Chu Yu was slightly taken aback. After a moment, she softly responded to the outside, then turned to Gu Chusheng and said, “Wait until your carriage arrives at the back gate before you leave.”
With that, she lifted a corner of the curtain and walked out. As soon as she stepped outside, an umbrella shielded her from above. Chu Yu looked up to see Wei Yun holding the umbrella. It wasn’t large, and as he held it high above her head, the rain fell onto him instead.
He gazed at her, his face full of joy, carrying a youthful energy she had long lost. It seemed as if the whole world brightened with his presence.
Chu Yu stared at him quietly, somewhat dazed.
Wei Yun found it strange and called out, “Sister-in-law?”
This call brought Chu Yu back to her senses. She quickly composed herself and stepped down from the carriage.
Wei Yun held the umbrella for Chu Yu as the carriage started moving again. He turned his head and saw Gu Chusheng’s face peeking through the swaying curtains.
Wei Yun’s heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply held the umbrella over Chu Yu and moved a bit closer.
People’s sorrows always intensify when dwelled upon. Chu Yu had just gone through her past experiences with Gu Chusheng in detail, and after finishing, she felt as if she had relived her entire life. She was so exhausted that she could barely walk.
That weariness emanating from Chu Yu was accompanied by grief and despair. Even though Chu Yu said nothing, Wei Yun, walking beside her, could sense it.
His gaze fell on Chu Yu’s face. She looked tired, her expression like that of an elderly person nearing the end of life as if she might pass away at any moment.
It seemed there was nothing in this world she was attached to; her coming and going had become particularly uncontrollable.
Wei Yun couldn’t help but feel anxious. He followed closely behind Chu Yu. When she entered the room and noticed Wei Yun still following, she couldn’t help but laugh, “Why are you following me?”
“I smelled alcohol on you, Sister-in-law. I was worried you might be drunk and wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
Wei Yun knelt opposite Chu Yu. She had let her hair down and was reclining on the couch. She calmly said, “It’s fine. My alcohol tolerance isn’t that low. I’m just slightly tipsy, nothing serious.”
“But Sister-in-law, you look as if you’re quite drunk.”
Wei Yun smiled gently, “Allow me to keep you company. It’ll put my mind at ease.”
Chu Yu understood his intentions. She wasn’t one to hide her feelings, especially not from her family. And she didn’t need to.
When had she started considering Wei Yun as a family?
Chu Yu didn’t know.
She held a hand warmer, her gaze calmly examining the young man before her.
The effects of the alcohol were setting in, though she hadn’t noticed. It manifested in her actions. Feeling hot, she kicked off her silk socks. Wei Yun, seeing her bare feet dangling from the couch, instinctively moved forward, picked up the discarded socks, and began to put them back on her feet.
Nearby, Wei Xia saw this and hurriedly pulled the watching Chang Yue out, covering her mouth and dragging her away despite her confusion.
With Wei Xia and Chang Yue gone, only Wei Yun and Chu Yu remained in the room. Chu Yu’s thoughts were sluggish, her gaze fixed on Wei Yun as he calmly knelt before her, putting on her socks. He looked up and smiled at her, saying gently, “The ground is cold in winter. Please wear your socks and don’t be stubborn.”
Chu Yu remained silent, lowering her gaze, not wanting to acknowledge anyone.
Wei Yun noticed her disheveled hair, damp from the rain. With nothing else to do, he stood up, took a handkerchief from nearby, and stood behind Chu Yu. He said softly, “Sister-in-law, let me help dry your hair?”
Chu Yu couldn’t think clearly. She gave a low murmur of assent and sat up, allowing Wei Yun to take hold of her hair.
Her hair was very long, black, and thick. Wei Yun used the handkerchief to dry it bit by bit. Those hands that could wield a heavy spear and change the course of battle were now incredibly gentle and meticulous.
His warmth was right behind her, a reminder of his presence. Chu Yu didn’t speak, and neither did he. Her long hair fell, covering her face. After a long while, Wei Yun suddenly felt something fall on the back of his hand.
He was startled for a moment, then panicked, “Sister-in-law, did I pull too hard?”
Chu Yu didn’t respond. She hadn’t felt particularly upset before, but Wei Yun’s question seemed to unleash a flood of emotions.
All the pain from her past life and this one combined overwhelmed her. Chu Yu bit her lip, unable to speak, her lip turning white from the pressure, her shoulders trembling slightly.
Wei Yun didn’t dare to look at her face. Standing behind her, just seeing her silently shedding tears made his heart ache as if trampled by thousands of horses.
She sat alone in front of him, and only up close did he realize how thin and delicate she truly was.
She was like a slender, beautiful flower, swaying gently in the wind and rain. So beautiful it made his heart yearn, yet so fragile it filled him with the desire to protect her.
He listened to her sobs, feeling the loneliness that surrounded her. He wanted to say something but didn’t know how to comfort her.
Feeling helpless, he stood silently. After a long while, he finally couldn’t resist. He reached out, gently pressed her head, and let her lean against him.
The moment she felt his warmth, Chu Yu could no longer hold back. She burst into loud sobs.
She had suppressed her emotions for so long, for so many years.
In her past life, she hadn’t cried for twelve years. In this life, she hadn’t cried either. But in this young man’s arms, she finally found a place of comfort and cried out loudly.
Wei Yun stood still, allowing her to lean on him, his hand gently stroking her hair.
He didn’t even ask why she was crying. He simply provided quiet support, asking no questions.
Chu Yu cried for a long time until she was exhausted. Like a child, she fell asleep crying in his arms.
Realizing she had fallen asleep, Wei Yun gently laid her on the couch, covered her with a blanket, and carefully walked out.
As soon as he left the room, he strode towards the guest room in the back courtyard. Wei Xia noticed the water stains on his clothes and sensed the overwhelming anger emanating from Wei Yun, but didn’t dare say anything.
Wei Yun marched straight to Gu Chusheng’s door and kicked it open.
Gu Chusheng hadn’t changed his clothes and was kneeling on a cushion, his eyes fixed on a hairpin.
Wei Yun’s gaze fell on the hairpin. Without a word, he stepped forward and delivered a fierce kick to Gu Chusheng’s chest.
Gu Chusheng was knocked aside by the sudden attack. Wei Yun grabbed his collar and pulled him close, his eyes fierce like a wolf’s.
“What did you say to my sister-in-law?” he growled.
Gu Chusheng remained silent, his expression lifeless. Wei Yun slapped him hard across the face and shouted, “Speak!”
Little Theater
Mo Shubai: I bet the first comment will be “First!”
Reader: I have my brilliance.