Inviting the Moon to the Farmhouse

Chapter 144 Soft-hearted

Xia Lanyue was waiting for Dai You in the courtyard of Zhao Lizhang's residence.

She stopped a passing village security guard and asked, "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" the village guard asked.

"Xia Yao, did he really become the township magistrate?" Xia Lanyue asked.

The village security guard nodded.

Xia Lanyue smiled and said, "Thank you."

Although she smiled outwardly, she couldn't smile inwardly. She was speechless with shock. He actually did it! He had studied so hard day and night, and the imperial examination was just around the corner, only to give it all up because of her?! Was she really that important?!

Xia Lanyue gradually panicked. She didn't want to owe Xia Yao such a huge favor, because she had no way to repay it.

Just as she was getting anxious, she saw Dai You walk out of the prison cell!

Xia Yao was right; he hadn't lied to her.

Having not seen strong sunlight for a long time, the midday sun was so bright that he couldn't open his eyes. Standing at the door, he instinctively shielded his eyes with his hand. After several days of fasting, he looked much more haggard and weak.

Xia Lanyue watched him from afar, not daring to go forward, because she hadn't figured out how to explain it to Dai You.

The village security guard reminded them, "You can go back now."

Xia Lanyue thanked the village guard, then stepped forward and stood in front of Dai You with conflicted feelings.

Dai You was startled by Xia Lanyue's sudden appearance, and then he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Xia Lanyue was relieved to find no hostility from the person she had imagined. She smiled and said, "Village Chief Zhao said you can leave now. I'll come pick you up."

Dai You glanced coldly at the front hall, nodded, and said, "Let's go."

After leaving Chief Zhao's residence, Xia Lanyue handed the steamed buns in her hand to Dai You, saying, "Here, have some first. You must be starving these past few days."

Dai You took the steamed bun and stuffed it into his mouth in big bites, but he choked because he ate too fast.

Xia Lanyue quickly handed her some water.

Seeing that Dai You was eating and drinking without any intention of going on a hunger strike, Xia Lanyue was completely relieved.

After Dai You finished eating the steamed buns, Xia Lanyue began to lead him towards the market.

Fearing that Dai You wouldn't be able to keep up, Xia Lanyue walked very slowly.

Dai You seemed to have something to say, following behind Xia Lanyue, but he hesitated several times before speaking.

Xia Lanyue took Dai You to Yunji Inn, where she had already arranged a room for him.

But as soon as he entered, the waiter rushed over and stopped Dai You, "Hey, stop right there, where did this beggar come from? Oh dear, the smell is too strong, get out, get out."

Xia Lanyue explained to the waiter, "This is my elder brother, not a beggar."

Xia Lanyue felt uncomfortable when the waiter mocked him. She looked at Dai You with some concern, but fortunately, Dai You didn't mind and looked indifferent.

The waiter paused for a moment, then realized who he was and immediately changed his demeanor. “Miss, look at all the people coming and going in my business. Your brother’s behavior is affecting my business. If other customers don’t come in because of him, the manager will scold me to death. Please understand me.”

Xia Lanyue didn't want to make things difficult for him, so she said to Dai You, "I'm going upstairs to get your clothes. Wait for me at the door for a while." After saying that, Xia Lanyue ran upstairs.

Dai You stepped outside the door and waited for Xia Lanyue.

After Xia Lanyue came out, Dai You's expression was not good. "Why were I assigned to stay here?"

Xia Lanyue didn't understand why he asked that.

"Do they think I'm in their way, and they don't even plan to let me stay at the Xia family's place anymore?" Dai You asked.

“No,” Xia Lanyue quickly explained, “I… it’s convenient here. You’re weak right now, and I also live here.”

"What about Xia Yao?" Dai You asked.

“Of course he lives in his own home,” Xia Lanyue said.

Upon hearing this answer, Dai You's brows relaxed slightly. Then, he stared into Xia Lanyue's eyes and asked, "A-Yue, you said that once I come out, we'll leave this place."

Xia Lanyue remembered this, and she nodded blankly.

“Let’s leave quickly,” Dai You said excitedly.

Xia Lanyue shook her head, "Not yet."

"Why?" Dai You asked, puzzled.

"I still have things to take care of," Xia Lanyue explained.

"What is it?" Dai You asked, staring into Xia Lanyue's eyes.

What's wrong? Xia Lanyue didn't know either. She learned that Xia Yao had given up the imperial examinations because of her, and felt she couldn't just leave like that. But what could she do if she stayed? Marry him?! No way! Xia Lanyue was caught in a dilemma.

Dai You, not hearing Xia Lanyue's answer, grew anxious. He walked up to her, wanting an answer. But standing too close, the sour smell emanating from him assaulted Xia Lanyue, causing her to retch.

Dai You was stunned. He seemed to have thought of something. His incredulous gaze roamed back and forth between Xia Lanyue's face and stomach, and his face showed an unconcealable helplessness.

Then, he frowned, gave a self-deprecating sneer, and strode forward.

By the time Xia Lanyue realized what was happening, Dai You had already walked five meters away.

She jogged after him, saying, "I didn't mean to."

Dai You didn't speak, turning his head to the side, refusing to look at her.

Xia Lanyue was confused and could only hurry to follow.

Upon reaching the riverbank, Xia Lanyue found a calm and secluded section of the river and called out to Dai You, "This is a good spot; the water is gentle here."

When she didn't hear Dai You respond, she hurriedly turned around to look.

Behind him, Dai You had already taken off his shirt and was unbuckling his belt. His well-built physique was on full display, with firm, defined muscles and, most importantly, eight-pack abs!

Xia Lanyue was stunned for a moment, then turned her back shyly.

"I've left the clothes here. Call me when you're done washing them," Xia Lanyue said, placing the clothes on a rock before blushing and disappearing into the reeds.

She found a rock and sat down, then patted her face, feeling embarrassed by her earlier lack of composure. She couldn't help but sigh, "The old Dai Xiyue ate so well!"

Not long after, Dai You's voice came from not far away, "A-Yue, are you still there?"

Xia Lanyue poked her head out from the reeds, "Here!"

She looked at Dai You, who looked much refreshed, though he still had an unhappy expression on his face. "Not bad, once you shave your beard, you're the same Dai You you used to be."

Dai You gave a wry smile.

"Let's go back," Xia Lanyue said, not daring to look at him anymore, and walked forward.

Throughout the journey, Dai You remained silent, simply following quietly. This made Xia Lanyue feel uneasy, unsure of what he was thinking.

She would steal glances at Dai You from time to time, and seeing that he looked downcast, she figured he was probably too weak from not eating for several days, so she stopped thinking about it.

As soon as they arrived at the inn's entrance, the waiter greeted them with a smile, "Miss Dai is back. This brazier has been prepared for Brother Dai," he said, pointing to the brazier on the ground.

It seemed that Xiao Er knew that Dai You had been released from prison. Although he felt awkward, he thought that the meaning behind this was good, so he didn't say anything. So, he turned to Dai You and said, "Step over the fire pit to get rid of bad luck."

Dai You didn't hesitate. He stepped over it and went up to the second floor with Xia Lanyue.

Xia Lanyue led Dai You to the room. "This is the room you want to stay in. Are you satisfied?"

Dai You nodded.

"Then you should get some rest. I live next door," Xia Lanyue said.

"Wait a minute," Dai You said to Xia Lanyue, "I want to talk to you."

Xia Lanyue was taken aback. Looking at Dai You's serious expression, she was a little worried about what he was about to say.