Wei Che's expression was calm, but there was no trace of surprise in his eyes.
He bowed slightly, politely but distantly: "Miss Jing, I appreciate your kindness, but these are too valuable, so I really can't accept them."
His voice was low and gentle, yet it carried a firmness that could not be denied.
In this place of exile, he had long been accustomed to the hard life, and these precious gifts made him feel out of place.
A hint of disappointment flashed across Jing Zhiwan's eyes, but she quickly regained her smile. "Master Wei, why are you being so formal? They're just small things."
She tried to hand the gift forward, her eyes full of anticipation, thinking that as long as Wei Che accepted it, it would be a good start.
"Miss Jing, it's really not necessary." Wei Che declined again. His eyes were never on the gift, but looking into the distance, as if avoiding something.
He was well aware of the disparity in status between him and Jing Zhiwan, and his heart was not on her.
Jing Zhiwan had no choice but to put away the gift and instead suggested, "In that case, I wonder if Master Wei has some free time tomorrow. The mountains and forests outside the city are beautiful. I'd like to invite you to go there with me, just to relax."
There was a gleam in her eyes, as if the beautiful scenery of the mountains and forests could serve as a bridge between her and Wei Che.
She imagined walking in the mountains and forests with Wei Che, chatting about everything under the sun, and her heart was filled with longing.
Wei Che sighed inwardly, still shaking his head: "Thank you Miss Jing for the invitation, but I've been busy lately and really can't spare the time."
There was a hint of apology in his tone, but more of determination.
Jing Zhiwan wanted to say something, but she saw Wei Che's gaze had turned to Su Huaiyue who was busy in the house, and there was a special tenderness in his eyes.
Her heart tightened, realizing that she seemed to have been at a disadvantage in this emotional competition from the very beginning.
Suddenly, a good idea came to his mind, and he ran to Su Huaiyue, "Sister Su, there aren't that many people coming to consult doctors recently. Why don't we go out of the city to play together? We can also go boating. You haven't seen Youzhou properly since you came here. I'll take you there."
There was anticipation in her eyes, and she hoped with all her heart that Su Huaiyue would agree.
Because if that happens, Wei Che might also go.
Su Huaiyue couldn't help but hear the probing tone in Jing Zhiwan's words. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile. She said, "Sister Jing's suggestion is not bad, but I'll have to keep an eye on the vegetable garden these days. I can't let anything go wrong with the newly cultivated vegetables. However, if Wei Che wants to go and relax, he can go with you."
Hearing Su Huaiyue's words, Jing Zhiwan felt a glimmer of hope. She quickly turned to look at Wei Che, her eyes full of expectation: "Master Wei, since Sister Su said so, please accompany me."
Wei Che showed hesitation. He subconsciously glanced at Su Huaiyue, then at the unfinished wood carving in his hand, and declined again. "I don't have much free time either. I'll go when I'm free after the house is built."
Jing Zhiwan turned her head and looked at Su Huaiyue again.
Su Huaiyue looked at the pitiful eyes and couldn't say no. What's more, Wei Che was single now, and according to his age, it was time for him to get married.
Just as he was thinking about it, Madam Wei came out with the support of Wei Yunrou. Seeing this scene, she also advised: "Che'er, Miss Jing also means well. It's not a big deal to stop your work for a day. Just go with Miss Jing."
"Also, Huaiyue should come with you. You've been working so hard for so long, it's time for you young people to have a good rest. You young people can really speak your mind if you go."
Jing Zhiwan was originally very happy when she heard the first half of the sentence, but when she heard the second half saying that Su Huaiyue would also go together, the smile that had just appeared on her face suddenly dimmed.
Su Huaiyue didn't want to disturb them at first, but since the old lady had spoken, it wouldn't make sense if she didn't go. But the atmosphere would be too awkward if she was the only one there. She glanced at Wei Yunrou who was beside Old Lady Wei, and an idea came to her.
Su Huaiyue smiled slightly, turned to look at Wei Yunrou, and said gently: "Yunrou, you should come too. It's a good opportunity for us young people to go out for a walk together to relax."
Wei Yunrou was originally supporting Old Madam Wei. When she heard Su Huaiyue's proposal, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
She had been holding back for so many days and now she had the chance to go out and play. When she heard that she could go boating on the lake outside the city, she was naturally very excited.
"Okay, I also want to see the scenery outside the city. Thank you, sister-in-law." Wei Yunrou nodded with a smile, her face filled with youthful glow.
Seeing this, Jing Zhiwan felt a little unhappy, but she couldn't say anything. She forced a smile and nodded, "That's great. Let's all go out together and have some fun."
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Wei Che could no longer refuse and nodded in agreement: "In that case, let's go together tomorrow."
Seeing that the matter was finalized, Madam Wei showed a relieved smile on her face: "It's a good thing for you young people to go out more often. Remember to come back early and don't delay your work."
Everyone nodded in agreement and then dispersed to prepare for tomorrow's lake cruise.
The next morning, Jing Zhiwan arrived at the Wei family early.
She had dressed up specially today, wearing a pale pink dress with delicate floral patterns embroidered on the hem, which made her look particularly charming and charming. A delicate jade hairpin was inserted in her bun, and her face was lightly powdered, making her look radiant and radiant.
Su Huaiyue and Wei Yunrou were also prepared long ago. They wore simple yet elegant dresses, looking fresh and natural.
Wei Che was still wearing a plain robe, with a calm expression, as if he didn't care much about this trip.
A group of people took a carriage and slowly drove towards the lake outside the city.
Along the way, Jing Zhiwan enthusiastically described the scenery outside Youzhou City, trying to arouse Wei Che's interest.
However, Wei Che only nodded in response occasionally, his eyes always looking out the window, and he seemed not to be very interested in Jing Zhiwan's topic.
Su Huaiyue saw it and sighed inwardly.
She knew Jing Zhiwan was interested in Wei Che, but Wei Che's mind was obviously not on her.
In order to avoid embarrassment, Su Huaiyue took the initiative to take over the topic and chatted with Jing Zhiwan about the customs and culture of Youzhou.
"Sister Jing, I heard that there is a rare fish in the lake outside Youzhou City. It tastes delicious. I wonder if I can have the honor to taste it today?" Su Huaiyue asked with a smile.
Jing Zhiwan felt a little comforted when she saw Su Huaiyue taking the initiative to talk to her, and quickly replied, "Sister Su is right, the fish in that lake are indeed delicious. I have asked someone to prepare fishing gear, and we can go fishing ourselves later. If we are lucky, we might be able to catch a few."
When Wei Yunrou heard that she could go fishing, she immediately became excited: "Really? I've never fished before, I must try it today!"
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