Chapter 5, Declining Kindness

Bai Xiaobi looked at him and said, "Do you... really believe what a millstone has to say?"

Young Master Zhang lowered his gaze and said softly, "My mother will send someone to cancel the engagement tomorrow"

Young Master Zhang was also flustered: "Xiao Bi, don't cry, I will not let you down, I will go plead with my mother again"

The young woman glared at him fiercely and turned to leave: "What of it, miss? Aren't you just cursed to bring misfortune to your husband? If you can't get married, you just go around seducing men!"

He smiled and said: "The hairpin is exquisite, the hairpin is exquisite, even a thousand gold fox fur coats cannot compare to the young lady's hairpin"

Last night, that young gentleman mentioned that he was temporarily residing at the Golden Fragrance Pavilion. Bai Xiaobi hurriedly bid farewell to Zhu Quan and returned home. She dragged out the best-preserved small box from under the bed and opened it. Inside were a few pieces of broken silver and a snow velvet cloak, which had originally been her secret stash of money hidden under her pillow for play. This morning, she suddenly remembered it and was fortunate enough to find it. She casually picked up a small piece and tucked it into her sleeve, then took out the snow velvet cloak, intending to return it to him at the Golden Fragrance Pavilion.

Should I go back and apologize? Bai Xiaobi stood dazed for a long time, still not wanting to see him from the bottom of her heart, so she lifted her foot and entered the door, walking towards the old courtyard where Zhu Quan lived.

During the day, it is inevitable that people will see, which may lead to idle gossip that is undesirable. Bai Xiaobi intended to wait until it was later in the evening before taking her cloak and going outside. Just as she stepped out the door, she saw a handsome young gentleman standing at the steps.

He did not show any courtesy and smiled at her: "Miss Bai, we meet again"

A passerby with a strange expression informed her of the location of Jinxiang Building, and she immediately set off along the street to find it

Filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. Young Master Zhang, being a scholar, found this statement both reasonable and touching, stirring a mix of love and pain within him, making it even harder for him to part. Unable to restrain himself, he took her hand and said: "Uncle Bai has just left, and I cannot bear to let you suffer alone. It is truly my mother who made the decision, and it is beyond my control. Do you blame me for being heartless?"

At that moment, a girl ran over and said, "Miss Xiangxiang, your mother is calling you to come home"

Having not found the Jinxiang Building, she then encountered him

Miss Xiangxiang? Previously, Bai Xiaobi felt unjustly scolded, but at this moment, she was truly taken aback. She no longer understood these matters; how could she not have heard of the renowned courtesan of the county? In front of her was such a person, and she had previously unconsciously avoided thinking along those lines. Now, feeling both embarrassed and angry, she realized that Jinxiang Tower was that kind of disreputable place. In her understanding, it was a place where the young masters of the likes of Miss Fan would go, and he actually lived there!

Zhang Jia's withdrawal from the engagement may seem somewhat like kicking someone when they are down, but after all, he is still a person of feelings and loyalty. Bai Xiaobi felt a pang in her nose, and with tears in her eyes, she turned away: "I am not worried about this right now, Young Master Zhang, please go back. It would not be good if others see us."

Watching her leave, he did not feel angry; he merely shook his folding fan and let out a soft laugh. Then, he lowered his head to glance at the cloak and silver in his arms, laughing again a couple of times, as a hint of amusement gradually rose in his pitch-black eyes

The young gentleman gazed at her intently for a while, finally coming to his senses. Eager to approach, he took two steps forward but suddenly stopped again, murmuring, "Miss... are you alright?"

"Little Bi." Young Master Zhang chased out a few steps and then stopped

This was the first time he called her by her name. They met for the first time during the Lantern Festival, where he fell head over heels for her. The next day, the Zhang family sent a matchmaker to propose a union. Although they had only met a few times, what girl does not have dreams of being a bride? Young Master Zhang was not only handsome but also a well-known talented youth in the county. Such a husband is indeed hard to find. Mr. Bai was very satisfied with his future son-in-law. Now that the other party has proposed to break off the engagement, it would be a lie to say that Bai Xiaobi is not at all heartbroken. As a girl, being rejected in engagement is quite humiliating. Although she had already anticipated this outcome, her eyes could not help but turn red.

In fact, what kind of person he is has no bearing on the matter, as he is neither a relative nor a close acquaintance, and he has no right to be angry. What is important is that he truly helped her last night, comforting her during her most difficult time. It was indeed too impulsive and rude of her.

Young Master Zhang fell silent for a moment, then took out several banknotes from his bosom: "Now that Uncle Bai is no longer here, you must take care of yourself. I have heard that the Bai family's assets have all been taken over by the Fan family. This money is mine; you may take it, and there is no need to tell anyone else." After a pause, he added in a low voice: "Tomorrow, my mother may send someone to look for you, you... accept the money and agree to her."

He does not care: "She is just talking nonsense, Miss Bai, do not take it to heart"

Holding a folding fan in hand, with a steady gait, dressed in a simple and appropriate blue outfit, the color is plain and unremarkable, yet the fabric is of excellent quality. That innate elegance is something no one can learn. A gentle smile lingers at the corners of the mouth. Perhaps due to the illumination from last night, at this moment, it feels as if something is missing. In a moment of distraction, Bai Xiaobi unexpectedly experiences the illusion of mistaking someone for another, hesitating and unsure of how to call out to him.

Bai Xiaobi had lived for over ten years and had never been so angry with a scholar before. Even when the Zhang family called off the engagement, she had never felt such intense anger and disappointment. As for the reason behind it, she could not articulate it herself; it was simply a mix of irritation and rage. Why did she insist on seeking him out? If she did not go, she would forever remember the charming gentleman from last night, not this frivolous and debauched young scion! How could he be living in such an indecent place, associating with a courtesan! Fortunately, she had not truly entered the Golden Fragrance Pavilion!

Last night's fondness had completely vanished, and the beautiful image in her heart collapsed in an instant. In her disappointment, Bai Xiaobi inexplicably directed her anger towards him. The questions she had prepared earlier, such as asking for his name, were all cast aside. Without a second thought, she expressionlessly took out a piece of silver from her sleeve and quickly stuffed it into his arms along with her cloak, bowing slightly as she said: "I came today specifically to thank you for your kindness in providing a meal. I am now capable of taking care of myself and do not worry about food and clothing. Please take back the money I gave to the restaurant yesterday."

Next, she witnessed something even more infuriating

So annoying! Bai Xiaobi frowned in disgust and hurried towards the Fan family.

Rumors do not require verification; Zhu Quan's words are fundamentally unreasonable. However, since the Fan family believes them, others have no justification for disbelief. Madam Zhang's maternal instincts are understandable, and it is no wonder she is fearful. Moreover, knowing that the claim of being a husband-killer is false, if one truly marries into the Zhang family, the lies will inevitably be exposed. The Fan family would not let this go easily, and angering Young Master Fan would further endanger Zhu Quan. Bai Xiaobi hurriedly wiped her eyes and shook her head: "I am destined to be a husband-killer, and Lord Zhang has only one son. If something unfortunate were to happen, how could I repay the kindness of both elders? How could Xiaobi bring such disgrace upon Young Master Zhang?"

He immediately raised his hand to return the hairpin to Bai Xiaobi's hair, smiling indulgently: "I was just speaking casually, why get jealous?"

Last night, I merely passed by and did so out of habit, without any real intention of provoking this down-and-out young lady. Unexpectedly, a girl who is all alone possesses such spirit. Her words seem rather ungrateful. From her demeanor, she appears to be quite dissatisfied with herself. Could it be that her performance last night was too poor?

Time brings calmness; after walking through three long streets filled with intense anger, she began to regret it when she arrived outside the Fan family's gate.

That silver hairpin was precisely what Bai Xiaobi had prepared for her suicide yesterday. As she ascended the steps, she deliberately dropped her scarf to cover her face, quickly pulled out the hairpin and hid it in her sleeve. Unexpectedly, none of the many people present noticed at the time, but he did see it. Bai Xiaobi's face turned even redder, and without much thought, she hesitated and said, "This hairpin isn't worth much."

Bai Xiaobi nodded

Beautiful women are inherently hostile towards other beautiful women. The young lady beside her, who was quite beautiful, glanced at Bai Xiaobi a few times upon hearing this, looking rather displeased: "I recognize her; I have seen her buying fabric in the market."

Bai Xiaobi did not mind being called a husband-killer, but upon hearing the words "seduce," she was instantly enraged, her face turning bright red. Just as she was about to retort, being a girl, she ultimately could not bring herself to speak out in her embarrassment and anger

As they spoke, the two had already approached Bai Xiaobi, who, caught off guard, immediately turned red in the face

Bai Xiaobi faintly sensed something was amiss and looked up at him

He glanced around, opened the folding fan, took a couple of steps closer, and said softly, "I thought you would keep it." Before Bai Xiaobi could react, he casually pulled the silver hairpin from her head and said, "Miss, you won't need it in the future. If you truly wish to thank me, how about giving it to me?"

Without waiting for the young master to say anything further, she quickly ran away while holding the cloak.

It was he who first saw her, turning his face to the girl beside him and smiling, "That is the Miss Bai I mentioned yesterday, what do you think?"

Young Master Zhang slightly turned his face, clearly in extreme contradiction: "I naturally do not believe it, but everyone outside is saying so, and my mother will definitely take charge and cancel this engagement. Xiaobi, I ... ... "

Upon seeing her, the young gentleman was completely stunned

Zhu Quan knelt on the ground, trembling, and bowed his head to a young man in white, as if pleading for something

Father often said that one should have some backbone, and a girl should not bring too much shame upon herself. Bai Xiaobi ran for two streets before stopping, forcing back all her tears. Amidst her sadness, she felt a hint of relief; if she didn't marry, then so be it. The vendetta was not yet settled, and she would always find a way to survive.

Bai Xiaobi naturally recognized him and at this moment roughly guessed his intentions, leaving them momentarily speechless in each other's presence

The girl beside turned her face away: "What does it matter if you like the hairpin? You should still take the person back!"

He was surprised: "Are you here to return this to me?"

Bai Xiaobi withdrew her hand: "No, it is Xiaobi's misfortune. Young Master Zhang, from now on, please do not think of me anymore."

Bai Xiaobi bowed slightly and said: "Fortunately, I have the trouble of Young Master Zhang to think of me"

The young lady, with a cold expression, said: "With the clothes and hairpin, the tokens of our love are all here. I know you are displeased with me, so today, do not return to the Golden Fragrance Pavilion!"

The feeling of strangeness grows heavier, and the warmth of last night can no longer be found. Bai Xiaobi is somewhat flustered, her hands presenting the cloak: "Young master's attire ... ... "