"Don’t look at like that. I’m the one who pulled you out of the mire, and you must always rember that," Pei Ying said as he walked away.
Pei Xinyi bit her lip and quickly followed.
——
That evening, Yan Song returned, and the two of them had a good al together.
"Did Pei Qinghan co by today?" Yan Song asked, pretending to be casual.
"Yes." Yun Ya nodded and looked up at him. "What’s wrong?"
Yan Song shook his head, said nothing more, and picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks to put in her bowl. "Eat more."
"Brother Yan, what exactly do you want to say?" Yun Ya put down her chopsticks and looked at him.
"I’ll tell you after dinner."
After the al, Yun Ya made a cup of tea. The aroma lingered as she paced around the room, digesting her food. Yan Song sat in the chair watching her and suddenly spoke, "Yun Ya, let tell you a story."
Yun Ya nodded and kept walking. "Alright."
Yan Song coughed lightly, his deep voice slowly rising: "Once upon a ti, there was an exceptionally talented nobleman. His talents, looks, and family background captivated all the won around him. He had a childhood sweetheart, who was cultured, elegant, and graceful. Their lives were perfect, like a fairy tale. They studied abroad, and their feelings deepened daily until they discussed marriage. Both families were of equal standing, and their romance was blessed by all family and friends. Their union seed like a match made in heaven."
Yun Ya paused and looked back, "It’s too perfect; even the heavens couldn’t bear to watch."
Yan Song closed his eyes, his voice heavy: "Just before the wedding, an unexpected fiancée appeared—a coarse country woman who used every hurtful word to denounce the man as heartless. Even though few believed her, this tainted their fairy tale union with a shadow. It turned out her father had once saved the man’s father’s life, and in return, a marriage agreent was hastily arranged for their children. However, the woman later showed up, targeting the most talented of the four brothers. She used every ans to marry him, willing to break up an ideal couple. Using moral coercion and mounting rumors, she pressured the man relentlessly, forcing him into a position of moral disgrace and facing social condemnation. Naturally, the man was unwilling, and the family, embarrassed, refused to marry their most promising son to such an uncouth woman. However, ants can shake a mountain; while the woman was shaless, the family cared for their reputation, and ultimately they compromised...."
Yun Ya found the story shocking. Even simple words painted a vivid picture; she could almost imagine those dramatic scenes, feeling pity for the couple and disgust for the troubleso woman.
"What happened then? Did he really marry that woman?" Yun Ya walked over to Yan Song, anxious to ask.
Though she was only listening, her heart felt blocked; she wished she could tear that woman apart.
Yan Song suddenly pulled her into his arms, resting his head on her shoulder. Yun Ya felt that the man seed so fragile at this mont, her heart softened.
"Later, the man naturally refused, choosing death over compromise. He wouldn’t betray his loved one or submit to family pressure. Death was his only escape. He and his lover pledged to elope and beco a couple in exile. They ran away, wandering across the world, sleeping under the sky and living in poverty but happiness. Later, the woman beca pregnant, and finally, they had the fruit of their love...."
The corners of Yun Ya’s mouth curled up in a smile. How wonderful it was, though life was hard, their wishes were ultimately fulfilled.
Then she suddenly asked, "And the woman? Did she willingly let go?"
Yan Song replied through gritted teeth: "The man would rather die than marry her, which hurt her pride greatly. Instead, she married the eldest brother, becoming the first daughter-in-law and grasping control over the entire family. She hadn’t seen the world but was sowhat clever, gradually gaining a foothold. She first bore a son, suppressed her sisters-in-law, marginalized her mother-in-law, and acted high and mighty in the household. anwhile, she feigned forgiveness and invited the couple back, pretending to reconcile for family harmony. Everyone believed she’d truly let go, including the couple. After being away for so long, they missed their family and finally returned."
Yun Ya sensed the story was far from over; she frowned and asked, "And then?"
Her intuition told her the ensuing events wouldn’t be simple. From Yan Song’s description, this woman was stubborn and ruthless. How could soone like her easily let go?
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