One day, while wandering, Su Chenbi encountered Jin Yu and asked, “Who are you?”
Jin Yu looked at him and replied flatly, “Who do you think I am?” She felt bitter that he would ask about her identity since they had brought him here.
Su Chenbi looked at her suspiciously. Soon, Heng Ziyuan approached and bowed to Jin Yu, saying, “Mistress, the meal is ready. Several masters are waiting for you.”
After Jin Yu left, Su Chenbi remained in a daze. Mistress? He had been redeemed a month ago and brought here. She seemed to be the owner, but it appeared she wasn’t the one who redeemed him; otherwise, why would she ignore him?
Heng Ziyuan followed Jin Yu, leaving Su Chenbi in the courtyard, where he rarely ventured out again. Although he sometimes thought of the woman, he preferred solitude.
Soon, Su Chenbi’s quiet life was disrupted when Jin Yu ordered him to join the others for a meal. He was stunned to see everyone else at the table sitting comfortably.
Xu Yi tightly gripped Jin Yu’s clothes, while Su Xi covered her swollen belly and Yun Mei lowered her eyes silently. Xiao Lian, dissatisfied with the new male guest, angrily ate her rice. Noticing Xiao Lian’s mood, Yun Mei offered her some food to comfort her. Aggrieved, Xiao Lian looked at Yun Mei with moist eyes before returning to her meal.
As the New Year approached, the mansion brimmed with joy, making it feel like a festive occasion. Everyone, especially Xiao Lian, was happy. Previously, only she and Su Xi were together, creating a cold atmosphere, but this year was lively. Su Xi’s pregnancy was evident, and Xiao Lian increasingly loved to touch her belly.
Xu Yi cut paper for red character paintings to celebrate the New Year. Despite being unable to see, he felt delighted thinking about the joyful red surroundings. Su Xi spent more time with him, assisting in cutting paper, and Xu Yi often touched her belly, showing envious expressions as he became comfortable with the gesture.
Feeling restless, Xiao Lian complained to Jin Yu about being idle while everyone else was busy. Jin Yu, though helpless, responded warmly, suggesting that Xiao Lian could visit the market down the mountain to play.
