Fortune Across the World

Chapter 120: Arrival in Xiang City, A Villain Emerges (Part 1)

After dinner, Ding Qiyu spent a little more time chatting with Fu Ruqing. Once she noticed Fu Ruqing's fatigue and the storm outside had passed, Ding Qiyu reluctantly returned to her own room. Having laid bare her feelings and identity, Ding Qiyu would have preferred to stay with the little girl, but worried it might be too much too soon.

Although she had long been fond of Qing'er and could feel that Qing'er placed her in a special position, Ding Qiyu hadn't expected to exchange feelings on the very first day of their journey to the western regions. The unexpected joy felt almost dreamlike; she pinched her arm to reassure herself it was real. Back in her room, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her mind wandering. She thought about the strained relationship between Qing'er and her father and resolved to help reconcile them if the opportunity arose.

...

As the convoy traveled, Ding Qiyu continued to care for and cherish her little girl. Although they were now "together," the world of Da Qian wasn't as open as the modern world Ding Qiyu once knew. In front of Qing'er's subordinates, she restrained her affections as much as possible. However, when alone, Ding Qiyu grew bolder, and Fu Ruqing increasingly revealed her pure and adorable girlish side.

Those perceptive among Fu Ruqing's staff noticed the mutual affection between the young lady and Mr. Ding. Since the family head couldn't dictate the young lady's choices, it seemed likely that Mr. Ding would become their future son-in-law.

The convoy arrived on schedule in Xiang City, the central hub of the western regions, rich in mineral resources and a major industrial city of Da Qian. The city bustled with festivities, vibrant with the sounds of drums and gongs. Ding Qiyu, caught up in the joyful atmosphere, peeked through the carriage curtain at the golden lions dancing on the street. She turned and asked with a smile, "Qing'er, is there a festival today? It's so lively here."

Fu Ruqing shook her head, equally curious, and looked out through the carriage window at the bustling streets. Ding Qiyu, seeing the curiosity in her eyes, felt a wave of affection. "Haha, I'll ask the locals about it later."

In Xiang City, Fu Ruqing owned several businesses. The convoy took a less crowded route and stopped at the side entrance of Yunshu Inn, owned by Fu Ruqing's enterprise. The city's chief steward had been waiting there with a group of attendants.

Ding Qiyu carefully helped Fu Ruqing off the carriage. The chief steward, momentarily surprised, stepped forward to greet them, "Miss, you've arrived. Your accommodation is ready." He handed a booklet detailing their lodging and meals to Yinsuo, Fu Ruqing's attendant. "If everything is in order, you can rest whenever you wish."

Yinsuo quickly scanned the booklet and said, "Miss's accommodation will need an additional room prepared."

The chief steward, noting the new face beside Miss, immediately agreed, "Yes, I'll arrange that right away." He hesitated, adding, "Uh, Miss, your cousin—"

Before he could finish, an enthusiastic voice called out, "Qingmei!" A young man in a white robe, embroidered with dark gold, approached quickly from the inn's side entrance, flanked by two attendants. Handsome and smiling, he seemed thrilled by Fu Ruqing's arrival. "Qingmei, I guessed you might come in person, so I came to greet you."

Ding Qiyu bristled at the term "Qingmei." Who was this man? She instinctively glanced at the little girl beside her.

Fu Ruqing felt a twinge of displeasure, not because of the term, which she'd heard before from irrelevant people. Her irritation stemmed from the leak of her whereabouts, indicating a need to reevaluate her personnel in Xiang City. Maintaining a neutral expression, she was about to respond when she sensed Ding Qiyu's curious and slightly anxious gaze. Her lips curled into a slight smile under her veil. What would have been a polite response to the newcomer turned into an introduction for Ding Qiyu: "Yu, this is my aunt's son, Fu Shu."