Chapter 841: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (13)

At 5 am, before the wedding started, Yu Bao'er was up early.

She stealthily left Huo Yingcheng's room while there wasn't anyone around.

The bridesmaid dress that she had to change into was in her room.

At this hour, the servants were starting to get busy, so likely no one would notice where she came out from. It took Yu Bao'er much effort before she successfully found a female servant who could understand Mandarin, to ask for directions to her room.

Yu Bao'er had just entered her room to change into the bridesmaid dress when her phone rang.

The makeup artist was going to help her do her makeup and styling.

The royal palace was indeed extravagant; even the bridesmaids had their makeup artists and makeup room.

When Yu Bao'er went over and opened the door, the makeup artist started rambling on things that she could not comprehend.

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Geez, why couldn't they have sent a makeup artist who could speak Mandarin?

Thankfully they likely knew that Yu Bao'er couldn't speak English, for a translator went in subsequently to facilitate communication between the makeup artist and Yu Bao'er.

After much busying, Yu Bao'er was dolled up nicely and went on to take the bridesmaid vehicle to head to the church.

When it came to weddings, the customs overseas differed in some aspects from what they did in China. Add to the fact that Gu Qingjiu was around, to begin with, the groom didn't have to meet his bride at her home before escorting her back to his own home for the wedding.

But the awkward thing for Yu Bao'er was, Huo Yingcheng was in the same car.

After all, he was one of the best men.

The duo secretly sized up each other ever since they got into the car. Huo Yingcheng felt that judging from the way Yu Bao'er was dressed, he couldn't at all see the boorish woman of last night.

Yu Bao'er felt that somehow Huo Yingcheng looked kind of handsome and gentlemanly dressed in this manner.

Among the bridesmaids, other than Yu Bao'er who was from China, the other bridesmaids who were from Penalan were chatting merrily among themselves.

She didn't know the other best men either...

Except for Huo Yingcheng.

It seemed like Huo Yingcheng was of rather high status. At least when he spoke with others, the others didn't seem to mind his nonchalant attitude. Instead, they were rather cautious.

After a long silence, Yu Bao'er couldn't hold it back anymore. "Commander Huo, I need to ask you something. Last night when I got drunk that person who had tried to... who was he?"

Huo Yingcheng narrowed his eyes slightly. "Why? Surely you're not thinking of walloping him? He's not someone you can afford to mess with."

Yu Bao'er: "..."

What a brutal truth.

"Judging from your performance yesterday, since you can't drink, then you should try to stay away from alcohol. Be more careful at tonight's wedding banquet. Don't make Qingjiu have to worry about you"

"I know."

Yu Bao'er was indignant. "What happened last night was an accident. I was drinking only fruit juice and had no idea that there was wine amongst them..."

As many of the guests liked wine, it was natural that there was wine available.

Huo Yingcheng rolled his eyes, then crossed his arms and looked out the car window.

His behavior made Yu Bao'er feel like smacking him.

They subsequently arrived at the wedding venue.

As a bridesmaid, seeing that her good friend Gu Qingjiu was able to find her happiness, Yu Bao'er felt touched.

Watching as Gu Qingjiu walked towards Helian Niancheng with her arm hooked around her father's, Yu Bao'er felt so touched it was as if she was watching her daughter get married...

As hot tears welled up in her eyes, she saw that opposite of her, Huo Yingcheng was gazing at her with an expression of mockery.

The contempt in his eyes upon seeing her being touched to tears was very obvious.

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Dammit. That touched feeling vanished in an instant!

She very much wanted to thank him, but why was this person so punch-worthy?

Chapter 842: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (14)

After the wedding ended, a party ensued.

This was Penalan's tradition.

On the day of the wedding, a grand party ceremony would be held, one of a much grander scale than yesterday.

The best men and bridesmaids had to give out a heart-shaped candy to the guests. This was Penalan's traditional custom, symbolizing a blissful marriage. This custom was no exception even in the royal family.

Yu Bao'er and Huo Yingcheng were allocated to give out candy together.

It was because Huo Yingcheng was able to help Yu Bao'er translate.

In a light blue bridesmaid dress, Yu Bao'er carried a heart-shaped wicker basket filled with candies and started giving out the candies as she walked.

When some little kids came over to ask for it, they even had to give them a few more.

Throughout, Huo Yingcheng had his arms crossed like a big boss while he watched Yu Bao'er distribute the candy. Yu Bao'er couldn't resist retorting at him. "Commander Huo, are you just going to watch me and do nothing?"

Huo Yingcheng sneered. "No way, I took care of a certain drunk last night and have no energy today."

"..."

Dammit. What energy do you need to distribute candy!!

But it was obvious that the man before her was playing rogue. Yu Bao'er had no choice but to go around with the basket to distribute the candy.

The big boss beside him merely did nothing and gave instructions.

Seriously.

Back in the troops, Yu Bao'er felt that Huo Yingcheng was considered a rather good commander.

Now, looking at him again, he appeared so very detestable!

As she distributed the candy, some of the noblemen would thank Yu Bao'er after receiving the candy from her. Yu Bao'er could understand this.

But if she encountered some of the friendlier ones who wanted to chat a bit more with a smile,

Yu Bao'er would smile on the surface but cuss internally.

She looked towards Huo Yingcheng with a pleading gaze, but the big boss beside her simply continued standing with his arms crossed and a provocative smile but said nothing.

Yu Bao'er felt aggrieved.

After hurriedly distributing the candy, seeing that Gu Qingjiu seemed to be free at the moment, Yu Bao'er quickly ran over and vented her grievance. "Qingjiu, let me tell you something. That Commander Huo is too wicked. Never mind if he didn't help me distribute the candy. When other people talked to me, he didn't help me translate even though it was obvious that I couldn't understand a word."

Gu Qingjiu raised a brow in surprise. From far away Huo Yingcheng too followed her over, mockery in his tone. "Why, you came over to complain?"

Gu Qingjiu laughed out loud. "Did you offend Brother Huo?"

Yu Bao'er: "..."

She felt it was unfair. "Xiao Jiu'er, why did you say I offended him? I don't even know what I did wrong!"

Gu Qingjiu merely wore a faint smile and said nothing, her eyes shifting between the duo. She then said to Huo Yingcheng, "Brother Huo, Bao'er doesn't understand English and doesn't know anyone in Penalan either. You were at least her commander before, so please help me take care of her. I thank you in advance."

Huo Yingcheng arched his lips. "Thankfully I was only her commander for a short period back then. If it was for any longer, my lifespan would have shortened by half."

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Though she was grateful to him for saving her last night, this benefactor's face was truly detestable right now...

Yu Bao'er pouted to indicate her annoyance. With a smile, Gu Qingjiu patted her shoulder and comforted, "Alright Bao'er, it's going to end soon. After this, I'll ask Brother Huo to take you on a tour around Penalan. It's been tough on you these few days, cooped up here and not having had the chance to roam around."

Chapter 843: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (15)

"I'm not going!"

Huo Yingcheng frowned. "You're going overboard huh, Qingjiu."

"I don't need you to take me. I'll walk around by myself!"

Yu Bao'er scoffed at Huo Yingcheng, then set down the empty candy basket and walked into the room.

The situation astonished Gu Qingjiu. "What's going on between the two of you? Brother Huo, did Bao'er offend you? If she did something wrong, you can tell me. You don't have to spite her in public like this. It would appear unchivalrous of you to do so..."

Huo Yingcheng let out a 'tsk' internally as he watched Yu Bao'er dash inside.

How petty of this lass.

Helian Niancheng noticed the situation, but he didn't come over. He merely tilted his head at Huo Yingcheng, indicating for him to go in.

Damn. What had he gotten himself into?

Huo Yingcheng had no choice but to go in and take a look.

He didn't do that deliberately either. He merely felt that this lass was heartless.

After nearly getting into big trouble last night, she didn't seem to remember any of it. When she woke the next day she acted like nothing happened.

If she didn't learn her lesson, she would go around thinking that everyone in this world was a good person.

After entering the main hall, Huo Yingcheng saw a confused-looking Yu Bao'er gazing left and right.

It was obvious that this lass had lost her way.

Looking at Yu Bao'er, Huo Yingcheng laughed. But before he was done laughing, a slap came at him out of nowhere. "Darned boy, did you upset the young lady?"

Huo Yingcheng, who was stunned by the slap, turned around. "Mom, why are you here again?"

"What do you mean by why am I here? Don't tell me I'm not allowed to be concerned about your affairs?"

His mother appeared extremely displeased. Meanwhile, her conversation with Huo Yingcheng had already attracted Yu Bao'er's attention, who was in front.

As the duo was speaking in Mandarin, Huo Yingcheng found it embarrassing and quickly pulled his mother to one side.

His mother was displeased and shook off his hand. With a benevolent smile of a mother on her face, she gazed at Yu Bao'er and halted in her actions, elegantly waving a hand at her.

Yu Bao'er: "..."

This person seemed to be Huo Yingcheng's mother?

Huo Yingcheng stood by the side awkwardly but had no idea how to stop his mother. He felt a headache.

Yu Bao'er thought it would be rude not to go over to greet his mother, so she walked over and did so. "Hi Auntie, how do you do?"

"Aye, hello, hello."

Huo Yingcheng's mother gave her a vibrant and gentle smile. "I saw you yesterday but didn't get the chance to formally say hello to you. Let me formally introduce myself: I am this good-for-nothing fellow's mother."

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

What good-for-nothing!

While his mother disparaged him, Huo Yingcheng could only watch as his mother forcibly tried to start a conversation with Yu Bao'er.

Because Yu Bao'er was visibly confused.

She had merely come over to say hello. Huo Yingcheng's mother was so overwhelmingly friendly that she didn't quite know how to react.

Towards the end, Huo Yingcheng couldn't take it anymore and stepped out to stop her. "Alright alright, Mom. You should go outside and help attend to those guests. I have something to say to her."

Hearing this, his mother glared at him. But as she wanted to give them private space, she said to Yu Bao'er with a smile, "Then Auntie will be leaving first. Have fun here. Get Huo Yingcheng to bring you around. If he upsets you in any way, feel free to tell me. I'll help you fix him!"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Chapter 844: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (16)

After Huo Yingcheng's mother left, Huo Yingcheng told Yu Bao'er about a piece of bad news.

"My mom saw us when I took you back to my room while you were still drunk."

Yu Bao'er nearly shrieked out loud. "How did that happen? Did you explain things to her?"

"Didn't you see that I had no chance to explain at all? This old hag only believes what she sees with her own eyes and doesn't believe others' explanation."

Yu Bao'er knew that it was a serious matter for an elder to misunderstand them this way. She was dazed. "But nothing happened between the two of us then..."

"But still, it was a fact that I had taken you to my room..."

Huo Yingcheng had originally planned on immediately going over to explain things, but seeing Yu Bao'er's scared expression, he decided to tease her a little.

Yu Bao'er was furious. "My reputation was destroyed just like that?"

"Pui, what about my reputation?"

Huo Yingcheng rolled his eyes. "I'm, after all, an aristocrat. It'd be ridiculous if rumors of me being together with a little girl get out. Don't worry, I'll explain things clearly to my mom. I shan't trouble you to do that."

"That'd be the best!"

That was what Yu Bao'er felt. But when Huo Yingcheng heard her rebutting so readily, he felt uncomfortable.

But he merely scoffed.

Yu Bao'er felt a tad awkward looking at Huo Yingcheng now. The two of them could only awkwardly stare at each other without saying a word.

It was Huo Yingcheng who spoke first. He retrieved a cigarette from his pocket and bit it. "Since you have nothing better to do now, you can go over first. Take the chance to go outside and have fun tomorrow. From the looks of it, a country bumpkin like you likely hadn't seen much of the world."

The smile on Yu Bao'er's face, which appeared at the mention of the words 'have fun,' froze instantly.

"What do you mean by country bumpkin? You think you're all that just because you're a member of the royalty? You despise ordinary civilians like us, huh."

Huo Yingcheng inhaled on his cigarette and exhaled smoke to the side. Amid all that smoke, Yu Bao'er felt that this man's side profile looked rather handsome.

And then she heard him say this, "Indeed, I despise you."

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Trash!

The antagonized Yu Bao'er couldn't find her way back to her room, so she could only return to the banquet.

After playing by herself for a while, Yu Bao'er started looking for fruit juice to drink.

There was plenty of wine and other beverages placed on an exquisitely laid-out long table. Yu Bao'er looked carefully, afraid that last night's incident would happen again. She was afraid that she would get drunk and do something embarrassing.

She had just taken two sips from a blue-colored beverage when she heard an elegant male voice beside her. "Hello?"

Yu Bao'er looked over and saw that it was a Western man dressed elegantly in a suit. With deep-set eyes, he looked very handsome and made one's heart flutter.

Even Yu Bao'er was mesmerized by his appearance for a moment. But thankfully, because of the training she had undergone under Helian Niancheng's supervision, she didn't lose her composure entirely. She smiled at the other party embarrassedly.

Since she couldn't speak English, if he started speaking in English to her, it would be game over.

"This beautiful Eastern lady, my name is Lloyd. I wonder if I have the honor of getting to know you?"

The man before her was truly captivating. Especially the way he talked, it sounded so sexy.

It was just that when he opened his mouth, Yu Bao'er couldn't understand a word of what he was saying, making her feel despair.

Chapter 845: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (17)

"Hello, but very sorry, I can't speak English."

Yu Bao'er could only repeat the sentence she used most frequently these few days to him.

The other party seemed a tad taken aback. No idea if she was imagining things, she thought she saw his smile fade a little. But still, he remained gentlemanly and gracious, and he started speaking in not-so-fluent Mandarin, "Beautiful Eastern lady, are you Chinese?"

Hearing him speak in Mandarin, Yu Bao'er nodded in delight. "Yes, can you speak Mandarin?"

"I learned it for a while back in school. I can't speak it very well though."

Lloyd gave her a polite and charming smile. Yu Bao'er shook her head. "No, you speak very well. At least your grammar is very accurate."

Although his accent sounded a tad awkward, it didn't stop her from comprehending what he was saying.

"Oh? Really? Beautiful lady, I wonder if I have the honor of having you teach me Chinese?"

Yu Bao'er was slightly nervous.

Was he hitting on her?

Moreover, it was way too straightforward.

But most girls had no immunity seeing such a gentlemanly and handsome aristocrat from a foreign country.

Yu Bao'er felt her face turn red. However, she found this man's voice familiar. Especially when he spoke in English earlier.

Could she have met him before?

Yu Bao'er was feeling a tad confused, but the man before her started introducing himself. "Hello, beautiful lady. My name is Lloyd. I wonder if I have the honor of getting to know you?"

Lloyd. Even more familiar now...

Yu Bao'er was about to respond to him when she heard a sneer beside her. "Lloyd, you didn't register a word of what I said to you yesterday, did you? You even dare to come and look for her today. You're seriously bold, huh."

But it was spoken in English, so Yu Bao'er couldn't understand that.

She could only be sure that the person speaking was Huo Yingcheng.

Turning her head, indeed it was Huo Yingcheng walking over.

Lloyd's expression froze at the sight of Huo Yingcheng. "I asked around. You're not at all related to this woman. I'm interested in her. Can't you just let me have her?"

"Even if we're not related, she's not someone you can have designs on."

Huo Yingcheng frowned. "Lloyd, do you think that she can easily be courted, like your other lovers? Keep away your filthy thoughts, if not you'd better watch out!"

Lloyd's countenance was terrible. After taking one last indignant look at Yu Bao'er, he had no choice but to leave.

Yu Bao'er was in a dazed state throughout. Seeing Lloyd leave in a huff, she looked towards Huo Yingcheng. "You scolded him?"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

Looking at the puzzled-looking Yu Bao'er, Huo Yingcheng let out a sigh. "You should just ignore strangers who try to hit on you. Do you know who that man is? He's that fellow who tried to take advantage of you when you were drunk last night!"

Yu Bao'er widened her eyes. "Oh my god. He looks like a decent human being. I truly couldn't tell."

Her words made Huo Yingcheng curl his lips.

Yu Bao'er saw that Lloyd's leaving back view appeared angry. "F*ck. To think he's even fuming over this. I'm the one who should be angry. Who knew a decent-looking human being like him is capable of doing something like this."

"I've said there are plenty of people like that in the royal palace. Baron Lloyd is a notorious playboy in Penalan's upper society. If you hooked up with him, you might not necessarily be able to get away even if you shed a layer of skin. You should be glad that I helped you!"

Chapter 846: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (18)

"But he can't do anything to me if I don't come to Penalan."

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

This was a fatal reason that he was unable to refute.

Yu Bao'er knew that Lloyd was someone she couldn't afford to mess with. Also, there was no reason for her to deliberately mess with him.

But perhaps because she felt that there was no one for her to depend on in the palace... she decided to follow Huo Yingcheng closely.

After the banquet ended, as discussed earlier, Gu Qingjiu asked Huo Yingcheng to take Yu Bao'er around Penalan to have fun.

Yu Bao'er had long wanted to come to this city. Now, she was going to have fun to her heart's content.

Although her family was considered well-off, it was nothing compared to the royals.

She changed the money she saved from her allowance all these years and planned to buy things. It was about two hundred thousand yuan converted into Penalan currency.

In the end, on the first day of going out, Huo Yingcheng saw her broken manner. He mocked, "You look so poor. Forget it, I'll pay for everything you buy here. Put it on my credit card. In any case, I can claim the expenses!"

"Really?"

Yu Bao'er's eyes lit up.

But she was quite embarrassed to use his card, so Yu Bao'er didn't buy much, only the occasional souvenir.

Most of the time, they were sightseeing around Penalan city.

Penalan had gorgeous scenery and a pretty good culture.

Add to the fact that it was a country with Asian and European mixed blood, Yu Bao'er felt a closeness to them.

During October, Penalan starts to turn chilly. Fashionistas came and went on the streets, and there were also many TV stations holding events around.

She had never gone to such places and was having so much fun like a carefree girl.

She took a lot of photos to show her family.

Yu Bao'er liked to take selfies, but selfies were too casual.

She was about to send her photos to her family after taking them when she saw Huo Yingcheng, who had been accompanying her these few days. Yu Bao'er went up to him with her phone. "Commander Huo, shall we take a photo together?"

Huo Yingcheng twisted his face away. "Not interested."

"Come on, it's just a photo. It's not like you're ugly and unpresentable. I'm not even afraid of capturing you in my photos. What are you afraid of?"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

Dammit!

People like him couldn't stand to be provoked.

He twisted his face away and glared sideways at the screen.

Yu Bao'er instantly joyfully turned on the beautifying filter on her phone and made a V gesture beside Huo Yingcheng.

Snap!

The photo was shot.

In the photo, Huo Yingcheng was glaring ferociously at the screen. Although he was good-looking, there was a scary sternness about him.

He looked like the sort who would dash out from the screen any moment to give you a good beating.

The carefree Yu Bao'er sent this photo to her family group chat.

This instantly caused a stir.

Yu Kairan: Wah, after going one round around the capitalistic Penalan, you even found yourself a capitalistic boyfriend. You're pretty capable huh, Yu Bao'er!

Dad: What, what, what... is this the boyfriend? One look and you can tell he will resort to domestic violence in the future. Don't date him, sweetie. Listen to Daddy, dump him!

Mom: Young fellow is quite good-looking. Though, he indeed looks a tad too fierce. Bao'er, with your temperament, wouldn't you be quarreling with him every day...

Yu Bao'er: Ugh, what are you guys talking about? This was my commander back when I was in the army. We're attending my bestie's wedding together. He's taking me around Penalan for sightseeing these few days, so I just took a photo in passing. There's nothing between us, don't let your thoughts run wild!

Chapter 847: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (19)

Dad: Good to hear that. My poor thing of a daughter can't be with such a fierce man!

Yu Kairan: She's blissfully strolling the streets of Penalan. She has things to buy and attractions to see and even has the company of a handsome dude. Look at how happy she looks. How is she a poor thing?

Mom: She's blissfully strolling the streets of Penalan. She has things to buy and attractions to see and even has the company of a handsome dude. Look at how happy she looks. How is the poor thing?

Yu Bao'er: ...

Yu Bao'er: Wah, how could you guys treat me like this. [My heart aches so much.jpg]

Yu Bao'er: [I'll watch while you guys spout nonsense.jpg]

Yu Bao'er: [Stupid human beings are just jealous of me (slant-eyed look).jpg]

Yu Kairan: [Pui, look at how degenerate she is!.jpg]

Mom: [Let's just pretend to agree even though we know she's a fool.jpg]

Yu Bao'er: Mom, you... I'm going to vomit blood, I'm going to vomit blood!

Mom: Quick, ask Gorgeous beside you to do CPR on you!

Dad: Miao Erhua, what nonsense are you spewing! This is your daughter!

Mom: Goon Yu Dazhuang, do not call me by my pet name. Have fun sleeping on the sofa tonight.

Yu Kairan: Mom's usage of memes and Internet slang is becoming increasingly impressive...

Yu Bao'er: Dad is still stuck in the last century.

Dad: What are you talking about? [Let's toast to our friendship.jpg]

And then, there was silence in the group chat.

Seeing Yu Bao'er typing away merrily on her phone and even letting out cheerful waves of laughter now and then, Huo Yingcheng curiously edged closer to take a look. He saw a series of memes flying across the screen. He knew that this was a unique culture of China.

Its popularity had been rising for tens of years and was incredibly popular.

He, too, liked to use it back when he was in China. It was just that he didn't dare to use it to retort at Helian Niancheng.

"What are you looking at?"

Seeing Huo Yingcheng edge closer, Yu Bao'er moved her phone aside warily, retracting the smile on her face.

Huo Yingcheng sputtered with laughter. "Don't tell me I'm not allowed to see how the photo you took of me looks like?"

"Very handsome, very imposing."

Yu Bao'er said in an extremely perfunctory tone, "My mom and the rest all said you look handsome."

"Your mom?"

Huo Yingcheng looked surprised. "Why did you send my photo to your mom and others?"

"What are you thinking? I was merely sending them my travel photos, and that photo was one of them. At the very least, you took me around the city these few days."

Huo Yingcheng responded with, "Mm. So when are you going back?"

Dammit, only after she went back could he go back to handling his matters. Now, he was stuck with having to take her around to have fun.

"Soon, about next week."

After all, she didn't know anyone else here, so Yu Bao'er didn't wish to stay for long.

She stared suspiciously at Huo Yingcheng. "Are you very happy to hear that I'll be leaving soon?"

"What do you think? I have to accompany you to have fun every day. It's holding me back from attending to proper business."

Yu Bao'er felt aggrieved. "You can choose not to. I'm familiar with the place now, I can stroll around Penalan by myself. If not, I can also call for help. I'm not insisting you accompany me... Although I'm very thankful to you for keeping me company these few days. You can leave now if you wish. I'll walk around by myself."

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

Although he did say that, he still felt goddamn annoyed when he heard her chasing him away!

Chapter 848: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (20)

It wasn't that Yu Bao'er wasn't thankful to Huo Yingcheng.

But the crux was, Huo Yingcheng's sulky expression infuritated Yu Bao'er; the way he put it was as if she couldn't walk around the capital city of Penalan by herself.

They strolled around and only went back at night. Huo Yingcheng appeared grumpy.

Gu Qingjiu was curious. "Did you quarrel with him again?"

"What do you mean by again? I simply don't understand this person."

Yu Bao'er appeared perplexed, with a frown and her nose turned up. "He had plenty of opinions even though he had agreed to accompany me out. I don't know what he is thinking. But still, I'm very thankful to him for keeping me company during this period."

"Think carefully. Other than him, who else do you know here?"

Gu Qingjiu scraped Yu Bao'er's nose. "I'll be returning to my maiden home next week. Are you going back with me?"

"Mmmm."

Yu Bao'er nodded. She started smiling and rubbing against Gu Qingjiu's arm. "Qingjiu, you're already a married person now. I'm so envious!"

"If you're envious, find someone to get married to."

Gu Qingjiu teased her with a smile. "It's not like you've never dated. Why isn't there someone you want to marry?"

"How is that possible."

Yu Bao'er frowned when she recalled those boyfriends she had dated. "It's not like you don't know how I was in the past. I only dated those boys for fun. And if they're handsome I would fall for them. If not I wouldn't have dated your cousin. We hadn't done anything. We were just bored and looking for a companion. In my last two years of university, I didn't date anyone. Because I got tired of it."

"I want to play for a bit longer and don't wish to find a boyfriend yet. I merely feel envious seeing you get married to Instructor He. Every woman would be envious of such a marriage."

Yu Bao'er wore a look of anticipation as she gazed at Gu Qingjiu.

Memories of that wedding replayed in her mind. "Tsk tsk, it was truly grand. Instructor He is wealthy and has a high status. In the past I never imagined him to be Penalan's prince. Qingjiu, when did you find out about that?"

Although they were besties, Yu Bao'er had never asked Gu Qingjiu about this before.

"I didn't know at the start either. Later on, I only found out by accident. I was kind of mad when I found out he had been hiding this from me. But afterward, when I gave it some more thought my anger subsided."

"With Instructor He's identity being so special, it's normal for him to not tell you about it, right?" Yu Bao'er didn't feel that it was something to mind about. "When I return home next month, I'm taking a trip back to Dayi City then do some traveling. After which it's time for me to properly find a job."

Speaking of finding a job, Yu Bao'er felt a sense of dismay. "It's tiring and hard to go to work every day. But it's not possible for me to completely not work either."

"What kind of job are you looking for? Instructor He has some companies in China. If you're interested I can arrange for you to go in and do an internship. Of course, whether you convert to a permanent employee will depend on your own capabilities."

Gu Qingjiu wanted to help Yu Bao'er. Yu Bao'er however, shook her head. "No, no, no, I'm not entering a company. I might become a kindergarten teacher."

"Kindergarten teacher?"

Gu Qingjiu laughed out loud. "Looking at you, I don't dare to imagine what it would be like if you become one. I'm afraid you will want to beat up the kids once they start making a din."

Chapter 849: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (21)

Yu Bao'er's face turned red, and she looked at Gu Qingjiu with rebuke. "Qingjiu, what are you talking about? Am I that sort of a person? I'm rather fond of kids. When your child is born, I want to be his godmother!"

"Sure, sure, sure. Of course, you'll be the kid's godmother. There's no doubt about that."

Gu Qingjiu agreed to Yu Bao'er. After they chatted for some time, Gu Qingjiu started feeling sleepy.

Though it was quite an easy pregnancy for her, she got tired easily.

Yu Bao'er waited for Gu Qingjiu to fall asleep before covering her with a blanket and leaving the room.

In the end, the moment she went out, she saw Huo Yingcheng's mother standing outside the door. She was discussing something with Gu Qingjiu's mother-in-law/Instructor He's mother.

At the sight of Huo Yingcheng's mother, an awkward expression appeared on Yu Bao'er's face.

She knew that his mother got the wrong idea about her and her son. But the important thing was, there wasn't anything between them.

But the unfortunate thing was, Huo Yingcheng had been accompanying her these few days. Yu Bao'er thought that Huo Yingcheng had already explained things clearly to his mother, but she couldn't help feeling sheepish when she saw her.

It was even though she had no idea why she was feeling sheepish.

The moment Yu Bao'er came out, Hilda turned around and saw Yu Bao'er. She revealed a friendly smile.

Hilda was also a princess consort in title, thus she had a noble status.

Although Yu Bao'er was Gu Qingjiu's bestie, she subconsciously felt a distance between her and those people, and she felt that there was nothing for them to talk about. Hilda's impression of her was only that she was Gu Qingjiu's good friend.

But since she ran into them, she needed to greet them.

Huo Yingcheng's mother, who was smiling at Hilda, suddenly turned her head at seeing Hilda's reaction. She then saw Yu Bao'er standing there helplessly.

A delighted expression bloomed on her face right away as she called out, "Bao'er."

Her fervent attitude was as if Yu Bao'er was her biological daughter.

Yu Bao'er could only brace herself and respond, "Aye, Auntie Huo, Auntie Helian."

As she was a junior to them, according to China's tradition, she wasn't to address them by their English names.

"Quickly, come over."

Huo Yingcheng's mother waved at Yu Bao'er gently. Yu Bao'er could only go over. His mother asked gently and directly, "Did you have fun with my son these few days?"

Yu Bao'er: "..."

This was so awkward. No matter how she answered, it would sound wrong. Yu Bao'er could only chuckle awkwardly. "It was quite fun."

"Good, good. You've never been to Penalan, have you? It's good that you have someone to take you around. How was it? Penalan is quite fun, isn't it? Why don't you stay here to have fun for good?"

Yu Bao'er: "..."

Auntie, that's very direct of you.

She was a virgin, though she understood what she meant, she couldn't shamelessly answer that!

Hilda, who could tell something was amiss, smiled curiously. "Janet, what's going on"

Huo Yingcheng's mother's name was Janet. In consideration of Yu Bao'er, Hilda spoke in Mandarin.

"Oh-oh, this was what I was telling you about."

Huo Yingcheng's mother winked at Hilda. Although she didn't say it out loud, Hilda's gaze towards Yu Bao'er now carried a deep meaning. Yu Bao'er knew that she wouldn't be able to clear her name.

No wonder that night Huo Yingcheng didn't dare to walk her to her room. But even then, rumors were flying everywhere...

Chapter 850: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (22)

"This is Qingjiu's good friend, Bao'er, right?"

Although Hilda's voice was imposing, it also had a reassuring and relaxing effect.

Even in such an awkward situation, her voice made Yu Bao'er relax slightly.

"Mmmm."

Yu Bao'er nodded vigorously as she quickly thought up an excuse to leave.

"I'm going to my room to pack up. Take your time to chat, Aunties."

"Pack up? Why are you packing up?"

Huo Yingcheng's mother looked perplexed.

"Qingjiu is returning to her maiden home next week. Bao'er is likely going back with her."

Hilda explained on Yu Bao'er's behalf. Yu Bao'er nodded in agreement.

"That's right, Auntie."

Yu Bao'er speedily fled after that.

Seeing Yu Bao'er flee so eagerly, Hilda then said, "You're too anxious. Look how you've scared her."

"I have no choice. That darned son of mine refuses to find a girlfriend. Now, your worries are gone, but mine is still present! I have a pretty good impression of this girl. There are some sparks between her and my son. If not, with my son's temperament, he wouldn't have accompanied her around the city these few days. But from the way things look now, I was indeed a tad too anxious. It seems like the two of them have yet to sense it!"

Huo Yingcheng's mother sighed. "Now, your Qingjiu is already pregnant. I don't know when I will get to carry a grandson."

"Men are in their prime at 30. With Yingcheng being such a good catch, there are plenty of girls lining up to marry him. You don't have to worry."

"How can I not? After all, he's not getting any younger. He keeps brushing me off with the excuse of not having found the suitable one. How can I not fret?"

...

The two women continued chatting about Huo Yingcheng, while Yu Bao'er was back at her room packing up.

"Amitabha!"

Yu Bao'er patted her chest. When she recalled what happened earlier she still felt a tightening sensation in her chest.

It was too scary to be stared at by your elders so fervently.

Yu Bao'er took out her luggage but instead of packing up, she sent a message to her family group chat.

Yu Bao'er: Mom, let me solemnly ask you something. I'm 22 now, you think it's time for me to properly find a serious boyfriend with the intention of marriage?

Their family group chat was online 24/7. Unless they were busy, they would reply instantly.

Yu Bao'er set down her phone and started packing her clothes. Shortly after, she heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up.

Mom: Why? Did something happen between you and that young lad in the photo yesterday?

Yu Bao'er: What nonsense is that, Mom! I'm merely asking!

Mom: Then why the hurry? You're only 22. A woman is in her prime at this age. You should play and eat to your heart's content. Why worry about not being able to get married? Don't worry, you won't be left on the shelf.

Yu Bao'er: Why does that sound disparaging to me...

Mom: [Oh really?.jpg]

Her mother sent her a meme in retort.

Most importantly, after that, her older brother came to join in the fun.

Yu Kairan: What do you mean by it's time to find a serious boyfriend and discuss marriage now that you're 22? I remember you saying you were serious every time you dated a boy, no?

Yu Bao'er: You believe the words I said when I was in kindergarten?

Yu Kairan: Of course.