Bao Niang came to her senses and smiled, "That's because my mother said it wouldn't be good for you, so I held it in."
The carriage was still on the road. Bao Niang poured tea and handed it to Wan Niang: "You didn't eat well this morning. Have something to tide you over for now."
Wan Niang ate tastelessly.
Should she also hide it from her mother? Her father was so old, adding a little brother or sister—what a mess.
Her brow was furrowed with worry, while Bao Niang chattered on.
"When we get to Xunyang, miss, you must keep a close eye on the young master."
Wan Niang nodded: "Of course."
She let out a faint sigh and pushed open the window a crack.
Mountains stretched one after another, seemingly endless.
The young woman in a light blue dress held a hand warmer, her fluffy collar almost covering half her face. Her eyelids drooped, her heart heavy with oppression.
The journey ahead was still bumpy. Born delicate, she soon fell ill again. Once on the boat, she vomited until the world spun.
When she finally managed to eat something, Gu Lang took her onto the deck to watch the river scenery.
Boats came and went like arrows, and green mountains stretched endlessly on both banks.
Not far away was a dock, bustling with people. Shouts could be heard from afar.
Gu Lang asked what she wanted to eat. Wan Niang couldn't think of anything for a moment; she just stared at the river, lost in thought. Suddenly, she felt a gaze.
It burned like a physical presence.
Her body sensed danger. Frowning and uncomfortable, she looked around and indeed found someone... someone she detested to the point of wanting to tear him apart.
Unaware, Bao Niang mentioned him and teased, "Miss, look at that man standing on the bow like a log, staring our way. He's not here to beg, is he..."
"Shut up!"
Wan Niang flew into a rage.
Those dark, unbearable memories surged back.
She slapped Bao Niang across the face.
Seeing her lose control, Gu Lang grabbed her and held her in his arms.
Wan Niang's hands trembled uncontrollably.
In front of everyone, Bao Niang covered her face, deeply ashamed, and fled into the cabin without looking back.
The maids exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Wan Niang lay in Gu Lang's arms, realizing belatedly that she had humiliated Bao Niang. She must be heartbroken.
She was about to turn back to find Bao Niang when she heard a splash behind her.
"Oh no! Someone's jumped into the water and is coming toward our boat!"
Author's Note:
None