Chapter 505: I’m Shy

Chapter 505: I'm Shy

The Shen family had just been through a major scandal that disgraced them. The servants were now waiting for the masters to punish the Miss Shen.

Surprisingly, the next day passed without any punishment or action from the masters.

However, the servants all received a message that if any outsiders asked, they were to say that Miss Shen's words were all lies.

The servants, displeased with Miss Shen for causing chaos as soon as she returned, readily agreed and spared no effort in spreading the word.

All claims of mistreatment were false; it was well-known that Miss Shen's courtyard had the best meals and her treatment was even better than that of the Second Miss. As for the young master setting a fire, there was no such thing at all.

With someone deliberately spreading rumors, this version of events quickly spread among the people. Soon, it was believed that Miss Shen, after being left in the countryside for many years, had grown resentful and publicly smeared the Shen family's reputation.

With so much conflicting information, the people found it difficult to distinguish the truth, leading to various speculations.

The Ding'an Marquis House also quickly released a statement, saying that the marquis house's withdrawal of the marriage proposal was because the marquis heir had consulted the Holy Teaching for a fate approval. The divine will indicated that the marquis heir should marry late to avoid delaying Miss Shen's future, hence the annulment.

This made it seem like the marquis house had taken all the blame upon themselves.

However, privately, Lady Ding'an confided in some of her close friends that when the marriage was initially arranged, it was only said that the marquis heir would marry a Shen family miss, without specifying which one. With the importance of seniority, it should have been the turn of the eldest Shen miss. Even if the Shen family hadn't done this, wouldn't the Bai family, the maternal family of Miss Shen, have raised a fuss upon hearing of it?

Therefore, the annulment was necessary.

The news quickly spread in the bustling Holy City, becoming a topic of conversation among the people.

When Su Youyue heard about the Bai family, she slightly narrowed her eyes. "The Bai family?"

Zhe Ying reported, "It is the maternal family of Miss Shen. Back then, they were a wealthy merchant family in the Holy City. At that time, Master Shen was still a scholar. Not long after Master Shen entered officialdom, the Bai family's business encountered difficulties and declined sharply. When Madam Bai was expelled from the Shen residence, the Bai family was unable to support her. That same month, Master Shen married Madam Fang, the daughter of a fifth-rank official."

Su Youyue's lips curled in sarcasm. "Master Shen sure knows how to marry up each time."

Originally, marrying high consecutively wasn't a big issue, but the timing of the Shen family's troubles and Madam Fang's entry into the household were too coincidental, raising questions.

Was Madam Bai truly expelled because she made a mistake? Was the mistake real, or was it a setup?

Since this incident happened a long time ago, the shadow guards (her personal bodyguards) hadn't investigated it deeply.

But hearing Su Youyue's sarcasm, Zhe Ying cupped his hands. "My lady, I will have the brothers investigate Madam Bai's matter thoroughly again."

Su Youyue nodded. "Investigate carefully. I appreciate the brothers' hard work. When we return to Yanjing, I will reward the brothers properly."

Zhe Ying quickly shook his head. "It is our duty to serve the master. It is what we are supposed to do."

"Alright, if you don't want rewards, won't you let the other brothers have some? Besides, I still rely on you all for expenses. It's just a promise, go ahead." Su Youyue smiled.

Touched by her words, Zhe Ying nodded and bowed before leaving.

As the sky brightened, Su Youyue noticed that Jin'er hadn't come yet but didn't urge her.

Jin'er, having followed her, hadn't slept in for days. On the rare occasion she had the chance, Su Youyue naturally let her indulge.

The sky grew lighter.

Jin'er sat frozen on the stool, barely breathing, as if any movement might break the fragile moment.

In front of her, a slender hand hovered just a finger's width from her face. Though it didn't touch her, Jin'er could feel its warmth and the cool, fresh scent of morning dew. She dared not move, her heart pounding in anticipation.

"Zhe Jing... are you done? Miss is probably getting impatient waiting for me."

Early in the morning, Zhe Jing said he would help her change her appearance. After explaining the reason and mentioning that Miss had already agreed, Jin'er readily agreed.

But as they actually started, and she found herself so close to Zhe Jing, her thoughts started racing.

Miss... what did she mean earlier?

Could it be, could it be that Zhe Jing has feelings for me?

No, no, how could that be possible? He just sees me as a friend, a close friend, which is why he shares all the good food and fun things with me.

The more Jin'er thought this way, the hotter her face became. She tried to control it but couldn't. Especially when Zhe Jing’s fingers would occasionally brush against her cheek, she felt like she was burning up.

Fake, fake, it must be fake.

A handsome young man like Zhe Jing should marry a gentle, beautiful, and smart girl, just like Chunya. She's particularly clever. I'm not pretty, and I'm clumsy. If Miss hadn’t been so understanding, I never would have become a senior maid.

But Zhe Jing is handsome and knows so much, he’s way out of my league.

How could I ever be a match for him?

As Jin'er thought this, she suddenly shook her head.

Just as Zhe Jing’s hand was about to pull away from her cheek, it accidentally brushed against her lips.

For a moment, they both froze.

Jin'er snapped back to reality, her eyes wide.

Just now, did Zhe Jing accidentally touch her mouth?

She tried to find something on Zhe Jing's face, but the young man only stiffened for a moment before continuing as if nothing had happened.

Jin'er breathed a sigh of relief.

But after the relief, she felt a pang of disappointment.

Of course, how could Zhe Jing possibly have feelings for me? I must have been overthinking.

Just as Jin'er was about to relax, she looked up and suddenly saw that although Zhe Jing's expression remained normal, as if there were no emotions, his ears were as red as cooked shrimp...

Jin'er's mouth opened slightly. "Zhe Jing, are you shy?"

Zhe Jing's hand paused in its motion.

Jin'er immediately regretted asking, how could she have spoken her thoughts aloud? How could Zhe Jing, a well-trained shadow guard, be shy?

And of course, he definitely didn’t have feelings for her.

Oh no, now that she’d blurted it out, how could she ever face him again? She didn’t want to lose this good friend.

Jin'er’s mind turned to mush again, but just as she was confused, she suddenly saw Zhe Jing nod.

"Ah?"

Jin'er was stunned once again.

Why did Zhe Jing nod just now?

Did I ask something just now?

Seeing Jin'er's dazed expression, Zhe Jing’s eyes flickered with a touch of exasperation. "Yeah, I’m blushing."

Jin'er blinked in disbelief.

Was she imagining things?

"You heard me right, Jin'er. You saw it too."

Zhe Jing paused for a moment, his long lashes lifting, his eyes reflecting Jin'er’s image.

"I really do get shy around you."