Fortune Across the World

Chapter 105: Warm Words Heal the Heart

Fu Ruqing's eyes widened in surprise as she looked down at the little girl holding out a peach. She had never been in such a situation before and didn't know how to react. Though she had provided shelter for these children, they usually shied away from her, and her reserved nature kept her from initiating contact. Used to the ruthless world of commerce, she had wrapped herself in a cold facade for protection, maintaining a distance from others. How long had it been since she last touched something so pure and genuine?

The little girl, arm growing tired from holding the peach, feared Qing Sister might be upset, glancing nervously at Ding Qiyu for help, clutching his hand tightly.

Sensing the girl's plea, Ding Qiyu laughed heartily, "Haha, Qing Sister hasn't seen such a big peach before, she's surprised." Then he nudged Fu Ruqing, "Isn't that right, Qing Sister?" Was this little girl enough to startle the composed young lady?

Pulled from her thoughts by Ding Qiyu's playful teasing, Fu Ruqing felt a twinge of irritation at his concocted excuse and the silly moniker. Yet, seeing the girl patiently holding the peach, guilt welled up. Gently, she accepted the peach, awkwardly saying, "Thank you." Her tone was a bit stiff.

Amused by her awkwardness, Ding Qiyu told the girls, "See, I told you Qing Sister isn't scary." He winked at Fu Ruqing, "She's actually very gentle~"

Was he mocking her lack of gentleness? Fu Ruqing felt a mix of annoyance at his teasing expression and words. But when the two girls happily nodded and chorused, "Yes, Qing Sister is the gentlest!" her heart softened.

"Th-thank you..." Fu Ruqing, unsure how to interact with children, awkwardly thanked them again. She turned to Ding Qiyu, asking, "Aren't you returning to Qingliu Garden?" Though pleased by the girls' compliments, she felt an urge to "deal with" the cheeky Ding Qiyu, a hint of danger in her voice.

Unfazed by her tone, Ding Qiyu set the girl down, continuing to tease, "Haha, Qing Sister is shy." Secretly hoping the young lady might get flustered, showing a new expression.

Fu Ruqing, already feeling a bit irked, shot Ding Qiyu a cold look before walking away with Yinsuo.

Despite the icy "glare," Ding Qiyu felt even more amused, her mood lifting as she realized she had succeeded in coaxing a new expression from Fu Ruqing.

With the young lady leaving without a backward glance, Ding Qiyu quickly said goodbye to the children, who reluctantly let go of the warm and friendly "brother." Promising to return and see them again, she finally freed herself from their clutches.

Hurrying out of the courtyard, she found Fu Ruqing's carriage long gone—and worse, the "naughty" young lady had sent away her rented carriage too!

Sighing in resignation, Ding Qiyu began the long walk down the mountain, finding no transportation. Fortunately, Wan Mountain wasn't too high, and she hadn't climbed to the summit. Otherwise, she might have been tempted to cry.

"Too mean, too mean!" She muttered as she walked, growing frustrated with herself for not learning her lesson. Every time she teased the little girl, it backfired on her! Yet, she couldn't resist provoking her, eager to see the calm facade crack and reveal her true self. Frustrated, she trudged for over half an hour before reaching Qingliu Garden.

Having achieved little on the mountain and exhausted, Ding Qiyu remembered Fu Ruqing's promise to help find workers and learned she was at Ningxin Hall. Hastily, she went there to "cash in" on the promise.