When love draws near, it's like snow

Chapter 34

"Third brother is such a child," Yue Erge laughed heartily, appearing utterly eccentric. "A man's ambition lies in all corners of the world. These are chaotic times, the perfect time for us to realize our aspirations, fight against evil, and speak up for the people. How can we act like women, whining endlessly?! Take care, third brother, until we meet again!"

Yes, you are a national hero, always thinking of the people. I don't have your noble sentiments; I only care about the safety of my family. What do the lives of others matter to me? —These are the words I dared only murmur to myself. On the surface, I had to feign shame and say, "Yes, Second Brother is right. Take care, both of you!"

As the group sped away, their view quickly obscured by distant villages and willows lining the road. I reluctantly turned back and slowly walked towards the city, only to unexpectedly bump into someone's arms.

"Do you have an iron plate here? Why is it so hard?" I poked him hard with my finger—suddenly I felt not only my forehead, but also my heart was hurt by his impact.

"When did you get two older brothers?" Huaiyuan calmly helped me up. "It seems like you two get along quite well."

"It was after Xiaofeng went back yesterday that I swore brotherhood with those two." I lowered my head, my voice muffled, "Does this also require your permission, Master Jiang?!"

"What did you say?" He reached out and lifted my head, looking at my tear-streaked face in surprise. "Was it that painful just from a light bump?"

I stubbornly turned my head away, broke free from his hand, and walked on quietly. For some reason, tears streamed down my face—Huaiyuan pulled me back, gently wiping away the tears from my cheeks, "You're such a grown-up, why do you always act like a child?!"

As the first rays of dawn broke, I stared at him blankly—his dark eyes revealed pure worry, not the mockery I had imagined. My heart ached, and suddenly, like a child finding a loved one, I threw myself into his arms and burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably, releasing all the sadness and grief I had been holding back.

"Alright. Stop crying," Huaiyuan patted my back frantically, awkwardly comforting me. "If you keep crying, the Qinhuai River will flood."

I burst out laughing through my tears and playfully punched him. "I'm really heartbroken! And you're making fun of me!" As I said this, I couldn't help but frown again. "My brother talks like he's never coming back. I wonder what happened to his family?"

"Do you want me to look into it for you? Maybe I can help him." Huaiyuan glanced at the jade-spotted finger in my hand and suggested to me thoughtfully.

"No, thank you." I thought for a moment, then shook my head. "If he really needed your help, I think my brother would have asked. He must have his reasons for not doing so. Besides, investigating someone's family affairs without their consent is an invasion of their privacy and disrespectful to my brother." — Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you. I understand that principle.

"Don't worry, your good brother is making such a big fuss when he goes out, he can't be someone to be trifled with." Huaiyuan glanced at me with a smile. "Besides, with a capable third brother like you here, who would dare to mess with him?"

"I say, you two are the ones who are really bold! Two grown men, pulling and tugging at each other in broad daylight, what kind of behavior is this?! Let go of me now!" Grandpa Guan suddenly appeared out of nowhere, holding a chicken leg in his left hand and a wine jug in his right, smiling as he blocked our way.

My face flushed, and I hurriedly tried to secretly pull my hand away from Huaiyuan's. But he only tightened his grip, showing no intention of letting go. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him—what's wrong with you? Are you trying to mess with me?!

"Grandpa Guan, go drink your wine, mind your own business." Although Huaiyuan's expression was respectful, his tone was extremely rude—this man really changes his tune quickly. His current aloof expression is so different from that warm and serene smile just now! I stared at him, speechless.

"Haha! Jiang, how about it? Lost the bet, huh?" Grandpa Guan turned to his left and shouted, "I told you this brat would never change his ways. He'd still have that deadpan face when he's with me. Now do you believe me?"

Oh no? How many people were hiding on the sidelines watching me cry? This is so embarrassing. Suddenly, my face turned brighter than the sunrise, and I glared at Huaiyuan—that guy not only wasn't ashamed, but he even dared to laugh so confidently?

"What are you good for? There were so many people around, and you didn't even notice? And you dare call yourself an expert?" I was furious and without thinking, I reached out and smacked him. "Still laughing? If you laugh again, I'll get angry!"

"What's there to be afraid of? We're all family." Huaiyuan remained calm and unhurried—wait a minute, does that mean he knew there were people around, yet he still dared to treat me like this? Good heavens! Does he even have a brain? How did he become the head of the manor?!

"What did I tell you? You surnamed Jiang, I'll make another bet with you." Grandpa Guan patted Grandpa Jiang on the shoulder, then looked at me with a sly smile. "I'd bet my life on this head on my shoulder that this girl is a young lady."

Grandpa Jiang didn't say a word, only stroking his white beard and scrutinizing my profile—I had already hidden behind Huaiyuan, intending to bury my head in the sand. Whatever, let him deal with the mess he caused; I couldn't be bothered with him.

"Haha, Jiang, you're in big trouble!" Grandpa Guan suddenly burst into a malicious laugh, pointing at Grandpa Jiang's nose and shouting, "That day, you seemed to have touched that young girl's chest. She seems to be the granddaughter-in-law your precious grandson has his eye on, haha, you've gotten yourself into trouble!"

"Grandpa!" Huaiyuan rolled his eyes at him, utterly exasperated.

"What?!" Grandpa Jiang was taken aback by Grandpa Guan's underhanded trick. His face turned bright red, and he jumped up in anger. "I just lightly touched her clothes to see if she was wearing a brocade quilt. I didn't touch... uh! Anyway, I didn't know she was a girl."

Watching this heartwarming scene of the three people, young and old, laughing, joking, bickering, and shouting, my eyes suddenly welled up with tears—Huaiyuan is so lucky, even though he is also an orphan without parents. He has two adorable grandfathers who cherish him like precious jewels!

"But, little Huizi, speaking of which, between her and that girl Rumei, who's older or younger?" Grandpa Guan dropped another bombshell with a smile.

I was startled. Yes. There's also Lu Rumei. Why do I always forget about her?! Aren't I the one who hates third parties the most? What am I doing here now?! I paled and silently let go of Huaiyuan's sleeve.

"Hey Guan Dingshan! No one will think you're mute if you don't speak! Look, you've made that little girl cry!" Grandpa Jiang glared and raised his hand to strike Grandpa Guan.

"Murder! Help!" Guan Dingshan yelled, waving his arms and running wildly away. In the blink of an eye, the two old men had disappeared like a wisp of smoke—just as they had come, they had left without warning.

The long street was deserted, its usual tranquility restored. Only the rising sun, with its ever-growing, unrestrained brilliance, illuminated the earth, casting a soft golden glow upon the distant mountains, flowing water, and green trees…

Huaiyuan sighed softly, grabbed my wrist, and despite my struggles, led me onto a small boat moored on the lakeshore. A young man sat quietly at the bow; he was handsome and charming. Upon seeing us board, he didn't say a word, but quietly rowed the boat away from the shore.

"Let me go," I whispered, overwhelmed with resentment, tears streaming down my face, utterly heartbroken. "I've said it before, I will never be a third party and destroy someone else's family. I will never allow anyone to share my husband! So, give up!"

"Silly Qing'er." Huaiyuan pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. The faint vibration from his chest and the low, hoarse voice from his throat filled me with uncontrollable rage—I was heartbroken, and this guy dared to laugh?!

I abruptly broke free from his embrace, glaring at him angrily. "Still laughing! Still laughing! Is it so funny? You want to enjoy the blessings of having two wives?! You...!"

Huaiyuan's dark eyes, as black as midnight, now shone like stars, staring intently at me. His handsome face radiated light, a mysterious smile playing on his lips, and he exuded a captivating, mesmerizing glow. I felt breathless, my ears burning red. I dared not look him in the eye, and stammered, lowering my head. The words I was about to say remained unspoken.

"I haven't even said I wanted to marry you yet, and you're already thinking about not sharing a husband with anyone? Qing'er, so you're already this deeply in love with me?" His teasing voice came from above—so that's why this guy was laughing like a cat that'd stolen cream!

"Shameless! Who said you wanted to..." I couldn't help but raise my head and retort. But unexpectedly, he suddenly lowered his head, captured my lips, and kissed me deeply, swallowing all my unfinished words.

Huaiyuan's large hand suddenly encircled my slender waist, pressing me tightly against his hard chest. I felt a sudden 'boom' in my head, and my body ignited as if electrocuted. A trembling sensation quickly coursed through my entire body...

This book was first published on Xiaoxiang Novel Original Website. Please retain this information when reprinting!

[Volume 2: Farewell Chapter 15: Night Mooring on the Qinhuai River (Part 1)]

A gentle breeze blew across the lake, brushing against my face with a slight coolness. A small boat glided silently across the surface, creating delicate ripples. In the distance, the willows on the shore and a few white clouds drifting in the sky were reflected in the clear lake. Water and sky merged into one, indistinguishable from each other.

I gently leaned on Huaiyuan's shoulder, quietly listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling a tranquility, peace, and comfort I had never experienced before. Weariness washed over me like a tide, and I gradually succumbed to the call of sleep, a sweet and comforting smile on my face, slowly drifting into a deep dream.

"Master, shall we continue wandering around the lake like this?" someone asked in a low voice.

Huaiyuan didn't answer, but simply shifted his body slightly, adjusting his posture to make me more comfortable.

"What time is it?" I gently opened my eyes and stretched—it felt so good! I haven't slept as soundly as I have today in a long time.

"Awake?" Huaiyuan smiled as he looked at me. "Little girl, did you drink too much again last night?"

"I didn't drink too much. That wine was so bitter, I only had a little bit." I pouted slightly, sat up from his lap, and glanced out the window. Oh, it's already dark?

"A little bit would make you this drunk?" Huaiyuan raised one eyebrow. "I asked Wufeng, and you drank quite a bit of his Lanling wine last time. Tsk, I've never seen a girl who loves drinking as much as you—although your alcohol tolerance isn't very high. And your drinking manners are really not flattering."