Chapter 38: That Jerk!
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Suddenly, Yu Zhi Yi’s expression shifted, and she turned her head, her gaze locking onto someone. “Why are you here?”
She had been so caught up in confronting those women that she hadn’t noticed Du Zi Heng’s arrival. When she remembered her use of the word “husband” earlier, her stomach twisted in disgust. The only reason she’d said it was to put on a show and irritate those women.
She’d only been maintaining Du Zi Heng’s reputation for the sake of her own, and to uphold the image of Chancellor Du and his wife. She had no interest in being pointed at or laughed at everywhere she went.
These people might seem sympathetic, but how many actually felt true empathy for others? Most of them were just eager for a scandal.
Besides… after today, if Du Zi Heng had even a shred of dignity, he wouldn’t dare make a fool of himself in public again. Either he would end things with You Bing Yue, or bring her into the household with the title of concubine.
Whatever he chose, Yu Zhi Yi was fine with it.
The noble ladies noticed Du Zi Heng too and couldn’t help exclaiming, “Master Du?”
Du Zi Heng suppressed the chaotic emotions swirling inside him and walked to Yu Zhi Yi’s side. “I heard you were here, so I came.”
The event at the Splendid Embroidery Workshop was meant for the social elite. Naturally, this included both women and men, although most men found this type of gathering uninteresting. Only those who cherished their wives deeply or sons obliged to accompany their mothers were typically present. Otherwise, the empty seats would simply remain vacant.
Du Zi Heng sat down across from Yu Zhi Yi, trying to make amends. “If you see any clothes you like later, feel free to buy them.”
Yu Zhi Yi blinked, surprised.
Was the sun rising from the west today?
It didn’t take long for her to guess it was guilt driving him. An easy mark presenting itself was something she wouldn’t refuse, especially since half of the money would eventually end up in her pocket.
“Are you sure, sir?” she asked. Even though she knew Du Zi Heng wasn’t the type to take gifts back, it was still wise to confirm. After all, when South Wind Bookstore was on the verge of closing down, who knew if he would change his tune?
“Of course.”
“No matter what happens in the future, you won’t go back on your word or ask for the gifts to be returned?” Yu Zhi Yi questioned again.
Du Zi Heng fell silent before sighing, resigned. “Do you really think I’m that kind of person?”
Yu Zhi Yi shrugged slightly. “Maybe you’re not, but who knows if you’ll change after someone whispers in your ear?”
Du Zi Heng had no response. He thought back to everything that had happened recently, and he couldn’t deny it. He promised again, “Don’t worry. I swear I won’t try to get the dresses or money back in any way.”
“Alright.”
Finally satisfied, Yu Zhi Yi let a small smile slip.
Their conversation wasn’t loud, and with the room bustling with people, no one else could make out what they were saying. The only thing others could see was Yu Zhi Yi’s pleased smile and Du Zi Heng’s seemingly indulgent expression.
The noble ladies stared, silently fuming.
If this wasn’t love, what was?
Yu Jiao Jiao clenched her fists, her long nails almost digging into her skin. Was Du Zi Heng blind?! She was the true daughter of the Yu family, the genuine lady with the blood of the Minister’s household! Yet he had no regard for her!
Now, he was showering that impostor with affection!
What happened to his claim of loving only You Bing Yue?!
Yu Zhi Yi ignored the piercing gaze directed at her from nearby. She was in too good a mood after securing Du Zi Heng’s promise to bother about anything else. After today, Hong Luan’s reputation would soar, and she could establish a firmer foothold in the Splendid Embroidery Workshop. This was proof of her own abilities.
She believed her long-held aspirations would soon come true.
Before long, the event began.
The manager of the Splendid Embroidery Workshop stepped onto the stage, made a few customary remarks, and then introduced a geisha who began to play the pipa. The melody was beautiful and soothing, setting the mood for the event.
Next came the fashion showcase.
The only garments presented at the Splendid Embroidery Workshop’s showcase were those created by the gold-ranked seamstresses, making the event highly exclusive. The five seamstresses took turns displaying their pieces. First to present was the most experienced seamstress. Her collection of three garments, all inspired by flowers, were boldly colored and eye-catching—hard to ignore.
Once the first round of clothing had been displayed, a storyteller took the stage to share a love story between a wealthy maiden and a scholar.
The tale was full of passion and adventure, ending with the wealthy maiden abandoning everything to be with the scholar, who eventually succeeded in his studies and made her a minister’s wife.
The noble ladies listened, their hearts stirred by the romance. Many wished their beloved would strive for their sake, offering them a title and status.
The storyteller was pleased by the response.
He was the most famous storyteller in town, able to make even the simplest tales captivating.
Just then, he heard a quiet scoff.
The sound was like a laugh, but held no joy—more like mockery.
The storyteller turned his gaze toward the source—a young woman in a floral dress, beautiful beyond words. His breath caught at her beauty. She was so stunning, it quelled any unseemly thoughts.
Quickly looking away, he pretended not to have heard the disdainful sound.
In his years of storytelling, he’d recited that story countless times. Yet the more he told it, especially after his fame and wealth grew, the more it left a sour taste. He had a daughter too. He was, in a way, a wealthy man himself.
The thought of his daughter someday running off with a penniless young man, even if that young man turned out to be a future minister, filled him with unease.
Yu Jiao Jiao, however, spoke up, her voice laced with surprise. “Sister, were you displeased just now?”
She turned with an innocent expression, asking loudly, “But why, sister? Didn’t you think the story was well-told?”
All eyes turned to Yu Zhi Yi, their gazes filled with disdain, annoyance, schadenfreude, or indifference.
Du Zi Heng frowned. At first, he too thought Yu Zhi Yi’s reaction was impolite, but recalling recent events, he couldn’t help wondering if she’d noticed something he hadn’t.
Was there something wrong with the storyteller?
“Yi’er isn’t someone who would be rude without reason,” he said aloud, his voice carrying across the room.
The crowd was shocked.
Master Zi Heng was really that fond of the fake daughter?
This was clearly a situation where she was in the wrong, yet he was choosing to ignore it?
Yu Jiao Jiao dug her nails into her palms, fuming.
That jerk!
A complete jerk!
Yu Zhi Yi was even more taken aback, her gaze toward Du Zi Heng filled with confusion. After a moment, her suspicion grew.
Could he be trying to make her plead for You Bing Yue?
Not a chance.