Chapter 46: Suffering Through One’s Own Choices

When Xie Er saw Xiao Yun’s startled expression, he grew anxious inside: “These costly women’s garments and the silver—I’ve no idea where Xiao Yun got them from. Could he have stolen them? If so, not only will Xiao Yun be ruined, but I’ll be dragged down with him.”

Yu Xi, seeing the two of them so shocked, became even more certain that the expensive women’s clothes and silver were stolen by Xiao Yun. Smugly, he declared, “Look at you, you sly little rascal. You’re definitely up to no good, and now I’ve caught you red-handed! Fess up—where did you steal these from?”

Xie Er cursed inwardly, suspecting that Xiao Yun really might have stolen the goods. Xiao Yun, however, saw that Yu Xi simply thought he was a thief, so he composed himself and replied, “Yu Rat, where do you think I got these things from?”

Yu Xi grew angrier at being called Yu Rat. “Isn’t it obvious? You must have stolen these from Xiao Hong.”

Xiao Yun burst out laughing. “Let me tell you, Yu Rat, these things were all given to me by Sister Xiao Hong.”

Yu Xi sneered coldly. “Boy, you should pick your lies better. Who would ever believe Xiao Hong would give women’s clothes to you?” Xiao Yun’s cheeks flushed. “If you don’t believe me, let’s go to Sister Xiao Hong and ask her ourselves.”

Yu Xi could never have imagined the origins of these clothes were so complicated. “No matter what tricks you pull, as long as we see Xiao Hong, let’s see you talk your way out of this,” he thought.

He dragged Xiao Yun off to find Xiao Hong, hurrying ahead for fear Xiao Yun would get there first and twist the story. “Miss Xiao Hong, I saw Xiao Yun with women’s clothes—”

Xiao Hong’s face immediately grew cold. Xie Er’s heart pounded with fear—now Xiao Yun was truly in trouble. But then Xiao Hong smiled. “What’s so strange about that? Don’t you have your own wife’s clothes at home?”

Yu Xi, seeing her indifference, grew anxious. Afraid she didn’t realize these were luxurious garments, he hurried to explain, “These are expensive women’s clothes. I think this boy must have stolen them!” As he spoke, he snatched Xiao Yun’s cloth bundle and handed it to Xiao Hong.

Xiao Hong had already decided that these garments were meant as a gift from Xiao Yun to the Ninth Miss. Now, with Yu Xi making such a scene, if things escalated, Xiao Yun would no longer be able to give them to the young lady—and besides, the Ninth Miss seemed to have some affection for Xiao Yun.

Without even looking at the bundle, Xiao Hong’s face turned icy as she barked, “Yu Xi, what are you rambling about? You’re neglecting your work to spout nonsense. If your tongue is too long, I’ll have someone cut it out for you.”

“Ah!” Yu Xi was stunned—never would he have imagined such a response. Xiao Yun could barely stop himself from embracing Xiao Hong and cheering.

Yu Xi stared at Xiao Hong’s frosty expression, sweat beading on his brow. He didn’t know whether to argue further or to keep silent. Then he thought, “She must be infatuated with this boy, that’s why she’s helping him. When he first arrived, she wasn’t like this at all!” With a bitter sigh, he retreated in humiliation.

Xiao Yun was inwardly delighted at Yu Xi’s comeuppance. Xiao Hong, after Yu Xi left, smiled at Xiao Yun. “Well, did you tell Xie Er what you needed to?”

Xiao Yun nodded.

Xiao Hong said with a smile, “Xie Er, when you go home, give Xiao Yun’s regards to his mother. Tell her he’s doing well and not to worry. Bring her some gifts, and if you need more silver, just go to the accounts room.”

Xie Er nodded. “I have enough—Xiao Yun gave me one hundred taels of silver.” He thought, “So the silver isn’t stolen after all. And with Xiao Hong treating him so well, perhaps the rumors about him and the Ninth Miss are true.”

After leaving Xiao Hong, Xiao Yun handed a piece of women’s clothing to Xie Er, instructing, “Uncle Xie, please give this to Xie Xiaoyan. When you return, don’t mention this to anyone.”

Xie Er asked in confusion, “Why not?”

Xiao Yun replied mysteriously, “Uncle Xie, there are some things better left unsaid. Didn’t you see how angry Xiao Hong was with Yu Xi just now? If you let slip the wrong thing, you might lose your tongue.”

Xie Er was startled. “All this just for giving Xiaoyan a dress?” But then, remembering the possible special connection between Xiao Yun and the Ninth Miss, he reasoned, “If the young lady finds out the one she likes gave a dress to another girl, I’ll be the first to suffer.” So he nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.”

Xiao Yun smiled, “Good. In this world, it’s often the innocent who pay the price, while the guilty go unpunished.” Though Xie Er didn’t fully understand, he could only nod.

Xiao Yun continued, “Uncle Xie, after you’ve packed everything, go buy some New Year’s goods for my mother, then you can be on your way. Take care on the road!” Xie Er nodded and left.

After seeing Xie Er off, Xiao Yun thought, “Mother will be overjoyed when she sees all the gifts and silver Uncle Xie is bringing her. And Xiaoyan will be delighted with such a beautiful, luxurious dress.” He never imagined his mother would ask about the source of the silver, nor could he foresee the trouble that would befall him when Xiaoyan, dressed in the splendid garment he had given her, came to the restaurant to find him.

Pleased with himself, Xiao Yun wanted to find Chu Xiaoyu and brag. When he entered the restaurant, he noticed the other workers eyeing him strangely. Feeling uneasy, he asked Manager Yang, “Where’s Xiaoyu?”

Manager Yang replied, “He’s not here—probably at his lodgings.”

Xiao Yun hurried out to their old quarters to look for Xiaoyu. When Xiaoyu saw him, he was at first surprised, then grinned. “Ah, our little Xiao Yun has become quite the sensation—barely here and already a heartthrob! Tell me, how do you make women fall for you? Maybe I’ll have to apprentice myself to you and learn your secret art.”

Xiao Yun gave him a playful punch in the chest. “Don’t tease me—who’s fallen for me? That’s nonsense.”

Xiaoyu leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “I heard the Ninth Miss of our restaurant has taken a fancy to you!”

Xiao Yun hurriedly protested, “Nonsense, that’s not true.” Xiaoyu just laughed. “No need to pretend with your brother here. People saw Xiao Hong and the others out shopping for clothes with you, and the clothes you’re wearing now—they bought those for you, didn’t they?”