In the Guqin Gardens, a group walked down slowly. It was Tang Lan, Yi Xiang, and the others.
“Master, this is where Fengliu used to live. It’ll be our home in the future,” Tang Lan said to Yi Xiang.
“Yes.” Yi Xiang nodded. He looked back at Ye Futian who was carrying Hua Fengliu and said coolly, “Don’t know where you got the luck.”
Hua Fengliu smiled wryly. It had been so many years but the grudge was still there.
“Master, did Senior Yi used to treat you as a son-in-law?” Ye Futian mumbled. Hua Fengliu and Tang Lan had feelings for each other before. Yi Xiang clearly really liked Tang Lan and treated her as a daughter. Ye Futian could imagine his attitude toward Hua Fengliu before.
“I’m not clear. I just know that if you don’t shut up, you won’t be my son-in-law,” Hua Fengliu said with a smile. Blanching, Ye Futian shut his mouth.
Beside them, Tang Wan smiled and looked at Ye Futian, amused at his words.
Entering the Guqin Gardens, a breeze welcomed them. The garden had a nice environment. The sun was setting, basking the fallen leaves in a golden glow. It was beautiful. A white-haired old man was sweeping the leaves with a broom. Ye Futian looked at him. The head of white hair and stooped body made him halt his steps.
“What’s wrong?” Hua Fengliu asked, confused by the scene. Tang Wan stopped as well.
“Tang Wan, who is he?” Ye Futian asked. The people ahead of them stopped too.
Tang Lan followed his eyes and saw the old man. She said, “He has ailing health but wanted a job so I arranged for him to clean up the garden. Is something wrong?”
“Aunt Tang, when was this? Why didn’t I know about it?” Ye Futian asked.
“You’re always out. How would you know? It should’ve been after you and your teacher came,” Tang Lan answered casually.
“Oh.” Ye Futian nodded and smiled. “I was just wondering.” With that, he continued forward. The others glanced at him in confusion but let it go quickly.
Tang Lan helped Yi Xiang and Yi Qingxuan settle in. Yi Xiang’s wife had left him long ago, either because of different viewpoints or Yi Xiang’s temper. Yi Xiang had raised Yi Qingxuan alone in the School of the Finance Star. That was why Tang Lan invited them to treat the Guqin Gardens as their own home. She knew that her teacher lacked the feeling of a family.
Afterward, Tang Lan ordered the servants to prepare dinner. Ye Futian helped his teacher into a chair. Seeing Yu Sheng and Yi Qingxuan stuck together, he was forced to say, “Qingxuan, can I borrow Yu Sheng for a moment?”
Yi Qingxuan glared at Ye Futian. Yu Sheng asked uncertainly, “What’s wrong?”
“Come with me,” Ye Futian said. Yu Sheng followed him in confusion and was brought to the entrance of the garden to look at the old man sweeping.
“Don’t you think he looks familiar?” Ye Futian asked.
“You probably miss him.” Yu Sheng naturally understood what Ye Futian meant by familiar.
“Maybe.” Ye Futian nodded. “I always feel like Godfather is watching us.”
“Would he?” Yu Sheng seemed to mutter to himself.
“Probably.” Ye Futian chuckled and walked over.
Seeing them, the old man lowered his head and greeted them, “Young masters.”
“What is your name?” Ye Futian asked.
“My surname is Yu. My name is too lowly to mention,” the old man said.
“Yu?” Ye Futian’s eyes flashed. He ordered, “Raise your head.”
The old man slowly looked up. His cloudy eyes had no spirit in them. He seemed extremely old with white hair and a white beard. Like lightning, Ye Futian tugged his beard. The man cried out in pain. “Young master, have mercy. What did I do wrong?”
“It’s real?” Ye Futian muttered. Then he said, “Grandpa Yu, I’m sorry. I thought you were someone I know.”
“It’s alright.” The man waved.
“Grandpa Yu, can I come chat with you often in the future?” Ye Futian asked.
“I am honored.” He nodded with a smile.
“Then it’s a deal.” Ye Futian smiled as well and said, “Then I won’t disturb you anymore.”
He and Yu Sheng left afterward.
“Were my senses wrong?” Ye Futian muttered. He was usually very sensitive and sharp.
“Are you overthinking?” Yu Sheng asked. They had similar body shape and stature but their appearances were completely different. How could they be the same man? Ye Futian had even tugged the old man’s beard. He clearly suspected something.
Ye Futian’s eyes flashed. Had he really been overthinking?
The two returned to the garden. The dishes were gradually being brought to the table. The people all sat down.
“Senior Yi, when is Yu Sheng and Qingxuan’s wedding?” Ye Futian asked at the table.
Yu Sheng gaped at him. Yi Qingxuan’s eyes flashed too, wondering what that guy was worried about.
“Stop thinking about them and think about yourself.” Yi Xiang gave him a look.
“It’s just a matter of time for me,” Ye Futian said confidently. Then he looked at Hua Fengliu and said, “Master, Father-in-law, don’t you agree?”
“I’ll consider it,” Hua Fengliu answered indifferently.
“Uh…” Ye Futian looked at Hua Fengliu. “Master, where do you get an in-law as good as me? You still need to consider?”
“Where’s your shame?” Tang Lan asked coldly. Everyone stared at this guy, speechless.
“Huh, my masteress is better,” Ye Futian said.
“Then go to your masteress.” Tang Lan glared at him.
“Ah, Aunt Tang, I’m just kidding. You’re just like my masteress,” Ye Futian said weakly.
The others were still speechless. He was honestly so shameless. However, with his shamelessness, the group started enjoying the meal like a family. No one discussed what happened at the Donghai Academy. The past was like smoke. Once passed, there was no need to bring up again.
In the cheery atmosphere, the banquet gradually ended. Everyone went back to their rooms. Ye Futian went to the garden to play his guqin. There were some impurities in his timbre. He was clearly distracted.
“It’s almost the end of the year again.” Ye Futian looked up at the full moon. He remembered how the Fox had gone to the Ye mansion to find him after the New Year dinner, shocking the entire family. Then they held hands awkwardly by the lake. Without realizing, another year had almost passed. So much had happened in this year.
As he reminisced, a smile appeared on his face and there was more emotion in his music. He had pushed the frustrations aside.
Under the moon, he hid his longing in his music.
…
The second day, a beautiful figure came to the Guqin Gardens. When Ye Futian saw her, he made a face. Did this fox know that he was missing her? He thought of her last night and now she was here.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Hua Jieyu raised an eyebrow at Ye Futian’s weird expression and stared.
Ye Futian smiled. “Because my fox is so pretty.”
“I’m not yours.” Hua Jieyu turned away arrogantly.
“Masteress already betrothed you to me. You can’t run now. All we’re missing is a wedding,” Ye Futian said with a smile.
“Don’t even think about it.” Hua Jieyu smiled and then ran to the Qin Devil behind him, calling, “Dad!”
“Jieyu, why are you here?” the Qin Devil asked.
“Uncle told me about what happened at Donghai Academy. I knew you’d be back here so I came to look,” Hua Jieyu said.
“That guy’s become agreeable?” Ye Futian asked, walking forward.
“I came to tell you all good news.” Hua Jieyu smiled sweetly.
Ye Futian looked at her with suspicion. “The old Nandou guy knows that I’m super talented and unmatchable so he agreed to our wedding?”
Hua Jieyu pinched Ye Futian’s waist hard because he was so shameless. She said, “My mom and I wanted you two to come for New Years and he agreed.”
A strange glint flashed past the Qin Devil’s eyes but seeing the two before him, he understood. Nandou Tai knew that his disciple and daughter would be more accomplished than him so now they were trying to resolve grudges. Back in the day, it would be hard to step into Donghai City, let alone the Nandou mansion.
Ye Futian understood this too. The Nandou clan had high expectations and wishes for Jieyu. If they didn’t want Jieyu to hold grudges after she grew up, they couldn’t be too cruel for some things. As for him, they couldn’t offend him even if they didn’t agree on the wedding.
“Happy?” Hua Jieyu looked at Ye Futian with a smile.
“I thought they would agree to our marriage,” Ye Futian said, pouting.
“Say you’re happy,” Hua Jieyu said with a grin.
“Uh…” Ye Futian looked at her smile and nodded. “Of course I’m happy I can spend the New Year with Fox.”
Hua Jieyu’s eyes were pleased.
“Then can I not leave at night?” Ye Futian fluttered his lashes.
Hua Jieyu’s smile froze. Looking at him, she raised a slender leg and kicked him for his unhealthy thoughts.
“I’m thinking of my master. He hasn’t seen Masteress in years. You should go discuss this with that old guy,” Ye Futian said seriously.
“That makes sense.” Hua Jieyu smiled and nodded. “Dad can stay but you can’t.”
“My wife doesn’t listen to me,” Ye Futian muttered.
“What did you say?” Hua Jieyu glared again.
“Nothing. I was thinking if we should go to the Imperial City together afterward,” Ye Futian said.
“I’ll consider it,” Hua Jieyu said.
“Master’s health is bad. I’m worried I can’t care for him,” Ye Futian threatened.
Hua Jieyu glared. At the side, Hua Fengliu complained, “If you want to act lovey-dovey in public, then do it but stop dragging me in!”
“Dad, what are you saying?” Hua Jieyu blushed.
“Master, you are so wise,” Ye Futian praised. At least his master understood them!