Chapter 72 Working like a slave
When Gu Yun'an revealed her true feelings, Ruan Xingzhu's expression instantly became somewhat unnatural, as if someone had seen into the most secret corner of her heart.
Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, as if carrying the endless shyness and bashfulness of a young girl, uttered in a low, hushed tone.
"Um……"
A flicker of light flashed in Gu Yun'an's eyes. Ever since he had taken Ruan Xingzhu, she seemed to have developed a subtle distance from him. How could she possibly be a purse for him?
An irrepressible joy welled up in his eyes, and he subconsciously guided her small hand to his waist, his voice brimming with anticipation.
"Would Xingzhu like to put it on for me herself?"
His warm, broad hand gently took her small hand, and the touch made her heart tremble. She hesitated for a moment, but then thought that it was just changing a purse, nothing shameful.
After a moment's hesitation, she bit her lower lip slightly and then did not refuse. She stretched out her slender fingers and gently took off the old purse, her movements soft and slow.
Then, she carefully put on the new purse, every movement showing seriousness and focus.
Her small hand glided across his waist intentionally or unintentionally; that slight touch was like a feather brushing against his heart, making Gu Yun'an feel a ticklish sensation.
Suddenly, as if he remembered something important, his eyes narrowed slightly, "Was Xingzhu doing this to help Xiao Wu, or was it just for me?"
As he spoke, his gaze, like a sharp hook, remained fixed on her as she continued her work, giving her no chance to dodge.
Ruan Xingzhu's fingers, which were focused on their movements, suddenly paused, and a pair of bright, star-like eyes unexpectedly entered Gu Yun'an's field of vision. Her eyes held hesitation and inner turmoil, as if she were facing a battle of wits.
She knew better than anyone else that she made this purse simply because his purse was a bit old and she wanted to make a new one to replace it, and it wasn't for Gu Qingxu's sake.
But if he were to tell the truth, wouldn't that be tantamount to openly admitting that the purse was made solely for him?
Just as she was struggling with her inner turmoil, she suddenly felt the touch of a purse in her hand, which made her face instantly flush with heat, as if it had been burned.
She opened her small mouth slightly and said quickly and vaguely, "It is Fourth Brother."
She spoke almost in one breath, her words so fast it seemed she didn't want Gu Yun'an to hear, but her slightly reddened ears betrayed her shyness.
Gu Yun'an was momentarily stunned, but then a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips. He gently took her small hand and placed it on his purse, his words filled with barely suppressed joy.
"I really like it."
His voice was deep and gentle, as if he wanted to engrave those words in her heart.
Ruan Xingzhu's eyelashes trembled violently, as if struck by this sudden confession. She felt her heart pounding faster than ever before, as if it were about to leap out of her throat.
As she spoke those words, a wave of shame washed over her, making her incredibly embarrassed. She lowered her head, unable to meet Gu Yun'an's burning gaze, feeling as if the whole world had become scorching hot.
A gentle breeze swept across the lake, creating ripples that spread in concentric circles.
Gu Qingming acted with extreme speed. Thanks to her efforts, the Yi family's affairs quickly attracted the emperor's attention.
The emperor himself ordered a thorough investigation, and what seemed like a dead end and a foregone conclusion was thus turned around.
The Yi family mansion, which should have been sealed off today and facing annihilation, is instead experiencing a stroke of good fortune. Sunlight shines on the vermilion gates of the Yi mansion, as if it too is cheering for this unexpected turn of events.
Everyone in the manor, who had been living in constant fear, finally felt relieved, their faces showing relief at surviving a disaster.
After seeing off the official who had come to deliver the imperial decree, Master Yi returned with slightly hurried steps.
His expression was solemn. He turned to look at Yi Mingyu, who was also filled with joy and emotion, and said earnestly, "The Gu family helped us this time. You must treat Miss Gu well in the future."
His tone was full of gratitude to the Gu family and high expectations for his son.
Gu family, Gu Qingxu.
Upon hearing his father's words, Yi Mingyu immediately thought of her. In an instant, he was overwhelmed with mixed feelings, a jumble of emotions like a spilled bottle of mixed flavors.
His thin lips tightened instantly, as if he was trying his best to suppress the complex emotions in his heart.
Madam Yi was still somewhat shaken. Hearing her husband's words, she couldn't help but recall her previous unfounded prejudices against Gu Qingxu, and felt deeply remorseful. She sighed softly and said, "Yes, this Miss Gu is our family's savior. We must treat her well in the future."
Listening to his parents' earnest words, Yi Mingyu felt a tightness in his chest, as if a heavy stone was pressing down on him.
The decision to break off the engagement with Gu Qingxu was made by him alone, without informing his parents. After a long silence, he hesitated before speaking, his voice tinged with helplessness and bitterness.
"I have already broken off my engagement with Miss Gu."
As soon as the words left his mouth, both Mr. and Mrs. Yi were startled, and the smiles on their faces instantly froze.
However, the two quickly recalled the predicament the Yi family had faced. If they didn't break off the engagement in time, they feared they might really implicate Miss Gu. Thinking about it this way, his actions were not entirely unreasonable.
Even though the engagement had already been called off, Gu Qingxu still helped the Yi family without holding a grudge, which shows how magnanimous Gu Qingxu was, something they had never dared to dream of before.
The previously joyful atmosphere suddenly froze, and a heavy feeling seemed to permeate the air.
"Then I'll go and beg my sister for forgiveness. I want my sister to be my sister-in-law."
Yi Mingze was still young and his understanding was limited. From what he heard, it seemed as if his older brother had done something to betray his older sister. He spoke innocently and clearly, his childish voice sounding particularly out of place in the slightly oppressive atmosphere.
The word "sister-in-law" hit Yi Mingyu like a hammer blow. He was momentarily flustered and quickly tried to stop her, his voice slightly panicked.
"Don't talk nonsense."
Although this was only in his own home, he knew that men and women were different and he could not tarnish the young woman's reputation at will.
Madam Yi looked at Yi Mingyu. As a mother, she was well aware of the inner turmoil in her son's heart. Don't be fooled by his usual unassuming and good-natured demeanor. She knew that was because he hadn't encountered anything that could truly capture his heart. Once he did, he would go down a path he would never turn back from.
A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, and a withered leaf swirled in the wind before gently falling to a corner of the Gu family's courtyard.
Just as Gu Qingxu was released from confinement, the news of the Yi family being pardoned also reached her ears.
She slowly walked out of the ancestral hall, the sunlight shining on her, but it did not dispel the faint trace of weariness in her eyes.
As soon as she came out, she saw Gu Yun'an, who had returned looking travel-worn.
"Thank you, Fourth Brother." She suppressed her usual lively nature and said sincerely.
Gu Yun'an paused, realizing it had been quite a while since he had seen her. He was surprised to find that she had lost a lot of weight in just a few days.
He then said calmly, "It was the eldest sister who presented the evidence; you should thank her."
Big sister, Gu Qingming.
She remembered Gu Qingming less than Gu Yun'an. She only remembered that Gu Qingming entered the palace when she was eight years old, and she had never seen him since.
She only knew that Gu Qingming was the most favored imperial concubine and the solid backing of their Gu family.
At that time, Yi Mingyu was extremely conflicted at home. In the end, he went out and wandered aimlessly on the street. However, he eventually stopped in front of the Gu residence.
Gu Qingxu helped their family, and it was only right and proper for him to visit and express his gratitude.
But just as he was about to knock on the door, Gu Qingsu's chilling words from the past, "Don't appear in front of her again," echoed in his ears like a curse.
His body suddenly stopped, and his outstretched hand froze in mid-air, as if it had been frozen in place.
People come and go in front of the Gu residence, but one white figure lingers there, seemingly out of place.
In the end, news of Yi Mingyu lingering at the door reached Gu Qingxu's ears.
It was only when the servant noticed him lingering outside the door that he hurriedly came to report.
Since Yi Mingyu didn't knock, Gu Qingxu couldn't just assume he was being presumptuous.
But as the sky gradually darkened, he hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he got up and went out.
As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Yi Mingyu's longing figure.
He stood there, looking somewhat forlorn, like a lone goose that had lost its way. She didn't call out to him, but simply watched quietly, waiting for him to muster the courage to speak.
The moment Yi Mingyu saw Gu Qingxu appear, his previously hesitant figure suddenly stopped, as if he had been frozen in place, and his fingers nervously twitched back and forth.
Seeing Gu Qingxu leaning against the door frame, her aloof demeanor seemingly waiting for him to speak, he lowered his head slightly, not daring to look her in the eye.
Finally, he took a deep breath, as if gathering all his courage, and stepped forward.
He bowed respectfully, his movements precise and courteous, and said in a respectful tone, "Miss Gu."
Gu Qingxu's expression shifted slightly. His demeanor seemed to bring back memories of their first meeting, when he was just as respectful and polite, exuding an air of aloofness and deference.
Yi Mingyu blinked, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He looked at her, pursed his lips slightly as if organizing his thoughts, and then said, "Thank you for your help, Miss Gu."
He paused, his expression tense, as if he had been thinking for a long time, and then said, "I will definitely serve you like a slave in the future to repay Miss Gu's kindness."
A hint of surprise appeared in Gu Qingxu's eyes. She could not believe that these words came from Yi Mingyu, a scholar who always considered himself aloof.
But didn't he say so resolutely that day that he had no feelings for me? Why make such a heavy promise, saying he'd be my slave?
"It's my business to help the Yi family, I didn't ask you to be their slave."
Gu Qingxu straightened up, her expression returning to its usual cool and aloof demeanor, devoid of any hint of mockery.
"So, Mr. Yi, please leave. Don't block the gate of my Gu family."
Having said that, she was afraid that if she lingered for even a second longer, she would reveal an unusual emotion, so she quickly turned around and went into the house, ignoring Yi Mingyu completely.
Watching Gu Qingxu's hurriedly turn away, Yi Mingyu subconsciously reached out his hand, wanting to stop her.
Yet, a sense of timidity lingered within him, and his raised hand paused for a moment in mid-air before slowly lowering it again.
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