Fortune Across the World

Chapter 135: Carving Deep Emotions in Ulan's Sands (Part 1)

After Aunt He finished speaking, she sighed, "I wonder if that child will have the time to come home for the New Year."

Hearing this, Lu Weixi felt not only longing but also concern for Ding Qiyu. Yu was out in the world on her own, having traveled to the desert city of Ulan, known for its extreme heat and harsh climate. Was Yu taking care of herself? Accompanying Fu's caravan, was she now working for the Jiangnan Fu family?

Lian'er, with tears welling in her eyes, recalled the previous New Year, which had been the most memorable of her life. Yet this year, Yu likely wouldn't return to Xing City for the New Year, reverting to the previous solitude. Despite the improved living conditions, without Yu, her heart couldn't be as joyful as last year.

Having inquired about what she wanted to know, Lu Weixi pondered for a moment and then said to the two, "Aunt He, Miss He, if Yu can't look after things here in Xing City, please feel free to come to the general's residence and speak to me if there's anything you need."

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Lu. Even though Yu no longer works at the general's residence, you still provide protection for us, for which we are deeply grateful. We're doing well. Yu sends money home regularly from Yinzou, and we live comfortably!" Aunt He declined Lu Weixi's offer with gratitude, pride evident as she spoke of her child. Yet, as she finished, her thoughts turned to missing her son, "I just hope he's doing well out there..."

Lian'er felt a pang of sorrow at Lu Weixi's words. If Yu couldn't be here, why should Miss Lu take Yu's place in caring for them? The way Lu Weixi spoke to Aunt He felt almost like a daughter-in-law conversing with her mother-in-law, stirring a bittersweet feeling within Lian'er.

While Lu Weixi focused on Aunt He's well-being, Aunt He noticed the affection in Lu Weixi's eyes when she spoke of Yu. Glancing at her daughter, Aunt He could only sigh silently, understanding the unspoken emotions.

Lu Weixi and Aunt He were engrossed in conversation, unaware of Lianer's expressions, who was quietly battling her emotions.

Qing'er, observing from the sidelines, sensed the undercurrent of emotions hidden beneath the surface. She stood silently, her mind filled with complaints against the one responsible for all this.

Meanwhile, "the source of all this trouble," Ding Qiyu, had just returned from the welcoming banquet that the merchant king had held for the eldest Miss Fu. The night was late. After freshening up, Ding Qiyu, as was her habit, went to "borrow" Qing'er's bed. Upon entering the room, she saw Qing'er sitting by the bed, looking up at her and saying, "Yu, after such an entertaining performance, you might still be excited. Perhaps you should return to your room to cool off and rest early." Her long hair draped over her shoulders, and she wore only her silk nightwear.

"Huh?" Ding Qiyu was taken aback. What did Qing'er mean? How could she cuddle Qing'er to sleep if she returned to her room? For the past few nights, Ding Qiyu had been sneaking into Qing'er's room, accustomed to holding her soft, fragrant Qing'er as she slept, enjoying the "painful yet joyful" nights (refraining from disturbing her due to the travel). Why suddenly send her back tonight? Puzzled, Ding Qiyu quickly replied, "I'm very calm. There's no need for me to go back to my room."

"I don't have any 'Hu Xuan girls' swirling like snow here," Fu Ruqing said calmly, turning to pull up the covers and lying on her side, leaving Ding Qiyu with her back. Her words suggested she wasn't truly angry enough to kick Ding Qiyu out. In truth, not only had Ding Qiyu grown accustomed to sleeping with Qing'er, but Fu Ruqing had also become used to falling asleep in Yu's warm embrace. Despite being annoyed with Yu for ogling the scantily clad dancers, Fu Ruqing didn't want Silver Sui to completely lock her out. Watching Yu fluster was satisfying, but it would punish her as well, so it was better to let Yu come in and make amends.

Outside, Silver Sui couldn't help but chuckle as she closed the door for them, thinking, "Miss can't bear to really punish the young master. But the young master will probably have to do some serious coaxing before Miss forgives him completely."

Hu Xuan girls? Ding Qiyu immediately understood that Qing'er was upset about her watching the Ulan dancers! Despite Qing'er's calm demeanor, her words and actions seemed both coy and teasing to Ding Qiyu, stirring a deep tenderness within her. In two quick steps, she was in bed, pulling the sulking Qing'er into her arms, holding her waist, and gently soothing her, "No matter how enchanting the Hu Xuan girls are, they can't compare to you in my heart."

Fu Ruqing, however, ignored Ding Qiyu, thinking a few sweet words would easily earn forgiveness? Who told you to misbehave earlier, talking about how "very" beautiful those dancers were?

"Qing'er, don't be mad..." Ding Qiyu pleaded, holding her close, unable to resist the allure of her fragrance. She leaned in, brushing her lips and tongue against Qing'er's delicate neck.

Fu Ruqing's pale cheeks flushed instantly. Recalling a particular night's experience, she wondered what this person intended to do. Warily, she turned away to shield her neck from Ding Qiyu, covering her mouth with her hand, and asked softly with a hint of apprehension, "What are you doing?" Ulan City was so hot that wearing a high-collared cloak outside would be laughable.

Ding Qiyu blinked innocently, kissing the palm covering her mouth, "Me? I'm not doing anything..." Remembering Qing'er had business to discuss the next day, Ding Qiyu felt a wave of disappointment, lamenting, "Ah! When can we go back?"

Relieved to have "narrowly escaped," Fu Ruqing sighed gently, turning her back to Ding Qiyu once more, murmuring softly, "Isn't it better here? You can watch the 'Hu Xuan girls' all you want." Recalling the earlier incident, she realized Yu hadn't properly made amends, only thinking of teasing her.

Oh... the little lady still remembered the Hu Xuan girls? Ding Qiyu patted her chest, calming her racing heartbeat, and continued to reassure the jealous Qing'er, "I was just appreciating their dance. I'd never seen it before, and it was fascinating, nothing more! Don't overthink it, Qing'er." She pulled the shy and sulking girl into her arms, letting her rest on her chest, and kissed her forehead tenderly, "If you don't like it, I won't watch next time. A thousand Hu Xuan girls can't compare to my Qing'er."

After the little incident, Fu Ruqing wasn't as upset anymore. She just wanted to hear Yu's tender words of compromise and affection. Now satisfied, she found a comfortable position in Ding Qiyu's arms and closed her eyes, "Let's rest. We have business to discuss tomorrow."

Repeating "business," Ding Qiyu pouted but could do nothing, swallowing her small dissatisfaction, "Alright. Let's rest. Goodnight, Qing'er." She couldn't help but sigh longingly, knowing she'd have to count sheep to fall asleep again. But the person nestled in her arms, hearing the sigh, couldn't help but smile slightly. Perhaps this was a fitting punishment for Yu's indiscretion at the banquet.