That afternoon, news of the wedding spread like wildfire. Originally, Jin Bo and the others were somewhat worried about the Rebels' reaction, but the actual situation exceeded everyone's expectations. The entire island was filled with joy; men, women, and children all radiated happiness. Many Islanders, who didn't even know who the Bride and Groom were, went out of their way to find out where the couple lived. By the end of the afternoon, they nearly wore down the threshold of the Stilt House where Ziqian and her partner resided.
A woman came knocking at night, removing a jade bracelet she had worn for many years. With tears in her eyes, she pressed it into Ying Dou Dou's hands and said, "I never expected to witness such a joyous occasion again. My dear girl, there’s no need for a gift now; keep this bracelet for good luck. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and many blessings."
Luo Yu's feelings towards him changed.
Song Jiu wasn’t foolish; he could vaguely sense some things, yet it seemed he had never confronted them directly—or perhaps he had deliberately chosen to ignore them. As for the reason, he couldn’t quite articulate it himself.
Song Jiu decided to seek out Luo Yu for a chat. He hadn’t thought through what exactly they would discuss; he just felt that he should be more honest with her.
The door of the small wooden house was tightly shut, and the curtains were drawn, casting a warm yellow light from within. Her home was as quiet as she was most of the time.
Song Jiu paused, took a few deep breaths, then strode over and knocked on the particleboard door.
Knock knock knock.
He saw shadows moving beneath the gap at the bottom of the door. The latch was removed, and the door opened halfway.
Luo Yu stood there with her long hair cascading down, wearing a floral nightgown sent by Fang Fei. She was barefoot and peeked out from behind the door.
"Brother Jiu," Luo Yu clearly hadn’t expected Song Jiu to visit so late at night; her expression was somewhat dazed.
Song Jiu felt no better than she did. After being together for so long, it was still the first time he had seen Luo Yu dressed so comfortably at home. He had always thought of her as exuding a refreshing vigor from head to toe; today’s appearance revealed another side of her as a Little Woman.
"Um, are you asleep?" Song Jiu scratched his head, his gaze drifting away from the glimpse of white at Luo Yu's waist. His throat felt a bit dry.
"Not yet," Luo Yu said, peering out and glancing around as if contemplating whether to let Song Jiu in, but hesitating slightly, she asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Not really. I just came to see you," Song Jiu replied awkwardly at the door, while the Pockmarked Girl and her friends next door were still making a ruckus, the door opening and closing without any clear purpose.
"Oh," Luo Yu nodded, thinking for a moment before stepping back. "Then come in and sit."
"Is it convenient?" Song Jiu asked instinctively, but before she could finish her sentence, she had already stepped inside.
"Mm." Luo Yu responded softly. In the brief moment they brushed past each other, her lowered eyelids blinked once, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.
Song Jiu froze, standing still as her expression slowly solidified.
Luo Yu sighed quietly, closed the door behind them, wrapped her clothes around herself, and walked lightly to the table. "Sit here; I'll get you some water."
"No, it's fine," Song Jiu said, her throat moving as her voice came out a bit hoarse.
Across the room was Luo Yu's bed where a man was sleeping soundly. His profile was handsome, breathing evenly under a thin blanket that rose and fell gently with his soft snores.
Luo Yu noticed the change in Song Jiu's expression but remained composed. She shrugged lightly and said, "His schedule is very regular; he sleeps early and wakes up early."
"Is that so?" Song Jiu took a slow breath, trying to exhale calmly. She turned her stiff neck and forced a smile that looked almost painful. "You and Old Dai..."
Luo Yu smiled faintly, lowering her head slightly as her hair fell over her cheek. She shrugged gently without saying a word.
Song Jiu didn't quite understand, unsure whether the gesture meant "that's how it is" or "no comment."
After a long moment, Song Jiu collected his thoughts and nodded. "It's good."
"Yes, it's good," Luo Yu replied softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Song Jiu sniffed and turned toward the door. "Get some rest."
"You too," Luo Yu nodded, waving goodbye to him through the door.
As the door closed, the light behind the curtains dimmed, and everything returned to tranquility.
Song Jiu walked along Saddle Vine Path, looking up at the star-filled night sky, his mind racing with thoughts.
For a moment, it felt like a weight had been lifted, yet it also seemed like something was missing.
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