Ye Jingyu stared at her for a moment. "So what if it is?"
Su Yunmo's smile faltered.
This was not how she had planned it. According to this man's temperament, he should have turned and said, 'This king knows nothing,' and then she could have played coy and gotten away with it.
Ye Jingyu silently drew out the ruler. "Extend your hand."
Su Yunmo's eyelids twitched violently. She was about to bolt, but before she could take two steps, she was grabbed by the collar and dragged back.
"I was wrong, I was wrong! I admit I tricked you. It's just this once, there will definitely not be a next time," the little dumpling shrieked, flailing her limbs and squeezing her eyes shut.
Next time, this grandma will put chili powder in your underwear!
Ye Jingyu stuffed her into his embrace, forcibly pulled out her small hands, and raised the ruler to strike.
"Ah!"
A scream pierced the heavens.
Qian Xue, listening intently outside the door, heard the scream and silently offered condolences for a certain young master in her heart. To show respect, she covered her ears.
Inside the room at this moment, tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks were scattered everywhere.
The little dumpling was curled up by a plate, her small arms and legs all tucked in. Her left hand was tightly protecting her right hand, which was burning from the beating, her eyes teary.
Bastard, scoundrel, shameless, beating a child, boohoo...
Next to her was a fruit platter. Coincidentally, she was wearing an orange dress today. She looked like a large orange that had rolled out of the fruit platter.
Seeing her pitiful appearance, Ye Jingyu lost all his anger. He poked her cheek with a finger. "You're still wronged even after being hit? Shouldn't you be punished for spreading rumors about your elders?"
Su Yunmo gasped, glared at him, and petulantly turned her head away, closing her eyes and refusing to look at him.
Ye Jingyu shook his head helplessly and placed the ruler on the table.
The ruler made a sound as it touched the table.
The little dumpling instinctively sat up, her eyes wide as she stared at him, filled with panic. She kept hiding her small hands into her embrace. "What... what are you doing?"
She had already been hit, and he wasn't finished yet.
Ye Jingyu found it somewhat amusing. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. "What are you afraid of? Does this king really intend to eat you?"
Why wasn't she afraid when she was causing trouble? She had forgotten the pain as soon as the wound healed.
The little dumpling was placed on the bed.
Ye Jingyu took out external wound medicine from his embrace. "Extend your hand."
Su Yunmo saw that the external medicine was of excellent quality and pouted. So, he was prepared? Hit her with a stick and give her a sweet date, he was really something.
The little dumpling pouted stubbornly.
Ye Jingyu said in a low voice, "Do you want to have a go with the other hand as well?"
Su Yunmo's body stiffened. She quickly spread her small hand and offered it.
Ye Jingyu then applied the medicine to her hand while saying sternly, "What can I say about you? Can't you just stay at home and rest your injuries?" She didn't grow much in height, but she never stopped causing trouble.
"However, let's let this slide this time. It's not entirely your fault."
Su Yunmo grumbled. Now that sounded like something a human would say.
After applying the medicine, Ye Jingyu blew on her palm like he was coaxing a child. "This king will be moving back to the manor tomorrow. You need to be obedient and stop being so rash in your actions."
"This king doesn't ask for much. I know you can't sit still, but try not to get into fights with people, so you don't get new injuries before the old ones heal."
The petulance on Su Yunmo's face instantly vanished. She said in a deep voice, "Is there news about the letter? What did His Majesty say?"
Ye Jingyu's eyes flickered. He didn't answer her. "This king knows nothing."
Su Yunmo's eyelids twitched. She quickly withdrew her hand and snorted heavily. No more medicine application! He always said he didn't know, but he always knew more than anyone else!
Ye Jingyu sighed helplessly. "This king truly doesn't know this time. This king needs some time and has some follow-up matters to handle." He reached out and ruffled her hair. "Be good these few days. If there's any news, this king will have Qian Xue tell you."
Su Yunmo paused for a moment, then childishly pouted. "That's more like it." Given their current relationship, he couldn't keep everything from her. She extended her hand again. "Then continue applying it."
"After the medicine is applied, it won't hurt tomorrow." Ye Jingyu helped her take off her shoes, then took off his own and got into bed, coaxing her to lie down. "It's very late. Sleep. This king has to get up early tomorrow."
It was almost the winter solstice, and the nights were very cold. Occasionally, a cold wind would blow into the room, making one shiver.
Su Yunmo subconsciously leaned into his embrace and reached out to hug his neck. "Mm." Tomorrow was her great-grandmother's birthday, and she would have to get up early as well.
Ye Jingyu flicked his finger towards the candle on the table, extinguishing the flame. The room grew dim, making one feel sleepy.
Su Yunmo closed her eyes. Just as she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly remembered something. This was her room, wasn't it? Why was he sleeping in her bed? However, before the little dumpling could ask, she had already fallen asleep. The quilt was too comfortable.
She slept soundly until dawn. When she opened her eyes again, Ye Jingyu was already gone. She touched the cool, empty space beside her and sighed. For some reason, she felt a little awkward. Ever since he had moved in, he would usually help her get dressed and bring her to the dining table before she woke up. Now, having to dress herself felt a bit unaccustomed.
"Young miss, you're awake?" Lin Lang pushed the door open from outside, carrying toiletries. As soon as she entered, she saw the little dumpling sitting on the bed, lost in thought.
"I'm awake." Su Yunmo rubbed her eyes with both hands and yawned lazily. What to do, I don't want to move. It's all Ye Jingyu's fault, he's spoiling me too much.
"Young miss, come and wash up. Let me wipe your face first." Lin Lang approached with a hot towel and, though unfamiliar, carefully wiped her face and hands.
The little dumpling leaned against the headboard. "Why is it you today? Where are the others?"
"Zi Yuan said last night that she had something to attend to at the organization and would be back in a few days. This morning, Green Luo's family sent word that her father was critically ill, so she had to go back to visit him and requested three days of leave." Lin Lang paused, then said nervously, "Young miss, please rest assured. Before they left, they explained your living habits very clearly. This subordinate will definitely not mess things up." xxs壹贰 She had stayed up all night and memorized everything, even practicing small tasks like wiping faces many times.
Su Yunmo saw the dark circles under her eyes and hooked her lips, patting her shoulder. "I believe you. Don't be nervous." Lin Lang was dazzled by her smile, and her confidence instantly soared!
After rinsing, dressing, and eating, it took about half an hour. A servant called from outside. The carriage was already prepared at the manor gate. Zhou Wanyou had been helping with the birthday banquet preparations at the old manor since yesterday. Today, Su Qingtian would be taking the four children of the manor.
As Su Yunmo went out, she bumped into her three elder brothers. They were all dressed to the nines today, looking like standard young gentlemen.
The carriage traveled all the way to the old manor. As soon as they reached the entrance, Su Xiayue ran out from inside. "Momo, you're here."
Su Yunmo lifted the carriage curtain and raised her eyebrows. "You're here so early?"
"Because..." Su Xiayue started to say something, then paused and swallowed her words. She first stood up straight and obediently bowed to Su Qingtian, calling him 'Fourth Uncle.'
Su Qingtian acknowledged her and alighted from the carriage with the little dumpling. Su Xiayue hesitated, then said, "Fourth Uncle, can I play with Momo for a while first? We'll go pay our respects to Great-Grandmother later."