Sold immediately after wearing it? I took my family and fled the famine.

When Pei Jingshi said those words, he looked straight into Jiang Xing's eyes, as if he were pouring out something that had been weighing on his heart for too long.

"I can't say for sure when it started. Maybe it was earlier. Since I returned to Beijing, your image has been constantly on my mind. Wherever you appear, my eyes always follow you involuntarily. I know I shouldn't say this, but if I don't say it today, I'm afraid I'll never have the chance again."

He paused for a moment, his chest rising and falling slightly, as if saying these words had exhausted him.

"It's my fault for humiliating you like this today. I should have talked to her earlier and made things clear instead of letting her take her anger out on you."

Jiang Xing stood still, staring at him without moving.

But she couldn't stop thinking: Damn, how could this person actually say it? Now everyone's embarrassed. How is she supposed to respond?

Her brows furrowed more and more, and her expression was somewhat strange, a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort. She pursed her lips and spoke after a long while.

"Master Pei."

The moment those three words were uttered, it was as if a line had been drawn between the two of them.

"You're engaged. I'll take these words as something you said after having a few too many drinks tonight." Her voice was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger, but that calmness itself was a form of rejection: "From now on, don't mention it again."

After hearing what she said, Pei Jingshi's expression slowly and gradually darkened.

He lowered his head and chuckled briefly, a soft laugh like the sound of something breaking and falling to the ground.

"I know," he said. "I'm not good enough for you."

Jiang Xing opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but before she could speak, Pei Jingshi continued.

"These words have been weighing on my mind for a long time. I'm saying them today not to put you in a difficult position, but simply because I don't want to betray my feelings. You don't need to feel awkward. I should have understood long ago."

He looked up at her, his previous heavy expression mostly gone, replaced by a calm, even gentle, look.

"I've already decided to give up. From now on, I'll only consider you a friend. I'm Xiao Niu's tutor, and... your business partner. You don't need to overthink it."

He paused, as if remembering something, and added, "As for Zhihe, she was in the wrong today. She's young and has been spoiled since she was little. I'll teach her a lesson when we get back. Please don't take it to heart."

After listening to him finish speaking, Jiang Xing felt a little less uncomfortable.

She had always thought Pei Jingshi was a pretty good person. He was trustworthy in business, devoted to teaching Xiao Niu, and never expected anything in return for his help.

Although his words today caught her somewhat off guard, he didn't pester her or try to pressure her with his "affection." He said everything he could and left himself an out, so as not to put her in a difficult position.

She thought about it for a moment, then took the opportunity to back down.

"Master Pei is joking." Her tone was more relaxed than before, as if the awkwardness from before had been put behind her: "I didn't take Miss Chu's matter to heart. As for the other things, what you said is what I heard, and I won't mention them again, so you don't need to think about them anymore."

Pei Jingshi looked at her, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded.

"it is good."

The two continued walking forward, and at the end of the covered bridge was the front yard. The lights in the front yard were much brighter than those in the back yard. Xiao Niu was carrying a box of books out of the study, followed by Pei Xiancheng.

As soon as Xiao Niu saw Jiang Xing, he ran over quickly, looked up and said, "Sister, the teacher explained the policy essay to me today, and I understood most of it."

Jiang Xing reached out and straightened his disheveled collar: "Then let's think about it some more when we get back."

Xiao Niu nodded and bowed to Pei Jingshi again: "Thank you for your guidance today, Master."

Pei Jingshi patted his head without saying anything. His hand lingered on the calf's head for a moment, very lightly, before he quickly withdrew it.

Jiang Xing nodded slightly to him as a farewell, then bowed to Pei Xiancheng under the corridor before taking Xiao Niu's hand and walking towards the courtyard gate.

Pei Jingshi stood under the eaves, watching the siblings leave the courtyard one after the other. Xiao Niu's steps were light and quick, while Jiang Xing's steps were steady, and their shadows were stretched long by the lanterns at the courtyard gate.

He only slowly withdrew his gaze after the shadow disappeared around the corner of the courtyard wall.

Madam Pei appeared beside him at some point, holding a cup of hot tea in her hands, and handed it to him: "Have a sip of tea to calm your nerves."

Pei Jingshi took the tea but didn't drink it; he just held it in his hand.

Madam Pei glanced at him and said calmly, "Child, letting go is the right thing for you. Xing'er and you are not on the same path. As for Zhihe, that child needs to be disciplined properly. I will speak to your father about today's matter. You just focus on your official duties; I'll take care of things at home."

Pei Jingshi held the teacup and responded softly.

Madam Pei said nothing more and turned to leave. Pei Jingshi stood alone under the eaves, holding the cup of tea that was gradually going cold, gazing in the direction of the courtyard gate, motionless for a long time.