The warm fragrance in his embrace, and the beauty he had been longing for— even Wei Zhao found it hard to suppress his emotions.
He gazed at the girl’s rosy lips, rembering how soft they had felt.
Perhaps overwheld, he rarely allowed himself to indulge, burying his head in her neck and giving a gentle nibble.
It wasn’t painful, just a little ticklish.
Yu Tingwan was caught off guard by his actions, letting out a soft gasp.
Her voice, already sweet, seed even softer on the couch.
Yu Tingwan hadn’t even had the chance to complain.
She wasn’t sothing to eat, so why bite her!
But Wei Zhao seed different, his body radiating heat, even his breath was warm.
"Don’t make a sound."
Wei Zhao panted lightly, "I’m responding."
Yu Tingwan: ??
She didn’t understand.
But she felt the atmosphere was perfect!
Yu Tingwan cleared her throat, not minding his weight: "You already kissed ."
"But it was too quick."
She made a suggestion.
"How about another try?"
The golden peony shone brilliantly, yet it couldn’t compare to the girl beneath, who was radiantly beautiful, with a tear mole at the corner of her eye adding a touch of delicate charm.
Like a begonia... waiting for him to ripen it.
Yu Tingwan obediently said, "I’m ready."
Wei Zhao’s eyelid twitched, almost making him laugh in exasperation.
In the end, he got up and went to the courtyard to cool down in the cold wind.
Yu Tingwan didn’t quite understand.
But he didn’t seem unwell either.
The girl trotted over, without uttering a word.
Wei Zhao said, "Stay away from ."
Yu Tingwan: ??????
"You’re really hurtful like this."
She hadn’t been offering herself!
Just wanted a kiss, it’s not a cri.
Wei Zhao, eyes dark, covered his body’s reaction with his clothing.
"I don’t want to hurt you."
————
The next day, the sky was gloomy, and torrential rain poured down like a waterfall, unending. Large raindrops battered on the well, creating layers of concentric ripples.
Wei Shouzhong woke up early, donned a raincoat, and began sweeping the accumulated water out of the courtyard.
Smoke gently rose from the kitchen as Hui Niang cooked porridge, then hurried out the door under an umbrella.
Thunder roared, the streets were sparse with only a few vegetable vendors crouching here and there. Each step splashed water, soaking the cotton shoes.
Hui Niang headed straight to the butcher’s shop.
Due to the foul weather, there were hardly any custors around, and the butcher’s business was bleak.
"What would the custor like?"
The butcher hoped to close shop early: "If you buy more, I can give you a better price."
Hui Niang calculated in her mind, aside from repaying the Zhao Family’s at, it seed it would rain for several days. It was inconvenient to go out, and the cold weather ant storing it wouldn’t spoil.
So she ordered half a pig’s leg, so plum blossom at, and lard to render. The rendered lard was for cooking, and the crispy pork residue sprinkled with salt was delicious.
After paying, she tossed everything into the basket on her back.
Hui Niang also bought a few fish to keep in the water jar, convenient for eating whenever.
On the way back, she happened to see soone buying beef.
She hadn’t planned to buy any.
But seeing the fresh tripe on the side, she decided to take all of it.
In the past, they might have only had at a few tis a year. Now that their situation had improved, they couldn’t skimp on als.
Nannan was always the most eager to eat, and they couldn’t deprive her of good food.
Hui Niang wished she could cook every dish she knew for Yu Tingwan.
Years ago, when arranging wedding banquets for people, Hui Niang cooked tripe, spicy-fried, it was delicious, and wouldn’t be bad as a brined dish either.
When she had finished her shopping and returned, she knocked on the neighbor’s door to return the at.
"I told you there’s no need, elder sister. Why be so formal with ?"
Nannan was such a picky eater that it was always a headache to feed her. Yesterday, Lady Zhao had prepared so brined at and mixed rice with the broth, and Nannan had eaten a whole big bowl all by herself.
It made her incredibly happy.
Hui Niang: "What are you talking about? Just take it. If there’s anything missing at ho, I wouldn’t have the face to ask to borrow from you again."
Lady Zhao couldn’t refuse, so she accepted it.
Hui Niang was about to leave but asked in passing.
"When is Mr. Zhao arriving?"
Lady Zhao sighed sorrowfully, "With such heavy rain, the roads are difficult, and I don’t know if he’ll arrive today."
Hui Niang reassured her.
"It’s slippery on rainy days. Better to travel slowly or wait until the rain stops. Safety cos first; accidents on the way are the real worry."
That was true.
Lady Zhao nodded in agreent.
While they spoke, Yu Tingwan also woke up.
The Luminous Pearl lay on the table as the girl sat at the dressing table, carefully examining the golden peony hairpin in her hands.
She weighed it, feeling its heaviness. How Wei Zhao acquired it in such a short ti, she didn’t know.
It was beautiful.
And she really liked it.
Wei Zhao had given her many pieces of jewelry, but this one truly touched her heart.
Even the words he said at night made her... heart race.
At that mont, Yu Tingwan could hear her own heart beating faster, feeling at a loss. The dependence she felt when she hugged Wei Zhao couldn’t be faked.
She had to admit, sotis Wei Zhao was... disarmingly charming.
Under the glow of the Luminous Pearl, the golden peony hairpin reflected a myriad of tiny lights.
Yu Tingwan bit her lip, glancing behind her.
He hadn’t woken yet.
Yu Tingwan compared the hairpin to her head, looking at her reflection in the copper mirror.
The copper mirror was a bit blurry, unable to clearly show her lovely face.
But the eye-catching golden peony could be seen.
So eye-catching... it seed unbefitting in her hands.
Over the years, she was no longer the clumsy little girl who wanted to hang every piece of jewelry on herself.
Yu Tingwan withdrew her gaze and took off the hairpin.
She feared it would draw the attention of thieves.
It was too luxurious.
If it got damaged or lost, she would be heartbroken.
She carefully wrapped it in cloth and took out a black box.
Inside, there was a silver hairpin also wrapped in cloth.
It was her mother’s only keepsake.
She gently placed the golden peony inside as well.
The box was small and ordinary in appearance, yet it held Yu Tingwan’s most cherished items.
The rain did not cease this day.
Yu Tingwan stayed indoors.
The rain didn’t stop the following day either.
Yu Tingwan still didn’t step outside.
On the third day, the rain subsided a bit, and there was commotion next door.
A horse carriage slowly ca to a stop, from which Mr. Zhao stepped out, helping an elderly gentleman dismount.
The elderly man had a full head of white hair, appeared thin, yet imposing without being angry.
The coachman said, "The journey was rough, and I apologize for the hardship you both endured."
Mr. Zhao pulled out so money from his pocket.
"You’ve worked hard throughout the journey."
The coachman took a closer look; it was much more than the agreed fare.
After all, it had been raining continuously.
Starting and stopping delayed his journey considerably.
He accepted it with a smile and said so pleasant words before leaving with the horse.
Lady Zhao, hearing the commotion, hurried out of the house.
"You’ve finally arrived."
Upon seeing the elderly teacher, her eyes brimd with tears.
"Master, it’s been five years since our last eting."
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