Shen Qinghe knew that Xiao Youzhi was right behind her, so she naturally didn't want to argue with Meng Zhao in front of him. So she stepped forward and hugged the angry Meng Zhao, her voice muffled: "I'm sorry. I felt sad when I thought about being separated from you, so I said some hurtful things. I know I was wrong."
Hearing him say that, Meng Zhao's anger instantly dissipated. She sighed softly and hugged him back: "Qinghe, I hope we can trust each other a little and not argue over these pointless things, okay?"
Although he was still unwilling, Shen Qinghe was even more unwilling to leave any misunderstandings at the time of parting. He nodded solemnly: "I will remember it and will change in the future."
Seeing his sincere attitude in admitting his mistake, Meng Zhao also felt reluctant to part with him. She cupped Shen Qinghe's face in her hands and gently stroked his cheek with her thumb. "Be careful on your journey. When you get to the capital, don't act impulsively. I will always be thinking of you."
Caught off guard by a glimpse of a shadowy figure peeking through the crack in the door, Shen Qinghe's eyes darkened. He suddenly reached out and pulled Meng Zhao up by the waist, trapping her in his arms. His warm lips brushed against her ear, his voice low and seductive, barely audible to her, "If you miss me, come back to the capital soon." He had already guessed what Meng Zhao had been thinking about these past few days, so his fingertips subtly caressed her waist. "Once we're home, whatever you want, I'll do, okay?"
The intimate whisper made Meng Zhao instantly forget her earlier unpleasantness. Thinking of their impending separation, she couldn't help but reach out and wrap her arms around the back of his neck, pressing his head down slightly as she was about to kiss him. Suddenly, Shen Qinghe frowned, pulled her into a twirl, and hid behind a pillar. He knew all too well what Meng Zhao looked like when she was aroused, and he would never allow anyone else to witness such charm.
"You..." Meng Zhao was startled and before she could react, her back was already pressed against a hard pillar. Shen Qinghe supported her head with one hand and still held her waist tightly with the other. He lowered his head to seal her unfinished words. The kiss was domineering and possessive, as if he wanted to imprint her scent deep into his bones before parting.
Through the crack in the door, Xiao Youzhi couldn't see anything, but the intimate way the two of them had just been talking had already said it all. An indescribable bitterness spread through his chest, making him stand at the door, unable to move an inch for a long time. In particular, the faint moans and whispers coming from inside the room made his eyes widen in fury, and his knuckles clenched until they turned white.
Lu Yusheng waited for a long time but no one returned, so he followed the trail. Just as he approached the eaves, he saw Xiao Youzhi standing in front of the door like a wooden sculpture. He was about to walk closer when Xiao Youzhi, who had regained consciousness, grabbed him and dragged him away from the house.
"Youzhi?" Lu Yusheng was pulled and staggered, but saw that his friend's face was ashen and his eyes were filled with a gloom he had never seen before. It wasn't until they had walked a long way that Xiao Youzhi let go of his hand, turned his back to him and took a deep breath, his shoulders trembling almost imperceptibly.
As a shrewd businessman, Lu Yusheng was adept at reading people. Seeing Xiao Youzhi's reaction and recalling the unusual behavior of the uncle and sister-in-law earlier that day, he immediately understood. He quickly unfolded his folding fan and said nonchalantly:
"Youzhi, Youzhi, judging from what I've seen today, I'm afraid your plans are unlikely to succeed. If you ask me, you might as well give up now. There are plenty of fish in the sea." He leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "It just so happens that my sister-in-law is also in Huainan recently. Although she is not as shrewd as Madam Meng in business, she is gentle and charming. In terms of looks, she is even more beautiful than Madam Meng."
Xiao Youzhi turned his head sharply, his eyes as sharp as knives: "You'd better shut your mouth."
"Hey!" Lu Yusheng snapped his fan shut, making a slapping motion. "You ungrateful wretch! My sister-in-law's suitors are lining up outside the city gates, my mother-in-law's eyes are practically drooling with choices. I'm kindly trying to set you up, and you..." Before he could finish, he met Xiao Youzhi's icy gaze and fell silent. After a long pause, he clicked his tongue and said, "What, even now, you still won't give up?"
Xiao Youzhi looked at the courtyard, his eyes surging with a stubborn light. Some thoughts are not so easily let go.
"You're insane, you really are insane." Lu Yusheng shook his head repeatedly.
Xiao Youzhi said coldly, "You must keep this to yourself, and you must not reveal a single word about it, not even to your wife."
"Tsk tsk," Lu Yusheng scoffed dismissively, "Those two are currently deeply in love, their words and actions are so obvious. I saw through their deception at a glance today. How long can they hide it from others in the future?" He suddenly smiled meaningfully, "As for you, why are you being so cautious? In my opinion, the more blatant they are, the less likely their relationship will last."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Youzhi had already turned and left, leaving behind only a cold warning: "Watch your mouth."
Xiao Youzhi strode away without looking back, leaving Lu Yusheng standing there, stamping his feet in anger: "What an ungrateful wretch! All my efforts have been wasted!" But then he thought, after all, they were brothers who had grown up together since childhood, how could he really watch him be all alone? He could only wave his folding fan and walk back dejectedly.
When they returned to the courtyard, Meng Zhao and Shen Qinghe had already come out of the house. Meng Zhao was standing at the courtyard gate, giving them some instructions. When she saw them return, her eyes crinkled into a smile: "Where have you been?"
Just as Xiao Youzhi calmed himself down, he looked up and saw her smiling eyes and rosy lips, looking happy. His throat tightened instantly, and all the words he had prepared got stuck in his throat.
It was Lu Yusheng behind him who spoke up at the opportune moment, "Although this place is remote, the scenery is quite unique. We just took a stroll around the area." He deliberately changed the subject, "Is Lord Shen about to set off?"
Shen Qinghe nodded slightly, recalling Meng Zhao's instructions earlier, and said gently, "Indeed, my sister has been in Huai'an these days, and I will have to trouble Young Master Lu to take good care of her." He bowed with his hands clasped, displaying his elegant demeanor, "When I arrive in the capital, I will definitely pay a visit to express my gratitude."
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