My brother has had a hard time, too.

Late at night, inside the carriage

The carriage raced along the road under the moonlight. Zhao Chengxian and Hui Qinghui were driving, while Hui Yue'er and Si Rou sat inside. At first, the two felt awkward—sleep eluded them, and conversation seemed uncertain, for they had only met two days ago. Although they had heard each other's names countless times, they were still strangers in person.

Si Rou wanted to lift the curtain and glance outside, but Yue'er quickly stopped her, saying, "Don't lift the curtain, Princess! The wind will blow in and catch you." Yue'er had taken a liking to Si Rou, finding her refreshingly free from the airs of a privileged lady; Si Rou's gentle nature matched her name.

Si Rou smiled and turned to Yue'er. "Alright, I won't look. But please, don't call me Princess anymore—we're family now. Just call me Rou'er." She had heard much about Yue'er and believed Hui Yue'er was a remarkable woman. She had long wished to meet her in person. Though the two had shared nights together on this journey, they hadn't truly spoken, which Si Rou regretted.

Yue'er smiled back. "Rou'er, I heard you're afraid of your brother. Isn't he always acting like a rascal in front of everyone?" According to Qiqi and the others, Yue'er thought her brother was nothing to fear. Zhao Chengxian's swagger sometimes made people want to hit him, but it wasn't enough to inspire fear. She forgot Si Rou wasn't like her—while Yue'er could stand her ground, in the Hui family escort agency, things were different.

Si Rou recalled her past misunderstandings with her brother and couldn't help but laugh. "I used to think he didn't like me, always bullying me, and all I could do was complain to our parents, never daring to fight back. It wasn't until we talked yesterday that I understood he meant well." Seeing Yue'er's skepticism, Si Rou explained, "It turns out my brother bullied me because he wanted me to fight back. But I let him down—he didn't want me to be so fragile. My brother has had a tough time. Not only did I misunderstand him, but everyone at the Prince Jun's residence thinks he's just someone who bullies his sister." She felt a little guilty toward Zhao Chengxian.

Yue'er looked at Si Rou with disdain. "I think he's just making excuses. Only you would believe him. Your brother is an old fox—almost a spirit by now!" Rou'er was so easily swayed; no wonder her brother managed to win her over. Yue'er thought Si Rou was an inexperienced, innocent girl. If it were her, she wouldn't let anyone bully her.

Si Rou laughed. "If my brother wasn't an old fox, how could he catch your eye? Weren't you also fooled by him?" Despite their differences, the two young women found common ground.

Yue'er burst out laughing. "That's right! I'm just a poor little mountain goat, tricked by the old fox! Oo hahaha~" They were being utterly irreverent. Yue'er patted Si Rou's shoulder. "So, how did my brother trick you? How did you two meet?" Some say all men are deceivers—a good man will deceive you for a lifetime, while a bad one only for a moment.

Si Rou blushed at Yue'er's questioning. Just then, Hui Qinghui's voice came from outside the carriage. "Yue'er, don't bully Rou'er. Wait until we get home, then I'll tell you everything." They could hear the girls' conversation clearly from outside. When Yue'er called Zhao Chengxian an old fox, Hui Qinghui glanced at him, but Zhao Chengxian showed no displeasure. Hui Qinghui realized Zhao Chengxian was genuinely in love with his sister. To bring about this union was perhaps the greatest benefit of their elopement—who would have thought running away would have such advantages? Oo hahaha~

Yue'er, undeterred, called out loudly, "Brother, so quick to side with your wife! Fine, tell us now—we have the whole night to hear your story!" She forgot Si Rou was pregnant and needed rest.

Zhao Chengxian reminded her, "Alright, Little Moon, don't forget Rou'er is expecting. Let her rest." Yue'er was meticulous at work but playful in life—he knew her character well.

Yue'er finally relented, fetching a blanket from the seat and covering Si Rou with it. She smiled, "Sleep well. Otherwise, your little nephew will scold his aunt!" Si Rou smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes. The carriage continued onward. They knew what awaited them, but for now, it was best not to dwell on it.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those neither old nor young—shower me with medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back; let the storm rage with all its might!