At this moment, a conversation was taking place in the inner courtyard of the Hua family.
Yang Suian and Hua Bolin pushed Little Six into the room. As soon as the door closed, they crowded around him. "Little Six, you've been staying close to Elder Sister all this time, haven't you?"
Little Six didn't know what the two intended to do and nodded cautiously.
"Then let me ask you, why does Elder Sister carry the scent of medicine? Is she injured?"
Numerous thoughts flashed through Little Six's mind. Sister Hua was a tough person—no matter how severe her injuries, she would never utter a word about them upon returning, because she knew that even if she spoke up, no one could share her burden. Instead, she would likely end up comforting those around her.
Yet he felt they ought to know, at least Bolin should know. Sister Hua might not have been injured at all if she had stayed within the Hua family, where no one could harm her.
But for the sake of the Hua family, she had no choice but to travel and work outside.
Thinking this, Little Six began to undo his collar.
"Little Six, you..." Hua Bolin's thoughts shifted, and he vaguely understood. He fell silent at once, his gaze fixed intently on Little Six's movements.
As the collar opened and the inner garment was pulled down, a pink scar on his arm became clearly visible.
"There are three more injuries like this. Sister Hua has more wounds than I do, and they're more severe." Little Six looked at the stunned pair, calmly rearranged his clothes, and tied the fastenings. "If you're asking whether we encountered danger while we were out, I'll tell you: yes. We were trapped at the docks by local bullies, surrounded by hundreds of people attacking from all sides. Sister Hua never took a single step back."
"When did... when did Elder Sister learn martial arts?" It was both a question and a self-reflection. Hua Bolin truly couldn't recall when Elder Sister had acquired self-defense skills, though it wasn't surprising—Elder Sister's abilities extended far beyond just that.
Yang Suian, being a few years older, considered things more deeply. "Has Elder Sister encroached on someone else's interests? Has this trouble been resolved?"
Little Six smiled. "You probably see her every day and have forgotten how exceptionally beautiful Sister Hua is. The men outside aren't blind—what's strange about them taking a liking to her?"
"..."
The two brothers hadn't considered this possibility at all. Hearing Little Six lay it out so plainly, they felt both amused and proud. Their Elder Sister was simply outstanding in every way!
It was only at this moment that Little Six realized how much this journey had changed him. Before, like Bolin, his heart and mind had been filled only with the people and matters of the capital. But now, after just over a month, everything felt different. He even thought Bolin seemed too immature and wished he could wield a whip to force him to grow up faster.
"Sister Hua doesn't want you to know, so just pretend you don't."
"We understand."
"I'll head out first. Sister Hua should be returning soon."
Hua Bolin stared blankly as Little Six stepped over the threshold and left. Suddenly, he felt that the dynamic between them had shifted. Not long ago, they had been tumbling together on the same bed and competing fiercely over the sand table. He... seemed to have been left behind.
Hua Bolin wasn't the only one with this feeling; Yang Suian felt it even more strongly. Clenching his fists behind his back, he voiced what he had been contemplating for a long time. "I plan to travel and gain experience for a while."
"Travel?" A bright lamp suddenly lit up in Hua Bolin's empty heart. That's right—hadn't Little Six's transformation come from his journey? Elder Sister had once said that traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books. Little Six was a living example of that."Cousin, take me with you."
Yang Suian instinctively refused, "Traveling outside is not like being in the capital..."
"I want to go. If you don't take me, I'll go by myself!" Hua Bolin interrupted him. "I don't want to be left behind, always stuck in the same place, sheltered by Elder Sister in this comfortable capital, unable to help when things happen!"
Because he felt the same way, Yang Suian couldn't utter any words of opposition. They both wanted to share Elder Sister's burdens, but currently, they were still burdens to her—how could they talk about sharing!
"But... you're still too young."
"Young doesn't mean foolish or brainless. Besides, with you around, Cousin, I won't be taken advantage of."
"..." Yang Suian felt a pang in his chest at his cousin's confident words. He flicked Hua Bolin's forehead and said irritably, "Talking to me is useless. Elder Sister has to agree."
"Elder Sister will agree." Hua Bolin was confident. The Elder Sister who often said that traveling ten thousand miles was better than reading ten thousand books would surely agree. As long as he was determined to do something, Elder Sister never stopped him; she even helped cover for him, just like before.
Noise came from outside. The two cousins exchanged a glance and hurried out, immediately spotting Elder Sister and Lu Xiansheng walking side by side while speaking in low tones.
Hua Bolin muttered under his breath, "I really feel like I already have a brother-in-law."
Yang Suian patted his back and pushed him forward. "Elder Sister."
"You must be hungry. I told you I was going to the food hall to discuss matters and would definitely eat before returning. Why are you still waiting for me?"
Shaoyao clung to the doorframe, looking utterly drained. "If I dared not wait, Yan Ge would throw me out."
Gu Yanxi ignored her, looking down at A Zhi's fair face, which showed faint traces of fatigue. "Go rest. Don't worry about us."
"It's still early, no rush. You all eat. I'm going to the study." Hua Zhi smiled at Gu Yanxi, comfortingly patted Shaoyao's head, and gestured for Steward Xu, who was waiting nearby, to follow her.
"What is it?" Hua Zhi asked after sitting down in the study.
Steward Xu bowed slightly. "The Fourth House learned of your return. They sent someone over right after you left, asking if you have time to visit tomorrow."
"Since I'm home, of course I'll go. Send someone to reply."
"Yes."
Fu Dong brought over tea. Hua Zhi picked up the cup and blew on it gently. "How is Li De? Is he capable?"
Steward Xu smiled. "He was already trained before. Now, with just a little guidance, he can handle those tasks. He's slightly lacking in experience, but that's not urgent—after managing affairs for a year or so, he'll know everything."
"For now, you still need to steer the ship. You can gradually delegate tasks to him."
"Understood."
Hua Zhi brought up another matter. "I want to find a shop near Zhuangyuan Street. It needs to be spacious, preferably with two floors. You're familiar with the capital—do you know if there's anything suitable in that area?"
Steward Xu thought for a moment. "Does it have to be in that vicinity?"
"Preferably. Fu Dong will be in charge of this, and if it's too far, she won't be able to manage."
Fu Dong glanced up at her mistress, warmth flooding her heart. She hadn't told Miss about the many people who had recently approached her with various excuses, offering substantial benefits—some even promising her status—just to poach her away. They thought she couldn't refuse such conditions, not knowing that what Miss gave her was never those things.
What Miss gave her was a home.
In this home, there were Ying Chun, Bao Xia, and Nian Qiu. Quietly, she had come to regard Miss as the most important family member in her life.To her, family was her life—how could she ever betray them?
PS: If it were a double update, Kongkong wouldn't waste words in the first chapter, but since readers keep saying I only post one update, I'll clarify here... Actually, Migu paid for one chapter, and the next chapter goes directly to paid reading.
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