Chapter 34: Official Recognition

Qin Zhao observed her calm demeanor, unable to directly voice his thoughts. He could only sigh inwardly while keeping up appearances with the guests, but the meal had entirely lost its flavor for him.

After several rounds of drinks and five dishes later, Qin Zhao, having nudged Cao Xi under the table countless times, finally opened his mouth. “There’s something I need to share with everyone today.”

Cao Xi glanced at Qin Zhao. His eyes were practically glowing as he stared at her, almost as if “Hurry up and say it!” was written all over his face.

The lively chatter around the table came to an abrupt stop as everyone turned their attention to Cao Xi.

“Actually, Qin Zhao isn’t my cousin; he’s my fiancé.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Cao Xi felt a little shy, her face tinged with a light blush.

“What did you say?”

Xiao Rui shot up from her chair in shock, her expression one of complete disbelief.

Only Qi Qige continued eating and drinking as if nothing had happened, while the others were stunned. Li Feng’s grip on his chopsticks visibly tightened.

Cao Xi looked at Xiao Rui. “Qin Zhao is my fiancé.”

“That’s impossible! I asked you before, and you said you didn’t have one!”

Xiao Rui’s face turned bright red in frustration. She couldn’t believe Qin Zhao had a fiancée, let alone that it was Cao Xi. She felt like a complete fool in front of her.

Qin Zhao, unwilling to let Cao Xi bear the brunt alone, explained, “We didn’t say anything before because we were still young, but it didn’t seem right to keep it a secret from the family any longer. So, we decided to announce it during today’s gathering.”

Shui Niu suddenly clapped his hands in realization. “I knew it! You two don’t act like siblings. What kind of siblings stick to each other like glue every single day?”

Feeling proud of his observational skills, Shui Niu grinned. He was also relieved that Qin Zhao was taken—no need to keep guarding against him like before.

Qin Zhao shot a glare at Shui Niu for his comment, recalling how Cao Xi always teased him about being overly clingy. His expression turned slightly awkward, prompting Cao Xi to give him a playful look in return.

Seeing Shui Niu continuously provoke her, Xiao Rui, seething with anger, picked up a piece of meat and threw it into Shui Niu’s bowl. “Just eat your food!”

Her sudden action thrilled Shui Niu, who took it as a sign that Xiao Rui had finally noticed him. Overjoyed, he quickly grabbed another piece of meat and placed it on Xiao Rui’s plate, beaming at her as if waiting for her to eat it.

Watching his silly grin, Xiao Rui could only roll her eyes.

---

After the meal, the family members gradually said their goodbyes to Qin Zhao and left. Once the house was empty, Qin Zhao began helping Cao Xi clean up the mess.

As Cao Xi was collecting the dishes, she turned her head to Qin Zhao and asked, “Why were you kicking me during the meal?”

“What do you think?”

Still feeling somewhat annoyed, Qin Zhao shot her another glare.

Cao Xi laughed heartily at his expression and leaned closer to him. “Why didn’t you say it yourself?”

Qin Zhao replied, “I wanted you to admit it yourself, not feel forced into accepting it.”

Cao Xi rolled her eyes. “If that’s what you wanted, maybe don’t kick me next time!” But she knew in her heart that if she hadn’t spoken up, Qin Zhao would never have publicly acknowledged their relationship himself.

---

News of Qin Zhao’s engagement spread quickly. Ever since the announcement, whenever Cao Xi stepped outside, the neighbors would rush to greet her. Some even stopped her to ask if Qin Zhao was truly engaged.

At first, Cao Xi felt a little awkward about it but soon got used to smiling and confirming that Qin Zhao indeed had a fiancée.

However, the peace didn’t last long before people began asking if Cao Xi herself was engaged.

One morning, just like any other day, Cao Xi planned to head to the shop to help out. As she opened the courtyard gate, she saw Aunt Li, who usually gossiped at the street corner, now sitting by her door.

“Miss Cao, out so early today?” Aunt Li greeted her with a broad smile, looking as though she’d been waiting for her.

Cao Xi returned the smile. “Aunt Li, is something the matter?”

Aunt Li smiled, “Just getting some fresh air this morning.”

Cao Xi thought to herself, This doesn’t look like just getting some fresh air… it seems like she’s been waiting here for a while.

Cao Xi gave a polite smile and said, “Aunt Li, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.” She glanced at Aunt Li, signaling that she was about to leave.

But Aunt Li was not so easily dismissed; her purpose for coming was clear.

With a sly smile, she asked, “I wonder, Miss Cao, are you already engaged?”

Cao Xi felt a discomfort run through her as Aunt Li’s smile felt insincere. Just as she was about to respond, someone interrupted.

“Don’t just call her ‘Aunt Li’ like that. If you’re going to call her ‘Aunt,’ at least show some respect,” Qin Zhao said, walking over and pushing open the courtyard gate, his voice as cold as frost.

Aunt Li, stunned by his sharp words, flushed bright red, her eyes avoiding his gaze. “Why are you being so harsh, Master Qin? I didn’t mean anything by it…” she stammered, quickly backing away and hurrying out of the courtyard.

As soon as she was outside, she began to pat her chest in relief. That was too much; I shouldn’t have tested the waters with someone like him. He’s not someone I can mess with.

Cao Xi turned to Qin Zhao, disapproving of his harsh treatment. “Why did you say that to her?”

“People like her need to be handled firmly. It’s best to shut them down before they get any ideas,” Qin Zhao replied, closing the gate with a heavy thud and locking it.

“Let’s go.”

Cao Xi frowned. “You’ve caused trouble now. What if our reputation gets affected?”

“If I’m afraid of an old woman, then what kind of man would I be?” Qin Zhao responded firmly, turning to her with a questioning gaze. “Am I supposed to be a cowardly husband?”

Cao Xi shot him a reproachful look. She hadn’t realized it until now, but Qin Zhao had always been the one shielding her from the wind and rain. She hadn’t even noticed when it started.

“I’m fine now. I’ll head to the shop,” she said.

The two of them reached a fork in the road. Cao Xi turned to the shop, while Qin Zhao continued on to the academy.

The shop was bustling with activity, everyone busy with their respective tasks.

“Good morning, Sister Xi,” Xiao Chuan greeted her.

“Good morning! Is there anything that needs doing? I can help,” Cao Xi replied.

“Everything’s already taken care of. You can head to the back courtyard if you like,” Xiao Chuan said.

“Alright, I’ll go check the courtyard,” Cao Xi said, lifting her foot to head towards the back.

The vegetables had already been washed, and Xiao Rui was draining the water. Cao Xi quickly joined in, handing over the basket to her.

“I can help too,” Cao Xi said.

“No need,” Xiao Rui replied, shaking her head.

As soon as Cao Xi entered, Xiao Rui noticed her expression and immediately grabbed the broom, setting it aside on a chair next to her.

Cao Xi knew Xiao Rui was still upset over Qin Zhao’s words, so she softened her tone, “I didn’t mean to hide anything.”

Xiao Rui’s frustration flared up again at the explanation.

“I asked, but you didn’t answer, so it’s not like I’m hiding it,” she muttered, her hands agitated as she scrubbed the vegetables in the basin, making a splashing sound.

Cao Xi wasn’t sure how to respond, so she paused for a moment before speaking softly, “It’s just… I’ve never met someone I truly loved.”

At Cao Xi’s blunt words, Xiao Rui’s face turned bright red. She quickly turned away and focused on her work again.

If Xiao Rui had feelings for Qin Zhao, it was not as strong as she thought. She did admire Qin Zhao’s cleverness. Unlike most men, Qin Zhao had a way of making Cao Xi revolve around him. He would enjoy every advantage, like a whole chicken leg, while making Cao Xi pay for his studies. But Xiao Rui believed that if she married him, her life wouldn’t be as hard. However, she knew Qin Zhao didn’t belong to her.

Cao Xi decided not to press the issue any further and quietly returned to the main room to review the accounts from yesterday.

By the time it was almost lunchtime, people had already begun to line up in front of the shop.

“Has Li Ge come back?” The cook, Shui Niu, was busy in the kitchen, but he seemed overwhelmed.

“He’s back, but was he staying at the shop last night?” Cao Xi asked.

Cao Xi wasn’t in a rush. Li Feng had recently been coming back late, and she had nearly forgotten about it.

“He’s back, but I’m not sure what he’s up to,” Shui Niu replied, placing a bowl of soup in front of Xiao Chuan for the customers.

Li Feng had indeed been busy these past few days. He had received a task from Qiu Ju, and after doing some investigating in the gambling dens, brothels, and other shady places, he finally got some useful information.

“The person’s at the brothel. Every night around the hour of xu, and leaves around the hour of chen,” Li Feng relayed the news to Qiu Ju.

Qiu Ju was satisfied with the information and handed him the silver she had prepared.

“You’ve worked hard, Li Feng. Here’s fifty taels of silver, the reward from the master.”

Li Feng took the silver, weighing it in his hand before putting it into his sleeve, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Qiu Ju.

“I was just doing my job. It wasn’t hard,” Li Feng said.

Qiu Ju, flustered by his gaze, nervously pulled at the corner of Li Feng’s sleeve. “Don’t go back tonight.”

Li Feng responded by gently pulling her hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss. “I’m already heading back to the shop.”

Qiu Ju shuddered slightly from the kiss, feeling more affectionate as she gazed up at him.

Li Feng pulled her close, kissing her lips lightly. The kiss was tender and deep, making Qiu Ju crave more of him. She tilted her head, reaching up to kiss him again.

The two kissed passionately, their breaths coming quicker. Qiu Ju leaned against Li Feng’s chest, saying breathlessly, “The carriage is almost here.”

Li Feng lowered his head to wipe away the trace of her kiss from his lips. “I’ve already bought a house in your mansion,” he murmured.

Even though she had received an answer, Qiu Ju still felt a rush of anxiety, continuously assuring herself that Li Feng was already under her control.