After hearing the whole story, Madam Li calmed down and sighed, “In the end, it’s not entirely Yaoyao’s fault. Your reckless behavior nearly ruined someone’s reputation, so you really should give her a proper explanation! As for your marriage with Hua Qianqian, it’s too late today, and we’re all tired. We’ll discuss it further tomorrow!”
Knowing his mother was still upset about Qianqian’s elopement, Li Hao nodded silently and decided to handle Hua Yaoyao’s situation first. After all, she and Si Yiyuan had been dragged into this mess because of him and Qianqian—no wonder she was so furious. Li Hao understood her anger all too well.
In just three days, her temper had flared even hotter. Was it because Si Yiyuan had spoiled her, or had her former timidity and shyness been merely a survival mechanism? Either way, it had nothing to do with him—he’d best resolve this quickly to avoid further trouble!
When Li Hao arrived, Hua Yaoyao was gulping down bowls of herbal tea to cool her simmering rage. She was already frustrated enough about transmigrating as a substitute bride. Having never been in a relationship in either of her two lives, she’d accepted an immediate marriage, figuring love would follow and a harmonious union would lead to a smooth life.
What a shock! Not only was there no romance of marriage blossoming into love, but even her husband had turned out to be a counterfeit! Weren’t counterfeit schemes supposed to be absent in ancient times? How had she stumbled into two right away?
Then she felt ridiculous. Everyone had been playing a role. The other man had clearly put on a flawless act from start to finish, then exited the stage gracefully once the curtain fell. But she had offered her heart, indulging in wishful fantasies of a lifetime together. How utterly laughable!
She could only blame herself for being blind! She’d given her heart to the wrong person! She’d thought she’d found true love, but it turned out to be a coward! Not only had he hidden the truth from her, but he’d fled as if terrified she’d cling to him! It was ridiculous—and infuriating!
Her hatred boiled over, teeth gritted. Though Li Hao didn’t know her exact thoughts, he grasped her resentment and cut straight to the point: “Miss Hua, my friend’s substitute marriage wasn’t malicious. He only meant to impersonate your husband for a few days at first, but he fell in love with you at first sight and turned pretense into reality.”
Love at first sight? Hua Yaoyao sneered: “Then this young lady would like to ask Young Master Li: What is the name of this man who supposedly fell for me at first sight? Where does he live, and where is he now?”
“You switched roles and made my fake marriage real. He knew the truth all along but stayed silent. Now that the real young master has returned, he’s vanished without a trace. Young Master Li, can this young lady believe in this so-called love at first sight?”
Li Hao looked at her with some surprise: “I never knew you were so eloquent. You can tell Yuan’s deep affection is genuine. However, he’s not from a high-ranking official family, so he needs time to explain things to his own kin. I can send you to him so he can clarify everything himself.”
Hua Yaoyao was too weary to argue further with Li Hao. She took a deep breath to steady her anger and said calmly, “Young Master Li, there’s no need to persuade me. Now that the truth is out, and I have no ties to the Li family, I’ll leave on my own tomorrow morning.”
Seeing she didn’t mention Si Yiyuan at all, Li Hao didn’t know how to convince her. He could only hope Yiyuan would return soon to explain personally: “No need to rush. It’s better to wait until I’ve spoken to the Hua family before you go back.”
Hua Yaoyao sneered inwardly but didn’t want to waste more words on Li Hao: “Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Li. Yaoyao is retiring for the night. Please make yourself at home!”
Go back? If the Hua family learned their illegitimate daughter had lost her chastity to an unknown man, they wouldn’t pity her—they’d rage at the disgrace. Besides, she wasn’t truly one of them. Since she could leave freely, why return and humiliate herself further?
There was an elegantly decorated inn on the outskirts of the capital, but few patrons stayed due to its remote location and steep prices. One day, however, a richly dressed young lady arrived. She paid for a full month’s rent, requested the most luxurious room, and then shut herself inside all day without venturing out—even taking her meals in seclusion.
The inn’s servants began gossiping. “I wonder whose young lady this is. Is she out for fun, or has she quarreled with her family?” “Probably not fun—who plays by holing up indoors all day?” “Did something happen to her? I hope nothing unfortunate occurs in our shop!”
As soon as Bai Peixuan returned to the inn, he overheard the servants whispering. Unable to curb his curiosity, he summoned the innkeeper to hear the full story. His inn was usually quiet, and such an odd guest—especially a woman—was bound to draw notice.
However, after the innkeeper’s account, Bai Peixuan grew displeased. Though he didn’t run the place for profit, he had no desire for someone to die on his peaceful premises. If this woman truly intended suicide, she’d best find elsewhere!
With that in mind, Bai Peixuan headed to her room, determined to evict this troublesome guest! Since she was set on ending it all anyway, even a skilled doctor like him could only offer temporary relief—not a permanent cure. He might as well let her go her own way!
Hua Yaoyao had been staying at the inn for three days, so she naturally overheard the people’s discussions and noticed their strange looks. However, she didn’t care about such trivial gossip. She hadn’t even sorted out her own life yet—how could she have time to worry about others’ opinions!
After learning the truth that night, she hadn’t slept a wink. One moment, she dwelled on how pitifully she’d been deceived, hating the “Yi Yuan” that Li Hao had mentioned. The next, she pondered how to survive and support herself after leaving.
Tossing and turning without sleep, she finally gave up, got up, and packed a few clothes. She also took plenty of silver notes and loose change, stuffing her purse to the brim. She left the Li residence at dawn.
With nowhere to go for the time being—and though she’d made some simple plans for her future—she couldn’t implement them right away. So she found a quiet-looking inn to stay in, planning to rest and refine her strategy.
Over the past three days, she’d filled several pages in her room with ways to make a living, analyzing the resources, capital, income, and other requirements for each option. She tried her best to think everything through thoroughly.
Ultimately, she decided opening an embroidery shop was most suitable. First, the original owner of this body, Hua Yaoyao, had been skilled at embroidery since childhood. Second, the startup costs and ongoing expenses for an embroidery shop weren’t exorbitant—earnings might be modest, but they’d suffice for self-support.
Third, the world was still harsh on women. Opening a restaurant or similar business meant showing her face in public, inviting endless gossip. Though she didn’t mind, she was too lazy to become a daily dinner-table topic.
As she scribbled her embroidery shop plans on a sheet of paper, a sudden knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. A gentle voice followed: “Miss, I am the owner of this inn. I have some matters I’d like to discuss with you. May I come in to speak in person?”
The next moment, a crisp, clear female voice replied through the door crack: “Please say what you need outside!” The unexpected response startled the man outside. He was usually gentle in speech and had never been rejected so decisively—let alone with a hint of annoyance and disgust. It felt quite novel.
The man stood obediently outside and continued, “I have no ill intentions. I just heard from the servants that you stay cooped up in your room all day. I’m worried about your health, so I came to offer advice. I hope you’ll take care of yourself for the sake of those who cherish you—and not harm yourself or burden others.”
After a moment of silence with no reaction from inside, Bai Peixuan assumed she hadn’t understood and was about to clarify when the door suddenly opened! The woman’s crisp, decisive voice confronted him with a half-smile: “Are you afraid I’ll take my own life?”
With just that one sentence—paired with her expression and eyes—Bai Peixuan instantly realized this woman had no intention of dying. He couldn’t help sighing inwardly at his own foolishness: believing servant rumors and wild speculations, losing his usual composure!
He offered a smile and explained softly, “I was misled by my servant’s words and misunderstood you, young lady. I hope you’ll forgive me.” Hua Yaoyao was already displeased at the interruption to her shop-planning thoughts. Hearing him imply she should keep her distance had nearly made her slam the door in his face.
Who would have thought such a handsome young man would stand there, smiling gently and making it hard to be rude? Considering the gossip her seclusion had stirred these past few days, she couldn’t help suspecting he just wanted to avoid trouble and protect his business.
This realization dissipated more than half her anger, leaving only lingering resentment. She said indifferently, “Young master means well, and I understand. However, rumors spread like wildfire in this world, and people repeat what they hear. It would be better to see the truth before making statements in the future.”
After venting her frustrations—which finally lifted her gloom—Bai Peixuan blushed at her seemingly advisory but actually sarcastic words. He replied awkwardly, “I was rude and hope you’ll forgive me. I’ll keep your advice in mind from now on.”
Since the other party had apologized, Hua Yaoyao couldn’t be too unreasonable. She softened: “Young master, you’re too kind. I’m just a naive girl speaking offhand—please don’t take it to heart.”
After a few polite exchanges, Bai Peixuan took his leave without pressing further. As long as no crimes or debts arose, she could stay as long as she liked!
However, the servants needed to watch their tongues from now on. Look at the trouble their gossip had caused! If they hadn’t speculated wildly, he wouldn’t have rashly approached, spoken rudely, and earned himself a sarcastic lecture for nothing!
Sure enough, after this incident, no one at the inn discussed Hua Yaoyao anymore. Though she didn’t mind the rumors, the peace and quiet was welcome—so she felt grateful to Bai Peixuan.