He Jitang is wearing a long robe tonight, exuding refinement and nobility.
He sits down at the small round table, a considerable distance away from her.
He tilts his head to look at her for a moment, then speaks in a faint voice, "Are you happy to know he is still alive?"
Su Ruanruan admits she is.
He Jitang pours himself some tea, drinking half a cup before speaking again, "He has lost his memory and does not remember you."
Su Ruanruan looks to the north, "I will go find him."
"What if I don’t allow it?" He Jitang smiles slightly, "You should know my feelings, fourth sister!"
He stands and walks over to her, his slender fingers lightly grazing her cheek, his voice clear and elegant, "I want you to stay with me forever."
Su Ruanruan pushes his hand away.
She is exceedingly cold, "Young Master Ji has found the wrong person!"
She quietly reads her book, giving him the cold shoulder.
No matter how tender and considerate he is to her, she never shows the slightest of interest.
Regarding Bao Jingyan, He Jitang feels guilty and thus does not press her.
He just continues to treat her well, hoping to warm her heart.
He Jitang is wealthy enough to rival a nation, and if he truly wanted to please a woman, he would spare no expense.
The next day, all the newest models from luxury brands are delivered, filling a room. Not only that, the largest jeweler in the city brings their most precious jewelry, a total of 18 sets.
Each piece rare and exquisite.
Any woman would like them.
Yet, Su Ruanruan simply glances at them briefly, still unmoved. She asks the servant girls to organize and stow the items so they don’t obstruct the walkways.
The servant girls relay this to He Jitang.
That evening, He Jitang comes over; Su Ruanruan doesn’t send him away but doesn’t initiate conversation either.
After he has some tea, he asks with a smile, "Do you like those things, fourth sister?"
Su Ruanruan indifferently responds, "Elder Brother is considerate."
Su Ruanruan does not reject these riches, she has her reasons.
She is alone in the city without a penny to her name, and one always needs money to get by.
These pieces of jewelry form her nest egg.
She remains distant, and He Jitang seems not to mind. He pours himself more tea and sits for a while longer before leaving.
As he departs, Su Ruanruan bites her hand.
She turns her head towards the north... Today, Mrs. Zhou brought news that Bao Jingyan has been discharged from the hospital, saying he has not had a moment’s rest.
At that, she knows: he has not lost his memory.
She is trapped here, while her husband cannot afford to relax for a moment, worrying over her at this very time.
Su Ruanruan misses him, as well as the beloved little one.
Sitting under the lamp, she writes a letter, waiting for an opportunity to send it to Bao Jingyan, to let him know she is well, and that he should just take care of his own affairs.
After half a month, Su Ruanruan finds herself with a bit more freedom, able to walk around the small courtyard.
Only, Mrs. Zhou is not allowed to visit anymore.
Instead of Mrs. Zhou, another person comes.
Yin Mingzhu.
Her arrival is quite a spectacle, as if she intends to intimidate Su Ruanruan.
The servant girl recognizes her as the Huo Family’s elder’s newly taken concubine.
In the city, when an older wealthy man loses his wife and marries again without registering, such a woman would colloquially be called a concubine.
The new concubine is favored, and the servant girl is observant.
She calls out gently to Su Ruanruan, "Miss Su, the Huo Family’s new concubine has come to see you."
The weather is hot, and Su Ruanruan stays under the shade of an ancient tree.
The servants have placed chairs and refreshments, tending to her very comfortably.
Upon hearing the report, Su Ruanruan looks up and sees Yin Mingzhu standing there, bedecked in jewels.
Yin Mingzhu is over 30 years old, but today she dresses demurely, much like a newlywed.
Su Ruanruan smiles faintly: It turns out to be an old acquaintance.
Yin Mingzhu sways over gracefully, the servant girl brings a chair for her and serves tea.
Pretending to fan herself, Yin Mingzhu says, "Su Ruanruan, I never expected us to meet here."