Fortune Across the World

Chapter 108: Hearts in Harmony, Seeking to Mend Mistakes

Little Ruqing never knew the specifics of the bandits' attempts to deliver the letter; she only knew the outcome, that her mother's assurance of "Father will come to save us" went unfulfilled. In her young heart, Fu Ruqing blamed her mother’s death on her father and the merchant's pursuit of profit above all else, which fostered intense resentment toward him. Perhaps the emotional scar was too deep, as she neither opposed nor attached herself to her father, nor did she return to the warmth of their past relationship. Her father urged her to study the ways of commerce, and she did so diligently, hoping that one day she might surpass him in the field he valued most. For over a decade, this ambition had become the sole driving force in her life.

Fu Ruqing's keen insight and intelligence allowed her to see through merchants' motives clearly. She conducted her business with a unique and carefree style. Trained from a young age by her father, who was skilled in commerce, she had a high starting point. Her business journey was one of smooth sailing. She managed her first independent venture at thirteen, and by nineteen, her business holdings spanned across all of Da Qian. Although officially part of the "Jiangnan Fu family," her enterprises were, in reality, distinct from her father's. Outsiders perceived the Fu family's recent growth as unprecedented, swiftly expanding into a commercial empire controlling Da Qian's economic lifeline. Yet few knew that many of the Fu family's businesses had split into two competing factions, with Fu Ruqing's side having recently risen to rival and even surpass her father's.

Hearing Yinsuo's account, Ding Qiyu felt as if needles pricked her heart. The misfortune that transformed a pure and lovely girl into someone so aloof was deeply saddening. She regretted reopening Fu Ruqing's wounds today and felt like a terrible person. With a frown, she told Yinsuo, "Sister Yinsuo, I inadvertently reopened the young lady's wounds..." She added softly, anxious to clarify, "But I really don't think her appearance is lacking. I think she looks beautiful, even with the scars. I was just surprised to see them, nothing more..."

Yinsuo sighed at her eager explanation, "Mr. Ding, telling me this won't help. The young lady probably misunderstood." Was there no falsehood in Ding's eyes? Did he truly not care about her appearance?

Deflated, Ding Qiyu asked, "Then, Sister Yinsuo, how can I make amends?"

Yinsuo thought for a while before responding, "The young lady likes the clever gadgets you make. You could create something new for her."

Ding Qiyu agreed this was the best approach. Besides crafting something new, she needed to explain herself clearly to prevent any further misunderstanding. Resolving to act, she thanked Yinsuo for her help, "Sister Yinsuo, thank you for telling me all this. Please comfort her for me, and help me make up for my mistake..." With that, she went back to her quarters to carefully prepare her apology.

Carving the wood in her hands, Ding Qiyu found her mind wandering to that image of a white-clad silhouette. Yinsuo's story stirred deep empathy for Fu Ruqing, bringing to the surface feelings long buried. What had subtly changed during their time together had finally become clear. Was this what it was? Her recent behavior pointed to one outcome: she had developed feelings for the little girl...

Calming her thoughts, Ding Qiyu was startled by the realization. Gazing at the wooden figure in her hand, she placed her palm over her chest, releasing emotions long suppressed. The people in Xing City... the little girl... Conflicting feelings clashed within her, catching her off guard. Yet amid the chaos and pain, she recalled that Weixi had severed ties, and Lian’er saw her as family. What right did she have to dwell on those relationships? But the little girl... Ding Qiyu remembered Fu Ruqing's awkward comfort and her words, "Why not?" Mixed emotions tormented her, and she resolved not to dwell on the past. The future held promise, and with the little girl, why couldn't it be possible...