Chapter 119: Affection Meets Cold Indifference

Chapter 119: Affection Meets Cold Indifference

The Lu family.

When Shu Yuan gently removed his hood, the members of the Lu family seemed rooted to the spot, momentarily frozen in place. A myriad of complex emotions flashed through their eyes, eventually converging into a unified look of astonishment.

Yunniang let out a stiff chuckle, "Now this feels like a proper family, so handsome."

After a brief moment of surprise, Lu Yao’s mind raced—Xie Sui might not actually be from the Xie family.

Shu Yuan’s hands clenched tightly inside his sleeves, maintaining a composed expression as he allowed the Lu family to scrutinize him.

His gaze fell on Lu Yao, whose typically calm and composed expression now bore a look of bewilderment. Shu Yuan let out a soft sigh of relief, his smile spreading across his face.

"Uncle Chunsheng, Aunt Yun, please don’t be alarmed. My appearance has caused trouble before, so I had no choice but to conceal it."

Shu Yuan, fair-skinned with rosy lips and white teeth, and carrying a scholarly air, naturally endeared himself to Lu Chunsheng and Yunniang.

Often, judging by appearances is a human instinct.

Shu Yuan looked younger than he was, and since he referred to Xie Yan as a brother, Yunniang didn’t hesitate to accept the title of "aunt," waving her hand, "No worries, no worries. You’ve been through enough. Come, sit down. The Winter Solstice is all about joy and togetherness."

Xie Huaiqian: If he interpreted correctly, the trouble Shu Yuan mentioned was related to the former emperor.

His weak father, who was overthrown by traitors.

The wooden table was laden with various home-cooked dishes, some not the most visually appealing but steaming and fragrant.

Shu Yuan felt warmth in his heart and hunger in his stomach. Even the slightly bitter vegetable dumplings were devoured in several bites, his fine-boned cheeks puffed out like a hamster storing food, his chopsticks never stopped moving.

Lu Yao’s eyelashes fluttered, exchanging a glance with Lu Mingchao, silently asking, "Has he always eaten this much?"

Lu Mingchao responded with an expression of amazement.

Perhaps a good mood leads to a hearty appetite.

The effect was evident—Shu Yuan’s enthusiasm delighted Yunniang, who kept his porcelain bowl brimming.

After the meal, Shu Yuan eagerly took on the task of washing the dishes.

Yunniang, though saying it wasn’t appropriate, couldn’t hide her joy, her eyes narrowing into slits.

In the end, Xie Yan, Lu Yao, and Shu Yuan all headed into the kitchen to clean up.

Yunniang, her face glowing with happiness, stood by the window with Lu Mingchao, gazing at the snow-covered mountains, praising Shu Yuan incessantly, "Xiao Sui is such a good kid—handsome, kind, well-read, and still young."

"Chaochao, do you think I should play matchmaker and find him a good match?"

"Having a loving wife, kids, and a warm home would make life truly fulfilling."

Lu Mingchao: Is matchmaking an inevitable obsession as one ages?

Arranging a marriage for Shu Yuan?

She feared the imperial tombs would explode.

"Mother," Lu Mingchao grasped Yunniang’s hand, "That’s not possible, not possible."

"Elder brother has a sworn lover he’s vowed never to betray in this lifetime."

"Mother, eldest brother is not someone who would make himself suffer. He can live a fulfilling life on his own. To be honest with you, he’s already preparing to become a tutor."

Yunniang hesitated, "Hasn’t he been a widower for years?"

"Mother," Lu Mingchao gently advised, "Some people prefer quality over quantity."

"Too much meddling can cause friction."

"If one day eldest brother considers remarrying, you can still arrange a match for him. Isn’t it often said that patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait?"

Shu Yuan has likely given up on romance.

After all, he met the former emperor in his youth, which was not only thrilling but also resulted in his castration.

For the rest of his life, Shu Yuan can consider himself fortunate if he can become a teacher, enjoying the seasons’ beauty.

Yunniang gave Lu Mingchao a reproachful look, "People aren’t commodities."

"Youth is when people are most sought after."

Lu Mingchao shook Yunniang’s arm, "Mother, eldest brother is already in his thirties, and you still call him 'Little Sui'."

"Because he’s such a likable kid," Yunniang said with conviction.

Lu Mingchao snorted proudly, "When eldest brother had a dark complexion, bushy eyebrows, and uneven eyes, you didn’t say he was likable."

"You child!" Yunniang tapped Lu Mingchao’s forehead with her finger, "Go chat with Lei."

"At the dinner table, he kept sneaking glances at you."

"As kids grow, their secrets pile up."

"One by one, they keep this mother on her toes."

Lu Mingchao leaned into Yunniang’s shoulder, "Mother, if you’re going to scold big brother, leave me out of it. I’m the one who gives you peace of mind."

Yunniang was amused and gently pushed Lu Mingchao, "Go ahead, I’ll see to the kids."

Lu Mingchao: Truth be told, I’d rather not.

She sighed silently and dragged her feet to find Lu Lei.

"Big brother."

Lu Lei was carving wood with a small knife. Seeing Lu Mingchao enter, he hurriedly hid the carving among the clutter and stammered, trying to explain, "Chao Chao, I, I..."

Lu Mingchao’s gaze lingered on the bunch of nicks on Lu Lei’s fingers, interrupting his attempt to cover up, "Be careful with your hands while carving."

Lu Mingchao thought of the well-known rural proverb.

The oldest is straightforward, the second is sharp, and the younger ones are overachievers.

In matters of love, Lu Lei has a bit of the simple sincerity of a devoted lover.

Lu Lei didn’t mind much, "It’s nothing, it’s nothing."

He paused, licking his dry lips before continuing, "Chao Chao, did you see Cheng Zhi today?"

Lu Mingchao picked up some wood shavings, fiddling with them, "I did."

"As the willow catkins dwindle on the branches, remember that there are plenty of other opportunities out there."

"Brother, this is what I want to tell you."

"Not everything you see is true, and not all guesses are wrong."

"Laughter fades into silence, and the loving heart is often vexed by the cold."

"Brother, Cheng Zhi isn’t the right one for you. It’s best to move on now."

Lu Lei understood the implicit and tactful words of Lu Mingchao.

Though she never directly mentioned Cheng Zhi’s deceit, every word hinted at it.

"Brother, in business, there's a saying that sunk costs should not influence decisions, and it's better to cut losses in time. In plain terms, when you hit a dead end, turn around before it’s too late."

Lu Mingchao’s tone was somber.

Whatever led Cheng Zhi to lose her way and self-respect, she wasn’t the right partner for Lu Lei.

Should she buy into the idea that even though she was deceitful, drank, smoked, and lived a messy life, she was still a 'good girl'?

Sure, there are still good girls out there.

But searching for gold in a trash heap is a foolish gamble with slim odds.

Lu Lei went quiet.

"Brother, I’m only offering my thoughts." Lu Mingchao said softly, then left the room.

The wood shavings in her hand scattered in the cold wind, leaving a faint trace on her fingers.

"Big sis."

Lu Xiaoxin’s clear voice called out, her hands tucked mysteriously behind her back. When she got to Lu Mingchao, she suddenly revealed what she was holding.

"Help! The Xie family’s been robbed!"