Caught in a Dilemma

Shi Yi woke up from a strange dream. She still hadn't fully processed what was happening. It might have been a dream, but it felt too real! Looking at her hand which still held a trace of warmth, and the lingering scent in the air... Was it truly just a dream?

She let out a sigh, taking out the items she had found at Huayu Pavilion yesterday from her robes. They consisted of a small notebook and a piece of emerald-green jade. Flipping through the pages, she saw that it recorded the transactions between Yuwen Hu and that mysterious figure (the Heir Apparent). No mistake! The name could be changed, but this handwriting could not be faked. It was indeed Murong Qing's handwriting.

Examining each detail, she suddenly sighed. The matter was clear as day, yet the original host still pleaded for him. The one who refused to wake up was the original host. But thinking of the last words she had said, she felt a bit swayed. Her mind was now in a tangle, not knowing how to handle it properly. After all, she had come all this way to ask for help; how could she not assist? But... condoning a villain's evil deeds would make her no better. Moreover, the matter of Murong Qing was already too obvious.

She sighed, her face showing clear signs of distress. She tossed and turned on the bed, her legs kicking restlessly. Hugging the two items to her chest, she fell into a dilemma. How on earth could she satisfy both sides? She repeatedly buried her face in the pillow, bumping her head a few times. *Don't think about it! I don't want to think about it. How annoying.*

Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps outside the door. She hastily hid the notebook and the jade piece on her person. Before entering, a familiar voice echoed from outside,

"Sister Shi Yi!!"

From outside, the young girl rushed in. It was none other than Xiao Jing. The girl threw her arms around her neck, her face radiant as if meeting a soulmate after a long separation. Seeing Xiao Jing, she was also incredibly delighted.

"Xiao Jing? Is that you? Why are you here?"

Xiao Jing, still hugging Shi Yi tightly, turned her head and replied,

"I came to visit you. You left without a word a few days ago, and I was so worried. I was afraid we wouldn't have another chance to meet. I only found out you were here through Brother Lun. So I eagerly ran over." The girl continued to act spoiled, "Aiii... I missed you so much."

Shi Yi gently pulled the young girl away, her face welcoming. She looked Xiao Jing up and down, unable to stop praising her,

"It's only been a few days, yet your complexion looks so much brighter. You're so beautiful I almost didn't recognize you!"

Indeed, the dress the girl wore today suited her delicate, jade-like, radiant face perfectly. The blue skirt fluttered, further accentuating her sunny smile. Xiao Jing's eyes sparkled as she asked,

"Really? You flatter me. Hehe."

Then she giggled. She asked further,

"By the way, where did you meet Prince An? When was it?"

"This morning. Oh, I forgot to tell you, this morning was the grand opening of Sister Lin Ling's pastry shop. I met Brother Lun there; he came to congratulate her."

"Really? The grand opening was this morning? That's great! I told you, Sister Lin Ling's skills are outstanding. She will surely become famous in no time. I'll get to bask in her glory too!"

Her face lit up with excitement. Partly because thinking of those colorful, delicious, crispy pastries made her mouth water. Her gluttonous nature was deeply ingrained in her bones and could not be discarded! Partly, she was also happy that Lin Ling had opened her shop.

Xiao Jing suddenly remembered something and asked curiously,

"Sister Shi Yi, are you and Brother Lun progressing that fast? You haven't known each other long, yet he already brought you back to the manor. The two of you are like..."

The young girl hesitated, and hearing this, she became a bit agitated. Understanding Xiao Jing's thoughts, she flicked the girl's forehead gently and said,

"You! Don't think nonsense. Your Brother Lun and I really have nothing between us. What you saw before was just a misunderstanding. My staying here is also out of necessity, not what you think."

Nothing? Who would believe that? Especially since Xiao Jing had caught them in such an intimate position, saying there was nothing was truly hard to believe. Xiao Jing could only assume she was shyly hiding it. The girl began to tease her again.

"Really? You two don't have to be shy. If it's you, I support it with both hands and feet." With a gossipy face, she pressed, "How far have you two gotten? When can I drink your wedding wine? Don't forget me when the time comes!"

Shi Yi wanted to speak, but closed her mouth as soon as she opened it. She knew that no matter what she said, the girl would tease her. Therefore, she avoided the question and only smiled without replying. *Forget it, she won't believe me no matter what I say. After all, that scene was indeed highly misleading. Speaking to her is just a waste of breath.*

The girl stood up, pulling her along, and said excitedly,

"Let's go!"

"Go? Go where?"

"Let's go to my eldest sister's place to help her. It's crowded today. I'm afraid she can't manage alone. Come with me, an extra pair of hands is always better."

Shi Yi gladly agreed, "Alright, let's go."