Red Bean Lives in the Republic of China - Chapter 33.2

Chapter 33.2

Yu Hongdou didn’t hear what He Yunqin said as she pinned her hairpin back on her head. She had reached into his pocket to grab the hairpin without really thinking about it. Even now, she could still feel the fabric of his clothes on her fingertips. Noticing he was silent and didn’t seem grossed out, the atmosphere suddenly felt really strange, and her throat felt a bit dry.

Feeling a strange sensation, she wanted to leave the place as soon as possible, but it seemed invisible chains were holding her. After making up her mind, she finally muttered, “Um, Gu Yun and the others might come to find me.”

He Yunqin slowly turned his gaze away, and replied, “Then I’ll take you to the garden.”

With red ears, Yu Hongdou didn’t respond to the man; she just walked past him into the small living room behind her. ‘He always seemed so composed…’ She couldn’t help but wonder if he acted this way around other women too. 

After what had just happened in the bridge room, she at least figured out that He Yunqin wasn’t Chen Baidie’s financial supporter and the romantic rumours with Duan Mingyi were totally made up. Thinking about this made her feel a little relieved.

He Yunqin kept a distance of three or four steps from her, but his gaze kept drifting to her waist. The fabric was soft and shiny, delicately hugging her body. Even if she didn’t intend to, her slim waist and curvy hips made her look alluring with every step she took.

He tried hard to keep his eyes away from her waist. To distract himself, he casually glanced at the clock, then at the cedar tree in the corner of the living room, and finally over her head at the two floor-to-ceiling lattice glass windows. Only then did he feel his expression relax again.

“The party won’t stop early. I’m worried it might not be safe on the road. Miss Yu, are you going home with your classmates later, or will Mr. Yu come to get you?” he asked after walking a bit.

Upon hearing that, Yu Hongdou slowed her pace, turned her head, and replied softly, “My brother will come to pick me up.” Maybe because she mentioned her brother, her usual childish side peeked through again.

He Yunqin forced himself not to stare at her. “Then I feel relieved.”

As soon as he said that, the atmosphere suddenly felt heavier. He Yunqin was about to say something to lighten the mood, but Yu Hongdou had already pushed open the floor-to-ceiling door.

Suddenly, she remembered that she had forgotten to ask about Duan Mingyi. But before she could turn around to ask him, she heard Gu Yun calling her from a distance. 

“Hongdou, where did you go just now?”

Yu Hongdou was worried that Gu Jun might overthink things if she spotted He Yunqin near her, so she decided not to say anything and quickly went over to greet Gu Yan.

He Yunqin shut the door behind him and lingered on the steps for a moment, feeling a bit lost until he remembered that he still needed to deal with the servant. After that, he went in a different direction.

The He family’s lawn was beautifully maintained. Not far away, the play was already halfway going. Gu Yun held Yu Hongdou’s hand and said, “I feel like Bai Fengfei’s voice isn’t as strong tonight. It doesn’t sound as good as it usually does. Good thing you weren’t here earlier, or you might not have enjoyed it.”

Hongdou looked at the stage absentmindedly and replied with a smile, “We’re lucky to have something to listen to. We don’t have the luxury to be picky. When do we ever get the chance to hear Bai Fengfei sing?”

Meanwhile, more people started to come to the garden, and one of them was Bai Haili.

When he was engaging in conversation with some wealthy men, he casually glanced up and noticed a young girl passing by. She was dressed in a cheongsam. Her lovely skin was visible, and as the night breeze blew, her clothes rippled like the water of a spring, adding a touch of elegance. Occasionally, a glimpse of her smooth, white legs peeked out from the slit of her robe. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that she was flawless. 

‘Wait a minute, isn’t this Yu Chongyi’s sister? She was attractive the last time I saw her, but she didn’t stand out like this. In just a few days, she has transformed into someone incredibly captivating.’

Reflecting on the women he had been with over the past couple of years since his wife’s passing, he realised they all seemed dull and ordinary compared to this girl.

Bai Haili gazed straight ahead, while those around him looked on in confusion, catching only a glimpse of the slender silhouette from behind. After a quick sip, they chuckled and said, “Director Bai, I’ve heard a lot of people mention that you’re planning to remarry. How’s that going? Do you have someone special in mind? Should we help you make the introduction?”

Bai Haili’s mood brightened up, took a step forward, thought for a moment, and said with a grin, “I’m still working on it, and I have someone in mind. A little hot pepper. It’s a tad spicy, but the good thing is it has an endless flavour. You all know I’ve wasted these years and just recently broke free from the cage of barriers. Since I’m looking to remarry, this time I should pick someone who fits my preferences in every way. If I succeed, I’ll treat you all to a drink.”

***

It was almost eleven o’clock when the banquet wrapped up. He Zhujun personally saw off Yu Hongdou and a few others, accompanying them all the way, speaking softly and sincerely like a close friend.

Yu Hongdou and Gu Yun were aware of her hypoglycemia, and they had to convince her to stop. Otherwise, He Zhuyun would have ended up on the street.

When they reached the gate, they spotted a rickshaw that Yu Chongyi had arranged in advance waiting on the other side of the road. Yu Hongdou bid farewell to Gu Yun and the others and went off to find her brother.

Before hopping into the rickshaw, she took a moment to glance at the impressive Western-style He Mansion. Ever since she visited the garden, she hadn’t run into He Yunqin again. Even Duan Mingyi and Mrs. He were nowhere to be found later.

As she looked over at the male guests, she noticed a young man in his twenties standing at the door to bid them farewell. Dressed in a respectable suit, he was a bit shorter than He Yunqin. While his features weren’t as striking as those of He Yunqin or his sister, he carried himself with an upright posture and had a unique presence that set him apart from the rest. Given how often the He family’s servants sought his guidance, it was clear he was the eldest son of the He family.

She was unsure where Mrs. He and He Yunqin had disappeared to. The memory of the odd servant crossed her mind, and she wondered if he had gone off to handle the thief.

Bai Haili stepped outside and watched as Yu Hongdou climbed into the rickshaw. He turned around to scan the area but didn’t spot He Yunqin. This brought him some relief. Even though He Yunqin frequently took Yu Hongdou out, at his mother’s birthday party, he not only failed to introduce Yu Hongdou to the He family but also didn’t arrange for a rickshaw to take her home afterwards. This clearly showed that He Yunqin was not just indifferent to Yu Hongdou; he was downright neglectful. It was tough for the Yu siblings to risk everything just to climb the social ladder.

With this on his mind, he felt pretty good. He hopped into the car with a couple of his guys and settled into the back seat, stretching his arms and legs. “We’re heading to see Yu Chongyi later. I found out he lives on Tongfu Lane with his widowed mom and sister. He’s been working with me for years, but I’ve never visited his place. It’s not every day he cracks such a big case. As his boss, I really should have checked in on him ages ago.” 

End of chapter 33

Have a nice day!