My Husband Is a Scoundrel
My Husband is a Scoundrel | Chapter 22

That was the character “Qiao.”

Xie Weixia looked up at the fireworks in the sky, clenching his fingers, and the smile on his face froze. Just as he had guessed, another character appeared behind the fireworks.

“Yu.”

“Together, it’s Xie Qiaoyu!!!” someone exclaimed on the street.

“That’s the name of the Third Young Master, what a grand gesture!” Some maids looked on with envy.

Xie Furen’s face turned ugly, but she quickly concealed it. Xie Yuan looked at the fireworks in the sky, wondering what the characters were, only to find out it was his own brother’s name. Who could have done this?

Yiju Courtyard

“Young Master, it’s your name!” Yao He said with a face full of smiles. Oh my, probably everyone in Ningjiang County knows someone set off fireworks for the Young Master.

Xie Qiaoyu also gazed at the sky, where the dark night exploded with flashes, and the five-layered fireworks spread out. Xie Qiaoyu could still hear the exclamations from outside the courtyard.

His heart was pounding, and he subconsciously held his breath.

“Sheng.”

“Chen.”

“Kuai.”

“Le.”

A series of fireworks surrounded it, with each family taking turns as a backdrop.

The characters streaked across the sky and then dissipated.

Then, with a sharp sound, three fireworks appeared in the sky, resembling three peach trees, like fiery trees, glowing red.

“Xie Qiaoyu, happy birthday.” Someone on the street read it out loud, and it wasn’t just one person.

Some children ran around with pinwheels, laughing, “Xie Qiaoyu, happy birthday!”

Amidst the surrounding exclamations, Feng Su’s eyes were filled with surprise, but it all seemed to turn into nothingness. He only saw himself standing outside, with the fireworks in the sky shining brightly.

Everyone was calling his name, and his heart beat faster and faster, rippling in circles. It felt like there was a hole in his stomach, burning hot, with a cold breath being drawn out of his body, and a warm breath coming in.

His heart felt like it was about to explode, and his scalp tingled.

In the past, he always celebrated his birthday with Feng Su, and the Xie family had long ignored him. Now, they were probably watching the fireworks too.

Xie Qiaoyu couldn’t quite describe how he felt. He was a bit confused, a bit moved, feeling like his heart was completely out of control. He wanted to go out and find this person.

Who could this person be? Could it be Wan Mingji?

Xie Qiaoyu steadied his mind, thinking it could only be him.

This was the change in his sixteenth year.

“Young Master, this must have cost a lot of silver. Do you know who set them off?” Yao He asked enthusiastically.

Xie Qiaoyu blushed and didn’t speak, his beautiful face becoming even more captivating.

Feng Su said, “You all go out first, Qiaoyu, come with me.”

Xie Qiaoyu obediently lowered his head and followed Feng Su into the room. Feng Su closed the door, and outside, Yao He and Feng Su’s personal servant exchanged glances.

“Sit down.”

Xie Qiaoyu sat on the chair, and Feng Su, seeing Xie Qiaoyu’s blushing face, had a guess in his heart.

“Do you know who set off the fireworks?”

Xie Qiaoyu organized his words: “I just have a guess.”

For sixteen years, his birthdays had been uneventful until he met that person, and everything changed.

Feng Su sighed, feeling both gratified that Xie Qiaoyu was valued by someone and anxious. There’s an old saying, “Men fear entering the wrong profession, and girls and boys fear marrying the wrong person.” Someone who cares enough to spend effort on you is better than someone who is indifferent.

“If anyone asks, just say I hired someone to set them off for you. I’ll handle the rest.” Feng Su advised, lowering his gaze.

He was Xie Qiaoyu’s father, and celebrating his birthday was only natural. However, the commotion was a bit much, and he needed to think of a way to handle it.

“Understood, Father.” Xie Qiaoyu agreed, still smiling, his purple robe wide, with the white clothes inside outlining his slender figure.

“As long as you know what you’re doing, if you really like him, then let him propose soon.” Feng Su also hoped Xie Qiaoyu would marry into a good family.

“Father, he’s still a blockhead!” Xie Qiaoyu complained sweetly.

Xie Qiaoyu whispered to Feng Su, as if sharing a secret: “Father, do you know what he first gave me?”

Feng Su pondered and guessed, “Jewelry.”

Xie Qiaoyu shook his head.

Feng Su continued guessing, “Pastries.”

Xie Qiaoyu pinched his clothes and said lightly, “He gave me a dead wild rabbit to take home and eat.”

“Ah.” Feng Su had never seen anyone give a dead rabbit to someone they liked. Seeing the smile on Xie Qiaoyu’s face, he didn’t know what to say.

Feng Su started laughing, “This young man is quite interesting.”

“How did you two meet?” He had to ask, to find out more about the young man. It’s one thing for a man to be thoughtful, but it’s still important to inquire.

Xie Zhi introduced him, and they got to know each other better at a funeral. If Xie Qiaoyu said that, it might not be believable, and he couldn’t exactly say he fell for someone wearing mourning clothes at first sight—that would make him seem like a lustful ghost.

“We met at a banquet.” A funeral is a kind of banquet, right? Xie Qiaoyu felt a bit guilty.

Feng Su thought for a moment. If it was at a banquet, then the young man must be of similar status. He was about to ask more when someone knocked on the door. It was Xie Yuan’s trusted aide.

“Feng Liangfu, Third Young Master, the master requests your presence in the main hall.”

Feng Su responded, tidying his attire, “We’ll be right there.”

“When you get to the hall, speak less and let me do the talking.”

Xie Qiaoyu: “Yes, Father.”

*

Xie Mansion Main Hall

“Xie Qiaoyu, happy birthday.” Li Furen read aloud, smiling, “What a clever idea.”

“Who went to such lengths? Even people in the Capital City haven’t seen fireworks like this.” Some fulangs spoke with a hint of jealousy.

Such thoughtfulness likely came from a man, deeply in love, willing to go to such lengths. Not everyone is lucky enough to meet someone who likes them.

The guests in the hall, the furens and fulangs, wanted to see Xie Qiaoyu. The men were also intrigued by the fireworks, thinking if they could present them to someone in the Capital City, it would strengthen connections and gain favor.

“Furens, you’re joking. Whether it’s my son remains to be discussed.” Xie Yuan stroked his beard and smiled.

The fireworks were set off near the Xie Mansion, yet he was playing dumb. A servant by Xie Yuan’s side returned and whispered in his ear, “Couldn’t find anyone.”

Xie Yuan pondered. If no one was seen near the Xie Mansion, they must have left quickly.

Xie Weixia sat next to Xie Furen, holding an apple, and whispered, “Mother, do you have any idea?”

“How would I know about Xie Qiaoyu’s rotten peach blossom? This really shook the whole Ningjiang County.” Xie Furen sneered.

Feng Su and Xie Qiaoyu arrived at the hall, both bowing to Xie Yuan.

“Rise. What’s the story with the fireworks?” Xie Yuan coughed lightly, getting straight to the point.

Xie Qiaoyu stood among the crowd, sensing many people scrutinizing him—some curious, some jealous, some suspicious. He lowered his head, pretending to be obedient.

“I hired someone to make the fireworks, but the craftsman has already left.”

“Can you find them again?” Xie Yuan quickly asked.

“I met him by chance. I mentioned Qiaoyu’s birthday, and he felt a connection, so he helped with the fireworks. I didn’t expect him to be such a master.” Feng Su spoke convincingly, still looking surprised as if he hadn’t recovered.

Xie Qiaoyu thought his father had some acting skills.

“What a pity to miss out on such talent.” Xie Yuan lamented.

Xie Qiaoyu thought to himself, you won’t miss out on talent; he’ll be your son-in-law in the future.

The people in the hall also felt regret, but they realized such people are rare. If they were always around, the fireworks would become commonplace, and rarity is what makes things valuable.

“Is it really someone this fulang invited?” someone questioned. If he had such intentions, he would have set off fireworks for Xie Qiaoyu’s birthday every year, but it was only this year. Although Feng Su’s words had no loopholes, and the person who set off the fireworks had run away, some still felt something was off.

“I was just lucky.” Feng Su replied gently.

“Third Young Master Xie is fortunate to have such a display of fireworks, luckier than others.” Someone said with a hint of sarcasm.

“As elders, we should give gifts for the child’s birthday.” Old Madam Xie said, “Grandmother forgot your birthday today.”

Reminded by Old Madam Xie, everyone came to their senses. Some were reluctant, but etiquette was in front of them. They all wished Xie Qiaoyu a happy birthday. Now that Xie Qiaoyu’s birthday was known to everyone, they couldn’t ignore it. They hurriedly gave whatever they had on hand.

Seeing the gifts from the furens, Xie Qiaoyu’s smile was bright, “How can I accept this?”

“It’s customary to give gifts for a junior’s birthday.”

Xie Qiaoyu received a pile of gifts in the hall, mostly jewelry. Xie Weixia couldn’t stand Xie Qiaoyu’s smug look and turned away.

Selling all this jewelry would fetch quite a bit of silver, and Xie Qiaoyu was delighted.

Xie Qiaoyu took the jewelry back, and seeing it was late, Feng Su didn’t disturb him: “Come have lunch with me tomorrow. Qiaoyu, happy birthday.”

Xie Qiaoyu hugged the jewelry, and the maids and servants respectfully bowed and greeted him. Xie Qiaoyu felt like he was walking on clouds, his whole being floating.

His vanity was through the roof.

After putting away the jewelry, Xie Qiaoyu patted his still-warm face, blushing more as he thought about it.

Yao He brought in hot water for Xie Qiaoyu to wash his face, noticing his eyes shimmering and his face still red.

He blurted out, “Young Master, your face is as red as a monkey’s butt.”

Xie Qiaoyu: “…”

Xie Qiaoyu looked at his face in the bronze mirror, indeed red beyond belief. He covered his face with a warm cloth.

“Ahem, have you boiled the water? I want to bathe.” Xie Qiaoyu awkwardly changed the subject.

“I already instructed someone to boil it.” Yao He said straightforwardly.

“Young Master, was it really Young Master Wan who set off the fireworks?” Yao He asked sneakily, as if he were a thief.

“Who else could it be?” Xie Qiaoyu mumbled, “How did he know my birthday?”

Yao He suddenly became clever again, “Young Master Wan secretly inquired.”

Xie Qiaoyu got the answer he wanted, and his face lit up with joy, “He could have just asked me directly, no need to inquire secretly.”

Yao He noticed his young master was acting up again.

“Grandmother’s gift, I haven’t opened it yet.” Xie Qiaoyu urged Yao He to bring the box over.

Inside the box from Old Madam Xie was a silver note worth two hundred taels and a deed for a shop.

Xie Qiaoyu, Yao He: “Wow!”

“Young Master, you’ve struck it rich.” Yao He said, swallowing.

“I’ve struck it rich…” Xie Qiaoyu repeated Yao He’s words, his tone dazed.

“Young Master, wake up, you’ve struck it rich.” Yao He shook Xie Qiaoyu vigorously.

“I’m going to throw up.” Xie Qiaoyu snapped back to reality, carefully examining the deed. The shop sold fabrics, and Xie Qiaoyu was invigorated, eager to see his shop the next day.

Yao He brought hot water and poured it into the wooden tub. Xie Qiaoyu undressed, his snow-white skin entering the misty tub.

“Yao He, I kind of want to see him.” Xie Qiaoyu said, then dunked his head into the tub.

When he saw the fireworks, he wanted to see Wan Mingji, but he knew he couldn’t go out.

This birthday was so thrilling.

He lifted his head from the tub, his heart still racing.

“Xie Qiaoyu, happy birthday.” The children on the street shouted.

Wan Mingji ran quickly after setting off the fireworks, disappearing down the street.

Oh dear, he’s really not a high-profile person, just didn’t expect such a big sensation. He originally planned to set off fireworks near the Xie Mansion for Xie Qiaoyu to see, but the improved fireworks were too amazing.

The fireworks meant for Xie Qiaoyu became fireworks for the entire Ningjiang County. Hearing the children’s words on the street, he felt a bit embarrassed.

“Which brother has such skills, tsk tsk tsk, chasing a boy like this.” A drunken scholar said.

Wan Mingji bought himself a meal and returned to Qingshui Alley. Seeing the remnants of fireworks in his yard, he quickly cleaned them up.

After eating, he wondered if Xie Qiaoyu was happy seeing the fireworks.

He was tired and fell asleep on the bed, the bright moonlight shining on his handsome face.

Wan Mingji slept soundly, but someone else couldn’t sleep. Xie Qiaoyu tossed and turned, feeling very excited.

He wrapped himself in a blanket, rolling around on the bed.

His ears were bright red.

Wan Mingji seemed quite proper, but who knew he was such a romantic. Pretending to be a blockhead in front of him, truly a cunning man.

He also thought of Xie Weixia’s stiff expression at the time, almost laughing out loud in the blanket.

.

Xie Furen hadn’t slept yet. She combed her hair, applied hair oil, and asked, “Did you find out what I asked you to?”

Xie Furen planned to marry Xie Qiaoyu to Lin Limu, so she sent Tian Mama to investigate the men close to Xie Qiaoyu. If things got out of hand, it would be too embarrassing.

Seeing the fireworks today, Xie Furen felt uneasy. She didn’t believe Feng Su’s words, and the master was probably half-believing too.

Tian Mama hesitated.

“Speak up, don’t dawdle.” Xie Furen said irritably.

“Furen, I found out that Third Young Master had contact with Second Guye before, but nothing else.” Tian Mama whispered.

Xie Qiaoyu and Wan Mingji’s interactions were at banquets and on the estate, and Tian Mama wasn’t that resourceful. But this was enough to shock Xie Furen.

“Are you saying they have an affair?!”

Tian Mama didn’t dare to answer, “Maybe they just know each other, or Third Young Master seduced Second Guye.”

“Xie Qiaoyu’s heart is really wild, daring to touch even his brother-in-law. No wonder he comes from a small family.” Xie Furen said disdainfully, her chest heaving with anger.

“The matter with Lin Limu needs to be settled soon.” Xie Furen planned to contact Lin Limu’s relatives quickly.

Tian Mama responded, “Furen, I’ll take care of it.”

Xie Furen thought that once Xie Qiaoyu married Lin Limu, he wouldn’t be able to flaunt in front of her. Lin Limu was even older than Xie Yuan. Xie Furen thought of Old Madam Xie’s words at the banquet today.

Old Madam Xie disliked Xie Qiaoyu the most and wouldn’t help him. Today, she only defended Xie Qiaoyu for the sake of face. Xie Furen exhaled a breath of turbid air and got into bed.

These days, Xie Yuan had been staying in her courtyard, but today he went to Feng Su’s courtyard, which angered Xie Furen again.

The next morning, Xie Furen was still having breakfast when Xie Qiaoyu hurriedly finished his breakfast and dragged Yao He out.

Having finally gotten a shop, Xie Qiaoyu had been eager to see it since last night, unable to contain his excitement this morning. The shop was located in the east of the city, a middle area. Xie Qiaoyu didn’t let the sedan bearers carry him; he walked to the east of the city to understand the situation of various shops along the way.

The shops here were well-equipped, with rice shops, clothing shops, candy shops, pastry shops, and even breakfast shops still selling.

“Isn’t this the road to Dongtian Academy?” Yao He said.

Xie Qiaoyu also recognized the road. On the other end of the shop was Dongtian Academy, along with a row of residences. Some people who didn’t live in the county and those who came from outside to study would generally rent houses outside.

Xie Qiaoyu entered the fabric shop given to him by Old Madam Xie, where there was only a shopkeeper and a shop assistant.

The shop assistant, seeing a customer, was very enthusiastic, “Customer, this way, please.”

Xie Qiaoyu wore clothes made by a famous shop in the county, looking exceptionally elegant. Since it was winter, he wore bulky winter clothes, but the design at the waist highlighted his slender waist, with a perfect waist-to-hip ratio.

In contrast, the fabrics in the shop were dull, mostly dark colors, and the clothing styles were outdated. The furens and boys in the county no longer wore such clothes, and the young men preferred light-colored fabrics.

“Take down that red robe for me to see.” Xie Qiaoyu pointed to a bright red robe.

The shop assistant took down the robe for Xie Qiaoyu, “Young Master, this robe is hard to pull off, but with your fair skin, wearing bright red suits you.”

Xie Qiaoyu didn’t intend to wear it; he just wanted to feel the fabric. The fabric shop not only sold fabrics but also made clothes. There were many fabric shops on this street, so it’s no wonder the accounts were so dismal.

The fabric felt smooth, made from good material. Xie Qiaoyu also checked the stitching on the shoulders and waist, finding no shortcuts taken.

“Where are your winter clothes?” Xie Qiaoyu asked.

The shop assistant quickly led Xie Qiaoyu to the inner room, where there was a layer of winter clothes, but the styles were still outdated.

“How much for this purple winter coat?” Xie Qiaoyu pointed to a purple winter coat.

“This one is six hundred wen, but if you want it, Young Master, five hundred wen will do.” The shop assistant said enthusiastically.

Finally, a customer came, and the shopkeeper would likely be willing to forgo some silver.

Xie Qiaoyu said nothing and walked out, asking Yao He to take out the shop’s deed for the shopkeeper.

Hu Zhanggui looked at the deed and immediately stood up respectfully, “Dongjia.”

The shop assistant quickly lowered his head and called out, “Dongjia.”

Hu Zhanggui had already received word that Old Madam Xie had given this shop to Xie Qiaoyu, so naturally, he called Xie Qiaoyu Dongjia. He glared at the eager shop assistant and stepped forward to introduce the shop to Xie Qiaoyu.

“Dongjia, this is Laofuren’s dowry shop. The business has been declining over the years, and the ready-made clothes have been piling up. We don’t earn much silver, and it’s hard to bring in other goods.”

“Where do you source your goods?” Xie Qiaoyu asked, getting to the point.

“They’re all sourced by Xie Furen. We just pay and receive the goods. Dongjia, you see, the material is good, but the colors are too dull, and ordinary people can’t pull off dark-colored clothes.” Hu Zhanggui sighed, “I mentioned it to Laofuren before, and she talked to Furen, but Furen just scolded the steward and continued as she pleased.”

“We didn’t want to trouble Laofuren again.” After all, the two were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. If they went to her again, it would cause discord, and Xie Furen would just brush it off, making it meaningless.

“From now on, we won’t source our goods from Furen.”

Xie Qiaoyu knew Xie Furen didn’t like him, so whatever he did would provoke her. What was there to fear?

“Yes, Dongjia.” Hu Zhanggui’s eyes sparkled, continuing, “But we need to bring in goods, and there’s not much silver in the accounts.”

“That’s a valid point. Let me take another look.” Xie Qiaoyu still couldn’t easily trust the shopkeeper of this shop. He had only glanced at the accounts yesterday, and tonight he needed to examine them carefully to determine if the shopkeeper was trustworthy.

There were plenty of shopkeepers with sparse skills, and managing this small shop required loyalty more than anything else.

Hu Zhanggui respectfully saw Xie Qiaoyu out.

The shop assistant peeked a few times, earning a glare from Hu Zhanggui.

Xie Qiaoyu thought about his arithmetic skills and wondered where to find someone skilled in arithmetic to help him with the accounts. The accountant at the Xie Mansion wouldn’t do; they wouldn’t have time to calculate his accounts.

Yao He followed beside Xie Qiaoyu, spotting a familiar figure buying rice at the rice shop.

“Young Master, look!” Yao He gestured with his eyebrows and eyes towards the rice shop.

Xie Qiaoyu looked up and saw Wan Mingji, feeling a bit surprised, but Wan Mingji’s figure was completely blocked.

Wan Mingji had come to buy New Year’s goods this morning. He spent one tael of silver on sugar and pastries, five hundred wen on nuts and groceries, and went to the salt shop to buy salt. Salt was expensive, twenty wen per jin, more expensive than pork, so he bought one jin.

He couldn’t afford pork, only looking at it. Following Li Yun’s advice, he bought one jin of bones for five wen. He also needed to buy needles and thread for the two boys at home, but he didn’t understand these things, so he bought every color, spending quite a bit.

He also bought five jin of rice to put in his basket and bought firecrackers. With big and small bags hanging on him, Wan Mingji looked like a country bumpkin entering the city, his face still joyful.

Xie Qiaoyu: “…”

Wan Mingji put the newly bought oil can in his basket and handed the copper coins to the vendor.

“Come again, customer.”

Wan Mingji waved, “I will.”

He looked up and saw the elegantly dressed Xie Qiaoyu, who was looking at him with a hint of resentment.

Wan Mingji couldn’t free his hands, so he nimbly approached Xie Qiaoyu in his bulky winter clothes, like a heavy polar bear.

“Qiaoyu, happy birthday.” He smiled.

Xie Qiaoyu helped him with his things, “So heavy.”

Wan Mingji quickly said, “I’m thick-skinned, I can carry it myself. Just hang it on me.”

Xie Qiaoyu still took some of it, and the two walked to a secluded corner. Wan Mingji’s face remained handsome, exuding a carefree aura, like a breeze.

“Was it you who set off the… fireworks last night?” Xie Qiaoyu hesitated to say, pinching his clothes, his eyes shimmering.

Wan Mingji felt guilty, wondering if he had caused trouble for Xie Qiaoyu. The commotion was too big, and he was indeed here to be held accountable. A man should take responsibility for his actions, whether it’s a big or small matter.

“It was me. I came to the county a few days ago to prepare. I didn’t know the fireworks would be so loud. If you want to…” Beat or scold, I… huh?

Wan Mingji was stunned, feeling warmth between his lips.

A slender finger was placed on Wan Mingji’s lips, Xie Qiaoyu’s dark eyes clear, stopping him from speaking, feeling annoyed.

A good deed didn’t need to be met with scolding. Was he really such an unreasonable person?

“Are you an idiot?”

Wan Mingji instinctively wanted to retort, but facing Xie Qiaoyu’s eyes, he couldn’t speak, “You’re not mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you?” Xie Qiaoyu’s fingers were burning, quickly retracting them, “Yesterday was my birthday, and the fireworks you set off made me very happy.”

Xie Qiaoyu’s lips curled up. He really liked the fireworks Wan Mingji set off for him, and he liked even more the thought Wan Mingji put into it. Hearing that Wan Mingji had been preparing in the county for days, his heart softened even more. He just didn’t expect Wan Mingji to think he would scold him. What a blockhead!

“That’s good.” Wan Mingji smiled, “As long as you’re happy.”

Why was this cunning man smiling like a fox?

Xie Qiaoyu asked reservedly, “Are you going back now?”

“I have to wait a bit. The ox cart leaves at noon.”

“Can you help me with something?” Xie Qiaoyu took out the account book.

Wan Mingji: “?”

At Qingshui Alley, Wan Mingji had Xie Qiaoyu and Yao He cover their faces as they entered his yard. He put down the big and small bags he was carrying. The account book was a very private thing, and Xie Qiaoyu gave it to him to look at, which was a great trust.

Wan Mingji couldn’t help but think of a good brother.

He didn’t hesitate, placing the account book on the table, saying, “There’s hot water in the kitchen. If you want to drink, help yourselves. No, I’ll do it.”

Wan Mingji poured hot water for the two of them.

Then he sat down and started calculating.

Yao He, knowing his place, went to the kitchen to watch the hot water, while Xie Qiaoyu carefully sat on one side, propping his head up, curiously watching Wan Mingji.

Wan Mingji was very serious about arithmetic, his brush moving quickly, writing some scribbles. When doing problems, no, arithmetic, he usually forgot everything around him.

Xie Qiaoyu didn’t disturb him. The more serious a man is, the more charming he is. The ancients didn’t deceive me. Wan Mingji’s facial features were deep, his nose high and straight, his lines smooth and three-dimensional, his lips pressed together, his back straight, as if he had received good upbringing.

He was still in mourning, unable to wear fancy clothes, simply wearing a black winter coat, his fingers distinct.

Half an hour later, Wan Mingji finished calculating the account book. Without looking up, he said, “I found a few places where the accounts don’t add up. It seems some funds were misappropriated. This account book is very cleverly done, with only a few small accounts hidden, not easy to spot.”

“Look, it’s right here.” Wan Mingji pointed it out to Xie Qiaoyu, their warm breaths mingling.

“…I can’t see it.” Xie Qiaoyu said.

Wan Mingji immediately got up and sat next to Xie Qiaoyu on the same bench, “Look, it’s these places.”

The more they talked, the closer their heads got, both unaware.

“I see. You’re so fast at calculating. Can you teach me?” Xie Qiaoyu looked at Wan Mingji, realizing how close they were, close enough to hear Wan Mingji’s heartbeat. He felt like he was being held in Wan Mingji’s arms.

Xie Qiaoyu wanted to avoid it, but Wan Mingji moved even faster, standing up with a swish. Xie Qiaoyu was stunned, his eyes filled with anger.

He could avoid it, but Wan Mingji couldn’t.

Wan Mingji regained his composure, feeling a bit hot, “Of course, I can.”

Xie Qiaoyu: “…”

“Have you never liked a boy before?”

Wan Mingji shook his head. How could he like men?

This guy had never liked anyone else, so he was the first person Wan Mingji liked. And Wan Mingji was the first person he liked.

In the past, he thought about marrying a decent scholar, becoming the main fulang, managing the household, having a child, and living well even if his husband took concubines.

Now he didn’t want that anymore.

If Wan Mingji wanted concubines, Xie Qiaoyu felt like he wanted to smash his head.

Xie Qiaoyu’s face burned.

An unmarried young boy was too bold.

Wan Mingji was confused, not understanding why, just staying in place with Xie Qiaoyu, not wanting to move.

Wan Mingji poured another cup of hot water for Xie Qiaoyu.

“It’s getting late. I have to catch the ox cart.” Wan Mingji said.

“So soon?” Xie Qiaoyu felt like time flew by just sitting with him. He wanted to spend more time with Wan Mingji.

He looked at Wan Mingji, unwilling to look away, wanting to engrave his face deeply in his heart. This was different from just being attracted to Wan Mingji’s handsome face; it was more about not wanting to part with him as a person.

He reached out, wanting to touch Wan Mingji’s face.

Seeing Xie Qiaoyu’s hand, Wan Mingji immediately understood and held his good brother’s hand.

…?

Xie Qiaoyu felt this posture was a bit strange, but with their palms together, warmth spread between them. Wan Mingji’s hand had calluses, gently rubbing against Xie Qiaoyu’s fingertips.

“Did I give you face?”

What kind of nonsense was this?

Xie Qiaoyu thought to himself, but his heart was sweet, whispering, “You did.”

Xie Daren is still hoping for your talent.

“Since Xie Jiuling and Xie Zhi left, I’ve finally found a confidant again.” Wan Mingji said sincerely.

Confidant?

Xie Qiaoyu shifted, feeling a bit at a loss. How did he become a confidant? He hadn’t even opened up to Wan Mingji. This man really knew how to talk!

Wan Mingji cleared his throat, holding Xie Qiaoyu’s hand tightly, “I want to…” How about we become brothers?

Xie Qiaoyu quickly withdrew his hand, interrupting him, “Cough, cough, cough, what do you want to do? I’m a pure boy.”

What does purity have to do with it? Can’t you be brothers if you’re not pure?

Wan Mingji was dumbfounded.

Seeing Yao He, Xie Qiaoyu quickly pulled him away, afraid Wan Mingji would hold his hand and say something ambiguous. He walked to the door, turned back to look at Wan Mingji, and shyly said, “Wait for a proper reason to do as you wish.”

…What does a proper reason mean?

Being glared at by Xie Qiaoyu, Wan Mingji’s scalp tingled.

*

Xie Qiaoyu pulled Yao He into the courtyard, and Yao He quickly asked, “Young Master, what happened to you?”

“Wan Mingji, he held my hand.” Xie Qiaoyu said softly.

Yao He opened his mouth wide, “Ah?”

“He even wanted to… I can’t even say it.” Xie Qiaoyu thought he interrupted Wan Mingji’s words. Otherwise, with two men alone in one place, if they couldn’t control themselves, wouldn’t it be a regret for a lifetime? This man was so greedy for him, he was greedy for his body.

“This man really doesn’t know the rules!” Yao He said angrily.

“It’s not that serious. He just held my hand, and I don’t blame him.” Xie Qiaoyu thought he originally wanted to touch Wan Mingji’s face, feeling guilty and flustered.

“Let’s look at the account book first.” Xie Qiaoyu remembered the serious matter.

Xie Qiaoyu opened the account book and placed it aside, looking at the words Wan Mingji wrote on the paper, falling silent.

“…”

Earlier at Qingshui Alley, he was full of Wan Mingji, naturally thinking everything about him was good. Now, seeing the words after sobering up, he couldn’t say they were good, just that they looked human.

The handwriting was too rough.

He still needed him to rewrite it. Xie Qiaoyu rolled up his sleeves, “Yao He, grind the ink.”

Yao He responded, skillfully grinding the ink.

Xie Qiaoyu deciphered Wan Mingji’s writing and copied it neatly, understanding as he went.

By the time Xie Qiaoyu finished copying, it was already noon, and Feng Su sent someone to invite him for lunch.

Xie Qiaoyu put away the account book, knowing Feng Su wanted to ask about Wan Mingji. He had already thought of what to say, but when he arrived at his father’s room, his father just served him food.

Xie Qiaoyu was a bit puzzled.

Feng Su smiled, “Let me meet that child someday.”

He thought, as long as the two children truly loved each other, he would meet him, check him out, and as long as he treated his son well and had a noble character, it would be fine.

Squishee[Translator]

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