Zhou Xiuer had waited for more than one Shichen, and just as she could hardly contain herself and was about to push open Wufu’s door, Wufu finally came out from inside.
"Wuf... Cousin," Zhou Xiuer’s eyes lit up.
When Wufu saw Zhou Xiuer, her brows furrowed, "What are you doing here?"
Seeing her smile like a blooming chrysanthemum and acting all obsequious, it was clear she was up to no good.
"Cousin, I was feeling idle and came to chat with you; we haven’t played together in a long time," Zhou Xiuer said with a smile.
Wufu almost burst out laughing, pointed her thumb at herself, and scoffed, "You came to chat and play with me? Zhou Xiuer, are we that close?"
Months ago, they were sworn enemies, and now she claimed to come for a chat—it was laughable indeed.
Zhou Xiuer stiffened, then said, "Cousin, I know I had a bad temperament in the past, and for that, I offer you my apologies. Please, being the bigger person, forgive me this once, alright? We’re first-class cousins, raised together from childhood; could you really stay mad at me?"
Wow, she really had improved. Back when she had confronted her, she was shrill and brash. But look at her now, playing the meek and submissive type, speaking so tenderly and pleasantly—it just felt comforting to listen to.
If this had been the Wufu of the past, she might have happily let go of half her prejudices, given that she grew up with Zhou Xiuer and didn’t have many playmates. She certainly would have cherished Zhou Xiuer’s gesture of goodwill and submission.
It wasn’t that Zhou Xiuer was so likable; it was just that Wufu, with her illegitimate child’s reputation, had never had many children who genuinely wanted to be her friends. Despite the fights and quarrels, she really did want to get along with Zhou Xiuer.
Too bad, the current Wufu had a changed soul and was no longer the same foolish, naïve girl from before.
"You’re right, I’m not mad at you," Wufu said with a smile, looking at Zhou Xiuer’s face light up with joy before adding another sentence, "because I simply don’t care about you enough to be mad."
Zhou Xiuer’s smile froze on her face, and she was on the verge of exploding, but seeing Wufu watching her, she desperately held it in, her face turning red and her ears steaming.
"Cousin, I truly want to mend our friendship," Zhou Xiuer’s eyes reddened, and her tears fell in a splatter.
To cry at will, to have tears flow on command, Wufu watched in amazement.
"I know you truly want to reconcile; after all, I am wealthy now. You certainly need to be on good terms with me to benefit!" Wufu was unaffected by tears. She might have shown pity if it had been anyone else, but not for someone like Zhou Xiuer.
Wufu spoke with crystal clarity, and Zhou Xiuer felt as if she had been slapped across the face, her cheeks burning hot, glaring at her, rendered speechless with indignation.
"If the cousin really thinks that, then there’s nothing I can do. Time will tell," Zhou Xiuer, huffing in anger, picked up her needlework and left swiftly.
Once outside, she turned her head back for a glance and snorted, "Some people just don’t appreciate kindness when it’s offered."
But these were mere words; she dared not say them in front of Wufu. After all, she did have an ulterior motive.
Thinking about the jewelry Madam Zhou was wearing, Zhou Xiuer felt an itching desire, almost grinding her teeth to pieces.
She needed to take it slow; Shi Tou, warm it up gradually. If Wufu won’t do, there’s still Auntie, who truly has a soft heart.
Zhou Xiuer came with high hopes but returned home despondently. Lady Liang saw it all and derisively curled her lip.