She had long been aware of Ruan Xi's philandering nature and that he kept many concubines outside.
Many also said that Ruan Xi treated his concubines very gently.
But none of it was as glaringly obvious as what she saw with her own eyes. The moment he emerged from the room, Ruan Xi's gaze was fixed on Gu Zhiruo.
She had never seen that look before.
Seeing Gu Zhiruo's cool and aloof demeanor, she felt a prick of annoyance. It was clear to her that Ruan Xi seemed to prefer Gu Zhiruo, while Gu Zhiruo appeared indifferent to Ruan Xi, showing no particular fondness.
But if she didn't like him, how could she possibly agree to marry Ruan Xi as his main wife?
Therefore, she could conclude without much thought that Gu Zhiruo had employed some tactic, using a strategy of feigned retreat to advance, playing hard to get.
Women understood women best, and she trusted her intuition.
At this moment, Gu Zhiruo was solely focused on seeing Yun Shu and had no thought for Wu Xuewei's feelings. Even if she had known Wu Xuewei's thoughts, she wouldn't have had the inclination to care.
"Xuewei? Why are you here?" Ruan Xi's expression cooled slightly upon seeing Wu Xuewei standing not far away.
Wu Xuewei walked over in a few steps, first curtsying to Ruan Xi, then looking at him with a hint of accusation in her eyes, "I've come to see my cousin."
Gu Zhiruo, being sharp-witted, immediately understood what was happening upon seeing the way Wu Xuewei looked at Ruan Xi. She instantly grasped why Wu Xuewei harbored animosity towards her.
Combined with the rumors she had heard from Ling Yue these past two days, it all fit perfectly. Wu Xuewei liked Ruan Xi, and Ruan Xi seemed to have some affection for Wu Xuewei. Rumor had it that if someone hadn't intervened back then, the two of them might have already been married.
Suddenly, Gu Zhiruo had a guess: perhaps Ruan Xi's widespread philandering and his constant pursuit of romance were a result of his inability to be with the one he loved?
Was his cooperation with her meant to preserve Wu Xuewei's chastity?
Gu Zhiruo felt this guess was likely correct.
"Looking for me? If it's not important, we can discuss it in a couple of days. I have something important to attend to today." Ruan Xi waved his hand, cutting off Wu Xuewei before she could say more. He then grabbed Gu Zhiruo's arm, "Let's go, it's almost time!"
Gu Zhiruo gave Wu Xuewei a friendly smile, anticipating that after she and Ruan Xi divorced, he would likely marry Wu Xuewei.
Then, the two lovesick individuals would surely enjoy a lifetime of happiness as they wished.
Wu Xuewei watched with wide, teary eyes as Ruan Xi and Gu Zhiruo walked away. That woman, Gu Zhiruo, had just looked at her with a provoking gaze!
The servants nearby, witnessing the scene, lowered their heads.
They hadn't expected to see this. The young master was leaving with Miss Gu and didn't even want to hear another word from Miss Wu?
Did this mean he utterly disliked Miss Wu now?
Or was the young master doing this intentionally? Was he trying to show everyone, especially his parents, that since they didn't agree to him marrying Miss Wu back then, he wouldn't marry her even if they offered it now? Instead, he would marry another woman?
Sensing the eyes of the surrounding servants, Wu Xuewei pursed her lips and walked away, feeling both angry and heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Ruan Xi and Gu Zhiruo soon arrived at the entrance.
As they stood at the gate, they saw a carriage approaching them from a distance.
A person was also riding a horse beside the carriage. They recognized the coachman.
It was Qiu Lu, who was by Prince Ye's side.
The person riding the horse was Jing Heng.
Although she couldn't see Yun Shu inside the carriage, Gu Zhiruo's eyes lit up. She hadn't seen Yun Shu in a while! Especially after learning about Yun Shu's recent experiences, she was eager to reunite with her.
Ruan Xi said with a hint of jealousy, "Why aren't you this excited when you see me? Someone who didn't know might think you're out to meet your lover."
Gu Zhiruo cast a cold glance at Ruan Xi, "Can a lover compare to Yun Shu?"
Ruan Xi was rendered speechless by her remark.
"Young Master Ruan, when you meet Yun Shu later, please don't say too much. If you anger her, I can leave the Ruan manor at any time," Gu Zhiruo threatened Ruan Xi, remembering something.
Ruan Xi's lips twitched fiercely, leaving him even more speechless.
Alright, alright, he was clearly the least likable person.
Look at how he was being disliked.
Soon.
The carriage arrived at the manor gate.
The moment the carriage stopped, Gu Zhiruo quickly walked over to it, "Yun Shu."
Yun Shu's head emerged from the carriage, looking towards Gu Zhiruo.
The first thing that met her gaze was Gu Zhiruo's delicate face. She smiled, "Zhiruo."
Seeing Gu Zhiruo's rosy complexion, Yun Shu felt a little relieved. Although Ruan Xi was unreliable, he had handled this matter reasonably well; Gu Zhiruo hadn't suffered any losses at the Ruan household.
"Me too, me too." Ruan Xi chimed in. He felt that if he didn't make his presence known, Yun Shu might take a while to notice him.
He then waved at Jing Heng.
However, upon seeing Qiu Lu, Ruan Xi let out a humph, his attitude unmistakable.
Seeing Qiu Lu was akin to seeing Prince Ye, and Ruan Xi's treatment of Qiu Lu reflected Prince Ye's past transgressions.
Qiu Lu was long accustomed to this but still sighed inwardly, "My Lord, my Lord, I am doing my best to protect Miss Yun Er for you. Please do not disappoint Miss Yun Er! As for any other grievances, they don't matter."
Yun Shu hopped down from the carriage. As soon as she landed, Gu Zhiruo took her arm, "Were you tired from the journey? I've had some hot tea prepared. Shall we go in and have a cup first? Are you hungry?"
With a string of questions,
Gu Zhiruo was genuinely worried that Yun Shu wasn't eating well. She could sense that Yun Shu had lost weight.
"I've already arranged for a sumptuous dinner. Yun Shu, you can stay with me for a few days with peace of mind! I guarantee you'll be so comfortable you won't want to leave." Ruan Xi said with a smile.
He had to admit, when he saw the somewhat somber aura around Yun Shu, and even her smile wasn't as carefree as before, his heart ached.
Yun Shu smiled and said, "Alright. I'll be leaving the morning after tomorrow."
"Leaving the day after tomorrow? Why not stay for two more days? I still have so much to say to you, and one or two days won't be enough to finish it all," Gu Zhiruo's expression changed, showing her reluctance.
"My father and Xiao Li have been waiting for me for some time. I need to reunite with them. We'll see each other again in the future," Yun Shu replied.
Gu Zhiruo knitted her brows tightly, "Will you... will you return to the capital in the future?"
Ruan Xi's eyes flickered as he looked earnestly at Yun Shu, "It's not worth returning for a scumbag."
Prince Ye, whom he had once felt compelled to respect, was now, in his eyes, nothing more than a deceitful scoundrel.
"I will, in the future," Yun Shu replied with a faint smile, her gaze shifting slightly.
"Some things are not yet decided. You, don't speak rashly!" Gu Zhiruo glared at Ruan Xi. She had just admonished him in vain, and now he was spouting nonsense again!