The autumn wind blew gently, and their steps were unhurried. They walked in silence the entire way.
They stopped, having arrived at the Cui family's grand entrance. Every long road eventually comes to an end.
Yu Mingyue's heart felt a pang of bitterness and sadness, but thinking of his actions lessened the pain.
"Brother Jiayan, you just do what you need to do. Whether you like me or not, I will help you. I, Yu Liuniang, keep my word. Even if I'm not the one you desire, we are like-minded individuals."
In truth, whether Brother Jiayan liked her wasn't that important.
A fleeting glance can spark joy, and prolonged companionship can stir the heart. Regardless, her affection wasn't solely for Brother Jiayan as a person.
The path he had to tread was incredibly difficult, and she wanted to accompany him, through mountains and across seas. His not liking her was a minor concern.
For a fleeting moment, Xie Jiayan thought, "If, if..." But his life had no room for "if."
It was his fault; he should have hardened his heart sooner, distanced himself from her, and kept further away.
"Liuniang, you don't have to do this."
"Helping Brother Jiayan is also helping myself. I like Brother Jiayan, but I like what Brother Jiayan does even more. Let's remain as we were; I will support whatever you do."
Xie Jiayan shook his head. "Don't cause trouble between me and your grandfather. I already have a way to resolve the academy matter."
"What way?" Yu Mingyue was curious.
"A former acquaintance of mine has a villa at the foot of Deer Mountain in Jiangzhou. It's been unoccupied for a while. With a little renovation, it will serve perfectly as an academy. Your grandfather has also promised the Cui family his full support."
"Did my grandfather have Mr. Chai help you?" Her grandfather wouldn't be so kind without an ulterior motive.
Xie Jiayan remained silent, merely raising an eyebrow. How did she know about the decision Cui Lao Gang made in the study?
"I guessed. However, while Chai Xinye can be useful, Brother Jiayan cannot trust him completely," Yu Mingyue lowered her voice.
"You know him?"
Xie Jiayan understood why she had smiled like that in class earlier. Was there a misunderstanding between her and Xinye?
Yu Mingyue nodded and then shook her head. "I've heard my uncle mention him a few times. However, I observe his narrow brows, pointed nose, and gaunt cheeks—signs of a heartless and disloyal person. Brother Jiayan should not associate too closely with him."
Yu Mingyue's expression was so serious that Xie Jiayan felt a smile tugging at his lips. "When did I learn that Liuniang became skilled in physiognomy?"
Yu Mingyue shot Xie Jiayan a playful glare. She couldn't tell him that Chai Xinye was a subordinate of the Sage, not someone who would truly help, but someone who could indeed harm him.
"In short, Brother Jiayan, just trust me."
Seeing her earnestness, Xie Jiayan nodded. "Alright!"
"Will Brother Jiayan be staying in Qinghe for a few days? Where will you be staying? Can I come find you tomorrow?" She had many things to tell him, but it wasn't convenient at the Cui residence.
Xie Jiayan was silent for a moment before telling her the name of the inn where he was staying. Knowing her personality, she would undoubtedly send someone to investigate. In the Qinghe region, there was nothing the Cui family couldn't find out.
"Don't worry, Brother Jiayan, I'm not here to pester you," Yu Mingyue declared solemnly.
Tomorrow, she would give him a pleasant surprise, ensuring his efforts would yield twice the results.
She had promised to help him, and she would.
Xie Jiayan's heart, which had finally calmed down, was thrown into disarray once more by her mention of "pestering."
It turned out that matters of the heart, even if one dared not pursue them, were difficult to let go of.
She, on the other hand, seemed to manage her emotions with such ease and freedom…
Xie Jiayan smiled, but a hint of desolation flickered in his eyes.
She was meant to live this way, open and uninhibited, free and easy. In the future, she would find a good husband and live a life of wealth and peace.