Fortune Across the World

Chapter 109: Ascending Affection on Wan Mountain (Part 1)

"Okay," Fu Ruqing nodded in agreement, finding Ding Qiyu's gesture of offering her an easy way to reconcile quite endearing.

Having been forgiven by her, Ding Qiyu was in high spirits. Thinking about visiting those adorable children on the mountain, she knew she couldn't go empty-handed. She turned to Fu Ruqing and said, "Young lady, I'd like to go back and bring some gadgets for the kids. They love them!"

With Fu Ruqing's permission, Ding Qiyu returned to the west courtyard, gathered an assortment of new toys, and joined Fu Ruqing on the trip up Wan Mountain. As they arrived at the refuge for beggars and refugees, the children playing in the courtyard spotted them. A group of children ran towards them, excitedly surrounding Ding Qiyu and chirping, "Brother Yu! Brother Yu!" Then, hesitantly turning toward Fu Ruqing, they greeted, "Sister Qing..." with noticeably more caution.

This scene left Fu Ruqing feeling slightly peeved. Why was it that despite her many visits, the children were immediately drawn to Ding Qiyu? She had only been here twice!

By now, Ding Qiyu was immune to being called "brother" or "young master." Picking up the smallest girl among the children, she laughed heartily, "Haha, did you miss me?"

The little girl's cheeks turned rosy as she shyly nodded, "Yes!" The other children tugged at Ding Qiyu's clothes, bouncing and clamoring, "We missed you!"

"And did you miss Sister Qing?" Sensing a chill emanating from a certain little girl, Ding Qiyu found it amusing and quickly asked the children, "Sister Qing has been thinking of you all!"

Hearing this, the children turned to the usually aloof Sister Qing. Though more reserved than before, they chorused, "We missed Sister Qing too."

"Haha," Ding Qiyu, in high spirits, carried the little girl over to Fu Ruqing and encouraged her to greet her, "Say hello to Sister Qing."

The little girl grew even more bashful but was eager to listen to Ding Qiyu. She softly said, "Hello, Sister Qing~"

When the children avoided her, Fu Ruqing felt a twinge of jealousy. Yet, surrounded by them, she was at a loss, awkwardly stammering, "Uh, h-hello." The usually poised and decisive Fu Ruqing, who handled business challenges with calm precision, was now flustered by a little girl. Annoyed by her own awkwardness and unable to blame the adorable children, she shot a glare at Ding Qiyu—who was obviously doing this on purpose!

"Young lady, you've come!" The women inside, hearing the commotion, stepped out to greet Fu Ruqing. Unlike the children, the women were unfamiliar with Ding Qiyu, so their welcome was directed at Fu Ruqing. Finally gaining the upper hand, Fu Ruqing glanced at Ding Qiyu, a hint of triumph and delight in her eyes, before moving to speak with the women.

Ding Qiyu's spirits soared even higher, realizing how pure and adorable the little girl could be if she shed her cool and distant facade.

While Fu Ruqing attended to the women and elderly inside, Ding Qiyu's main role was to entertain the children. Much like before, Fu Ruqing was surrounded by women while Ding Qiyu was encircled by children in the courtyard.

Fu Ruqing inquired about the lives of the women and elderly, who considered her a great benefactor and were naturally warm and concerned about her well-being. Knowing she was nineteen and unmarried, unusual in Da Qian where eighteen was the typical age for marriage, they worried for her. This time, seeing a handsome young man accompanying her, their curiosity was piqued. One woman whispered, "Young lady, is that young man your sweetheart?" Before Fu Ruqing could answer, she praised Ding Qiyu, "He’s quite dashing and seems to have a wonderful temperament. Look how patient he is with the children!"