Blossom in Adversity

C183. Beauty is More Than Skin Deep.

Chapter 183: Beauty is more than skin deep.

Hua Zhi ignored the spectacle, her eyes drawn to the grand Song mansion. A cynical smile touched her lips as she considered her fate.

Would she meet her end here?

It seemed a fittingly dramatic conclusion, though she wondered if the Song family might be so inclined to open a new chapter.

"Miss." The maids were a bit nervous, almost wanting to surround the young lady to shield her from prying eyes.

"It's fine." Hua Zhi was completely indifferent. If she didn't want such a spectacle, she could have chosen to come on the fifth or sixth day of mourning when fewer people would be paying their respects, avoiding any unwanted attention.

But she chose today. She intended for the whole city to know that Hua Jing had been disowned by the Hua family. There was no longer any connection between Hua Jing's descendants and the Hua family. She wanted to publicly sever all ties with the Song family in front of everyone!

"Let's go."

Just as Hua Zhi was about to step forward, she heard someone call out behind her, "Eldest Miss."

The voice sounded familiar. Hua Zhi turned around to see Shen Qi, with Shen's grandmother standing beside him.

Hua Zhi gave a distant greeting, and Shen's grandmother raised her hand in acknowledgment.

Regret flooded Shen Qi after impulsively calling out to her. They had once been engaged, and he shouldn't have stopped her in such a public setting; it could spark gossip.

So, he escorted his grandmother over.

Shen's grandmother sighed inwardly. Despite the circumstances surrounding the Hua family, she held no ill feelings towards Hua Zhi. In fact, she couldn't help but admire her a bit. For an unmarried young woman, she was handling things quite well.

"You look much thinner. Even during mourning, take care of yourself."

"Yes, thank you for your concern." Hua Zhi bowed again. "I wish you good health as well."

"Good, good child."

This was Shen Qi's first time seeing Hua Zhi after the incident with the Hua family. It was also the first time he saw a resolute Hua Zhi who no longer hid her true feelings – standing there with an air of calm confidence, appearing unafraid.

This was the Hua Zhi who had almost belonged to him but was now out of reach.

Suddenly, Hua Zhi looked at him, and their eyes met. Her gaze was so calm, so determined, making him feel even more inadequate. Shen Qi suddenly felt a sharp pang in his heart.

Would he never see that mischievous girl again, the one who used to tease her younger brother and steal snacks from servant girls?

"If you ever face difficulties, send someone to inform me, and I will do my best to help."

Hua Zhi nodded slightly but didn't reply. She wouldn't. And Shen Qi knew she wouldn't.

"After you, Madam." Hua Zhi stepped aside to let Shen's grandmother go first, lowering her eyes slightly but maintaining her grace.

Shen's grandmother sighed and gently patted her grandson's hand before walking towards the Song family. Some opportunities, once missed, were lost forever. Even if the Shen family were willing to reconcile now, they might never get the chance. Besides, the Shen family couldn't turn back either.

The onlookers gazed at Shen Qi with subtle expressions. He had just let go of such a beautiful woman. A whisper circulated among them!

This young lady from the Hua family had remarkable grace.