In the teaching house, she had learned how to dress, how to pose, and what expressions would maximize her beauty. But at the time, her sole purpose in learning these techniques was to avoid making clients find her attractive, so she had done everything contrary to that goal. Unexpectedly, these skills were now proving useful.
Liu Zhengyu followed her gaze to her hand, which held a jade pendant – the token of affection he had secretly given her before proposing to Jin Zhi’s family. He couldn’t help but softly call out: “Jin Zhi.”
Yu Yi pretended to just notice him, her round eyes widening in surprise: “My lord, you’ve returned?” Then she laughed, stepping down from the swing: “I’ve prepared wine and dishes to welcome you home.”
Liu Zhengyu didn’t wait for her to sit at the table but grabbed her hand and pulled her into his embrace.
Yu Yi’s heart raced, yet she could only allow him to hold her, repeatedly reminding herself that this body belonged to Jin Zhi, not her. Her face was already burning. Liu Zhengyu, who hadn’t been intimate with Jin Zhi for a long time, saw her originally fair cheeks flushed and assumed she was thinking of marital affairs. Moved by desire, he lowered his head to kiss her lips.
Yu Yi was terrified, hastily saying: “My lord, it’s broad daylight, it’s not appropriate…” While inwardly hoping the heavens would quickly take her away.
At this moment, a maidservant rushed into the courtyard, calling out in panic.
Liu Zhengyu was displeased but released Yu Yi, frowning and asking: “What’s so urgent?”
Yu Yi secretly sighed in relief when the maidservant urgently reported: “Madam Zhou has fallen!”
Liu Zhengyu arrived at Hong Yan’s place, and Hong Yan began to cry again. Liu Zhengyu knew that her grief over losing a child was normal, and he initially tried to comfort her a bit. Unexpectedly, Hong Yan became more hysterical, insisting that Liu Zhengyu must divorce Jin Zhi. Liu Zhengyu was already frustrated about Jin Zhi returning to her parents’ home, and hearing Hong Yan’s outburst, he became angry: “Shut up! This is your own fault.”
