"You must not follow in your father’s footsteps!" the madam chided sharply, her disappointment evident. "He has already disgraced himself with his obsession and madness."

  The young man lowered his gaze, staring blankly at the floor, silently enduring his mother’s scorn. He listened to her harsh words, feeling each one weigh on him, until they shifted from criticizing him to condemning his father. Once she finished, he quietly withdrew, washed up, and retired to his bed.

  Lying on his side, he exhaled slowly, a single thought lingering—Yun Yuhua’s warm smile. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he closed his eyes, comforted by the memory before sleep claimed him.

  In the following days, the trio busied themselves helping RuQi at the inn. Customers came and went, their chatter filling the air. Much of the gossip revolved around the Lui household—whispers of its decline and the rumor that the son had poisoned his own father.

  Qian LiAi, ever curious, sat and listened intently to the gossip. Meanwhile, Yun Yuhua moved swiftly, delivering tea to the guests. As she turned to head toward the back, a familiar figure entered the inn—the young man from the Lantern Festival.

  Though she moved quickly past him, he recognized her at once. His eyes followed her, uncertainty flashing across his face. To confirm his thoughts, he turned slightly, watching as she disappeared into the kitchen.

  Moments later, Yun Yuhua reemerged, carrying a tray of fresh ingredients. Seated at a nearby table, the young man fixed his gaze on her. When she noticed him, he quickly straightened, offering a somewhat awkward smile and a polite nod.

  Yun Yuhua hesitated but walked toward him with a composed smile. "How may I serve you today?" she asked courteously.

  The man exhaled in relief—she hadn’t avoided him. "I would like to try one of the inn’s specialties," he replied.

  Yun Yuhua let out a soft chuckle. "Our most popular dish is the fish bone broth," she suggested.

  The young man nodded. "Then I shall have that."

  With a graceful motion, Yun Yuhua noted the order before turning toward the kitchen. Once the dish was prepared, she returned and carefully placed it before him. ChengYi gazed at the steaming bowl, a soft smile gracing his lips.

  "Thank you..." He hesitated briefly, then added, "By the way, I never had the chance to learn your name. But you may call me ChengYi."

  Unlike before, he didn’t press further, leaving the choice to her.

  Yun Yuhua blushed faintly, her smile carrying a hint of shyness. "I am Yun Yuhua," she replied with quiet grace.

  ChengYi’s expression brightened. He repeated her name thoughtfully, his voice laced with admiration. "Yun Yuhua... A name as elegant as drifting clouds and as precious as jade. Truly beautiful."

  A deep blush crept onto Yun Yuhua’s cheeks at his compliment. She quickly lowered her gaze. "Thank you," she murmured before turning away.

  ChengYi watched her for a brief moment before nodding to himself. With calm composure, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

  After finishing his meal, ChengYi placed his payment neatly on the table and quietly exited the inn. He sensed that he may have unsettled Yun Yuhua, and so he chose not to linger.

  When she noticed his departure, Yun Yuhua approached his table, swiftly clearing the dishes before handing the payment to RuQi.

  "Who was the customer sitting there?" RuQi asked, glancing at the coins.

  "He said his name was ChengYi," Yun Yuhua replied with a small smile.

  RuQi furrowed her brows, her mind clearly turning. "ChengYi? Did he mention his surname?"

  "No, he only said to call him ChengYi," Yun Yuhua answered with a shrug.

  RuQi's expression darkened slightly. An uneasy thought crossed her mind, but she said nothing. "I see... Good work."

  Yun Yuhua nodded and turned away, making her way to the back to assist TianKe.

  As night fell, the trio helped RuQi clean up the inn and prepare for bed. Yun Yuhua lay on her mat, her thoughts drifting to ChengYi. "He seemed... lonely," she murmured to herself, curiosity flickering in her mind. Shaking off the thought, she exhaled softly and closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep.

  A week passed. Yun Yuhua and her brothers remained in the village, exploring the bustling market and mingling with the townspeople. Their distinct physiques did not go unnoticed, drawing curious glances from the villagers.

  "Wow, Lady RuQi, you have such fine helpers," a woman remarked, her gaze lingering on TianKe as he emerged with dishes for the customers.

  RuQi smiled knowingly, aware that many of the women frequented the inn just to catch a glimpse of TianKe and Qian LiAi. "They are like my grandchildren," she replied warmly.

  TianKe turned to Yun Yuhua and grinned before taking her hand. "Let’s visit the market soon!"

  Yun Yuhua beamed, about to exclaim in excitement, but TianKe hushed her with a chuckle. She giggled and nodded. "Okay!" she whispered back.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  As evening settled over the market, the business slowed, and TianKe and Yun Yuhua saw an opportunity to slip out of the inn. They wandered through the market, browsing the stalls for something to buy.

  Yun Yuhua’s eyes wandered over the various goods before they landed on a collection of delicate tassels. She paused, scanning the display for one that might appeal to Qian LiAi. Then, a glimmer of blue and gold caught her attention—an elegant light blue tassel with golden accents. A smile spread across her face as she reached for it.

  Just as her fingers brushed the silky threads, another hand reached for the same tassel. She froze, glancing up to find herself face-to-face with ChengYi.

  Surprise flashed across his features, and he let out a nervous laugh. "Miss..." He dipped into a polite bow.

  Yun Yuhua smiled, returning the bow with equal grace. "ChengYi," she greeted him warmly.

  "Are you planning to buy this?" His voice was tentative, unsure.

  Yun Yuhua looked at the tassel, then raised her palm in a small, dismissive gesture. "You can have it," she offered.

  ChengYi chuckled awkwardly, his uncertainty evident. "You should take it... I only thought—" He hesitated, searching for the right words.

  Yun Yuhua smiled gently. "It’s fine. You can buy it. I’ll find something else."

  Without another word, she turned and began to walk away. ChengYi hesitated, then, after a moment, hurried to pay for the tassel. He clutched it tightly in his hand and rushed to catch up.

  "Miss," he called, his voice laced with a quiet urgency. "If you truly want it, you can take it. The person I’m giving it to... he wouldn’t mind if I gave it away."

  There was an awkward, almost melancholic edge to his tone.

  Yun Yuhua stopped and turned to him, her gaze softening as she studied his face. "Keep it," she said kindly. "Maybe he’ll like it… You’ll never know if you don’t try."

  ChengYi stood still, looking at her for a long moment before his gaze dropped to the tassel in his hand. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "I… thank you," he murmured, his voice still tinged with reluctance.

  Yun Yuhua nodded and smiled before turning away, heading back to TianKe, who was eagerly holding up a gleaming sword. "I think LiAi will like this!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

  Yun Yuhua glanced at the blade, then smiled and nodded. "Yes, I’m sure he will."

  Behind them, ChengYi watched the pair, the effortless warmth between them catching his attention. There was an ease in their joy, a naturalness to it that he had never known. A twinge of envy twisted in his chest. He glanced down at the tassel, fingers running over the delicate embroidery as if it could somehow soothe the ache he felt.

  Without another word, he turned and walked away, the weight of his own solitude pressing against him.

  That evening, ChengYi arrived home and quietly placed the tassel before his father, HaoJian. The older man glanced up, his sharp eyes quickly assessing the situation.

  "What’s this?" HaoJian’s voice was firm, his tone carrying the unspoken weight of authority.

  ChengYi bowed halfway, hands clasped in front of him. "An early birthday gift, Father."

  HaoJian let out a heavy sigh, eyeing the tassel with disdain. "What use do I have for this? I stopped swordfighting long ago."

  ChengYi’s lips pressed into a thin line, but the sting of rejection still hit him. He had expected this response, yet it didn’t make it any easier.

  "I’m sorry… I’ll return it," he murmured, reaching for it.

  HaoJian’s hand shot out, snatching the tassel from his grasp with swift decisiveness. "It’s fine. Just leave—I’m tired."

  ChengYi paused, then, without a word, turned and left the room.

  The next afternoon, ChengYi returned to the inn, slipping quietly inside and taking a seat near the door, where he could keep an eye on the back entrance. His presence didn’t go unnoticed, and RuQi soon spotted him. She approached with an icy expression.

  "Are you Lui HaoJian’s son?" Her voice was sharp, tinged with suspicion.

  ChengYi looked up, startled by the question. He nodded, though his heart beat with uncertainty. "Yes… I am."

  RuQi’s frown deepened. "What are you doing here? Have you forgotten how your father once cast me aside in the market?"

  ChengYi’s face flushed with shame. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Just then, Yun Yuhua appeared, hurrying over to them.

  "Auntie, is everything alright?" she asked, concern in her voice.

  RuQi turned to her, her expression hardening with old, painful memories. She shot a glance at ChengYi, her eyes dark with contempt. "Do not associate with him," she warned. "His father is a madman."

  Yun Yuhua looked from RuQi to ChengYi, whose gaze remained lowered, his body tense. Just then, TianKe and Qian LiAi entered, joining them.

  "Auntie, why would you say that?" Qian LiAi asked, confusion crossing his face.

  TianKe narrowed his eyes at ChengYi, recognition flaring before a scowl crossed his features. "You! You tried to flirt with my little meimei!" he accused, voice rising.

  Yun Yuhua stepped forward, putting a hand on TianKe’s arm to steady him. "Enough!" she said, her voice firm. Then, turning to RuQi, she added, "Auntie, I think you're overreacting."

  RuQi shot ChengYi one last glare before turning on her heel, storming off in anger. TianKe and Qian LiAi exchanged glances, their displeasure obvious. They sighed heavily before retreating to the back, leaving Yun Yuhua and ChengYi alone.

  ChengYi, still flushed, remained silent. Yun Yuhua exhaled and took a seat across from him.

  "I… I’m sorry," ChengYi stammered.

  Yun Yuhua reached across the table and gently placed her hand on his. He froze, looking up at her in surprise.

  "You’re not your father," she said softly, her tone firm. "Auntie may resent him, but you are not responsible for his actions. You were born because of him, and that itself is a blessing."

  ChengYi’s gaze dropped, and a wave of relief washed over him. For the first time, he didn’t feel like a reflection of his father’s mistakes. A small, grateful smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you… for your kindness."

  Yun Yuhua’s smile widened, her eyes bright with warmth. "Wait here," she said. "I’ll treat you to a meal."

  ChengYi’s eyes widened in panic. "I—wait—"

  Before he could protest, Yun Yuhua disappeared into the kitchen. He sat there, uncertain and a little lost.

  Twenty minutes later, she returned, holding a steaming dish. ChengYi stared at it, surprised.

  "This is my father’s favorite dish," Yun Yuhua explained as she set it down. "My mother used to make it whenever he felt troubled. It always helped."

  ChengYi glanced between the dish and Yun Yuhua, a surge of warmth filling his chest. He picked up his chopsticks, smiling softly. "Thank you. I’ll eat it well."

  Yun Yuhua nodded and walked off, leaving him to enjoy the meal in silence. In the corner, RuQi watched with her arms crossed, the conflict in her expression impossible to miss. Despite her disapproval, she couldn’t ignore the quiet kindness Yun Yuhua showed.

  Though TianKe and Qian LiAi continued to disapprove of ChengYi’s presence, they knew they couldn’t stop Yun Yuhua from being kind. RuQi, however, remained wary, her eyes filled with lingering concern. Despite all her fears, she had to trust Yun Yuhua’s judgment.

  ChengYi’s visits to the inn continued, and with each one, he found himself drawn deeper into the warmth of Yun Yuhua’s kindness. Though others still held their reservations, the bond between them only grew.