Gu Yaoniang found it amusing; Qin Yuxiu seemed perfectly normal today, not urging her to become a concubine and displaying normal feelings of shame; yet, it was also utterly abnormal—
Why does he insist that all his changes are because he couldn't get what he wanted and was disappointed in him?
Gu Yaoniang's feelings were somewhat complicated. She didn't know whether to mock or remain indifferent. In the end, she calmly said, "Lord Qin, it was indeed because of your annulment of the engagement that I had the idea of going into business."
Qin Yuxiu's face immediately showed understanding.
Yao Niang continued, "But not because I was sad. It was because I was happy. You don't know, when you broke off the engagement, although I felt humiliated, I also felt a sense of relief I had never experienced before."
Before, because we were engaged, I always put you first. You probably have no idea what I like or dislike. I went into business because I love money, and I run a restaurant because I love food. You didn't know that, did you?
Gu Yaoniang paused, then smiled: "Lord Qin, I should thank you. If you hadn't broken off the engagement, I'm afraid I would still put you first in everything, burying my own thoughts and desires deep in my heart. How could I be so carefree today!"
Qin Yuxiu didn't believe it: "What happiness do you have now? You're always showing your face in public, working hard every day..."
Gu Yaoniang interrupted him: "Lord Qin, to be honest, I don't know why you've come today. If you truly feel guilty, then there's no need for that. I'm doing very well now, and I beg you, Lord Qin, to treat A-Qiu well. A-Qiu is a good woman; don't let her down."
Between you and me, the past is like fleeting clouds. Let's not mention it again!
Qin Yuxiu said anxiously, "Look! You haven't let go yet! If you had truly let go, why would you care about the relationship between me and my wife? Yaoniang! If you have any troubles or difficulties, tell me!"
Gu Yaoniang's patience, which had been built up by Qin Yuxiu's rare "normal" behavior, was now exhausted.
She said impatiently, "Lord Qin! I hope you will treat Madam well, as a friend of A Qiu! Regardless of whether her husband is you or not, I hope her husband will treat her well! Don't flatter yourself! I am fine now, it has nothing to do with you! What happens to me is none of your business!"
Without waiting for Qin Yuxiu's expression, he opened the door and walked out.
Bitao was intently eavesdropping at the door when Yaoniang suddenly came out, and she hurriedly straightened the tray in her hands.
Seeing that Yao Niang had left, he hesitated whether to take the pastries on the tray into the private room.
The beautiful woman forced a smile as she went out.
Ben went out, then turned back and said, "Take it in! Let him eat and then leave!"
Bitao hurriedly nodded, quickly took the tray into the private room, then came out again, following behind Yaoniang, whispering with Bizhu about what had just happened.
Inside the private room, Qin Yuxiu's expression was uncertain. She looked at the delicate pastries on the table for a long time before finally picking one up.
He understood Gu Yaoniang less and less.
On the day he passed the imperial examination, his feelings for Gu Yaoniang were very complicated.
It contains the bond of growing up together, the gratitude for years of waiting, and the hazy yet apprehensive attraction a man has for a beautiful woman.
But he's been in Shuojing for too long.
So much time has passed that he has almost forgotten what kind of woman Gu Yaoniang really was.
In his memory, Gu Yaoniang was gentle, generous, capable, and well-mannered. If he said east, she wouldn't go west. Although they didn't spend much time together, Gu Yaoniang always satisfied his desire for control as a man.
Gu Yaoniang used to enjoy going on spring outings with the young ladies around her, but after he said he didn't like it, she rarely went with them anymore.
He liked Gu Yaoniang, yet he also grew tired of her.
So when he arrived in Shuojing, the noble ladies of Shuojing grew up freely, looking at him with bold and passionate eyes. Even those who were shy looked at him with tentative flattery, yet remained proud and would not fawn over him.
Among the noble ladies of the capital, Xie Danqiu of the Xie family seemed to pay little attention to him, and even when they met, she would only nod slightly.
This uncontrollable beauty captivated and fascinated him. He couldn't help but want to get closer and conquer it.
So on the day he passed the imperial examination, when the emperor asked him if he was ready to marry, he inexplicably replied that he was not.
The sage arranged for him to marry a woman from the Xie family. He was overjoyed, feeling both delight at having gained access to the Xie family's power and a secret sense of pride in Xie Danqiu.
See? You used to ignore me all the time, but now you're going to be my wife, aren't you?
But after the initial joy, a sense of guilt arose.
That guilt for lying, that shame for betrayal. The lie he told in the imperial palace clearly contradicted the teachings of the sages he had read.
He was filled with dread, yet he was also hopelessly addicted to the benefits brought by this lie.
Finally, on this day, he met Gu Yaoniang in Shuojing City.
He panicked.
His guilt towards Gu Yaoniang was genuine, as was his wariness. If Gu Yaoniang were to disregard everything and reveal their past engagement, his career would likely be over.
All of this reached its peak when he saw Gu Yaoniang befriending the princess and seemingly acquainted with Xie Danqiu.
Finally, he made a move against Gu Yaoniang.
In retrospect, this was undoubtedly impulsive. Fortunately, it did not cause serious consequences, and he later married Xie Danqiu smoothly, gradually believing that Gu Yaoniang's visit might not have truly been for him.
But now, he was captivated by the confidence that Gu Yaoniang possessed, a confidence that was completely different from before.
So today, he has come.
Clearly, Gu Yaoniang had no feelings for him whatsoever, and even loathed him intensely.
Qin Yuxiu closed her eyes.
That's enough. There's plenty of time in the future.
Now that I am working for the Crown Prince, it is only a matter of time before he ascends to the throne.
With his abilities, he will surely rise to the highest position in the court.
Why would I be afraid of not being able to win over a mere merchant girl?
Qin Yuxiu called over a waiter and packed up the pastries on the table to take with her. Carrying the pastries wrapped in oil paper, she slowly walked out of Jinyulou.
Manager Su tried to stop him, but Gu Yaoniang coldly said, "Forget it, just put it on my tab."
Bitao nudged Bishuang with her elbow: "See? I told you so."
Bi Shuang clicked her tongue twice, unsure of what to say for a moment.
Wow, this is the top scholar in the imperial examination!
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