Fortune Across the World

Chapter 101: Becoming a Guard and Attending the Meeting at Ningxin Hall

Fu Ruqing had almost forgotten to "settle accounts" when Ding Qiyu's own words reminded her. A hint of mischief gleamed in her eyes as she replied, "Indeed. Now that I think about it, besides your skills, I haven't assessed your character before entering into a partnership. Whether Jiyuan Pavilion succeeds greatly depends on your conduct. So, starting tomorrow, you'll spend every other day by my side until I deem you're up to the task." With that, she neatly turned Ding Qiyu's own words against her.

What?! How did trying to tease her turn into this? Ding Qiyu hurriedly leaned over Fu Ruqing's desk, protesting, "Wait, wait! Young lady, don't you already know my character?"

"Not sufficiently," Fu Ruqing replied without hesitation, savoring Qiyu's flustered expression like a small victory.

"I..." Ding Qiyu was at a loss and resorted to using business as an excuse, "But what about the sorting machines and pounding machines?"

Fu Ruqing, seemingly foreseeing this excuse, remained calm, "That's why I allow you one day off in between."

The conversation seemed familiar, and Ding Qiyu felt trapped once again by Fu Ruqing! Yet, with Jiyuan Pavilion newly established and reliant on her support, and the machines not demanding all her time, she had little choice but to agree.

Resignedly, Ding Qiyu asked, "What exactly do I have to do when I'm with you?"

Fu Ruqing found her dejected look amusing, pondering whether having Qiyu around would make life more interesting. Recalling Qiyu's encounter with the guards during the Jingyue Festival, she asked, "I remember you know some martial arts?"

"Just a little," Ding Qiyu admitted, sensing Fu Ruqing's intent.

"Then you can serve as my guard every other day," Fu Ruqing decided.

Though she had expected this, Ding Qiyu quickly declined, "No, no, young lady, my martial skills aren't that good! Don't risk your safety!"

Fu Ruqing, with her wealth, might be a target for harm. Though Qiyu was skilled, she lacked real-world combat experience and thus confidence in ensuring Fu Ruqing's safety. Her concern was genuine, not fear of responsibility.

Fu Ruqing dismissed her concerns, "You won't be responsible for my safety, just accompany me."

Qiyu was puzzled, "If not for safety, then why? Am I just a sidekick?"

Fu Ruqing nodded in agreement, "You could see it that way," adding, "But I'll pay you as a guard, which is more than a sidekick."

"I..." Qiyu was speechless, internally lamenting, and weakly agreed, "Fine, fine. You're the young lady; I have to listen to you." She muttered the last part softly, consoling herself that being a sidekick had its perks, like extra pay.

Fu Ruqing, unfazed by any muttered complaints, instructed, "Be at Ningxin Hall at the start of the hour, the day after tomorrow."

"Okay..." Qiyu complied, returning to her quarters.

Yinsuo, having overheard, pondered. Her mistress's interest in Qiyu's creations was apparent, but now it seemed she was interested in Qiyu himself. Otherwise, why keep him as a guard? Claiming not to trust his conduct yet involving him in Ningxin Hall's affairs, a privilege not extended to other guards, suggested a deeper trust. Perhaps Qiyu and his inventions could indeed unlock Fu Ruqing's heart.