A few more days passed, and the two—who kept crossing paths at the small inn—gradually became acquainted. They chatted about worldly gossip and business strategies but tacitly avoided personal identities or backgrounds, treating each other as gentlemen.
Later, Hua Yaoyao stopped holing up in her room all day. Having decided to open a shop, she needed to scout locations, negotiate with suppliers, plan decorations, and more. She investigated each option carefully, comparing prices from three vendors before deciding.
Seeing her leave early and return late, Bai Peixuan couldn’t help asking what kept her so busy. Hua Yaoyao saw no reason to hide it and shared the truth. When she mentioned planning an embroidery shop, he advised, “Though it doesn’t cost much to start, it’s mentally taxing and grueling work. You might want to reconsider.”
Hua Yaoyao appreciated his good intentions and smiled faintly: “It’s alright. Everything’s hardest at the start—it just takes extra effort upfront. Once the shop’s running, I can hire a few embroiderers.”
Bai Peixuan nodded and said no more. Though they’d known each other only a few days, he recognized the stubbornness in this little woman’s bones. He then shared tips on prime shop locations, sourcing quality goods cheaply, and more.
Just as they were getting along well, there was a knock at the door: “Miss, there’s a man outside claiming to be your family member who hopes to see you.” Hua Yaoyao startled. Family member? Could it be him? Had he come looking for her?
A thousand thoughts raced through her mind in an instant, and she completely forgot Bai Peixuan was beside her. Seeing this, he immediately rose and said, “Since you have a guest, I won’t disturb you any longer.”
Hua Yaoyao brushed off formalities with him, nodding haphazardly and ordering the waiter to bring the visitor in. At the same time, she hurriedly tidied the pens and papers scattered on the table and checked her attire for propriety. She looked flustered, like someone about to meet her lover.
Before leaving, Bai Peixuan couldn’t help glancing at her a few more times. He’d always seen her as quiet and independent, but he’d never witnessed her so rattled. Could this visitor be her lover? The thought stirred a competitive feeling in him—he wanted to see what kind of man commanded such concern!
This brief delay brought him face-to-face with the approaching man. The next moment, they both exclaimed in surprise: “Li Hao?” “Pei Xuan?” After a pause, they voiced their mutual curiosity: “What are you doing here?”
Before the two could explain, Hua Yaoyao—who had overheard the voices—rushed out impatiently. Her originally cold expression shifted to surprise upon seeing Li Hao: “It’s you? What are you doing here?”
Before she finished speaking, a self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips as she cursed her own foolishness. Had she really expected him to come looking? For the past two weeks, she’d been leaving early and returning late without hiding her whereabouts. If he truly cared, he’d have found her long ago. Why wait until now?
Spotting her, Li Hao disregarded his reminiscing with Bai Peixuan and stepped forward: “Why didn’t you return to the Hua family after leaving? Do you know how worried your family has been? Do you know how worried Yiyuan has been about you?”
Hua Yaoyao’s resentment flared at “Yiyuan,” and she bristled with hostility: “Young Master Li, is this all you came for? By what right do you speak to me—brother-in-law? Or friend?”
Li Hao was usually cold and aloof, but he struggled to control his emotions around Hua Yaoyao: “Whether as your brother-in-law or your husband’s friend, I have every right to teach you a lesson! You’re a woman wandering outside alone. If something happens to you, have you considered your family—or Yiyuan?”
Hua Yaoyao retorted without mincing words: “Young Master Li, are you joking? Brother-in-law? Has Hua Qianqian ever acknowledged me as her sister? My husband’s friend? When did Hua Yaoyao ever have a husband? As for Yiyuan, when have I met such a person? If I truly had one, how could he bear leaving me all alone?”
Before Li Hao could respond, Bai Peixuan grabbed his arm and asked, “Li Hao, is this Miss Hua Yiyuan’s?” The interruption calmed Li Hao considerably, and he didn’t hide the truth: “That’s right—she’s the wife Yiyuan chose. But there’s been a misunderstanding. Now she resents him and refuses to acknowledge him.”
Bai Peixuan nodded and suggested, “Too many eyes outside—let’s talk inside.” Hua Yaoyao didn’t want to be gawked at like a spectacle, so she turned and headed in. Bai Peixuan lingered, whispering to Li Hao: “This Miss Hua is stubborn. Persuade her gently—once she digs in, nothing gets through.”
Li Hao sighed in frustration and nodded. He truly wanted to speak properly with Hua Yaoyao, but ever since she’d learned his identity, she’d only mocked and ridiculed him, making real conversation impossible!
Still, Yiyuan couldn’t get away yet, so he had to do his best to fulfill the task his friend had entrusted. He could guarantee the outcome—but the process? A calculating glint flashed in Li Hao’s eyes as he chuckled and entered.
Hua Yaoyao never expected running into Li Hao’s friend at this random inn. From the innkeeper’s words, he seemed familiar with Yiyuan too. Thus, she showed no displeasure when Bai Peixuan entered as well.
Bai Peixuan bowed upon entering, smiling gently: “Miss Hua, it seems we should get properly acquainted. I am Bai Peixuan, close friends with Li Hao and Yiyuan. I never imagined such a connection.”
Hua Yaoyao couldn’t stay cold toward him, so she forced a smile: “Young Master Bai jests. I have no ties to your two friends. If you call it a connection, it’s karmic entanglement.”
Li Hao frowned but calmed after recalling Bai Peixuan’s advice. As a dignified man, he wouldn’t bicker with a woman: “I know you harbor many grievances against me and Yiyuan, but he truly loves you. Please let me finish.”
Seeing Hua Yaoyao about to retort, Li Hao waved her off to preempt harsh words and spare his temper: “Yiyuan hails from Dayan, from a wealthy Dayan family. He originally planned to inform his kin before returning for you, but en route, he received word of family trouble.”
“An accident?” Two startled exclamations sounded simultaneously. Bai Peixuan was shocked—he’d returned from Dayan half a month ago, where the royal family was stable with no upheavals. How could trouble arise so suddenly? Hua Yaoyao stared at Li Hao anxiously, her anger toward this stranger forgotten.
Li Hao glanced at Bai Peixuan, then addressed Hua Yaoyao: “Yes—some time ago, competitors seized his business. Most goods are stuck in warehouses, unsellable. He can’t recover funds and is nearly ruined. Not wanting you to suffer, he asked me to look after you first.”
Bai Peixuan shot Li Hao a mildly reproachful look. This guy was still so petty! Li Hao glared back, signaling silence, and ignored Hua Yaoyao’s complicated expression, continuing to play the victim for his friend:
“A couple days ago, he wrote again: Though he’d tried his utmost, he was powerless. His family is now destitute—he can no longer let you live in luxury. So he asked me to keep it secret, pretend you’d met a swindler, find you a good match, and rest easy knowing you’re happy.”
Hua Yaoyao was already preoccupied with Si Yiyuan, but she’d been angry with him for deceiving her about her identity and leaving without a goodbye. Now, hearing the full story, she’d forgotten all her grievances. At the final sentence, she grew even more anxious, eyes widening: “Did he really say that?”
Li Hao nodded confidently: “Of course—Yuan has considered everything for you. I couldn’t bear my brother’s deep affection being misunderstood, so I came to tell you the truth. However, I’m sorry to disappoint Miss Hua—I really can’t play matchmaker for you. You’ll have to rely on yourself!”
His words dripped with sarcasm, but Hua Yaoyao had no mood to argue. She blamed herself for being too willful, throwing tantrums without considering him. Her voice tinged with sadness: “Thank you for telling me the truth, Young Master Li. I’m tired from running around today—please excuse me, I won’t see you off.”
Referring to herself as “this little woman,” she clearly acknowledged Si Yiyuan and held no more anger—yet showed no intent to seek help. This made Li Hao frown slightly: “So what are your plans next?” Was this woman truly a snob, unwilling to return to Yiyuan?
Hua Yaoyao replied, “What else? Go find him!” Li Hao couldn’t help retorting, “You know nothing about him—how can you find him?” Hua Yaoyao blinked, grasping his implication, then lifted her chin with a chuckle: “Isn’t Young Master Bai here to guide this little lady?”
Li Hao felt a tightness in his chest at being outmaneuvered, thinking bitterly, This woman is really petty! Even now, she’s holding a grudge against me for Yiyuan’s substitute role and refuses to swallow her pride and ask for my help!
Bai Peixuan was already displeased with Li Hao’s words, which had worried Hua Yaoyao. But Li Hao signaled him to stay silent—he didn’t know the full context and feared spoiling his friends’ plans—so he watched from the sidelines.
Seeing Li Hao’s discomfort, Pei Xuan smiled faintly, piling on: “Pei Xuan is willing to escort Madam on her journey! I happen to have trivial matters in Dayan, so we can set off tomorrow!”
Hua Yaoyao gave him a grateful smile, then turned to Li Hao: “Young Master Li, you can rest assured now. Please go back—I won’t trouble you further!”
Their perfect harmony infuriated Li Hao. He snorted, rose, and stormed out, vowing never to meddle in this nonsense again! Behind him, Bai Peixuan and Hua Yaoyao exchanged knowing smiles, both feeling immensely relieved!