Chapter 1109: The Suppleness Around the Fingers of Little Prince Xiao (21)
"Ah, it's snowing! Let's quickly head to the pavilion for some shelter."
The sky suddenly started sprinkling snowflakes, and Wu Yutang hurriedly pointed to a nearby pavilion while speaking. He took the lead, stepping forward as he turned back to glance at Xiao Moxi and Ye Yueying, who were still standing motionless.
"Alright, you two, stop standing there. This snow isn't light—if you don't take shelter soon, you'll be covered in snow."
Xiao Moxi smiled at Ye Yueying, "Miss Ye, it's been a while. How about we head to the pavilion for a chat?"
Ye Yueying owed Xiao Moxi a debt of gratitude for helping with her father's matters. Since he suggested it, she couldn't refuse. She nodded and walked toward the pavilion with Xue Hua.
Xiao Moxi followed behind her. Before entering the pavilion, he summoned a servant and gave a few instructions, then joined Ye Yueying inside.
Once the two entered, Wu Yutang grinned and asked, "Miss Ye, why didn't you attend the Yan Family's flower-viewing party?"
Ye Yueying looked at Xiao Moxi and Wu Yutang in surprise. "You know about the Yan Family's flower-viewing party?"
Wu Yutang chuckled, casting Xiao Moxi a knowing look before replying, "The Yan Family is Moxi's maternal grandparents' family. Of course, we'd be aware of anything that happens there."
Hearing this, faint ripples stirred in Ye Yueying's usually calm heart. She quickly glanced at Xiao Moxi and then swiftly lowered her gaze. "Thank you for your concern. I had to take care of my grandmother, so I couldn't attend. Apologies for the inconvenience."
Xiao Moxi's gaze flickered slightly. The elderly woman from earlier must have been Miss Ye's grandmother. Given that the old lady was able to move about, her health presumably wasn't dire, so it didn't seem necessary for Miss Ye to stay home to look after her.
The Ye Family's downfall had left Miss Ye dependent on her maternal uncle's family. Although not something he had experienced, Xiao Moxi could easily imagine how difficult life must be for someone living under another's roof.
Xiao Moxi smiled warmly and said, "No worries. There will be opportunities next time."
Wu Yutang quickly chimed in, "Exactly, exactly. There are endless flower shows and poetry gatherings in Beijing—plenty of chances to attend."
Afterward, the three began discussing the Ren Feng case. Wu Yutang did most of the talking, Xiao Moxi occasionally added details, and Ye Yueying listened attentively.
When the discussion of the case ended and Ye Yueying noticed the snow falling even harder, she furrowed her brows and gave Xiao Moxi and Wu Yutang an apologetic look. "My grandmother is still waiting for me in the front hall, so I must take my leave."
Xiao Moxi quickly interjected, "Wait a bit longer. I've already asked the servant to fetch umbrellas. With snow this heavy, you'll need one to make your way through it."
Before Ye Yueying could respond, Wu Yutang spoke up first: "Brother Moxi, you're being unfair! When we trudged through the snow earlier, you weren't as considerate." As he spoke, Wu Yutang cast a teasing look at Xiao Moxi and Ye Yueying.
That remark left both Xiao Moxi and Ye Yueying feeling slightly awkward.
Xiao Moxi shot an unimpressed glance at Wu Yutang and said with irritation, "You lot are all sturdy, thick-skinned men—a little snow won't freeze you."
Wu Yutang: "..."
At that moment, the servant returned with the umbrellas.
Not only had the servant brought umbrellas, but they'd also fetched two hand warmers.
Smiling, Xiao Moxi handed an exquisite, delicate hand warmer to Ye Yueying. "The weather is quite cold. It's best to have a hand warmer when traveling outside so your hands don't freeze."
The item was already handed over, leaving Ye Yueying no room or reason to refuse. She couldn't reject such kindness. "Thank you."
Xiao Moxi then passed the other, darker-colored hand warmer to Xue Hua.
Seeing that Xiao Moxi had even thought to prepare a hand warmer for her grandmother, Ye Yueying's gaze wavered slightly. Feeling the warmth emanating from the object in her hands, a surge of gratitude welled up in her heart.
He was always so considerate and thorough. Each glance, every smile of his carried an air of refinement and charm that made it difficult for people not to be captivated.
Xiao Moxi picked up an umbrella and personally held it out to shield Ye Yueying. "Let's go. I'll escort you to the front hall."
Ye Yueying looked at Xiao Moxi, her lips parted slightly as if to say something, but, in the end, she remained silent and walked out of the pavilion side by side with him.
Wu Yutang watched the two making their way through the snow, his mouth slightly open and a dazed expression on his face.
Was this real? Was Brother Moxi genuinely in love with Miss Ye?
...
Reaching the front hall, Ye Yueying came to a stop and spoke without directly meeting Xiao Moxi's gaze. "Thank you for escorting me. I need to go see my grandmother now."
Smiling, Xiao Moxi handed the umbrella to Xue Hua and said, "Alright, hurry along then. Don't let the elderly lady worry."
Ye Yueying still avoided meeting Xiao Moxi's eyes. She tilted her face slightly and nodded before hastily stepping into the side room of the hall. Once inside, she clutched her chest and took several deep breaths.
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