Chapter 190: Dare to Be Arrogant After Ruining My Family?
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A young boy stepped out from the shadows, his face full of shock and lingering fear.
He stared at Yu Zhi Yi, his baby-fat cheeks betraying a peculiar expression—a mix of yearning and unease. It was the kind of emotion that felt like the tension of returning home, where familiarity brought both warmth and apprehension.
Yu Zhi Yi frowned at him. “Who are you? Why are you following me?”
She couldn’t read this boy’s face at all.
Could it be… another fated one?
She was puzzled. Strangely, she found him vaguely familiar.
The boy coughed lightly, seeming embarrassed. “I… I was just passing by.”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t reply, but her clear eyes betrayed her thoughts: Do you think I believe that?
If he was simply passing by, why had he been so secretive? Why did he hide the moment she turned around?
The boy raised his hand as if swearing to the heavens. “I really mean no harm. Sister, don’t misunderstand.”
The word “sister” immediately reminded her of Yu Zi Xuan. Disgusted, she snapped, “Don’t call me sister.”
Although Yu Zi Xuan was a year older than her, during his years of foolishness, he had stubbornly called her “sister.”
That incorrect form of address had persisted for years, no matter how often she corrected him. Only after he regained his wits did he finally drop it, along with the bond they had shared for those few years.
The boy’s expression grew hurt, but he quickly adapted. “Alright, miss.”
His clothes, made of plain fabric, lacked the grandeur of the capital’s noble sons. Still, he exuded a youthful spirit, neither arrogant nor cowering like a child from an ordinary family. Only his shyness set him apart.
“If you’re just passing by, then go ahead.”
Yu Zhi Yi stepped aside, leaving a clear path.
The boy froze, glancing at her with reluctant eyes before finally heading forward.
Only after his figure vanished from view did Yu Zhi Yi withdraw her gaze and resume her journey. To her, this was just a minor episode, not worth dwelling on.
Arriving at the brokerage, she quickly secured a suitable residence with the silver in her possession.
There were three properties available for sale. The first was a modest courtyard facing south, with three main rooms. On the east and west sides stood a woodshed, a kitchen, and side rooms.
Each of the three main rooms was about twenty square meters. The two outer rooms served as bedrooms, while the central room functioned as both a reception area and a general living space.
Partitions divided the left and right bedrooms into inner and outer sections—the inner for sleeping, the outer for personal activities. The woodshed was similarly split, with one part for storing firewood and the other serving as the kitchen, complete with a built-in stove and an iron wok. The side rooms were empty, leaving space for customization based on needs.
This property was tucked in an alley near Golden-Scaled Street, once the private residence of an official. The official, in urgent need of funds, had sold it at a discounted price.
The asking price was a thousand taels. Although steep, the location made it reasonable, given that the area was home to the wealthy and influential.
The second property was farther away, situated on Crow-Willow Street. Its size dwarfed the first, being more than three times larger. It featured a side gate and over twenty rooms for various purposes, along with a small vegetable plot and a tiny flower garden.
This property was located near the bustling Zhengyang Street, a main thoroughfare in the capital. Though not as splendid as the first house, its price was still steep—two thousand taels.
The third property, however, was not in the city center. In fact, it was nearing the outskirts of the capital.
If not for the city walls, one could even argue it belonged to the suburbs.
This house was close to Northern Suburb Street, situated beside the moat, and boasted an expansive area of four to five thousand square meters. Within its grounds were rock gardens, streams, pavilions, and towers, all beautifully designed.
The previous owner seemed to have had an affection for peach blossoms, as the entrance opened to a peach grove, with peach trees lining the paths on both sides.
It was already winter, and the peach trees stood barren, the yard a picture of desolation.
Moreover, the temperature within the property felt markedly colder than outside.
Rumor had it that the house had changed hands several times, but no buyer had lasted more than a year before selling it again. Those who managed to hold on for a year either succumbed to illness or met untimely deaths.
The broker advised Yu Zhi Yi, “Miss, while this house on Northern Suburb Street is large and in a good environment, we really wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, I think the one on Crow-Willow Street is much more suitable.”
“Of course, if you’re simply seeking peace and don’t intend to host guests, you could also consider the house near Golden-Scaled Street.”
Yu Zhi Yi narrowed her eyes. “Let’s visit the one on Northern Suburb Street.”
She sought tranquility, which was the sole reason she was house hunting instead of staying at Graceful Phoenix Charity. Why trouble herself otherwise?
What’s more, the Northern Suburb Street property, with its vast area, was priced at only a thousand taels.
A bargain too tempting to ignore.
As for rumors of cursed longevity, they didn’t concern her. Such notions held no sway over her.
Seeing Yu Zhi Yi’s determination, the broker refrained from further persuasion. “When shall we head there?”
“Right now.”
The brokerage’s service proved commendable; given the distance, they even provided a carriage.
The carriage swayed gently, taking half an hour to arrive outside the property.
Yu Zhi Yi disembarked, raising her eyes to the mansion. A dense, ominous aura loomed over it like a shroud.
This mansion had a story to tell.
The broker, stepping off the carriage, couldn’t help but shiver. Tightening his coat, he muttered, “The sun’s out, yet it’s so cold.”
“Miss, after you,” he gestured.
Yu Zhi Yi nodded toward the main gate. “This property… has it been sold already?”
“Huh? No, it hasn’t,” the broker replied, startled, instinctively looking toward the gate.
The once imposing gate, with its plaque nearly falling off, stood ajar, revealing an unkempt courtyard.
The broker’s expression changed. “What’s going on?”
He hurried toward the gate, intending to investigate.
Just then, a figure emerged from within.
Spotting Yu Zhi Yi and the broker, the person froze momentarily before scowling deeply.
With disdainful eyes, he fixed his gaze on Yu Zhi Yi and strode toward the gate.
The broker recognized the man and blurted, “Young Master Ji?”
It was none other than Ji Yi Fei, a former confidant of You Bing Yue.
Ji Yi Fei’s glare at Yu Zhi Yi was filled with a hatred so potent, it could burn.
“Stop right there,” Yu Zhi Yi commanded in a cold, ethereal voice.
The iciness in her tone caused Ji Yi Fei to falter briefly.
But the hesitation was fleeting. Why should he heed her?
“You ruined my family, and you dare act so arrogantly?!” he roared, his eyes red as he charged forward.
And then, chaos erupted.