Fortune Across the World

Chapter 117: Setting Off West, Warming Your Heart in the Carriage (Part 3)

Xiao Qing'er... Qing'er... How long had it been since someone called her that? Fu Ruqing remembered her mother's gentle voice, her mother's warm embrace. But now, unlike those times when memories of her mother left her feeling helpless, she had found a different yet equally warm embrace to rely on. In this moment, Fu Ruqing wanted nothing more than to nestle in this embrace, to hide away and be carefree Qing'er. Her nose tingled with emotion as she accepted being called "Xiao Qing'er," finding a comfortable spot on Ding Qiyu's shoulder, she relaxed completely and murmured, "Mm."

Her gentle and obedient demeanor warmed Ding Qiyu's heart. She continued to warm Fu Ruqing's abdomen with one hand, softly patting her arm to lull her to sleep.

Fully relaxed in both body and mind, Fu Ruqing soon drifted off on Ding Qiyu's shoulder. Even the occasional bumps of the carriage failed to rouse her.

For Ding Qiyu, however, comfort was elusive. As the carriage moved, she had to carefully protect the little girl in her arms, staying still when the ride was smooth and adjusting with each bump to prevent any jarring. Though her body soon ached from the strain, the discomfort paled in comparison to the warmth and fulfillment in her heart. So, she endured, content with the sense of closeness.

Yinsuo, witnessing it all, smiled faintly. She took her seat, closing her eyes to rest, believing that Miss's future would now be filled with happiness.

Ding Qiyu held out for nearly two hours until noon, when the carriage came to a halt. A guard approached and asked, "Miss, it's noon. Shall we rest for a while?"

The inquiry roused Fu Ruqing, who slowly lifted her head from Ding Qiyu's shoulder. Though still groggy, she felt significantly better, finding rare relief during her menstrual cycle.

Yinsuo, seldom seeing her Miss so relaxed, opened the side curtain and responded, "Have the convoy rest and bring the meals over." After a moment's thought, she added, "Prepare meals for two." Confident in understanding her Miss's mood, Yinsuo took the liberty of arranging for Ding Qiyu to dine with her.

"Yes," the guard acknowledged and left.

Ding Qiyu, too weary to ponder dining arrangements, finally had a chance to stretch her stiff muscles. Yet, not wanting to show discomfort in front of the little girl, she discreetly stretched her back. Though her bones creaked, she smiled at the still-dazed Fu Ruqing, asking, "Did you wake up?"

Fu Ruqing, not fully alert, nodded with unusual meekness, "Mm."

Amused, Ding Qiyu teased, "Haha! I think Qing'er hasn't really woken up!" She playfully reached to pinch her cheek.

Fu Ruqing turned her head, avoiding the "claws." Ding Qiyu, however, didn't mind, having regretted the movement—her shoulder ached and stiffened, audibly cracking. Unable to tease Qing'er further, she retracted her arm and leaned back against the cushioned carriage wall, seemingly casual but actually easing her muscles. Concerned, she asked, "Does your stomach still hurt?"

Now more awake, Fu Ruqing noticed Ding Qiyu's discomfort. Realizing it was because of her, she felt a mix of gratitude and guilt. "Are you very tired?" she asked softly, instinctively tugging at Ding Qiyu's sleeve, lowering her head, "I'm sorry..." She shouldn't have indulged in being cared for like this; Ding Qiyu was also a woman, enduring the journey must have been difficult.

At her apology, Ding Qiyu's discomfort vanished. She straightened, holding Fu Ruqing's delicate hand, reassuring her, "Why apologize? I'm not tired, just a bit stiff from not moving for a while. It's not your fault."

Though unused to such touch, Fu Ruqing found she didn't want to pull away. Instead of apologizing again, she quietly thanked her, "Thank you..."

"No need to thank me. You're the little girl, meant to be cared for and cherished. I'm just doing what I should, nothing to thank me for," Ding Qiyu replied earnestly. Her words, though playful, filled Fu Ruqing's heart with a gentle happiness, a sweet smile gracing her lips as she turned slightly away.

Their mutual care filled the carriage with warmth, leaving Yinsuo to focus on her own thoughts, lowering her presence and regretting not having left to arrange the meal.

Fortunately, the attendants soon arrived with the meal, easing Yinsuo's embarrassment.

"My veil..." Fu Ruqing heard the attendants and instinctively reached for her veil, only to realize Ding Qiyu had "hidden" it somewhere.

Yinsuo was about to ask the attendants to wait, but Ding Qiyu sighed inwardly, shifting to Fu Ruqing's other side and saying, "No need for the veil, I'll shield you. Whoever dares look, I'll deal with them!" She straightened, effectively blocking any view of Fu Ruqing. Though removing the veil would take only a moment, Ding Qiyu hoped to gently help the little girl overcome her insecurities, to forget the nightmare of her scars.

Fu Ruqing's calm demeanor was once a protective facade, becoming a habit and then part of her nature over the years. Changing such deeply ingrained traits was no easy feat. Ding Qiyu didn't expect her to completely let go; she only hoped to provide a sense of security when by her side, sparing her from further hardship.

Ding Qiyu's efforts were evidently successful; Fu Ruqing said nothing, quietly observing the straight back before her, the shoulders shielding her from prying eyes. She pondered whether having this person by her side meant she no longer needed the veil, no longer needed to hide her vulnerabilities. Could she truly be herself with Ding Qiyu? Lost in thought, she barely noticed the attendants serving the meal until they had left.

Yinsuo set the table for them, ladling a bowl of nourishing soup to cool, then said, "Miss, Mr. Ding, please enjoy your meal. I'll be waiting outside." With that, she exited the carriage.

Realizing the meal was for both of them, Ding Qiyu noted she was the first, aside from the Fu family head, to share a meal with Miss Fu—an honor in itself.

Fu Ruqing, emerging from her thoughts, glanced at the meal and then at Ding Qiyu, frowning slightly.

Ding Qiyu focused on the food. Prepared for two, the dishes were indeed as Yinsuo had arranged, but Ding Qiyu couldn't help but think the little girl's taste was quite "refined." Green and white dominated the table, ideal for occasional meals, but too much of such fare would have Ding Qiyu ascending to celestial realms without needing to cultivate. No wonder the little girl had such an ethereal aura; it was nurtured through her diet. Yet, Ding Qiyu merely mused internally, her usual aversion to fussiness overridden by the joy of dining with Fu Ruqing. Exhausted from the morning, her priority was to satiate her hunger, not the menu.

Kneeling on a cushion, Ding Qiyu waited for Fu Ruqing to sit, but Fu Ruqing called out, "Yinsuo."

"Yes, Miss?" came Yinsuo's voice from outside.

"Today's meal..." Fu Ruqing hesitated, "It's a bit bland. If there's anything else prepared, could you bring it?"

Surprised, Yinsuo regretted not considering Ding Qiyu's palate, focused solely on quantity. "Of course, I'll have it changed," she quickly replied.

Realizing the gesture was for her, Ding Qiyu protested, "Oh! No need, Yinsuo!" Turning to Fu Ruqing, she assured, "If you're worried about me, no need to change it. A little green is good for health!"

"But, this, you?" Will it be enough? Fu Ruqing left the question unfinished.

Ding Qiyu, understanding her concern, laughed, "Haha, it's plenty! Don't think I'm a glutton. As they say, 'A midday veggie feast keeps Qiyu healthy at least!'"

Her impromptu rhyme brought a rare smile to Fu Ruqing's usually composed face. She relented, telling Yinsuo, "Never mind, let her eat more vegetables." Her voice carried a lightheartedness that even Yinsuo felt, pausing to savor the moment and envision a brighter future for her Miss.