Shen Yuanzhu wore a rattan-yellow vest today, embroidered with silver thread in an auspicious pattern, quite eye-catching.
Xie Xuchuan looked up and saw Shen Yuanzhu’s long eyelashes lowered slightly, avoiding his gaze.
He hurriedly stepped forward, only realizing what he was doing when he reached Ye Yunyi.
If he really spoke to Ye Yunyi, Yuanzhu would probably hate him for life.
Why was he so confused today about something he understood clearly just yesterday?
Xie Xuchuan shook his dizzy head and took three steps back.
He straightened up, adjusted his sleeves, and clasped his hands in a respectful bow. “I visited yesterday but failed to pay my respects to Sister Shen. I came early this morning to greet you properly. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
“Of course not, of course not.”
Ye Yunyi glanced at him and noticed Xie Xuchuan looked exhausted, likely from the tiring journey back without rest.
She felt much more forgiving about his failure to greet her during yesterday’s visit.
“Why be so formal? We’re practically family now. How could I possibly blame you?”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Yuanzhu remained silent.
Noticing Xie Xuchuan’s frequent glances toward Shen Yuanzhu, Ye Yunyi said, “I won’t intrude any longer. You two probably still have things to discuss.”
After teasing them, Ye Yunyi suggested they go to the courtyard for a private conversation.
Xie Xuchuan silently followed Shen Yuanzhu, watching her leisurely toss cake crumbs into the pond.
After a long while, Xie Xuchuan spoke. “Yuanzhu, what do you think about what I discussed with you yesterday?”
Shen Yuanzhu’s hand paused, then she threw all the remaining cake crumbs into the pond.
She turned around, her clear eyes fixed on Xie Xuchuan.
Xie Xuchuan felt uncomfortable under her gaze and turned away awkwardly.
“I thought I made myself very clear yesterday.”
Shen Yuanzhu said, “I don’t care how you arrange things for Jiang Wansu, and I don’t mind if you bring that child back to the Xie family. But making him your legitimate heir is absolutely impossible.”
“Yuanzhu…”
Xie Xuchuan’s eyes reddened. “I have my reasons. Please agree to this, won’t you?”
“What reasons?”
“I can’t say right now.”
Xie Xuchuan stared at the fish swimming in the pond, his mouth filled with bitterness. “I made a mistake and need to make it up to Wansu. If I can’t, I’ll never find peace in my heart.”
Shen Yuanzhu tilted her head, utterly perplexed. “What mistake did you make that requires making that child your legitimate heir to make amends?
“And even if you wronged Jiang Wansu, you shouldn’t drag our Shen family into it.
“You keep saying that child won’t touch the Shen family’s business, but all of the Xie family’s enterprises are built upon possessing the Shen Family Dyeing Manual. You…”
“Yuanzhu!”
Before Shen Yuanzhu could finish, Xie Xuchuan urgently interrupted her.
Xie Xuchuan’s eyes reddened, his hands gripping the corridor railing so tightly they lost all color.
A wave of bitterness washed over him, filled with immense grievance. “You keep talking about the Xie family’s business, the Xie family’s business. Did you agree to marry me just for the Xie family’s wealth?
“From yesterday until today, you haven’t asked me once what actually happened between Jiang Wansu and me.
“Do you even care about me?”
Seeing Shen Yuanzhu lower her eyes without speaking, Xie Xuchuan slapped the corridor pillar with a sharp crack.
“Shen Yuanzhu, if you can’t get the Xie family’s business, will you refuse to marry me?”
Xie Xuchuan shouted until his veins bulged, yet his eyes were filled with heartache.
He wished Shen Yuanzhu would stand by his side unconditionally, no matter his circumstances.
He knew Shen Yuanzhu was innocent, yet Xie Xuchuan couldn’t understand why—emotions he could control in front of outsiders would all erupt before the person closest to him.