I Need To Find A Way To Make Her Love Me Again - Chapter 27

The sunlight lazily drifted from the windowsill to the edge of the soft bed. The person on the bed seemed to feel it, slowly opening her eyes to see a slender figure sitting at the table watching her. The figure spoke: “You’re awake.”

Yan Xingyu sat up and looked around. Seeing the bright room occupied only by herself and Yi Rong, she paused. Wait, she remembered being in the medicinal springs, didn’t she?

She asked, “How did I get back to the room?”

“Yesterday, you fell asleep in the springs. Sister said there was no need to wake you and that you should rest well, so I brought you back.”

Yan Xingyu looked at the sunlight spilling over the quilts. She had actually slept so long that the sun was high in the sky. Wait…then who changed her clothes?

Seeing her uncomfortable expression, Yi Rong looked suspicious and walked over. “How do you feel?”

Facing the concern of the person before her, Yan Xingyu’s mind raced with private guesses, her face showing a hint of bashful unease. She asked, “Um… Yi Rong, was it you who changed my clothes?”

“No, it was Sister Jiaoyue.”

Hearing this answer, Yan Xingyu let out a huge sigh of relief. With a smile, she said, “Oh, so that’s how it was. I really did have a good sleep, my wounds don’t hurt as much, and I feel like my body is full of strength.”

“That is good. Are you getting up? Sister and the others have prepared a noon banquet for us.”

“Yes, yes, I’m getting up right now.” As she spoke, Yan Xingyu hurried out of bed. Seeing the clothes folded neatly at the foot of the bed, she picked them up and chatted with Yi Rong while dressing. “Jiaoyu’s sisters are really wonderful, so warm and thoughtful.”

Yi Rong nodded in response. “Yes.”

Having spent time together, Yan Xingyu knew this person was simply a woman of few words. She continued, “It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a comfortable sleep. If only I could soak in that medicinal spring every day.”

“During our stay here, that should be possible.”

“Let’s ask the sisters later.” Remembering how the other had been waiting for her yesterday, Yan Xingyu said, “If it’s allowed, Yi Rong, you should soak with me.”

“No need.”

Yan Xingyu expected this answer and didn’t mind. With a teasing tone, she said, “Yi Rong, you really don’t understand the joy of soaking in a hot spring with a friend.”

“Is it very joyful?”

Hearing the counter question, Yan Xingyu gave a knowing look. “Chatting while soaking with a friend is definitely joyful. All your worries vanish. Do you want to try it another day?”

“Okay.”

“Hahaha!”

Hearing the agreement, Yan Xingyu burst out laughing. She thought to herself. I just mentioned it casually and she agreed, this person is way too soft-hearted.

As she laughed, her peach-blossom eyes filled with warm light, and her brows carried a hint of mischief. This also coaxed a smile from Yi Rong. Yi Rong realized she felt inexplicably happy at this moment; she suppressed the feeling, turned, and walked a few steps toward the door. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

Seeing Yi Rong leave, Yan Xingyu wondered if she had overstepped. I just laughed a bit, why did she stop talking? She called out, “I’ll wash my face and be right out!”

“Alright.”

Hearing the reply from outside, it seemed nothing was wrong. Maybe my laugh was too annoying and she didn’t want to hear it, so she went out to wait, Yan Xingyu muttered to herself. Her hands didn’t stop, however; she quickly finished washing and went out to have Yi Rong lead her to the banquet, as she hadn’t learned the way yet.

Walking along the pavilion corridors, looking at the surrounding willows and flowers while enjoying the soft breeze, Yan Xingyu felt her whole being relax. She couldn’t help but say, “I feel like today is going to be a very happy day.”

Yi Rong asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Just a feeling.”

Seeing the other’s puzzled look, Yan Xingyu smiled. “A ‘feeling’ is a mysterious thing. Sometimes it’s accurate, sometimes it’s not. Don’t overthink it, just go with the flow.”

“Mm.”

The two chatted idly and soon reached the banquet hall. Many maids were bustling in and out with trays. Stepping inside, they saw the long table already set with fruits and pastries. Guan Fei was already seated inside.

Yan Xingyu called out, “Guan Fei, you’re here so early!”

Hearing the voice, Guan Fei turned with a faint smile. “Xingyu, you’re here. I heard you fell asleep in the medicinal springs. How are you feeling?”

“It was probably too comfortable yesterday, I just drifted off. But waking up, I feel much better.” Yan Xingyu looked around and didn’t see Jiaoyu. “Where did the little one go?”

Guan Fei replied, “I haven’t seen Yuyu since I woke up this morning either.”

“Her second sister pulled her away to dress her up.”

A woman’s voice came from the doorway. Turning around, they saw Jiaoyue walking in. She looked at Yan Xingyu and smiled. “Little sister, you look energetic.”

Yan Xingyu said, “I have to thank you, Sister.”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll send the medicinal salve to your room later.” As Jiaoyue spoke, her nose twitched. Why is my sister’s demon qi present here? She let out a small “eh?” and looked forward, walking toward the person seated at the table. She stared at the other for a long time without speaking.

Guan Fei knew who was approaching and asked, “Sister, is something the matter?”

Jiaoyue looked puzzled and said, “Why is my sister’s demon qi emanating from within your body?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone present shifted. Yan Xingyu didn’t understand what Jiaoyue meant and wanted to whisper to Yi Rong, but seeing Yi Rong’s shocked face, she realized this was something serious. Looking back at Guan Fei’s slightly stunned expression, she realized even Guan Fei was caught off guard by the question.

“Perhaps it’s because Yuyu and I are always together… spending so much time together, I must have been stained by it,” Guan Fei thought for a long time before managing to squeeze out an excuse.

Jiaoyue didn’t believe this for a second. She wanted to press further, but then heard her sister’s voice from behind.

“What are you all standing around for?”

Seeing Jiaoyu arrive and knowing her sister’s temperament, Jiaoyue decided to drop the matter for now and find a time to inquire privately later. She stepped forward with a smile. “Waiting for you, little Yuyu.”

Yan Xingyu saw that Jiaoyu had changed into a cross-collared red gauze dress embroidered with silver blossoms. Her fiery red hair was piled high, and the gold and jade hairpins highlighted her vivid features, making her look even more enchanting than usual.

She said, “Little one, you look very beautiful today.”

Jiaoyu glanced at a certain person leisurely drinking wine over there, then withdrew her gaze. Looking at the others staring at her, she said, “Didn’t you say we were having a banquet? Why aren’t you sitting?”

Yan Xingyu said, “Then I’ll just find a random seat.”

Jiaoyu replied, “Suit yourself.”

She walked over and deliberately sat far away from a certain person. Seeing this, Yan Xingyu asked, “Little one, why are you sitting so far from Guan Fei?”

“I like sitting here. Just wait for your food and stop talking so much.”

Yan Xingyu pulled Yi Rong to sit near Guan Fei and whispered, “This little one’s temper is as bad as ever.”

Guan Fei only smiled and said, “Is it? I think Yuyu has always been quite well-behaved.”

Yan Xingyu’s lip quirked. “Guan Fei, your ‘filter’ for the little one is really too strong.”

Yi Rong remained silent at the side, simply looking at Jiaoyu on the other side, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a group of maids poured in from outside, followed by a woman dressed in phoenix feather brocade. Her slightly upturned phoenix eyes were identical to Jiaoyu’s, though she had a few more wrinkles at the corners, she also held more maternal kindness.

Jiao Wanmian was overjoyed to see her youngest daughter. She rushed over and hugged her. “My Yuyu is finally back!”

“Mother, let go of me,” Jiaoyu cried out, clearly unhappy about being hugged.

Jiaoyan, walking up from behind, said, “Oh, little Yuyu, Mother hasn’t seen you in so long. Can’t she even give you a hug?”

Jiao Wanmian nodded. “Exactly, exactly.”

Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, Jiaoyu muttered, “I’m not a child anymore. Mother, let go quickly.”

Jiao Wanmian saw her daughter struggling and had no choice but to give her a kiss before letting go. Though the girl was blushing with embarrassment, the mother turned to the others and smiled. “I didn’t expect Yuyu to make such good friends out there. You must be hungry, children. I’ll have the food served now. Don’t be formal, please eat as you like.”

As she spoke, she walked toward the head seat. When she passed Guan Fei, her gaze lingered for a moment. As if remembering something, she turned back and stood before her.

“Child, what is your name?”

“Guan Fei.”

Feeling an intense gaze fixed upon her, Guan Fei felt her skin prickle, but she managed to maintain a polite smile while facing the woman.

Jiao Wanmian’s eyes flickered, but in the end, she only said, “Thank you for taking care of my little Yuyu.”

Guan Fei was slightly taken aback and softly agreed.

Jiao Wanmian smiled and returned to the main seat. Jiaoyu had been startled by her mother’s behavior just now, but then heard her mother say: “My Yuyu has a spoiled personality and surely caused you a lot of trouble. However, she has no malice. I thank you all for your tolerance. Let me propose a toast to everyone.”

Seeing the woman’s bold and cheerful personality, Yan Xingyu was affected by the mood. She raised her glass and said, “Not at all. The little one helped us a lot. She even brought us home and had her sisters treat my injuries. I am very grateful to her and to the two sisters.”

The sisters Jiaoyue and Jiaoyan were sitting together whispering. Hearing this, they both raised their glasses. “We’re all family now, don’t be so polite. Sisters, make sure to enjoy yourselves while you’re here.”

Between the back and forth conversation, the atmosphere became lively. Everyone raised their glasses, and exquisite dishes were served one after another. Yan Xingyu had a great appetite and ate with gusto.

Seeing her eating so heartily, Yi Rong couldn’t help but take a few extra bites herself.

During the entire banquet, only Jiaoyu sat there as if on pins and needles. Seeing her mother and sisters’ gazes falling on her from time to time, she hurriedly ate a few bites of rice. After forcing herself to sit for a while, she pretended to be unwell and said, “Mother, I want to go out for some air. You know I don’t like banquets.”

Jiao Wanmian glanced at her daughter, guessing her little scheme. She said with a smile, “Yuyu, I didn’t even ask you to attend my evening banquet. Can’t you even sit through a noon banquet with your friends?”

Hearing this, Jiaoyu knew her mother wouldn’t let her leave. Combined with her guilty conscience, she uncharacteristically obeyed and endured until the end of the banquet. As soon as it finished, she rushed to Guan Fei’s side, grabbed her and Yan Xingyu, and headed out.

The left behind Yi Rong naturally followed.

Jiao Wanmian found her daughter’s “thief with a guilty conscience” act amusing. She heard Jiaoyue ask, “Mother, are you just going to let Yuyu be like this?”

She and Jiaoyan had just been secretly discussing the issue of Yuyu’s demon qi on Guan Fei. The two had reached the same conclusion, and it certainly hadn’t escaped Jiao Wanmian’s eyes. Thus, they asked their mother what she thought.

“Yuyu has had her own ideas since she was a child. Where could anyone control her?” Jiao Wanmian raised her hand to drink another cup of wine and said with a smile, “Besides, that child looks quite decent to me.”