Chapter 44: A Tale Shared

A Willing Listener

“No, no need to apologize…” “I want to share.” Fu Qingyue shook her head, her tone steady. “Li Bao, will you listen?” A spark of hope flickered in her eyes. She’d never had a friend to confide in. This was her first time. “Of course, Little Qingyue!” “I’ll listen to anything you say!” Yu Li smiled without hesitation. “Let’s go there and talk slowly.” “There’s plenty of time!” She pointed to a quiet café nearby. It looked perfect for a chat. “Okay.” Fu Qingyue nodded slightly.

A Quiet Haven

Yu Li grabbed her hand, leading her to the café. It wasn’t crowded. They ordered desserts and sat by the window. “Li Bao, do you know about the Fu family?” Fu Qingyue asked softly. “Um… I just learned about them.” Yu Li’s ignorance relieved Fu Qingyue. She feared Yu Li might find the Fu family repulsive.

A Strange Warning

“The Fu family… they’re not normal.” “If you meet other Fu members, avoid them.” Yu Li frowned at the serious warning. It was odd. If Fu Qingyue meant to warn her, why not mention Fu Kui? The silver-haired, purple-eyed teacher was clearly Fu. Did Fu Qingyue not know her? Was every class assigned a different professor? Yu Li feigned ignorance, probing subtly. “Got it, Little Qingyue.” “Are there other Fu members at school?” “I’ll steer clear!” “As far as I know, no.” “Fu children don’t share the same place.” Yu Li’s doubts deepened.

A Sudden Question

She decided to be direct, despite the timing. “Little Qingyue… the beast-taming class…” “Did your class have it?” Fu Qingyue blinked, puzzled by the question. “Yes, an older professor taught it.” “Why ask?” “Just… it popped into my head.” Yu Li smiled, brushing it off. Different teachers? Was I overthinking? She shook her head, refocusing.

Returning to the Story

In her plan, this was key. Fu Qingyue needed to dwell on Ye Sheng. Otherwise, the effect would weaken. “Hehe, sorry, Little Qingyue.” “I derailed us. Let’s talk about you and Big Brother Ye!” Fu Qingyue was puzzled but content. Being with a friend was enough. “Okay… but it’s not a happy story.” “That’s fine. I want to know you better.” “Mm… I understand.” Fu Qingyue nodded, beginning her tale.

A Painful Beginning

“I met Big Brother Ye at the Fu estate.” Her voice was soft. “He was the only one who treated me normally.” “The Fu family… each generation competes.” “We’re raised like venomous insects, fighting for the strongest.” Her memories were grim. “They called me a monster.” “To defeat me, they ganged up.” “I was badly hurt.” “Then Big Brother Ye comforted me.” “He brought me medicine.” “It was my first time being cared for there.”

A Growing Bond

“Is that why you like him?” Yu Li asked gently. “I… don’t know.” “But after that, I always sought him out.” “He responded, like a brother.” “A brother who didn’t see me as a monster.” Fu Qingyue’s lips curved slightly. She cherished those times. “We grew up together, always close.” “The Fu family even proposed a marriage with the Ye family.”

A Bitter Betrayal

Her voice stayed flat, but anger seeped through. “But Big Brother Ye refused.” “He met that bad woman.” “She filled his heart.” “Even when I got close, he told me to leave.” “Because of her, he ignored me.” “That bad woman… from that day?” “Yes! Stay away from her, Li Bao.” “She’s worse than the Fu family!” Fu Qingyue nodded firmly, gripping Yu Li’s hand. Her face was blank, but she seemed upset. “I promise.” Yu Li smiled, agreeing easily.

A Changed Dynamic

“What’s it like with Big Brother Ye now?” “Recently… he’s like the old him.” “But… different.” “Huh? How so?” “He doesn’t push me away anymore.” “He’s not chasing that woman either.” “But…” “His gaze feels… strange.” His return made her happy. Yet his new attitude confused her.

A Curious Observation

“How’s it strange?” Yu Li pressed gently. “He stares at me a lot.” “He smiles for no reason.” “He never did that before.” Fu Qingyue described his odd behavior, troubled. Yu Li burst out laughing. “Pfft, Little Qingyue, are you dense?” “?” Fu Qingyue looked confused. “He’s fallen for you!” “?!” “Big Brother Ye… likes me?” His recent odd words clicked. She’d thought they were jokes. Her ears flushed faintly.

A Shy Realization

Yu Li’s teasing grin made Fu Qingyue shy. She looked away, toward the window. “Your waiting paid off. Congrats!” Yu Li smiled, but Fu Qingyue didn’t respond. “Little Qingyue?” Her eyes trembled, staring outside. She looked shocked. Yu Li followed her gaze. A man and woman embraced intimately, likely on a date. There they are… finally.