After finishing the meal, Xu Yi, still blushing, followed Jin Yu, clutching her clothes. Jin Yu heard noise outside and said, “I’ll go check outside, wait here. I’ll be back soon.” Holding Xu Yi’s hand, she added, “Wait here properly.” She was worried about him, always overthinking despite being slightly older.
Xu Yi nodded, “I understand…”
Jin Yu sighed in relief, noticing Cloud Mei looking pale, and said, “From now on, you’ll ride in our carriage for better care.”
Cloud Mei was surprised, “Mistress, are you serious? Can I?”
Jin Yu nodded, “Yes.”
Cloud Mei smiled, her complexion gradually improving.
The carriages in the courtyard began to move against the cold wind.
Everyone was settled in the carriage. Su Xi calmly looked at the red marks on Xu Yi’s neck while Cloud Mei looked envious. The marks confirmed what she had heard last night. Xiao Lian sulked in a corner, occasionally glancing at Xu Yi’s marks and glaring at Jin Yu, her eyes wet with tears, feeling left out.
Jin Yu ignored Xiao Lian’s tantrum and focused on comforting Xu Yi, holding his delicate hand. Xu Yi, feeling the gazes, blushed and buried his head in Jin Yu’s embrace, hoping they hadn’t heard anything from last night.
After a while, feeling the stares, he explained, “Last night, I just slept with Miss Jin, we didn’t do anything else…”
This only drew more attention. His explanation seemed like a cover-up, and no one believed him. Xiao Lian added, “You’re lying.”
Xu Yi, eyes welling with tears, helplessly clutched Jin Yu’s clothes for support. If he could see, he would be even shyer at the smile in Jin Yu’s eyes. Jin Yu pulled Xu Yi into his embrace, maintaining his usual gentleness, but his voice carried a hint of laughter, “Alright, it’s nothing. From now on, we’re family.”
Xu Yi blushed, unable to explain, worried about being misunderstood, yet feeling a subtle sweetness inside, giggling softly.
Yunmei’s eyes flickered. “Family?” she asked. Xiaolian looked aggrieved, thinking if they were family, he was excluded.
As the sun rose and the weather warmed, the carriage continued on its route, its passengers sitting quietly, some falling back asleep. Though their destination was unknown, they knew loved ones would be waiting.
