The three of them left the Cloth Shop, with Little Qingmei still tagging along. Xiaoxiao didn’t mind, adopting an attitude of indifference and looking forward to the drama!
Xiaoxiao also gave Yang Ming a suggestive look, batting her eyelids at him, meaning the opportunity was his if he chose to take it.
Yang Ming caught the look from Xiaoxiao, but what did it mean? Was she suggesting that he should send Hehua away? Having Hehua around was indeed awkward, so:
"Hehua, we still have other matters to attend to, so we’ll leave first!"
Without waiting for Hehua to respond, he grabbed Xiaoxiao’s arm, signaling her to hurry up.
And like that, Xiaoxiao was pulled away, but inside she was calculating. Why was she not on the same wavelength as her cheap husband? She had clearly signaled him; his comprehension was terribly lacking!
As they walked down the street, the biting wind slapped against her face, freezing one to death. Xiaoxiao thought that having two was worse than three, awkward to the extreme.
Having finally made the trip to town, she was determined to buy everything needed. Xiaoxiao didn’t care what her cheap husband thought anymore; she had once again entered her shopping spree mode.
The trailing Yang Ming saw this side of Xiaoxiao for the first time and was struck dumb: was this the origin of the rumors?
Looking at his hands, overloaded with parcels, he could barely hold on anymore.
"Are we not done shopping yet?"
Only then did Xiaoxiao remember her free packhorse following behind.
"Oh, we’re done shopping. Let’s go, time to eat," she said, heading towards Yuelai Restaurant.
Upon arriving at Yuelai Restaurant, Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming took their seats in the hall. Just as they were about to order food, they saw three scholars approaching them. Could they be the cheap husband’s classmates?
Xiaoxiao observed the three men carefully, sensing malice in their approach, and indeed it was so.
"Brother Yang, what brings you here today? You normally can’t afford to dine here. What’s up? Did you strike it rich?"
"And this must be your ugly wife, truly living up to her reputation!"
With that, they all burst into loud laughter.
"It’s tough being poor; one can only afford to marry an ugly woman."
The three went on mocking. Despite their scholarly appearances, they spoke in a manner unbecoming of their status.
Hearing these provocative and scornful words, Yang Ming didn’t get angry. Instead, he settled Xiaoxiao down and continued ordering the meal.
The three men, seeing their taunts unsuccessful, grew angrier. One of them grabbed Yang Ming’s arm:
"I’m talking to you. Didn’t you hear me?"
Yang Ming replied calmly:
"Whether I can afford it or not is none of your concern; whom I marry is none of your concern. Moreover, my wife is the most beautiful in my eyes. Can you leave us now?"
My goodness, Xiaoxiao felt a strange sensation of being indirectly flirted with. Yang Ming had some nerve, claiming ’most beautiful.’ Beautiful, my foot! Blatantly lying without fear of biting his tongue. Yet, why did it feel so delightful inside? It felt like being defended!
Hearing Yang Ming’s claim of ’most beautiful,’ the three men laughed even harder:
"Yang Ming, you really dare to say it, huh? Look at how ugly she is! Hahahaha"
"True, but after bragging it doesn’t make any difference! Hahahaha"
Hey, Xiaoxiao’s temper flared instantly, and she banged the table and stood up:
"Beauty is something that can only be seen with the eyes of the heart! Beauty emanates from the depths of the soul."
"Judging a person’s beauty shouldn’t be based solely on their appearance. True beauty lies in the soul. To be beautiful on the outside yet filthy inside is the real ugliness. You who judge by appearance alone are far too shallow. Is this how the Sage’s Book is read? Truly an eye-opener!"
The people present fell silent upon hearing this, pondering over Xiaoxiao’s words.
Then, a crisp round of applause rang out.