approached, more young masters arrived with their companions. Lu Weiming recognized or had seen most of them. Some greeted him warmly, while others kept their distance, like "Chamber Pot Young Master," whose disdain was clear.

Ding Qiyu noted the mixed reactions, realizing Lu Weiming's social standing wasn't great. Even those who greeted him warmly seemed driven by his status rather than genuine friendship.