Fortune Across the World

Chapter 177: Fulfilling a Long-held Wish and Acknowledging Adoptive Parents (P1)

The next morning, Aunt Jade was busy organizing herbs that had been drying in the courtyard. The sun was already high in the sky, and she had prepared everything the two young ones needed: their medicine, breakfast, and internal tonic. However, there was no sign of them waking up. For the past few days, Yu'er had been rising early, diligently helping despite her injuries. But on the first night after Zhuyi woke up, both slept in, leaving Aunt Jade to wonder what they were up to, staying in their room so long without sleeping.

Inside, Ding Qiyu, who had been sleeping soundly due to exhaustion, was the first to awaken. The sunlight streaming through the window roused her from her dreams. Still groggy, she turned slightly to shield her eyes from the bright light with her hand, slowly becoming aware that there was someone else with her. Looking down, she saw Zhuyi nestled comfortably in her embrace. Due to her movement, light now fell on Zhuyi as well, causing her to furrow her brows and snuggle closer, burying her face in Ding Qiyu's chest to block out the sunlight, leaving only the top of her head visible.

This endearing sight filled Ding Qiyu's heart with warmth. Zhuyi, who usually woke early to practice whip techniques back at Qianli Palace, was now sleeping in, likely due to her injuries and medication. Ding Qiyu couldn't bear to wake her and remained still, gently patting Zhuyi's arm to keep her comfortable.

Aunt Jade, not wanting to disturb their rest, was concerned they might miss their medication time. Not wanting to knock and potentially witness something inappropriate, she opted for a different approach. She made a deliberate racket with the herb trays, hoping the noise would wake the two.

The sudden clatter from outside drew Ding Qiyu's attention away from Zhuyi's head. She wondered what the elders were up to. Was it late? As she pondered, Zhuyi, too, was stirred by the noise, refusing to leave Ding Qiyu's embrace, instead trying to pull Ding Qiyu's clothing over her exposed ear. Unable to reach, she used the edge of the blanket to cover her ear. However, the noise was persistent, and Zhuyi gradually woke up, pouting as she lay in the dark cocoon of Ding Qiyu's arms and the blanket, aware she couldn't fall back asleep but unwilling to get up.

Ding Qiyu was amused, finding this side of Zhuyi incredibly cute. She suppressed her laughter so much that her chest trembled.

Zhuyi, feeling the vibrations, emerged from hiding, only to see Ding Qiyu's face full of suppressed laughter. With a hint of displeasure, she asked, "What's so funny?"

Ding Qiyu burst into laughter, "Haha, I just think Zhuyi is too adorable."

"Adorable?" Zhuyi glanced at the sunlight streaming through the window, disagreeing, "No one has ever called me adorable."

"Then I'll be the first," Ding Qiyu declared, genuinely finding Zhuyi endearing, "Everyone has many sides. Zhuyi is no different."

Zhuyi didn't respond, instead rolling out of Ding Qiyu's embrace to glare at the window. She changed the subject, "What are the seniors doing outside?"

In that moment, Ding Qiyu inadvertently saw something else and blushed, averting her eyes. Her mind blanked, unable to recall what Zhuyi had just asked.

Seeing Ding Qiyu's flushed, dazed expression, Zhuyi felt a chill on her chest and, embarrassed and annoyed, tugged the blanket to cover herself. Unable to scold Ding Qiyu due to her injuries, she managed a stern tone, "What are you staring at?! What are the seniors doing outside?" She repeated her question, hoping to avoid further embarrassment.

Snapping back to reality, Ding Qiyu felt guilty for her behavior, knowing Zhuyi likely guessed what she'd done. As Zhuyi didn't mention it, Ding Qiyu followed her lead, face still red as she guessed, "It's late morning, and we're still in bed. Aunt Jade might be trying to get us up for our medicine..."

Hearing this, Zhuyi forgot her embarrassment, eyes widening in surprise, "It's really late!" Concerned about how the elders might perceive their tardiness, she tried to get up.

"Wait, Zhuyi, let me help you. Don't rush. I'll get some water." Ding Qiyu quickly assisted her, dressed, and hurried out of the room.

Facing Aunt Jade's amused, probing gaze, Ding Qiyu managed to help Zhuyi wash up, eat breakfast, take her medicine, and change her bandages, all while her own face burned under Aunt Jade's scrutiny.

Feeling slightly better, Zhuyi couldn't bear to stay in the room all day. After much persuasion, Aunt Jade allowed her to go for a walk. The two of them "shooed" Ding Qiyu outside, and with Aunt Jade's help (Zhuyi having pleaded to avoid Ding Qiyu's assistance with changing clothes), Zhuyi dressed and called Ding Qiyu back to support her outside.

Not wanting to intrude, Aunt Jade returned to her work, leaving them alone. Zhuyi tilted her face up to the dappled sunlight filtering through the Danming branches, breathing in the floral fragrance, and felt her spirits lift. With a bright smile, she marveled, "It's beautiful... I never imagined such a serene paradise within Danying Mountain."

"Yes, I didn't expect it either. We were at a dead end, but stumbled into this beautiful place," Ding Qiyu agreed, smiling slightly, "I guess this is what they mean by 'a blessing in disguise.'"

Before Zhuyi could respond, a whinny echoed as Chi Ni, who had been wandering the courtyard, spotted her long-lost owner and galloped over.

Startled, Ding Qiyu feared Chi Ni might bump into Zhuyi, quickly stepping in front of her to shield her. Zhuyi, touched by the protective gesture, laughed, "It's okay, Chi Ni is very smart."

Indeed, Chi Ni stopped just in time, lowering its head in a gesture of restrained joy. Zhuyi, smiling, reached out to stroke its fiery mane, and Ding Qiyu couldn't help but smile as well.

As the two and their horse reveled in their reunion, outside the fenced courtyard, a figure carrying a hoe and with pants rolled up entered—Master Yan Huai, who had been ignoring Ding Qiyu for days.

This was Yan Huai's first meeting with Zhuyi. Seeing the girl who bore her parents' features reminded him of old friends. Glancing at Ding Qiyu, he approached, greeting warmly, "Zhuyi... you must be Zhuyi." Over the past few days, Yan Huai had been asking his wife about her recovery, eagerly anticipating this meeting. Unexpectedly, he returned from the fields to this chance encounter.

Zhuyi turned and immediately recognized the elder, smiling politely, "Senior, I'm Le Zhuyi." Knowing him as Master Yan Huai but unable to use the name, she opted for "Senior." This elder, like Aunt Jade, felt like a long-lost family member, filling her with a warm sense of reunion.

Le? Yan Huai paused, noting she bore her mother's surname. Her polite demeanor endeared her to him, his old friend having indeed been blessed with such a lovely daughter. He dismissed the question of her surname, his heart light and joyful, laughing, "Haha, good, Zhuyi!" Before she could respond, he asked, "How is your injury?" Though aware of her condition, he simply wanted to engage her in conversation.

"Thank you for your concern, Senior. Aunt Jade's skillful care has ensured I'm almost fully recovered," Zhuyi replied, subtly glancing at Ding Qiyu beside her, hinting for action. With Master Yan Huai present, it was time for Ding Qiyu to greet him.

Ding Qiyu, oblivious to Zhuyi's hint, internally grumbled at the elder's differential treatment—so warm to Zhuyi, yet stern to her. Unsure whether to greet him, fearing a cold response, she hesitated until Zhuyi lightly squeezed her hand, prompting her to take the plunge. Determined to make a good impression, she greeted, "Good day, Senior."