Yang Ruyu struggled to maintain a smile by her side, when in fact, she was already seething with jealousy inside. Why? Why did the dull person from before now enjoy everyone’s adoration? And why did she have to accept handouts as if she were a mere servant? Her hands, hidden within her sleeves, clenched tightly together, her fingernails even piercing her palms to keep herself from rushing forward and scratching Yang Ruxin’s face...
"Miss Yang," just then, Xiao’er ran up, "someone is looking for you downstairs."
Yang Ruxin instantly restrained her smile and glanced at Fang Tianze, "So, there’s someone as well-informed as you, huh."
Fang Tianze also frowned slightly.
Downstairs, Dong Hang looked at the descending Yang Ruxin and immediately revealed a respectful smile, "Divine Doctor."
"’Divine Doctor’ is what people call my master. Butler Dong, you may call me by my name," Yang Ruxin smiled, "You’re here just as I’ve arrived; you’re quite well-informed. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had someone tracking me."
Dong Hang’s face twitched.
"Just a joke. What’s the matter, Butler Dong?"
"Divine... Miss Yang, it’s my master who has arrived and wishes to see you," Dong Hang said as he presented a very exquisite invitation, "We hope Miss Yang can grace us with her presence."
"You see, I have a habit; I only grace my friends with my presence," Yang Ruxin chuckled, "We’re not friends, are we? So, unless it’s about treating an illness, there’s no need to meet, after all... I’m just a poor person who needs to earn money to support the family..."
Gu Qingheng had sent someone to investigate the Dong Family, but due to the limited time, the information gathered wasn’t in-depth. Thus, she truly did not wish to interact with the people of the Dong Family at present.
"This..." Dong Hang felt as if a herd of wild horses were charging through his heart. A consultation fee of ten thousand liang and still playing poor with him?
"The elder may return," Yang Ruxin waved dismissively, "We’re also about to go out for a meal." She then directly gestured for the others waiting by her side to leave the inn.
A glint flashed through Yang Ruyu’s eyes. She had met Dong Hang before; he was the butler of her great-uncle. Why would he come looking for Yang Ruxin? Could it be that they had already acknowledged each other? No, she needed to find a chance to visit Yang Baiyue.
Dong Hang, feeling unbearably uncomfortable with an indigestible breath, still had someone follow the Yang family, while he himself hurried back to report.
Yang Baiyue had actually not been doing well this past month. Although his body felt less uncomfortable and he was able to get out, the knowledge of his imminent relapse left him feeling utterly insecure. Yet, was he really expected to give Yang Ruxin five hundred liang every month? He was not willing, and amidst this dilemma, his father-in-law Dong Wenming arrived.
Dong Wenming had planned to visit earlier, but a fall had delayed him. He arrived the day before yesterday and, after understanding the situation, wanted to meet Yang Ruxin.
The Dong Family had once been designated as Imperial Merchants, and although they had lost that privilege, they still had a strong foundation. They were one of the most prominent families in the whole of Jiangnan, especially since the elderly Lord Dong was known for his benevolence and good reputation; many were willing to extend him courtesy.
Yet Yang Ruxin had refused decisively.
Dong Hang could only excuse it by saying Yang Ruxin truly had no idea about the Dong Family.
But Dong Wenming just smiled, his plump and round face resembling Maitreya Buddha: "She has personality."
Dong Hang’s brow twitched.
"No matter, if she won’t come to see me, then I’ll go to see her," Dong Wenming chuckled, "Those who have capability, tend to carry a little arrogance..."