Chapter 29: Pushing the Boundaries

Little Yun’er saw Xiaohong stop Yu Xi, and noticing his awkward expression, couldn’t help but pull a funny face at him behind Xiaohong’s back. This instantly made Yu Xi’s facial muscles twitch in anger.

Sensitive as ever, Xiaohong turned around, her gaze sweeping over Little Yun’er. Their eyes met, and instead of avoiding her, Little Yun’er boldly looked back, even taking the liberty to say, “Sister Xiaohong, you are truly beautiful.”

Xiaohong hadn’t expected such audacity—he not only didn’t shy away from her sharp gaze, but complimented her beauty right on the spot. Though young, this one certainly wasn’t lacking in courage.

In truth, Little Yun’er had spent time with Bai Xuehua, whose gaze was even sharper than Xiaohong’s. Having braved Bai Xuehua, why would he ever fear Xiaohong?

Xiaohong smiled faintly, “You say I’m beautiful. Tell me, where does my beauty lie?”

Seeing her interest, Little Yun’er grew bolder. He glanced at her and replied, “Sister Xiaohong, your long, lovely hair is beautiful. If you don’t believe me, just ask Yu over there.”

Yu Xi could only nod bitterly in agreement.

Xiaohong laughed, “Is it only my hair that’s beautiful?”

Little Yun’er smiled, “Of course not. Your curved eyebrows, your high nose, your slender waist, even your dress is extraordinary... Oh, and there are some especially beautiful places I can’t mention—if I did, it would be disrespectful to you.”

Xiaohong blushed lightly, “Enough, you needn’t say more.”

But Little Yun’er insisted, “Still, there is one part of you that’s most beautiful, and I must mention it!”

Xiaohong asked curiously, “What is it?”

Little Yun’er smiled, “Sister Xiaohong, your round, wide eyes are the most beautiful of all. Especially the bright gaze beneath those long lashes, full of wisdom and kindness. I have never seen such beautiful eyes. I’m certain you will have a happy and blessed life ahead.”

Xiaohong laughed, “Is that so? You’re young, but you speak like a fortune-teller.”

Little Yun’er quickly said, “Of course! If you don’t believe me, ask my nemesis, Yu the steward.” Then, turning to Yu Xi, he asked, “Isn’t it true?”

Yu Xi was furious inside, thinking, ‘All this nonsense about beauty and wisdom is just this brat’s way of flattering Xiaohong,’ but outwardly he could only force a smile, “Miss Hong is indeed the most beautiful woman in the world…”

Xiaohong understood Yu Xi’s embarrassment, as well as Little Yun’er’s exaggeration. Still, when others called her beautiful and clever, she couldn’t help but feel pleased.

She smiled, “You’ve said so many nice things, surely you want something from me. Is there something you wish to ask?”

Little Yun’er thought, “Of course, why else would I talk so much nonsense?” But aloud he said, “Yes, yes, Sister Xiaohong, you are so clever—you saw right into my heart. I’ll be straightforward: I came here with Uncle Xie to find some work, just to earn a living, nothing more.”

Xiaohong laughed, “That’s simple enough. Just follow Steward Yu Xi and help him with his tasks. I guarantee you won’t go hungry. How about it?”

Yu Xi quickly chimed in, “Good, Sister Hong, let him help me. I could use the extra hands.” In his mind he thought, “Great! This brat is under my charge now. I’ll make sure he suffers, if not worse. Otherwise, I’m not Yu.”

Little Yun’er protested, “This Yu fellow didn’t want me a moment ago, now he does—surely he’s up to no good. If I work under him, he’ll definitely bully me. That’s obvious to everyone. Sister Xiaohong, you’re so kind—you wouldn’t have the heart to hand me over to Steward Yu to suffer and toil.”

Xiaohong retorted, “How do you know he’ll bully you? Anyway, you came here to work, so hardship is part of the deal. Did you think you’d come as a young master, to enjoy an easy life?”

Little Yun’er pulled a long face, “I don’t mind working hard elsewhere, but this Steward Yu—just moments ago he looked as miserable as if his mother had died, and now he’s grinning like he’s found a treasure. He must have cooked up some evil plan to torment me.”

Yu Xi snapped angrily, “Nonsense!”

Xiaohong gestured for Yu Xi to stay quiet, then smiled, “How do you know he’s got an evil plan for you?”

Little Yun’er answered confidently, “Look at Yu—the sharp chin, narrow eyes, just like a mouse. When that mouse blinks, all sorts of nasty schemes come out. Sister Xiaohong, you’re so clever, you can see at a glance what a nasty fellow he is.”

Xiaohong rolled her eyes, “So young, yet you talk like a fortune-teller yourself. Clearly, you’re not such a good thing either.”

Little Yun’er cried, “Wronged! To you, Sister, Little Yun’er is absolutely not a bad thing.”

Unable to help herself, Xiaohong knocked him lightly on the head and scolded, “Go on with your ‘good thing’ talk, I don’t need it.”

Yu Xi fumed inwardly, since he could see Xiaohong’s obvious fondness for the boy. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have spent so much time joking with him. He cursed silently, “Where did this brat come from? So young, yet he already knows how to win women’s favor—damned annoying.” Then he thought, “No, it’s not that the brat is skilled at flirting, but he’s born handsome, so Xiaohong, that wild girl, is charmed by his pretty face.” Yu Xi was angry, but powerless to change things.

Xiaohong looked Little Yun’er up and down, “Enough, stop fooling around. What’s your name, how old are you?”

Little Yun’er replied, “My name is Little Yun’er, and I’ll soon be fourteen.”

Xiaohong nodded, “Good. Go to the front tavern and speak to Manager Yang. Tell him I sent you to work there.”

Little Yun’er was delighted, “That’s wonderful! Thank you, Sister Xiaohong. But…”

Xiaohong grew impatient, “What now, are you still not satisfied?”

Little Yun’er hurried to explain, “No, I’m just worried about Uncle Xie. He’s honest, and Yu Xi will surely bully him. If he could come with me, that would be even better.”

Xiaohong scolded, “You little rascal, always trying to take advantage. Fine, Xie Er can go with you to work up front.”

Xie Er quickly thanked her. He had been annoyed with Little Yun’er for causing trouble, but now he wouldn’t have to work under Yu Xi, so he needn’t fear him anymore.

Little Yun’er also thanked her, “Thank you, Sister Xiaohong, you’re truly my benefactor.”

Xiaohong laughed, “Enough! Behave yourself when you work here. If you cause trouble or do anything bad, don’t think I’ll let you off lightly.” She paused, then scolded again, “It’s all your fault, little rascal—you made me waste so much time!”

With that, she ignored Little Yun’er and went back into the courtyard.

Little Yun’er watched her leave, stuck out his tongue, then turned to Yu Xi and laughed, “Did you see, Yu? However awkward I want you to feel, you’ll feel exactly that. Ha-ha!”

Yu Xi saw Xiaohong walk away, and the brat was still mocking him. Enraged, he shouted, “You little bastard, you’re asking for trouble. I’ll show you what I’m made of!”

He raised his fist, ready to strike Little Yun’er...