Chapter 387: Chapter 396: Before You Leave, Let Me Hold You Enough
Tomorrow morning, Cui Yun will set out on her journey. Compared to before, the girl has become much clingier to him.
It shows in many ways.
She holds a teacup.
"Pour me some tea."
Cui Yun gives her a glance: "And your hands?"
Without hesitation, she replies: "Broken."
Soon, she takes out several pairs of earrings.
"Which pair suits me better?"
Cui Yun picks out a pair of earrings with a milky white color from warm jade, which has excellent texture.
"This pair matches your outfit today better."
Shen Hua listens intently to his analysis. After thinking it over, she puts on another pair, the ones polished into the shape of green water drops.
"Oh, not listening."
Cui Yun laughs in exasperation.
As night falls.
Shen Hua speaks confidentially with Manager Sun.
She did not divulge Xie Xun’s matter, but she showed Manager Sun the Jade Pendant at her waist and inquired about the embroidery workshop.
Manager Sun had long noticed the unusual relationship between Shen Hua and Cui Yun. She even inquired about Yicui and naturally was a step ahead in knowing. At that time, she almost knocked over the tea set on the table upon learning of the matter.
She first inquired about Shen Hua’s affairs at Marquis Yangling Mansion before reporting back.
"Since the last time, when Manager Cheng from the embroidery workshop returned from Shengjing, he has been at odds with the stepson, and Er Rong has come to me several times mentioning this matter."
"I hear it’s about the lady?"
Shen Hua: "Indeed, I did step in to create a rift."
Manager Cheng, afraid that Shen Qu might dismiss him, was naturally extremely cautious. How could he dare to be as diligent as before, allowing Shen Qu to fully take over?
So he could only maneuver cleverly, teaching sporadically. Hence, the effort put on the embroidery products also stagnated.
"After all, he has been the manager of the embroidery workshop for over a decade, his experience and connections in the embroidery trade in various places are still managed by him. If he doesn’t back down, Shen Qu has quite the struggle ahead. Moreover, Shen Qu knows nothing about the embroidery workshop. Even though he tries to learn, he still remains an outsider, and for the past few months, he’s had to rely on Manager Cheng, which only increases his constraints."
Manager Sun nods her head, not without a sigh.
"That time, Manager Cheng pledged his loyalty to the stepson without a second word. If those old embroiderers’ contracts weren’t held tightly in my possession, and they only recognized Madam, who knows if those people would look down on us, taking all the benefits and stabilizing their position in Fengzhou."
Shen Hua plays with a rabbit doll, her fingertips occasionally tugging at the bell.
The sound of the bell tinkling, ethereal and crisp.
Manager Sun masks her complex emotions.
"There’s something, old servant has been hiding from Madam."
Shen Hua pauses in her actions.
"Madam was far in Shengjing at that time, also recuperating, I really worried you would become too anxious upon hearing the news and didn’t dare to let you know."
But now that Shen Hua has returned, this matter can no longer be concealed.
Shen Hua: "Speak."
Manager Sun pauses: "At the beginning of the year, the people from the second house moved into the Shen Family estate grandly all at once."
Shen Hua’s eyes darken.
"That was quick."
Indeed, this is what the second house has been eagerly anticipating.
Shen He Wen indeed succeeded.
The entire main house now belongs to the second house.
"Madam..."
"It’s fine."
Shen Hua laughs instead of being angry: "It’s better if we all live together, makes it easier to deal with them together later."
"Does Madam plan to return to the Shen Family?"
Shen Hua: "No rush."
The girl pats Manager Sun’s hand, offering comfort.
"Tomorrow, I will send someone to tidy up that shop properly. Make a big scene, set off firecrackers and all."
"Is Madam planning to open another embroidery workshop? To compete for business?"
"Not opening."
Shen Hua says coldly: "I am waiting for those beasts to invite me back."
"Of course, I won’t give them the satisfaction."
Manager Sun adjusts her quilt, feeling pity and helplessness.
"As long as you have a plan in your heart, that’s fine."
Why endure and compromise when you’re already wronged to this extent?
The norms left by the Saint do nothing to show kindness to women.
The grievances you endured are not what you should have borne, and you weren’t even of age when you left!
Besides, with protectors by Shen Hua’s side, there’s no need to worry about her being at a disadvantage.
After talking it out, she finally blew out the lamp in the room, leaving only a night light, then slowly retired.
Once she left, Shen Hua tossed and turned restlessly in her bed.
Soon, rustling sounds filled the room. Shen Hua got out of bed, put on her shoes, and went to the dressing table to scoop a large chunk of ointment, slowly spreading it in her palm, the delicate fragrance of orchids filling the air.
She carefully applied it, from her shiny neck down to her ankles, not missing a single spot.
Having done all this, she tiptoed out of the room.
The light in the neighboring room was still on.
With a ’creak’ in the silent night, the noise was not small.
Cui Yun, sitting lazily half-reclined on the couch, slightly lifted his gaze, surprised to see Shen Hua peeking around the door.
His hand was still on the scroll, and he was barely covered with an outer garment, the bedding beside him still folded untouched.
Without waiting for the girl to speak, he raised his hand.
"Come here."
Shen Hua closed the door and ran over.
As she approached, Cui Yun grabbed her waist and sat her down.
"Can I sleep in your room?"
She tugged at Cui Yun’s hem, mimicking his forward gesture, looking up to find his lips, a new experience for the girl, and she was quite naive at it.
Cui Yun subconsciously replied to the kiss, but she retreated slightly at the touch, skillfully maneuvering past Cui Yun and directly onto the couch, climbing to the inside.
She fluffed the bedding and slid inside. Leaning against the wall, she assured with wide eyes.
"Don’t worry."
"I won’t touch you."
"Nor will I force you to do anything."
Shen Hua placed a hand on the pillow, pressing her cheek against it, gazing at Cui Yun. It was like they were an old married couple, as if a galaxy separated them, not forgetting her manners even before closing her eyes.
"Good night. I’m going to sleep."
She truly came just to sleep.
Cui Yun set aside the book in his hand. With a wave, he pulled her close to his side.
"I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning."
"I know."
He gently supported the girl’s chin and lightly nibbled on her flushed spot. He didn’t use force, simply, tenderly devouring her soft whispers.
Cui Yun chuckled, "What do you know?"
"You really don’t know how dangerous I can be."
Daring to sneak in at night.
Shen Hua gasped but nuzzled his neck.
Cui Yun soothed her back: "Rest now."
Shen Hua slowly tried to move to the corner of the wall, her intentions quickly discerned, Cui Yun held her tightly. His head buried in her neck, his voice hoarse and chuckling.
"Don’t move."
"If I’m leaving, I must hold you enough."
After the girl calmed her breathing, her gaze couldn’t help but wander down along his waist.
"What are you looking at?"
"Nothing!"
Shen Hua: "Just seeing if you’re uncomfortable."
Cui Yun gently kneaded the warm jade in his arms: "Close your eyes."
His movements were light yet comfortable. Shen Hua yawned, her hands pulling at his collar.
She was so sleepy, tears welled up in her eyes. As her consciousness blurred, she faintly heard the man’s voice.
"You just came to torment me."
Then, she was embraced affectionately, with a very light sigh.
"Accepted."
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