Early in the morning, Yu Chunmiao put on a fitted blue linen dress and took some time to braid her hair into a beautiful fishtail braid. She wasn't skilled at complicated hairstyles, but braiding a horse's tail for the Equestrian Competition was something she could do with ease.
She parted her hair into a side part, starting the braid from the top of her head and weaving it down to the back of her neck, then gathered the remaining hair together, allowing the fishtail braid to extend to the tips. Qi Chong had been somewhat distant with her lately, so she needed to take action and use her beauty to entice him.
Her appearance was quite pleasing; her delicate features were charmingly cute. Although she was a bit thin due to long-term malnutrition, her proportions were just right. She had what needed to be there and was slender where it counted. Recently, with better meals, not only had her complexion become rosy, but she had also filled out a bit.
The clothes she had brought from Yu's family were leftovers from Sister-in-law, oversized and ill-fitting. The outfit she made herself showcased her figure perfectly.
As she stepped into the courtyard, the first person to notice her was Qi Chong. The morning sunlight bathed the girl in a warm glow, her fair skin radiating a soft light.
He approached with a charming smile, a wisp of hair brushing against the dimple at the corner of his lips, making one want to tuck it behind her ear.
Qi Chong's heart skipped a beat; how could anyone not love such a girl? He clenched his fist against his nose and cleared his throat, turning his gaze away.
The first to compliment her was Qi Rong. "Sister-in-law, you look beautiful today, like a fairy stepping out of a painting."
Yu Chunmiao's ears turned red as she graciously replied, "Thank you, Qi Rong."
Chen Ruolan pulled her aside and spun her around. "Our Yu Chunmiao is truly beautiful! You must be careful when you go out today; we don't want anyone stealing you away."
After saying this, Chen Ruolan instinctively glanced at Qi Chong.
"Mother," Yu Chunmiao drawled playfully, feeling shy. "It's not that exaggerated."
As she spoke, Yu Chunmiao stole a glance at Qi Chong.
It seemed he noticed her looking at him and gave her a slight nod.
His indifferent attitude left her feeling somewhat frustrated. Yu Chunmiao twirled her braid and walked up to Qi Chong, unabashedly asking him, "Qi Rong said I'm pretty; what do you think?"
Qi Chong cleared his throat softly. "Um."
Yu Chunmiao pursued his evasive gaze relentlessly. "What’s pretty about me? Do you like it?"
Qi Chong's face instantly flushed; his tanned skin took on a hint of red.
"Stop teasing; we’ll be late for the Ox Cart soon."
Chen Ruolan worried that her son might have emotional scars from being distant with Yu Chunmiao for too long, which could wear down their feelings over time. But seeing Yu Chunmiao being so proactive eased all her concerns.
The son cannot escape the grasp of his daughter-in-law.
Qi Chong's flushed earlobes did not escape Yu Chunmiao's eyes. She stuck out her tongue at him and linked arms with Chen Ruolan as they walked out of the courtyard.
Qi Yuan and Qi Rong stayed behind to watch the house while the three of them made their way to the village entrance.
Today, Wang Butcher wasn't selling meat, so they set off a bit later. A few villagers were gathered at the entrance, waiting for a ride.
As soon as they arrived, someone greeted them.
"Qi Er Sister, long time no see! You've been holed up in that corner every day, we were starting to forget about you. If it weren't for the recent commotion at Qi Changsheng's house, I might have really forgotten you!"
Chen Ruolan didn't want to engage in conversation with them. She politely replied, "I live far away and don’t go out much unless necessary."
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