Chen Yirou tried hard to control her emotions, but she could not get over what Xue Huai'an had done that day.
Privately, he showered her with sweet words, saying he loved her very much, that the engagement was arranged by their parents and he had no choice but to leave Qin Su later, promising to find a chance to divorce her. She believed him, but what was the result? Whenever Qin Su was present, he would ruthlessly push her away, denying their existence altogether.
Xue Huai'an looked at Chen Yirou with hurt in his gentle eyes, looking forlorn and pitiful. "Don't you believe me, Yirou? My heart for you has never changed. The reason I didn't break off the engagement with Qin Su that day was because she took half of the Duke's dowry."
Chen Yirou had heard about this, but she didn't agree with it. Since the two parties had already broken off the engagement, and on the very day of their wedding, the betrothal gifts should naturally be returned in full. Returning only half and keeping half was too much; it was too greedy.
Moreover, his words were so sincere that they couldn't be faked. He is a gentleman who has never bothered with pretense.
"Can't we report this to the authorities?" Chen Yirou's voice was gentle, as if she had no temper.
Xue Huai'an knew she was wavering and less angry. So he shook his head and said, "No. This matter was promised by Prince Chen himself, and even the officials in the capital wouldn't dare to go against him."
He took Chen Yirou's hand again, and this time Chen Yirou did not pull away.
“Ah Rou also knows that my business is very expensive. She took the usual dowry, which was still a huge amount.”
Chen Yirou nodded. "I know."
Xue Huai'an sighed again, "Today I went to the Imperial Censorate because I was short of money, and they were going to go back on their word."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yirou became anxious. "This is a matter of great importance to your future." She bit her lip and asked, "Does the Duke of Cheng's mansion not have the money right now?"
Xue Huai'an looked troubled. "Arou knows that my younger brother is a spoiled brat. Father... Mother, she's really not cut out to manage a household."
“I believe that if Arou were the mistress of the Xue family, things would not be like this.”
Chen Yirou smiled shyly, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. "Yin Hong, bring the box from the cabinet."
Yin Hong immediately frowned, but dared not refuse, and handed the box over.
Chen Yirou then handed it to Xue Huai'an, saying, "This is the money I've saved up over the years. Huai'an knows I'm a concubine's daughter with a meager monthly salary, but I hope it can help you in some way."
Chen Huai'an pushed him away and shook his head. "No, how can I take your money? You're already having a hard time living in your own home."
Hearing Chen Huai'an say this, Chen Yirou felt even happier and more certain that he had feelings for her.
"My mistress treats me fairly well, and I don't usually need much money, so you can keep it."
Xue Huai'an nodded and accepted it, saying, "Don't worry, Arou, I will definitely return it to you."
Chen Yirou shook her head and grasped Xue Huai'an's large, well-defined hand. "There's no need for us to say these things. Everything I've given you is what I did willingly."
"A-Rou is so understanding. What have I, Xue Huai'an, done to deserve such a wonderful woman as A-Rou?" The tenderness in his eyes formed a huge net that completely enveloped Chen Yirou, making it impossible for her to break free.
As he expected, Chen Yirou was completely immersed in his tenderness and could not extricate herself.
...
The following evening, Qin Su went to the appointment. She was dressed simply, with narrow-sleeved black airplane sleeves and a black and red ripped skirt. A belt of varying widths accentuated her slender waist.
When she left, Lian Tao thought it was too monotonous, so she hung a pearl-embroidered pendant on it. Qin Su only remembered that she hadn't given the pendant she bought before to its owner when she saw it. She decided to find Yu Shuo after dealing with Xue Huai'an today and give him the gift.
This lake is called Shuangyue Lake. You can reach your destination from Guanqian Street to the south of the city, and then it takes only 15 minutes to get out of the city.
As the name suggests, Shuangyue Lake consists of two lakes, one large and one small. There is also a legend that Shuangyue Lake is where a couple was forcibly separated by their parents, but they broke free from their constraints and stayed together for life. After they died, they transformed into two lakes, one large and one small.
It was later known as Shuangyue Lake.
Another legend is that two moons can be seen in this lake, hence its name, Twin Moon Lake.
Regardless of which one it is, it's all just a rumor. However, there are quite a few people who like to come here to cruise the lake. Royal nobles, business tycoons, anyone with money will come here to cruise the lake, which has boosted the surrounding economy.
When Qin Su arrived, a large crowd had already gathered. From a distance, she spotted Xue Huai'an standing in front of the painted boat.
He must be short of money right now, but how could he afford to rent a pleasure boat? I wonder where he got the money from.
Xue Qi leaped ashore with a light-footed movement and quickly walked to Qin Su. "Miss Qin, this way please."
Xue Huai'an looked her up and down, a gentle smile appearing on his lips. "Susu looks beautiful today."
Qin Su raised an eyebrow, crossed her arms, and said, "Speak, what did you want to see me about today?"
Xue Huai'an didn't mind her words and simply gestured for her to come inside, saying, "It's windy outside, let's talk inside."
Seeing that Qin Su didn't move, he asked again, "Is Su Su scared?"
How could Qin Su be afraid of him? Even he and Chongyang combined couldn't beat Lian Tao, let alone her.
After entering the painted boat and taking their seats, Xue Huai'an poured another glass of fine wine. Candles were lit nearby. Although the painted boat wasn't the best, the atmosphere was certainly adequate.
"It's been almost half a month since I last saw Susu."
Qin Su swirled her wine glass, ignoring his question, and instead stared at the glass, asking, "There were no spikes in this drink, were there?"
"How could Susu say that? How could I have drugged you? It's truly insulting to say such a thing." His tone was gentle and calm, seemingly not angry at all.
Qin Su said coldly, "Didn't you drug him at the Spring River Banquet?"
Xue Huai'an naturally refused to admit it to the death.
"I dare not drink this wine. Tell me, why did you call me out this time?"
There was a moment of silence in the painted boat. Lian Tao and Xue Qi stood outside the door, the two of them at odds and not looking at each other.
After a long silence, Xue Huai'an said, "Does our relationship really have to come to this?"
Qin Su shook her head, "That's not it."
Xue Huai'an thought that Qin Su had finally calmed down and was willing to return to his side, which made him feel more at ease.
"I know you suffered a lot of grievances in the past. It was only after you left that I realized the person I love was already by my side." When he spoke sweet words, he could easily outshine Yu Shuo by several streets.
To be honest, even Qin Su from her previous life had never heard Xue Huai'an coax her like this before. It was truly astonishing.
Seeing that Qin Su didn't get angry and her face remained expressionless, Xue Huai'an assumed she was doing it on purpose and continued, "Susu, come back. I can't live without you."
"Let's get married again, as compensation from me."
Before Qin Su could speak, a familiar voice came from outside, "Make way, routine inspection."
"No, you can't go in."
"I'm here on orders to inspect; do you dare obstruct me?"
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