13. Spring Wine Town

The man’s steady, low, magnetic voice brushed past her ear, and in an instant, Ye Rui’s small, delicate ears flushed a vivid red, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.

She took a light breath before suddenly realizing her mistake—she had mistaken her eldest cousin for her fiancé!

Biting her lip, Ye Rui adopted an ostrich-like mentality and didn’t immediately turn around. But just recalling how she had coquettishly addressed him earlier, she felt her fingers grow weak with awkwardness.

Huo Fang stood just behind her, slightly to the side. Looking down, he saw the faint blush on Ye Rui’s ears, a shade as bright and clear as a pomegranate.

His sharp gaze settled on her, his tone calm and usual: “This ring looks good on you, but the weight is too light. Would you like to try one heavier?”

Meanwhile, the sales assistant, an older lady, overheard this and beamed with delight as she quickly chimed in:

“Rose gold rings do tend to be lighter and less eye-catching. We have other styles here that feel weightier and more impressive when worn!”

In the jewelry store, this rose gold ring’s craftsmanship made it appear large on the hand, but in reality, it weighed only 2.68 grams—not particularly heavy.

The sales assistant hadn’t expected the man’s discerning eye to notice the ring’s light weight at a glance.

More impressively, he even suggested switching to a heavier ring—how generous!

Unlike a young couple she had served recently, where the woman liked several gold pieces, but the man picked only the lightest and cheapest set after much hesitation.

In short, stingy—not willing to spend on the woman.

As the sales assistant’s words fell, her eyes sparkled as she fixed her gaze on Ye Rui, ready to pull out a heavier gold ring with woven patterns from the display.

Noticing the sales assistant’s enthusiastic stare, Ye Rui could no longer pretend to ignore it.

She turned to Huo Fang, her long lashes trembling slightly. Raising her pale, delicate hand adorned with the gold ring, she stammered:

“…Eldest cousin, I think this ring is quite good already. There’s no need to look for a heavier one.”

Normally, before formally entering the Zhou family, Ye Rui’s shy nature would never allow her to address him so intimately as “eldest cousin.”

But now, the sales assistant had obviously misunderstood.

To clarify, Ye Rui swallowed her embarrassment and called him “eldest cousin” deliberately.

Hearing this, Huo Fang raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

His rugged features and calm demeanor rarely showed expression, so Ye Rui was surprised to catch this subtle smile.

She then understood that Huo Fang had seen through her little ploy to explain their relationship.

Biting her lip, cheeks still warm, she feigned calm and turned her face away.

At that moment, a sound came from outside the shop again.

The anxious Zhou Qingyuan finally composed himself, sluggishly entering the store and eagerly making his way to Ye Rui’s side.

Despite Xu Xiaoni’s subtle glances and flirtatious looks toward him, he, feeling guilty, didn’t dare return her gaze.

Only then did the sales assistant realize her mistake—it was not a young couple, but rather the eldest cousin and his younger cousin-in-law.

However, when she looked at the younger brother, Zhou Qingyuan, with his slender frame, average height, and narrow nose, she shook her head inwardly.

This pure, fresh-looking girl was too young and naive, not knowing what kind of man was truly worthy.

The younger brother could never compare to the elder—there was simply no contest.

With her keen eye for men, the sales assistant looked again at the broad-shouldered, strong-built eldest cousin with appreciation.

She sighed inwardly, wishing she were twenty years younger and in the prime of her youth.

She would never let this strong and capable man slip away.

—

In the county’s jewelry store, Zhou Qingyuan and Ye Rui stood before the glass counter selecting gold jewelry. Huo Fang stood nearby, his expression calm and silent.

On the other side, Xu Xiaoni stared at Ye Rui with clenched teeth, her heart full of envy and bitterness.

She wished she could push Ye Rui away from the counter and stand beside Zhou Qingyuan to choose for herself.

So when Zhou Qingyuan asked the assistant to bring out a gold necklace for inspection, Xu Xiaoni’s breath grew heavier, unable to suppress her jealous thoughts any longer.

She walked over to Ye Rui and couldn’t help but speak with a sharp tone:

“Sister Rui, you’re so lucky. Qingyuan can buy you all the gold you want, and you don’t hold back. Unlike me—if I get married someday and the groom’s family buys me the gold, I’d be reluctant to pick anything expensive. After all, we’re family, and no one wants to spend too much.”

At that moment, Xu Xiaoni’s warm façade cracked.

Zhou Qingyuan panicked, afraid his fiancée would discover the complicated tension between them.

Before Ye Rui could respond, he forced a gentle smile and quickly changed the subject: “Xu Xiaoni is quite the joker… Do you like this gold necklace, or want to look at others?”

Ye Rui glanced at Zhou Qingyuan but said nothing.

Then she looked thoughtfully at Xu Xiaoni and smiled slightly:

“If the groom’s family buys your gold but you’re reluctant to choose more expensive pieces, perhaps it’s not about being unwilling to spend, but that you’re simply not worthy.”

Lowering her gaze, she picked up a gold necklace on the counter and added sweetly:

“You’re not worthy, but I am.”

Xu Xiaoni was speechless…

Despite the gentle expression on Ye Rui’s fair face, her words stung sharply, making Xu Xiaoni’s eyes redden and her breathing grow rough.

No one expected this seemingly easygoing Ye Rui to have such sharp edges.

—

For a moment, Xu Xiaoni’s face darkened unpleasantly, ready to retort, but when she caught Zhou Qingyuan’s warning glare and recalled her plans, she swallowed her words with a heavy breath.

—

After the small incident in the jewelry store, Ye Rui stood calmly at the glass counter, continuing to select jewelry with soft, composed eyes.

But Zhou Qingyuan was in turmoil, nervously watching his fiancée’s fair and beautiful profile as he carefully asked:

“Xiao Rui, are you upset?”

Ye Rui tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and replied, “I’m not close to Xu Xiaoni.”

In their hometown of Chunjiu Town, she barely knew Xu Xiaoni; they had hardly spoken.

Naturally, Ye Rui wouldn’t let herself be affected or provoked into anger by a few words.

Yet after speaking, glancing at her gentle fiancé’s refined face, a hint of pondering flickered in her clear, moist eyes.

Because Xu Xiaoni’s antagonism had been so blatant.

But Ye Rui had never interacted with her—where did this hostility stem from?

Biting her lip, she lowered her eyes, suppressing the strange confusion in her heart.

After about an hour, Ye Rui and Zhou Qingyuan finished purchasing the three gold pieces: a rose gold ring tried on earlier, a traditional gold bracelet, and a floral gold necklace.

The total price was nearly thirty thousand yuan—not excessively expensive.

If her eldest aunt knew, she would surely scold Ye Rui for buying gold with such light weight.

But Ye Rui understood well—they were not from wealthy families, so no need for extravagance; this set was more than presentable.

At payment, Zhou Qingyuan hadn’t even spent all the money he brought and looked at his fiancée with gratitude, squeezing her hand:

“Xiao Rui, when we marry, I will definitely treat you well.”

Ye Rui smiled softly but said nothing.

—

After leaving the jewelry store, Ye Rui stopped at an old pastry shop in the county’s old alley and bought several boxes of baked chestnut cakes.

This pastry shop had been in business for decades, known for its crisp and fragrant chestnut cakes, a favorite of Ye Tang’s.

That morning, Ye Rui had promised to bring chestnut cakes back from the county for him, and she hadn’t forgotten.

Returning to Chunjiu Town in the afternoon, neither too early nor late, Ye Rui placed the purchases on the table in the main room after arriving home.

Hearing the noise, Wang Fang, busy in her room preparing dowry items for her daughter, came out and smiled, shaking her head:

“You went to the county for something important, but you still brought snacks for Ye Tang? Boys shouldn’t be spoiled too much.”

Ye Rui’s eyes smiled gently: “Mom, I’m just being good to my brother. What’s wrong with that?”

Wang Fang knew the siblings had always been close and cared for each other deeply.

Even about Ye Rui’s upcoming marriage, Ye Tang had fretted beside her several times, not wanting his sister to marry too early.

So upon hearing Ye Rui’s words, Wang Fang couldn’t help but smile. Her gaze then landed on the bright red gift bags from the jewelry store, and she beckoned:

“Open them for me. Let me see what you picked.”

Ye Rui nodded and opened the three red gift boxes, revealing the golden jewelry inside.

Wang Fang examined them carefully and nodded approvingly:

“These gold pieces are well chosen. My daughter has good taste.”

Ye Rui looked down at the shining gold, thinking about the day’s events in the store, but said nothing.

Wang Fang gazed at her daughter, seeming to sense something, and asked:

“Is something on your mind?”

Her brow furrowed, and her tone grew colder:

“What’s wrong? Did something happen with Zhou Qingyuan when you bought the gold?”

According to local custom, neither side’s elders usually accompany the couple to buy the gold.

Without supervision, the groom might secretly cause trouble or try to prevent the bride from choosing expensive jewelry.

Though Zhou Qingyuan was a young man both Wang Fang and Ye Zhengjun approved of, it was possible he might try to control Ye Rui now.

Seeing her mother’s stern expression, warmth surged in Ye Rui’s heart.

But to avoid causing her mother worry, she didn’t mention Xu Xiaoni’s provocation.

After a moment’s silence, Ye Rui smiled with eyes curved like a crescent and spoke lightly:

“No, Qingyuan wouldn’t make me unhappy.”

“It’s just that I’m reluctant because the wedding is coming soon.”

Her voice softened; these were true feelings.

Wang Fang stroked Ye Rui’s smooth black hair and sighed:

“Silly girl.”

She continued:

“This morning, your future aunt came by and talked to me about the engagement date.”

Ye Rui pursed her lips:

“Has it been set?”

Wang Fang replied:

“We checked the old almanac. The eighth day of the month is an auspicious date. We agreed to set it then.”

Ye Rui’s long lashes fluttered as she responded softly.

—

That evening, Wang Fang cooked soft, glutinous red bean porridge to go with the chestnut cakes Ye Rui bought.

After school, Ye Tang ate his favorite chestnut cake, his little face blossoming with joy as he said:

“Sis! Qingyuan buying you gold jewelry is nothing. When I earn money, I’ll buy you some too!”

A smile appeared in Ye Rui’s clear eyes as she lightly scolded:

“When you earn money, buy something for Mom first.”

Ye Tang, crunching the crispy, crumbly, sweet chestnut cake, replied generously:

“I’ll buy everything! Not a single piece will be missed! I’ll even put a gold necklace on Dad’s neck! So shiny it blinds others!”

Hearing this, Ye Rui smiled and playfully tapped her brother’s head.

After dinner, the siblings divided chores.

Ye Tang helped clear the dishes; Ye Rui washed them and told her brother:

“Stay focused on your homework at home and don’t get distracted. I’ll be out for a while but will check your homework when I return.”

Ye Tang asked:

“Sis, where are you going?”

Ye Rui answered:

“To see your sister Chunxing.”

Her own sister and Chunxing both worked at the distillery and were close friends. Ye Tang had known this since he was three years old.

Because of their friendship, Chunxing often bossed him around, and he was like a little shadow following the two sisters.

So when Ye Rui said she was going to see Chunxing, Ye Tang’s eyes brightened, and he blurted out:

“Sis, Chunxing likes chestnut cakes too. Can you bring her a box?”

In the county, Ye Rui had bought several boxes, already intending to give one to Chunxing.

Hearing this, she smiled warmly:

“Chunxing is my good friend. I’ve already prepared one for her. Did you need to remind me?”

Ye Tang chuckled.

Chunxing had the day off yesterday and returned to work today as usual.

Otherwise, she would have accompanied Ye Rui to the county.

Around the time Chunxing finished work and returned home to the Lin family after dinner, Ye Rui said goodbye to Wang Fang and left with a box of chestnut cakes.

In Chunjiu Town, under the sparse evening light, Ye Rui arrived at Chunxing’s home.

The wooden door was ajar, warm light spilling out from the courtyard, and the faint sound of opera music drifted through.

Smiling slightly, Ye Rui knew it was Chunxing’s grandmother listening to opera on the tape recorder.

“Chunxing!” Ye Rui called softly from outside, then pushed the door open and walked in as if familiar with the place.

Sure enough, looking toward the main room, she saw a small elderly woman reclining in a chair with eyes closed, enjoying the opera.

Ye Rui smiled warmly and greeted:

“Grandma.”

Though aged, Grandma Lin was sturdy and sharp-sighted.

Hearing Ye Rui’s voice, she opened her eyes a slit, then promptly muted the tape recorder with a smile:

“Rui girl, you’re here.”

“I came to see Chunxing,” Ye Rui said with curved eyes. “Grandma, I brought chestnut cakes for you to try.”

The elderly lady waved her hand with a smile, not eating much sweets due to her age.

But seeing the box, she nodded knowingly and asked:

“You went to the county? Did you get everything?”

Ye Rui blinked and nodded.

Having watched Rui grow up, Grandma Lin knew about her marriage and smiled appreciatively:

“Have you set the date for the engagement?”

Ye Rui replied:

“The eighth day.”

Grandma Lin beamed with joy:

“Rui girl’s wedding feast—I’ll be sure to attend.”

The two chatted in the main room, while on the other side, Chunxing, who had been lazy in her room after dinner, heard the noise and came out quickly.

Seeing Ye Rui, Chunxing smiled brightly.

Upon noticing the chestnut cakes, she didn’t hesitate to grab a piece and bite into it, exclaiming:

“Xiao Rui, you really care about me! If I were a man, I’d rush to marry you first—forget about Zhou Qingyuan!”

Ye Rui laughed, her eyes curved in amusement.

However, Grandma Lin glanced at her granddaughter with a disapproving look:

“Xia An, look at Rui—she’s almost married! How can you still act like a child? Will you even get married like that?”

Chunxing grinned and hugged her grandmother’s neck:

“I don’t care! I just want to stay home with Grandma!”

Hearing this, Grandma Lin laughed, touched by her granddaughter’s sweetness:

“Alright, alright, I won’t nag you anymore. Go play with Rui girl.”

Chunxing laughed:

“Okay!”

She then pulled Ye Rui into her room, and they both sat on the soft bed.

Chunxing was about to ask curiously about Ye Rui’s trip to the county but frowned upon seeing her expression.

Chunxing was usually straightforward, lively, and carefree, but around Ye Rui, she was surprisingly sensitive.

She asked:

“Did something happen? Tell me.”

With the wedding approaching, Ye Rui found it difficult to share everything with her mother for fear of causing worry.

But with her close friend Chunxing, it was different—someone to confide in.

Lowering her eyes, pressing her lips together, Ye Rui nodded:

“Today wasn’t just about buying gold. Before we left, a girl from town found an excuse to follow us.”

“Who?” Chunxing asked.

“Xu Xiaoni, the youngest daughter of the Xu family oil mill.”