Two days prior.
"Yu'er, I met a young gentleman these past few days. His character and appearance are both exceptional," Zheng Chen said to Zheng Yu after they had finished their meal.
Zheng Yu, thinking her father intended to arrange a match for her again, immediately refused.
"Father, I don't wish to marry yet. I've just become town mayor and have many matters to attend to. I can't possibly consider marriage right now," Zheng Yu patiently explained to her father.
"I never said you had to marry him," Zheng Chen chuckled, pointing at Zheng Yu. "He mentioned he has someone he likes. How could I possibly interfere with someone else's affections?"
Zheng Yu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her father's words, but that relief was short-lived as Zheng Chen continued.
"I simply feel it's a pity. He had a very good background, but because he used to frequent a courtesan house, he feels he's not good enough for the person he likes. Although his sister redeemed him not long ago, he's still insecure and afraid to express his feelings."
Zheng Yu felt increasingly uneasy. This situation sounded familiar...
Seeing Zheng Chen about to leave after finishing his statement, Zheng Yu quickly grabbed her father's arm. "Father, what is his name?"
Zheng Chen feigned a look of regret, but inwardly, he was overjoyed. Zheng Yu grabbing him proved her daughter’s affection for Gu Yi, which would make things easier later.
"His name is also very pleasant to hear. It's Gu Yi."
Hearing the name, Zheng Yu's heart sank as her suspicions were confirmed.
"Father, did he mention who he likes?"
"What? Yu'er, do you know him?" Zheng Chen asked, feigning confusion with perfect composure. Zheng Yu harbored no suspicion.
"I… I know his sister. I want to inquire about him on her behalf," Zheng Yu hesitated for a moment before deciding on this explanation.
"Then I can't tell you. He specifically instructed me to keep it a secret. I can't tell you. What if his sister finds out?" Zheng Chen acted as if he were in a difficult position, glancing at Zheng Yu with a hesitant expression.
Zheng Yu gritted her teeth and decided to be forthright with her father. "Father, I actually know Mr. Gu. I also have quite favorable feelings towards him. Please, tell me. I promise to keep it a secret."
"He didn't mention a specific name, only referred to you as Miss Zheng. I don't know who exactly."
Hearing the words "Miss Zheng," Zheng Yu's heart trembled. Could it be her?
Seeing her daughter still showing no clear reaction, Zheng Chen decided to make one last effort.
"If someone truly likes another, they should be brave enough to say it. Look at him, he's too insecure to speak. But how can he know that the person he likes doesn't like him?"
Zheng Yu listened to this statement and nodded thoughtfully.
Zheng Chen watched the silent Zheng Yu and inwardly celebrated a small victory.
...
And so, this led to the scene today.
"You girl, it's so cold outside. You didn't even add a layer of clothing for Yi'er," Zheng Chen chided Zheng Yu, holding Gu Yi's cold hand.
"No, Uncle Zheng, I was wearing this when I came."
Gu Yi felt a little embarrassed. He and Zheng Yu had only just confirmed their relationship. Shouldn't matters like adding clothes be reserved for those who were more intimate?
"Don't just stand here. It's almost noon. I'll have the kitchen prepare a good meal. Let's have a feast today," Zheng Chen said, taking Gu Yi's hand and leading him towards the main hall.
Gu Yi wanted to refuse, but he saw Zheng Yu shaking her head at him from behind. Looking at Zheng Chen's delighted expression, Gu Yi also smiled slightly and didn't refuse.
Zheng Yu watched the two walking ahead, chatting and laughing, and curved her lips slightly. Her father's health had greatly improved, and he was no longer confined by his emotions. She had also found the man she loved, and they were getting along harmoniously. This was exactly the life she had hoped for.
During the meal, Zheng Chen continuously served Gu Yi food, saying he was too thin and needed to eat more to regain his strength. Zheng Yu also wanted to show her affection but struggled to find an opportunity to serve Gu Yi food, as his bowl was already piled high with dishes from Zheng Chen.
"Uncle Zheng, stop serving. I can't eat this much."
Hearing Gu Yi's plea for help, Zheng Yu finally had an opening and quickly stopped her father from serving more food.
"Father, please stop. Yi'er can't eat any more."
The words "Yi'er" once again came from Zheng Yu's lips. Gu Yi watched Zheng Chen continue to serve him food, and Zheng Yu, knowing he couldn't eat more, stopped her uncle from serving him, feeling a warmth in his heart.
After the meal, Zheng Yu and Gu Yi walked towards the main entrance, discussing various matters concerning the men's academy.
"Miss Zheng, let's not tell my sister about us just yet," Gu Yi hesitated before deciding to speak his mind.
"Mm, I understand."
Zheng Yu knew Gu Yi's concerns. He had only recently returned to his sister's side and still wanted to spend more time with Gu Yitong. Moreover, after such a long separation, it might still be awkward for Gu Yi to suddenly reveal their relationship.
"Miss Zheng, you should go back. I'm leaving now."
Gu Yi gently pulled his hand from Zheng Yu's and smiled faintly.
Zheng Yu took a step forward and clasped Gu Yi's hand again. "I'll escort you back. I wouldn't be at ease otherwise."
Gu Yi did not refuse, nodding slightly, and walked with Zheng Yu towards the medical clinic.
They stopped at the street corner where the medical clinic was visible.
"I'll come to learn the zither from you tomorrow."
"Mm, I'll be going then."
Zheng Yu watched Gu Yi enter the clinic and then turned to leave.
As soon as he entered the clinic, Gu Yi saw Gu Yitong sitting on a stool, staring intently at the entrance. Gu Yi was startled, thinking Gu Yitong had seen Zheng Yu escorting him back.
"Sister, what are you doing?"
"Nothing, I just felt a bit uneasy. Seeing you return safely puts my mind at ease," Gu Yitong replied, snapping back to reality and standing up. "I specifically saved some food for you. Come and eat quickly."
"...I've already eaten." Gu Yi then quickly added, "I just met Town Mayor Zheng's father, and he kept me there."
Town Mayor Zheng? Didn't he always call her Miss Zheng? Why the sudden distant address?
Gu Yitong felt a pang of confusion but did not voice it, attributing it to her own sensitivity. However, the way Zheng Yu looked at her brother certainly made one think.
In the evening, Lu Yu returned home. The two kittens were quietly playing with yarn balls in their basket. Lu Yu glanced at the exquisite little basket and then went inside to find Shen Xuan.
"Wife, you're back?" Shen Xuan, hearing the door open, hurried out.
"Xuan'er, what are you doing?" Lu Yu asked, looking at the pile of fabric on the bed with slight confusion.
"I'm making clothes for Xiao Xuan and Xiao Yu. It's getting cold, and they'll get cold playing outside, especially Xiao Xuan, who is pregnant and needs more warmth."
Lu Yu looked at him with disbelief. Her own beloved husband hadn't made her any clothes yet, but the cats had already gotten them first.