Chapter 15: Chunjiu Town

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In Springwine Town, although Ye Rui was just a local girl, she had been deeply cherished by her parents, Wang Fang and Ye Zhengjun, since childhood. They doted on her like their precious eldest daughter, holding her close to their hearts with love and care.

So in front of her parents, Ye Rui was accustomed to pouting and acting coquettishly whenever she wished.

Listening to her daughter’s whining, Wang Fang chuckled and said, “Such a delicate flower! You can’t even handle a little pain! Your father and I have spoiled you rotten. What are you going to do after marriage? I wonder if Zhou Qingyuan can handle your pampered nature!”

The scent of tea oil carried a faint aroma of tea leaves. Ye Rui inhaled the fragrance and blurted out, “If it’s too much, I simply won’t get married!”

Wang Fang’s expression changed instantly; she put on a stern face and lectured, “You’re a grown young lady now! Why do you keep speaking so thoughtlessly and recklessly? The day for the betrothal has already been set. You can’t just say whatever you want! If the Zhou family hears this, they might misunderstand that our girl is unreasonable.”

Ye Rui pressed her soft lips tightly, lowered her head, and said nothing.

Wang Fang sighed, “Getting married is always hard on girls’ hearts. Your mother understands and knows you’re reluctant.”

Hearing her mother’s words, Ye Rui’s eyes stung with tears.

The more Wang Fang spoke, the more tangled Ye Rui’s mind became. She could find no way to tell her mother about her troubling discovery.

What if the good son-in-law her parents approved of had really been involved with another girl before the wedding?

What would happen to her marriage?

Ye Rui sniffed, turning her face away to hide her expression from Wang Fang.

Wang Fang gently massaged her daughter’s swollen ankle and pinched her soft, fair foot, unaware of her unusual demeanor.

She changed the subject, “Where did you twist your ankle? Did Huo Fang bring you home?”

Ye Rui replied, “I just left Chunxing’s house and twisted it after walking a short distance. He happened to be wandering around town and ran into me.”

Wang Fang was surprised, “Chunxing’s place isn’t close. Did he carry you all the way back?”

Ye Rui tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and stared at her ankle, “Yes, it hurt every time I stepped, so he carried me home.”

“Oh my! That’s quite a long way!” Wang Fang laughed. “Huo Fang’s strength is impressive!”

Hearing this, Ye Tang’s eyes sparkled as she chimed in, “Mom! I noticed my big brother is not just strong and sturdy, but also very tall! I secretly measured, and I only reach his shoulder!”

Ye Tang sighed, “Can I learn the secret from big brother? How did he grow so tall? I want to be as tall as him!”

Ye Tang, still growing, hoped to shoot up in height and become tall like Huo Fang. She was utterly fascinated when she first met him.

Ye Rui smiled gently at her brother’s words, teasing him softly, “You found time to measure him just in that brief moment?”

Ye Tang puffed out her chest proudly, “Of course! He’s the tallest guy I’ve ever seen!”

Wang Fang was amused too, “He’s your brother-in-law’s elder brother. You’re all family now. If you want tips, just ask him yourself.”

Hearing the words “brother-in-law” and thinking of Zhou Qingyuan, Ye Rui’s eyelashes fluttered as she quietly lowered her gaze.

—

The homemade tea oil was a good remedy. After Wang Fang massaged Ye Rui’s ankle, the pain subsided somewhat, though she still walked awkwardly and needed a few days to rest.

That night, after washing up, Ye Rui let her hair down and slowly slipped into bed.

Wang Fang, uneasy, came to check on her again.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looked at her fair, delicate, and lively daughter and sighed, “Your dad’s back tonight. If he knew you’d twisted your ankle, he’d be heartbroken.”

Ye Rui purred softly, “I won’t sleep tonight. I’ll wait for dad to come back before I sleep.”

Wang Fang laughed and tapped her forehead, “Why wait for him? You should just sleep.”

“Once your dad’s home, I’ll show him all the gold jewelry you bought today so he won’t worry,” she added.

Ye Rui blinked and nodded.

Wang Fang smoothed the blanket over her daughter but frowned slightly, muttering, “You just went to the county town to buy the gold jewelry and set the betrothal day, and now you’ve twisted your ankle. What bad omen is this?”

The official betrothal day to the Zhou family was set for the eighth day of the lunar month, only a few days away.

By then, Ye Rui’s ankle would surely be healed and it wouldn’t matter.

Still, Wang Fang couldn’t help but feel uneasy that this incident happened just before the betrothal.

Ye Rui understood her mother’s meaning and blinked silently.

Since her daughter was about to marry, Wang Fang naturally wished for everything to go smoothly and well.

She only said this as a passing thought and quickly dropped the subject.

Looking at Ye Rui, Wang Fang smiled, “While flipping through the old calendar today, I remembered that the qipao you ordered in Yunhe a half-month ago should be ready for pickup! Don’t forget to get it!”

Yunhe Town was south of Springwine Town, a bit of a distance apart, but many young girls from the town liked to go there.

Because Yunhe had many old tailor shops with skilled craftsmanship and beautiful custom dresses.

Half a month ago, following Wang Fang’s plan, Ye Rui had gone with Chunxing to Yunhe to order a red qipao with Chinese frog buttons in advance.

Since the marriage with Zhou Qingyuan was arranged early and was a done deal, the qipao was meant for the Zhou family’s betrothal ceremony—festive and elegant.

On the wedding day, the red qipao would also serve as her dress for the toasting ceremony.

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Now that the betrothal date was set, she could finally pick up the custom qipao in Yunhe.

Thinking of the dress, Ye Rui’s moist eyes brightened slightly, and a smile appeared on her lips: “Once my foot’s healed, I’ll go to Yunhe to get it.”

However, Wang Fang hesitated, “Your ankle is still swollen. Even when it’s better, I won’t feel comfortable if you ride the electric bike all the way there. I’ll go pick it up for you.”

“Or maybe your brother can take a day off school this week and ride the bike to fetch it.”

Ye Rui’s eyes curved into a smile, “Mom, it’s fine. I’m riding an electric bike; it’s not tiring at all.”

The Ye family had an electric bike that could travel a long distance on a full charge, perfect for riding from Springwine Town to Yunhe.

“And when I get to the shop, I want to try it on. If it doesn’t fit, I can ask them to alter it,” she added.

Her daughter had always been strong-willed, and Wang Fang laughed as she nodded, “Alright, as you wish.”

After speaking, thinking of Huo Fang who had brought her home that evening, she mused aloud:

“They say nephews resemble their uncles, but Huo Fang is tall and big, nothing like his uncle. He seems lively and considerate. After you marry into the Zhou family, he’ll be a good relative.”

Hearing her mother’s words, Ye Rui tilted her head and teased, “Mom, you’re not trying to set him up with someone, are you?”

In the surrounding villages and towns, aunts often enjoyed matchmaking for young people who hadn’t yet found partners.

Wang Fang smiled at Ye Rui, “What are you talking about? Huo Fang works in the big city, and with his height and looks, he’s got great prospects. I don’t believe he’s single.”

Ye Rui couldn’t help but smile, her charming dimples showing, “What if he isn’t?”

Looking at her smiling daughter, Wang Fang ruffled her hair, “If he were single, Aunt Guiyun wouldn’t stand for it.”

“She’d surely arrange a suitable girl from the Sun family for him. Keeping things in the family, making relatives even closer.”

Wang Fang continued, “Since Huo Fang is close to the Zhou family, and you’re about to become their new daughter-in-law, and his future wife will be your sister-in-law, you’ll be seeing plenty of each other.”

Upon hearing this, Ye Rui thought of her mother’s and aunt’s friendly relationship and understood the meaning behind her words.

Since the two families were relatives, if Huo Fang’s future wife was sensible and easy to get along with, it would make things much easier for Ye Rui down the road. That was why her mother dwelled on this topic.

Ye Rui looked at Wang Fang with glistening eyes and nodded thoughtfully.

—

That night, after chatting for a while, Wang Fang urged Ye Rui to rest and let her swollen ankle heal.

Ye Rui obediently agreed but couldn’t resist asking with a playful tone before Wang Fang left:

“Mom, I feel my foot’s not that bad anymore. Can I go pick up the dress in Yunhe the day after tomorrow?”

Putting aside her fiancé’s matters for the moment, Ye Rui loved the red qipao she had custom-made for the wedding banquet—the style and fabric she adored.

Like most young girls, she was eager and excited. The half-month production period was finally over, and she was looking forward to seeing the finished dress and imagining how she’d look wearing it.

So even though her foot was still swollen, she planned to get it as soon as possible.

Wang Fang frowned, “Nonsense! It takes nearly an hour to ride from Springwine to Yunhe on that electric bike. Do you think your foot can handle it the day after tomorrow?”

Ye Rui cautiously stretched her left foot from under the blanket and said softly, “Mom, I really feel fine. I can go out the day after tomorrow. Besides, if it doesn’t fit and needs alteration, that will take a few more days. It wouldn’t be good if it were too late before the eighth day.”

Wang Fang was never one to be easily swayed, but hearing her daughter’s soft voice, she looked over and couldn’t bring herself to say no.

Ye Rui poked her head out from under the covers, her silky black hair cascading over her rounded shoulders, her fair face glowing with rosy lips. No matter how Wang Fang looked at her, her heart softened.

Wang Fang smiled helplessly.

Her daughter had always been obedient, sensible, and strong-willed, never causing her and Ye Zhengjun worry, only the occasional girlish temper.

Thinking this over, Wang Fang considered, “You want to go pick up the dress the day after tomorrow, right?”

Ye Rui’s eyes sparkled brightly, “Yes!”

Wang Fang said, “Alright. Tomorrow I’ll visit the Zhou family and see if Huo Fang can drive you there. I still don’t feel comfortable with you riding the electric bike.”

Ye Rui’s lashes fluttered, “Mom, what are you saying?”

Wang Fang replied, “What’s wrong? Huo Fang looks capable and considerate. He’s your ‘big uncle’s son’—family. Having him take you to Yunhe would put my mind at ease. Otherwise, you’d better wait until your foot’s fully healed and go by yourself.”

Since she had just troubled him tonight to carry her all the way home, Ye Rui was embarrassed and blushed at the thought of asking him again. Yet she also didn’t want to delay picking up the qipao.

Taking a deep breath, she bit her lip and hesitated before replying, “…Alright then.”

—

Because of Ye Rui’s plan to fetch the qipao, Wang Fang went to the Zhou family the next morning as usual.

When she returned, Zhou Qingyuan was with her.

He looked at Ye Rui, his gaze landing on her slender ankle, and immediately asked with concern, “Xiao Rui, I heard from Aunt Wang. How’s your foot now? Should I take a look?”

Ye Rui’s eyelashes fluttered as she looked at Zhou Qingyuan.

He was fair-faced and refined in manner. They had grown up together, so she liked him, which was why they had naturally become engaged.

But now, thinking of “Xu Xiaoni,” her mind grew confused and uneasy in a way she could hardly express.

After a moment’s silence, Ye Rui gathered herself and shook her head, replying calmly, “My mother has already applied medicine and massaged it. It’s nothing serious.”

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Zhou Qingyuan nodded and then teased with a smile, “Your foot is still swollen, yet you’re thinking of picking up the dress tomorrow? Seems like you’re really looking forward to our engagement!”

His tone was filled with obvious happiness and pride.

Ye Rui pursed her lips, not replying to that, but asked, “Does big brother have time tomorrow to take me to Yunhe?”

Zhou Qingyuan said, “He’ll come to pick you up around two in the afternoon.”

Ye Rui’s moist eyes brightened slightly, and she smiled softly, “Okay.”

“But I’ll be busy at the clinic tomorrow,” Zhou Qingyuan said regretfully. “I won’t be able to go with you.”

Hearing this, Ye Rui felt unexpectedly relieved. She replied, “That’s fine. The clinic work is more important.”

Listening to his fiancée’s considerate words and looking at her delicate, fair face, Zhou Qingyuan felt a warm surge in his heart, eagerly hoping the engagement day would come soon!

He longed to marry Ye Rui and bring her home.

—

Zhou Qingyuan stayed at Ye’s home a while longer, and after seeing Ye Rui’s foot was not seriously injured, he smiled and took his leave, bidding farewell to his future mother-in-law.

Ye Rui sat on the wooden chair in the main room but felt awkward after talking with Zhou Qingyuan.

She pursed her lips and looked at Wang Fang, unable to resist asking, “Mom, why did Qingyuan come over?”

Wang Fang smiled, “What are you talking about? You’re about to get married. I went to the Zhou family and told them you twisted your ankle. Of course Qingyuan would come to check on you.”

Ye Rui blinked and lowered her head without speaking.

Seeing her daughter’s shy demeanor, Wang Fang thought she was just embarrassed to see her fiancé.

She smiled and asked, “You’ll be going to Yunhe tomorrow afternoon. Are you happy now? Feeling satisfied?”

Ye Rui looked up, her eyes curved in a coquettish smile, “Thank you, Mom. I’m happy.”

Wang Fang said, “You should thank Huo Fang, your ‘big uncle’s son.’ When I told him you wanted to go get the dress, he agreed without hesitation and didn’t complain once.”

Wang Fang continued, “I think Huo Fang is a really good young man. If your future mother-in-law Guiyun wasn’t watching so closely, I’d definitely want to introduce him to a suitable girl for a match.”

Ye Rui remained silent.

Where did they all get the habit of matchmaking and pairing people off?

—

Before going to bed, Ye Rui massaged her left foot again with tea oil. The swelling at her ankle had subsided significantly, though she still needed to walk carefully.

Wang Fang reminded her that the trip from Springwine to Yunhe was all by foot, which wasn’t a problem, but once there, she must be careful not to wander around town. She should try on the qipao at the tailor’s and then return promptly without delay.

Lying in bed, Ye Rui listened to her mother’s words, her delicate face radiant with a gentle smile as she obediently said, “Okay.”

Wang Fang felt a pang in her heart, sighing involuntarily.

With her daughter’s charming looks and gentle nature, the thought of her soon marrying away made her truly reluctant.

—

At two in the afternoon the next day, Huo Fang’s car pulled up to the Ye family’s doorstep. He stepped out and strode confidently into the yard.

The weather was hot and sultry today, the morning sun strong. Huo Fang wore a lightweight outfit: a pearl-gray half-zip breathable sports top and gray casual trousers.

He was tall and upright, with well-defined muscles. The sports top stretched over his powerful chest, the half-zip revealing a glimpse of his collarbone.

His long legs were clad in gray pants, and his strong stride exuded undeniable strength.

Inside the yard, Wang Fang greeted Huo Fang and led him into the main room, pouring him a cup of tea with a smile.

“Thank you for running another errand today. Xiao Rui is quite particular. She really likes the qipao she had made and wants to pick it up.”

Ye Rui had been waiting in the main room, and at her mother’s words, her pale cheeks flushed slightly.

Huo Fang politely accepted the tea and took a sip. Casting a glance at Ye Rui, he shook his head with a smile, “It’s no trouble, just a quick drive.”

Wang Fang’s smile never faded, “Xiao Rui knows the way to Yunhe. She’ll guide you.”

“After you come back tonight, stay for dinner and try my cooking,” she said cheerfully. “We’re family now, no need to be formal with your aunt.”

Huo Fang smiled and nodded. He stood and said, “Let’s head out now.”

“Go ahead. The sooner you leave, the sooner you return,” Wang Fang said.

She muttered to herself, “It’s a bit too hot today. Hopefully, it won’t rain…”

At the same time, Ye Rui slowly rose from the wooden chair.

Huo Fang walked over beside her, his dark gaze settling on her. He narrowed his eyes slightly and asked in a calm tone,

“Do you need me to support you?”