In that exact same spot, Gu Baozhu and Song Shixue were no longer as relaxed as they had been while chatting.
The two of them nibbled at their pastries for ages, managing only a single bite each.
After a while, their eyes met. Gu Baozhu frowned. Why hadn’t he left yet?
Song Shixue shook her head lightly. He probably wasn’t going to leave.
“I hear Miss Gu enjoys traveling through the mountains and visiting scenic places. Yueyang City is countless times wealthier than Suining City. You should visit Yueyang someday. When you do, I’ll play host.”
The maidservants and guards Song Shixue had brought all turned their eyes toward him.
The corner of Gu Baozhu’s mouth twitched faintly. “Young Master Qiu, have you ever been to Suining City?”
Qiu Wangzhi gave a soft laugh.
“Of course I have. It’s the poorest and most chaotic place in the southwest. I nearly got robbed by bandits on the road, but fortunately, I had guards with me at the time.”
Song Shixue asked, “When did you go?”
Only then did Qiu Wangzhi turn his head and cast a glance at her. Until now, he had never paid her any attention.
Over the past two months, he had met all the daughters of wealthy merchants and officials in Songzhou City, but he had never seen this one.
Her pale, plain-silk skirt was decorated with very little embroidery. She wore no bracelets, and the pearl flowers and other ornaments in her hair were relatively modest as well. Her family background was probably nothing special, though she was rather pretty and delicate-looking.
“Two years ago. I happened to be passing through. This young lady looks unfamiliar. Have you come to Songzhou City for sightseeing?”
Song Shixue gave a slight nod and said no more.
At least the part about two years ago was probably true.
Gu Baozhu said, “Since the new prefect took office last year, Suining City has changed greatly from how it used to be. Young Master Qiu, you should go take a look when you have the chance.”
“It’s getting late, and it’s time for lunch. Shixue, let’s go.”
As she spoke, she motioned for Song Shixue to stand. This man was far too annoying. They needed to leave quickly.
Song Shixue had no desire to stay either, and rose at once.
The maid efficiently packed the food into the box.
Seeing Gu Baozhu about to leave, Qiu Wangzhi grew anxious.
He took a long stride and blocked the two women’s path. “As it happens, I’ve reserved a private room at Ruyi House. Why don’t we dine together?”
Gu Baozhu forced down the impatience surging to her chest and replied stiffly, “No, thank you.”
The maid beside her used her body to block Qiu Wangzhi’s prying gaze. The group hurried away.
Once their figures disappeared from sight, Qiu Wangzhi kicked a loose stone on the ground away. His eyes darkened, sinister as a demon’s.
When she saw that he had not followed them, Gu Baozhu couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Her expression fell as she complained, “Our perfectly good outing is ruined. What rotten luck.”
Song Shixue placed a hand on her arm and smiled. “He clearly knew you were coming here. Even if it hadn’t happened today, it would have happened tomorrow. You can’t avoid him forever.”
Gu Baozhu pursed her lips, her entire body radiating helplessness.
“Scenes like this have happened dozens of times over the past two years. They’re all telling me that I’ve reached the age when I’m supposed to get married.”
Song Shixue cupped her chin, raising her brows.
“Were they all as eager and persistent as Qiu Wangzhi?”
Gu Baozhu shook her head. “Most of them were more tactful. Once I turned them down, they let it go. He’s the most shameless of the lot.”
When they reached the small hillside, the people in the begonia grove had yet to disperse.
Song Anhao’s usually expressionless face finally broke into a smile when he saw Song Shixue.
He hurried over to them and called out, “Second Sister, Sister Baozhu.”
Song Shixue stopped and noticed the weariness in his eyes.
“Did you visit the bookshops? How did it go?”
Song Anhao sighed. “The bookshelves are packed with stories of the same type. Every bookshop has them. They aren’t selling in huge numbers, but they aren’t selling poorly either.”
“Once we get back, I’ll have to find more people to write them. We need to keep up in both quantity and quality.”
The trend they had started had been completely taken advantage of by others. Not a single one of those books had secretly made its way to Suining City. He should have come to Songzhou City sooner.
“You two are heading back? So early?”
Song Shixue glanced at Gu Baozhu. “Your Sister Baozhu ran into an annoying fly, so we had no choice but to leave.”
“Huh?” Song Anhao frowned in confusion.
“Let’s go.” Song Shixue pressed a hand to his shoulder and spun him around one hundred and eighty degrees.
