Fortune Across the World

Chapter 79: A Visitor Arrives, Stirring Envy in a Fair Lady (Part Two)

Ding Qiyu didn't insist on Yun Yi staying, nodding, "Alright, you've had a long night too. Go back and rest well; you wouldn't want to end up like me, bedridden."

Yun Yi nodded lightly, a faint blush on her cheeks and a barely noticeable smile on her lips. Time spent with Ding Qiyu was among the most comfortable moments for her, aside from being with her brother or alone. She glanced once more at Qiyu before turning to leave.

In the adjoining room, Lu Weiming, Lu Weixi, and Qing'er chatted casually. Yet Lu Weixi's thoughts were elsewhere, wondering what Qiyu and Yun Yi were discussing for so long. She felt their private time was dragging on, and with each passing moment Yun Yi remained inside, her heart's jealousy brewed.

Yun Yi stepped out of Qiyu's room, feeling it courteous to bid farewell to Lu Weiming and Lu Weixi. However, standing at the door brought back her feelings of inadequacy in the presence of the radiant Lu Weixi. Her previous lightheartedness faded as she hesitantly announced her departure, "Young Master Lu, Miss Lu, Yun Yi apologizes for the intrusion and will take her leave now."

"Oh! Alright, take care, Miss Yun," Lu Weiming turned to acknowledge her, waving goodbye.

Pulled from her thoughts, Weixi also responded politely, "Take care, Miss Yun." Her gaze followed Yun Yi's retreating figure until she disappeared.

Lu Weiming finally breathed a sigh of relief; she was gone, freeing him from his sister's palpable tension. Qing'er, aligned with Weixi, internally cheered for her mistress to "discipline" the seemingly flirtatious Ding Qiyu.

"Weixi, Miss Yun has left!" Lu Weiming hinted, suggesting she should check on Qiyu.

"Yes, I know..." Weixi nodded, feeling conflicted. She worried about Qiyu being sick alone, yet upset by the recent events, she hesitated to go over immediately.

Qiyu, noticing the door ajar, waited but saw no one. She got out of bed, threw on an outer robe, and sluggishly moved to clean up the broken pieces, worrying they might harm Weixi.

Fetching a broom from the courtyard, she realized the neighboring room's door was open, with everyone now watching her. Seeing Qiyu in her casual attire and weakened state, Weixi's concern overrode her earlier sulkiness. She quickly rose, lifting her skirt as she hurried to Qiyu's side, supporting her arm, "Qiyu, what are you doing out here? Why are you so scantily dressed?"

"Um, Xi'er, I accidentally spilled some water and wanted to sweep up the glass. I'm fine, really feeling much better," Qiyu assured her with a smile through the cloth.

Feeling guilty for leaving Qiyu alone due to her mood, Weixi vowed to herself never to let her emotions overshadow her care for Qiyu again. Meanwhile, Lu Weiming and Qing'er approached, both reacting to Qiyu's affectionate address for Weixi with a shiver.

Ignoring their teasing looks, Weixi blushed as she helped Qiyu back to bed. Qing'er efficiently cleaned up the glass, and she and Lu Weiming left the room, allowing the couple their privacy.

Comfortably settled back, Qiyu noticed Weixi's earlier irritation resurfacing, mixed with lingering thoughts of Qiyu's previous actions with Yun Yi. The room fell into a silence, with Weixi sitting quietly.

Unaware of Weixi's inner turmoil, Qiyu took her hand, "Xi'er, why so quiet?"

Turning slightly away, Weixi replied, "What is there to say?"