Chapter 49: A Little More Effort

Chapter 49: A Little More Effort

Xiao Feiyan's smile was radiant. The instant the carriage halted, she eagerly lifted the curtain and leaped out. "You're wearing the hair accessory I gave you today, huh? Hehe, it looks fantastic."

Upon seeing the vibrant young maiden, Su Youyue also let out a smile.

It seemed that Xiao Feiyan had swiftly recovered from the sorrow of the broken engagement. That was for the best. It wasn't worth being upset over someone as despicable as Sheng Xiuran.

"Miss Xiao is also very beautiful today."

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere between the two, Su Rong was so captivated that she was completely mesmerized.

Xiao Feiyan and Su Qian were supposed to be close friends, right? How did she end up bonding with Elder Sister?

It must be known that no other family's young ladies had ever wanted to play with Big Sister before, much less gift her jewelry.

From the moment she laid eyes on that exquisite red jade headdress, she knew it was of immense value. She assumed that her eldest sister had purchased it anew for this plum blossom feast, never dreaming that it was actually a gift from someone else.

Su Rong was still in a daze when Xiao Feiyan noticed her. After an exclamation of surprise, he said, "Su Rong, this outfit is incredibly becoming on you today. You look simply like a piece of tender and soft white jade cake."

In the past, Xiao Feiyan had no particular fondness for Su Rong, but today, she was genuinely captivated by her appearance, hence she spoke honestly.

Su Rong's cheeks flushed slightly; it seemed like she had never been complimented on her looks before... Whenever others mentioned her appearance, they would only compare her unfavorably to her two older sisters...

"Thank you, Miss Xiao. Your attire suits you beautifully today as well."

Xiao Feiyan waved dismissively and then leaned closer to Su Youyue. "Let's hurry up and set off. We're already running late."

Su Youyue was about to nod when something suddenly occurred to her. "Miss Xiao, could your carriage accommodate my third sister for the journey? On our return, I'll arrange for a carriage in advance."

"Of course, but isn't Su Rong traveling with Su Qian?" As Xiao Feiyan had frequently interacted with Su Qian in the past, she knew that Su Rong usually accompanied her in the carriage.

However, after uncovering Su Qian's true nature, Xiao Feiyan no longer wished to associate with her.

Lowering her gaze, Su Rong whispered softly, "My second sister has already left."

Xiao Feiyan hesitated for a moment before realizing the situation. "She actually abandoned you and fled?"

Seeing the silent confirmation from those present, Xiao Feiyan's disgust towards Su Qian grew. She had once believed Su Qian to be a gentle and kind girl, but now she realized how she treated her own family. Xiao Feiyan felt that she had been blind in the past.

"Ride with me! No need to hire another carriage. I'll see you back home when we return!" Despite not being particularly fond of Su Rong, it was only right to offer assistance when witnessing injustice. Besides, Su Rong was Su Youyue's sister, and Su Youyue was her friend. How could she not help a friend in need?

Su Rong knew she had never been well-received by other young ladies due to her lack of affection from her father and the absence of her mother, coupled with an unappealing disposition. Thus, she was genuinely surprised that Xiao Feiyan would not only allow her to share the carriage but also offer to send her back.

All thanks to her elder sister's kindness.

"Thank you so much, Miss Xiao!" This time, her tone carried more emotion.

In truth, if there were any alternatives, she would have preferred not to use her father's carriage. What if he needed it urgently and her presence caused a delay?

Just as she finished expressing her gratitude, Su Youyue politely declined, "When we come back, let her take the hired carriage again. Didn't Miss Xiao mention in her letter that she wanted to explore the marketplace after returning from Mei Garden? Then, the coachman can escort her to choose and purchase a carriage."

If Xiao Feiyan were to directly bring Su Rong home without visiting the market, it would disrupt her plans.

For today's events, she had meticulously prepared for several days, even risking her own safety. Thus, any deviation could not be afforded.

As for buying a carriage for Su Rong, it was indeed necessary. Otherwise, how could Su Qian dare to abandon her alone again in the future?

Upon hearing this, Su Rong felt even more touched. With tears in her eyes, she looked at Su Youyue with gratitude.

Xiao Feiyan didn't hesitate and promptly agreed, "That's a good idea. I've been wanting to explore the market today anyway. My mother's birthday is coming up, and I'd like to see if there's anything unique that I could choose as a gift for her."

In her previous life, she had visited this market to find a birthday present for Lady Jinghaihou.

Yet, people blamed her carelessness for encountering the kidnappers, and Lady Jinghaihou never knew that her daughter was abducted while trying to buy a gift for her...

Su Youyue's gaze sharpened slightly, and she couldn't help but glance at Chunya sideways.

Chunya instantly understood and nodded, mouthing silently to reassure her young mistress.

She had already followed Miss Su's instructions and arranged for many people to keep an eye on Miss Xiao tonight, ensuring her safety.

Su Youyue's expression gradually calmed. She carried five hundred silver needles with her, ready to intervene personally if any danger arose.

"Alright, hurry up and get in the carriage. If we're late, we won't get the best spot to appreciate the plum blossoms," Xiao Feiyan said cheerfully, increasingly content with her decision.

Anyway, Su Rong looked adorable today, a delightful sight to behold. Xiao Feiyan felt as if she was looking at her own little white rabbit, wanting to gaze at her for a bit longer.

Once they climbed into the carriage, the ladies and maidservants chattered away inside as they headed towards Mei Garden, arriving at their destination soon enough.

The Mei Garden was located not far from the outskirts of Yanjing City, with mountains to the east and water to the west. Apart from vast groves of plum trees, there stood a grand vermilion pavilion within the garden. From its vantage point, one could admire a sea of red plum blossoms and, at a greater distance, overlook the sprawling rooftops of the Imperial City.

Turning around, she saw undulating hills, still capped with snow, presenting a picturesque scene of pure white beauty.

Basking in such splendor, Su Youyue felt her anxiety ebb away.

Even if she hadn't encountered that human trafficker today, she still had Wang Manager's lead as a safety net. There was nothing to fear.

Xie Yuan needed to step up his game. She had already dropped ample hints; all he had to do was instruct his men to investigate Wang Manager, and they would surely find something!

She stole a glance at Xie Yuan.

To her surprise, he was looking back at her.

"..."

Su Youyue quickly turned her head away, but curiosity swirled within her.

Had he always been watching her like this before?

In her previous life, when Xie Yuan was at the Su residence, she had only been preoccupied with bullying him and hadn't noticed this particular quirk of his.

Of course, she wasn't delusional enough to believe that Xie Yuan's constant gaze was due to seeing her as his master.

More likely, he was plotting how to kill her whenever he stared.

As Su Youyue entered Mei Garden, she was still inwardly grumbling when a smiling Su Qian suddenly appeared before her. "Big Sister, you're late."

With just a glimpse of her posture, Su Youyue knew what kind of nonsense was about to come out of her mouth. Seeing through her act, a mocking smile tugged at Su Youyue's lips.