Xie Yu’an only felt a figure sway before his eyes, and the faint, elusive fragrance in the air suddenly became clear.
Qiao Yin’s soft, delicate body unexpectedly pressed against his arm. As if completely unguarded, she leaned in with her slender neck, looking at him with eager anticipation.
Her long, thick lashes fluttered slightly. In those beautiful, clear eyes, he could even see his own reflection, as if she could see only him.
Such earnest eyes were something Xie Yu’an couldn’t refuse, yet his mind suddenly recalled another man who had also enjoyed such closeness from her.
“Did you talk to Lu Jinzhi like this before?”
Xie Yu’an’s voice suddenly turned cold.
Qiao Yin straightened her back, pulling away slightly.
Her mind was filled with question marks.
What happened? Everything was fine just now, so why did the atmosphere suddenly turn cold?
She remembered reading in an online guide on winning men over that physical contact was the fastest way to deepen a relationship.
Could it be that Xie Yu’an didn’t like her touching him?
Or was she being too eager?
But she couldn’t help feeling anxious.
After tonight, she only had twenty-six days left.
Xie Yu’an’s unpredictable attitude, along with her clumsy allies who always made things worse, left her feeling insecure.
Qiao Yin thought for a moment, obediently returned to her seat, and explained seriously:
“No, he didn’t like me getting too close to him…”
Lu Jinzhi was probably afraid of being laughed at by others, so he never let her get too close. Riding together in a carriage like this had only happened once.
That time, the carriage had an accident and nearly fell off a cliff.
Lu Jinzhi said she brought bad luck, and after that, he never let her near his carriage again.
Hearing Qiao Yin’s humble tone and the suddenly chilled atmosphere, Xie Yu’an couldn’t help but feel regretful.
It was his fault. Why did he have to bring up Lu Jinzhi out of nowhere?
There wouldn’t be a next time.
“Where would you like to go to admire plum blossoms this winter?”
Qiao Yin was taken aback, wondering if she had misheard.
Admire plum blossoms?
Xie Yu’an wanted to go with her to admire plum blossoms?
Did this mean he had forgiven her for standing him up yesterday and accepted her apology?
This sudden turn of events nearly moved Qiao Yin to tears.
“Of course, we should go to Ten-Thousand Zhang Cliff. Everyone in the capital says the red plum blossoms there are the most fragrant, but I’ve asked hunters from that area, and they say besides the red plum blossoms, there are also two-colored plum blossoms up on Ten-Thousand Zhang Cliff.”
“Do you know about two-colored plum blossoms? It’s when a single tree has both red and white plum blossoms. Unfortunately, I’ve been there several times and never found them. I only found white plum blossoms.”
Qiao Yin spoke with great enthusiasm, her whole demeanor becoming lively again. Xie Yu’an watched her, his expression showing genuine interest.
“Perhaps if we go together, we’ll find them.”
Qiao Yin was overjoyed. Propping her chin in her hands, she gazed at him with bright, eager eyes:
“I’m already looking forward to it—looking forward to treading through the snow with you in search of plum blossoms.”
It was the truth.
She truly looked forward to it.
Perhaps words spoken with genuine emotion were particularly moving. Qiao Yin clearly sensed that Xie Yu’an’s gaze on her softened once more, and the faint curve of his lips turned into an unmistakable smile.
She really was looking forward to it.
If such a day truly came, it would mean she was still alive. She looked forward to her new life.
Unconsciously, the carriage came to a stop.
They had arrived at the Jing’an Marquis Estate. Qiao Yin stepped out of the carriage first.Qiao Mo and Bizhu stood at the doorway, unsure whether they were just about to leave or had already been waiting for a while. Seeing Qiao Yin step down from the carriage, Qiao Mo’s face turned cold as he began to lecture her.
“Why are you only coming back now? It’s already dark. If you hadn’t returned, I would’ve gone to settle things with that Xie Yu’an.”
Although Qiao Mo indulged Qiao Yin in everything, there were two ironclad rules that could never be broken: first, Qiao Yin must always bring Bizhu with her wherever she went, and second, she must return home before dark.
These were the strict rules left by Qiao Zhendong when he went off to battle, and no one could change them.
“That scoundrel Xie Yu’an, taking you out on the very first day and even sending Bizhu away—what was he trying to do?”
“It’s already dark. If he hadn’t brought you back, I would’ve taken my sword straight to his residence to demand an explanation!”
The person in question was right here, so what nonsense was he spouting?
Qiao Yin felt a wave of exasperation and hurriedly tried to cover her pig teammate’s mouth, but it was too late.
“Xie Yu’an greets Eldest Young Master Qiao.”
Xie Yu’an stepped down from the carriage and greeted Qiao Mo.
They were around the same age, but their ranks were worlds apart.
Qiao Mo only held the position of a sixth-rank lieutenant in the military, not even qualified to attend court and meet the emperor.
Qiao Mo was stunned, his face showing not only embarrassment but even more surprise. He never expected Xie Yu’an to personally escort her back.
For nearly four years, Lu Jinzhi had never once set foot in their Qiao family’s home.
“Ah, ahem, I’ve long heard of your esteemed name.”
Qiao Mo responded perfunctorily, his gaze sweeping over Xie Yu’an from head to toe. Although he had seen him a few times before, seeing him up close now made him want to curse inwardly—
Damn!
Did the goddess Nüwa create people based on her mood?
Why was Xie Yu’an so incredibly handsome!
Seeing Qiao Mo staring at him intently, Xie Yu’an said, “Today was my poor planning. I shouldn’t have brought Second Miss Qiao back so late.”
Hearing this, Qiao Mo straightened his face, clasped his hands behind his back, and puffed out his chest, adopting the demeanor of a strict family elder as he lectured, “My A Yin is a good girl, not the kind to be casual about things. I’ll let it slide this time, but don’t let it happen again.”
Qiao Yin blushed with embarrassment: Qiao Mo, you really know how to insult someone!
Xie Yu’an complied smoothly, speaking with great deference, “Yes, Elder Brother.”
Qiao Mo narrowed his eyes, then grinned and reached out to pat his shoulder.
What a smooth talker!
“Well, you should head back now. Another day, I’ll treat you to a drink.”
Qiao Mo waved his hand, already carrying himself with the air of a brother-in-law.
Xie Yu’an nodded in agreement, “Alright, another day, I’ll host a banquet and ask for Elder Brother’s guidance.”
Qiao Mo nodded with great satisfaction.
Xie Yu’an turned around, retrieved the pot of pear and rock sugar water from the carriage, and handed it to Qiao Yin.
Qiao Yin took it, and the two shared a knowing smile. Qiao Yin said, “I’ll come find you tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
Xie Yu’an smiled and agreed before finally getting back into the carriage and instructing the driver to turn around and leave.
No sooner had he left than Qiao Mo pulled Qiao Yin inside, so excited he could barely speak coherently: “Sister, I want him! I want him!”
Qiao Yin looked at him as if he were a fool, “Didn’t you tell me to chase after someone else?”
Qiao Mo slapped his own mouth, “I shouldn’t have doubted your judgment, sister. My mistake, my mistake.”
Clearing his throat, Qiao Mo spoke with great seriousness, “Ahem, I take back everything I said before. I now officially announce: Lu Jinzhi is nothing! I want Xie Yu’an to be my brother-in-law!”I, Qiao Mo, will become the elder brother-in-law of the Xie Family’s young master!