Even after an entire afternoon of psychological preparation, at this moment, just hearing those footsteps, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Her breath, once again, became somewhat hurried.
As she lowered her head, striving to calm her mood, Yu Wenye had already walked up to her.
A familiar presence enveloped her from above.
Wo Xue hurriedly saluted, "Young Master, the Young Madam has returned..."
Yu Wenye did not look at her but turned his head to instruct Mu Xian, who was following behind, "Have your people come back. There’s no need to search further; also, send someone to the Shen Mansion to bring Tushere back."
Mu Xian replied, "Yes."
Yu Wenye then said to Wo Xue, "Go prepare hot water for the bath."
Wo Xue quickly acknowledged and turned to leave as well.
Now, only the two of them were left at the entrance.
Shang Ruyi still lowered her head, looking at her long, slender shadow. The person in front of her took just one step closer, and her shadow was completely covered, as if she couldn’t find herself anymore.
Yu Wenye was watching her.
But Shang Ruyi stubbornly lowered her head, as if trying to find her own shadow within his shadow, and the two remained silent.
After a while, the shadow on the ground moved as if it was about to speak.
Shang Ruyi’s heart leaped to her throat.
But at this moment, another set of footsteps approached. It was Aunt Hui leading a group of servants. Seeing the two of them standing at the doorway, everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and Aunt Hui stepped forward, saying to Shang Ruyi, "Young Madam, you have finally returned."
Only then did Shang Ruyi raise her head, nodding slightly towards Aunt Hui and the others.
Aunt Hui, with an ambiguous smile, said, "I wonder where the Young Madam has been today. The Young Master had people searching for a long time, and it seems that you were not seen at the Shen Family either."
The gaze of the household members became somewhat peculiar.
No matter how liberal the social customs are nowadays, as the Young Madam of the Duke Mansion, disappearing for half a day is ultimately not a good thing. If rumors spread, it would surely lead to gossip.
Shang Ruyi thought for a moment and said, "I didn’t go anywhere, just met an old acquaintance on the way and exchanged a few words."
Aunt Hui laughed, "Which old acquaintance would that be? Since you are so well-connected, why not find a time to invite them to the house specially."
Shang Ruyi’s expression darkened.
She also knew that Aunt Hui, as the housekeeper, had the authority of an elder in the Mansion in the absence of the Duke and Madam Guan. Her words indeed left her at a loss.
At this moment, the person beside her spoke up.
"Ruyi has rarely returned to the Eastern Capital. It’s only natural to talk a little longer with an old acquaintance. It’s so cold outside, better to let Ruyi go in and take a bath to warm up. If she falls ill, it would be difficult to host any guests."
As he spoke, he smiled at Aunt Hui, "Aunt Hui, don’t you agree?"
Aunt Hui glanced at him and immediately laughed, "The Second Young Master is right; I must have been confused. Quickly prepare hot water for the Young Madam’s bath."
Yu Wenye said, "I’ve already sent someone to prepare it, everyone go about your business."
After speaking, he reached out and grabbed Shang Ruyi’s wrist.
Even though it was through a layer of sleeve, Shang Ruyi felt the warmth of his palm almost instantly penetrate through the fabric onto her skin, causing her whole body to shiver.
Yu Wenye sensed her shiver, glanced down at her, and then softly said, "Let’s return to the room first."
Shang Ruyi nodded and replied, "Mm."
Then, holding hands, they entered the Yuwen Mansion under the cover of night.