Chapter 469: You’re Too Old
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Everyone was silent for a while after hearing Yan Yixian’s story. What should have been a bright future turned into a tragic end of family destruction and personal loss, a fate that was too harsh to describe.
Chu Qingzhi said, “Your teacher’s birthday cannot be neglected. Let’s properly package the gifts before delivering them.”
Chu Xuyao knew his family would support him and smiled, “Understood, Fifth Sister.”
Wu Yaqing ate half an apple pie by herself and really liked it. She asked, “Qingzhi, can you teach me how to make apple pie?”
Chu Qingyue, Chu Qingning, and Chu Qingshuang said in unison, “We want to learn too!”
There was a slight awkwardness in the air.
Shen Ruyue timidly added, “Can I join too?”
Ge Lihua, Chu Qingyan, and Hong Yujun looked at each other and said in unison, “If everyone is learning, then we’ll learn too.”
Chu Qingzhi glanced at Li Qingyu, who seemed hesitant to speak, and said, “The bakery will be finished tomorrow. Ruyue, please supervise the final stages. If it’s ready by tomorrow, I’ll teach you all in the evening.”
Shen Ruyue said, “Then I’ll gather more apples. It would be great to introduce apple pies at the food festival.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Sure.”
Suddenly noticing the sugarcane in the corner, she added, “By the way, Ruyue, how are the sugarcane juice ice cream bars selling?”
Shen Ruyue smiled, “They are selling very well. Those rich young masters like expensive things. They are always eager to try new varieties.”
“That’s good.” Chu Qingzhi turned around and said to Chu Rong, “Father, please take care of the road construction outside the village. In addition, I’ve discussed with the person who sold the slabs. Settle the money with him after it’s completed. If you’re afraid of making a mistake, you can always consult with Ruyue.”
Chu Rong straightened his back. He had never taken on such a heavy responsibility in his life. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of it.”
Chu Qingzhi nodded. “There’s nothing else. Let’s eat.”
Wu Yaqing, carrying a food box, Chu Xuyuan with a chessboard, and Chu Xuyao with a chess box, went to visit Third Master Lu.
Third Master Lu was flipping through a book absentmindedly.
Wu Yaqing placed the food box on the table and said, “Sor, it’s time to eat.”
Third Master Lu’s attitude softened a bit, not as cold as before. “Little girl, you’re learning very quickly.”
Wu Yaqing rolled her eyes. That was sarcasm. In the end, this guy took it literally. He might be handsome and cool but a bit of a fool!
Third Master Lu suddenly sneezed loudly and used a handkerchief to wipe his nose. “You must be cursing me just now.”
Wu Yaqing looked at the sky. She didn’t know anything.
Chu Xuyao looked at the two of them and said, “Third Brother Lu, stop flirting. I’m waiting for you to play chess.”
Today, the two little fellows didn’t have to go to school. Tang Jinghong asked them to accompany Third Master Lu. Then, the three of them got to know each other and came to play chess with Third Master Lu at night.
Wu Yaqing’s reaction was very strong. “Brat, what are you talking about? Who’s flirting? Don’t talk nonsense, understand? Besides, look at how old he is. Is he worthy of me?”
Third Master Lu didn’t care at first, but when he heard Wu Yaqing say that he was old, his face darkened. “Who’s old? I’m only in my twenties!”
Wu Yaqing put her hands on her waist. “You’re at least ten years older than me, almost a generation older. How dare you say that you’re not old?!”
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao looked at the two of them arguing and stood against the wall silently, afraid that they would be implicated.
Third Master Lu was so angry that smoke was coming out of his head. “Go back. I don’t want you to serve me tonight.”
Wu Yaqing snorted. “As if anyone is willing to serve you. Come over yourself for dinner tomorrow. Otherwise, you can starve.” Since he could argue so energetically, his injury must not be serious.
After leaving these words, she stormed off.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao looked at each other, sensing the strong tension in the air.
After a while, Third Master Lu realized he had lost his temper with a young girl.
He sighed heavily, clearly frustrated.
Chu Xuyuan asked timidly, “Third Brother Lu, do you want to eat? My Fifth Sister made apple pie. It’s very delicious.”
Third Master Lu got up and opened the food box. The first layer was apple pie, a quarter of a pie, enticingly golden with a clear apple fragrance, looking as exquisite as royal cuisine.
He tried a piece and found it faultless, even for someone as picky as him.
“Your fifth sister made this?”
Chu Xuyao nodded proudly, “Yes, do you like it?”
Third Master Lu enviously remarked, “It’s very delicious. Jinghong has found a treasure.”
Chu Xuyao agreed, “You’re absolutely right.”
Third Master Lu looked at the two little fellows and laughed. “Put the chessboard on the table. I’ll play chess with you after dinner.”
“Ok.”
Under the dim moonlight and sparse stars, Chu Qingyue took Ning Yuting to the riverside.
The river, once dry, had returned to its original level after several heavy rains..
The lush green grass by the river showed remarkable vitality
Ning Yuting picked some flowers and made a flower crown for Chu Qingyue. “How about I put it on you?”
Chu Qingyue smiled softly, “Okay.”
Ning Yuting carefully placed the flower crown on her head, “Beautiful.”
Chu Qingyue shyly glanced at Ning Yuting, “Is it the flower that’s beautiful, or is it me?”
“Of course, you are beautiful,” Ning Yuting said as he pulled Chu Qingyue into his arms, his voice tinged with reluctance. “I have to return to the capital tomorrow.”
Chu Qingyue wrapped her arms around Ning Yuting’s waist and tightened her hold slightly. “I’ll pack your luggage when I get back.”
“Okay.”
The river breeze blew, causing their long black hair to flutter and intertwine, symbolizing their reluctance to part.
Chu Qingyue took a deep breath, her voice heavy with emotion. “Yuting, there’s something I need to tell you. I don’t feel right keeping it from you. If, after hearing it, you don’t wish to marry me, that’s okay too.”
Ning Yuting gently released Chu Qingyue and looked into her calm and gentle face with a determined gaze. “Our wedding date is set. It won’t change.”
Chu Qingyue felt slightly reassured. She led Ning Yuting to sit on a stone by the river.
They sat back to back.
Ning Yuting did not rush Chu Qingyue. He sensed the gravity of what she was about to share and was willing to wait.
Chu Qingyue looked at the moonlit river, the light casting shimmering ripples on the water. In this beautiful setting, she revealed her past with Li Shengfeng to Ning Yuting.
After speaking, she lowered her head, anxiously awaiting Ning Yuting’s decision.
Ning Yuting felt a pang of sympathy for Chu Qingyue. He turned his body around, pulling her into his embrace. “I’m glad he didn’t marry you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to marry you.”
Chu Qingyue was taken aback for a moment, then slowly lifted her head, a trace of joy emerging on her face.
Seeing Chu Qingyue’s tearful eyes, Ning Yuting felt even more compassion. He leaned down, kissed her gently, and then held her tightly in his arms..
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