Chapter 53: What Is This Thing Called Love
Noticing Li Yi’s embarrassment, Du Xiaomei couldn’t help but purse her lips in a secret smile, choosing not to tease him further. Li Lizhi, on her part, gave a gentle smile and sensibly remained silent.
However, with Du Xiaomei’s reminder, Li Yi earnestly searched his mind for the answer, but after turning the matter over several times, he still couldn’t fathom how he might have offended Du Ruhui.
There was simply no logic to it...
Li Yi wore an expression of speechless bewilderment, inwardly muttering, “Father-in-law, at the very least, you could have explained yourself to your son-in-law...”
Since it was impossible to figure out, Li Yi decided not to dwell on it. Why waste precious brain cells for no reason?
After all, from what he could tell, Du Ruhui didn’t seem like a petty man.
At that moment, Li Lizhi suddenly looked at Li Yi with curious eyes and asked, “Young Master Li, might I also learn the Taiji boxing you taught to Uncle Du?”
With Li Lizhi’s request, the color returned to Du Xiaomei’s cheeks as she gazed at Li Yi with innocent, blinking eyes.
“Husband, I want to learn too!” Du Xiaomei pouted.
The eagerness to learn shone clearly in both their eyes, making them appear utterly adorable.
Both of them practiced martial arts, and after observing just now, along with Du Ruhui’s words, they had already discerned that this “Taiji boxing” was by no means ordinary.
Li Yi had thought it was something serious, but on recalling Du Ruhui’s earlier words, he finally understood: Li Lizhi’s main purpose was to learn this set of boxing from him?
No wonder Du Ruhui had excused himself so tactfully.
Considering the good relationship between Li Lizhi and Du Xiaomei, Li Yi nodded with a bright smile and agreed readily, “Very well, I’ll teach you!”
Then, Li Yi glanced over his shoulder at Yue’er, beckoning her over. Yue’er hurried to his side, standing obediently before him, blinking as she asked curiously, “Young Master, what do you need?”
Li Yi gave her a meaningful look, signaling, “Yue’er, you go teach the Princess; I’ll teach Xiaomei.”
“Uh…” Yue’er hesitated briefly, then nodded, “Yes, Young Master!”
Though puzzled, she followed his instructions without question.
Thus, Yue’er went over to Li Lizhi.
Du Xiaomei was naturally overjoyed at Li Yi’s arrangement, her smile outshining even the sun, while Li Lizhi was suddenly a little disappointed.
Hmph, why can’t you teach us both at the same time? Even practicing boxing, you have to show off your affection...
“Li Yi, you stingy scoundrel!” Li Lizhi fumed inwardly, though her face retained a pleasant smile throughout. Nodding slightly to Li Yi, she responded with ladylike grace, “In that case, thank you, Young Master Li, for your generosity.”
“No need for formality, Princess. As I’ve said, we’re friends…” Li Yi replied with a smile, then took Du Xiaomei aside to begin their practice.
Seeing the two start, Li Lizhi felt something catch in her throat.
“Hmph, rotten man!” Li Lizhi pouted, suddenly feeling a pang of jealousy toward Du Xiaomei.
Meanwhile, Yue’er had already noticed the change in Li Lizhi’s expression. A woman’s intuition is rarely wrong—no matter how well a person hides their feelings, the eyes never lie.
Yue’er sensed that Li Lizhi seemed to be falling for Li Yi.
Softly, she reminded the Princess, “Your Highness, shall we begin?”
Only then did Li Lizhi snap out of her envy. Glancing at the gentle Yue’er beside her, she smiled and said, “Thank you, Miss Yue’er.”
“You’re too kind, Princess,” Yue’er replied with a smile.
The two of them then began their practice. Yet, despite Yue’er’s repeated guidance, Li Lizhi’s attention wandered—her eyes, driven by a strange impulse, kept drifting toward Li Yi and Du Xiaomei.
Even during practice, her mind was elsewhere; she missed several moves, failing to keep pace.
Feeling awkward, Li Lizhi apologized, “Um… Miss Yue’er, I’m truly sorry.”
Yue’er sighed inwardly but kept a warm smile on her face, saying, “No need to rush, Princess. Let’s take it slow; this set of boxing is easy to learn.”
“Yes!” Li Lizhi nodded, but she still couldn’t settle her thoughts. Her gaze continued to stray, always drawn toward Li Yi and Du Xiaomei.
What’s wrong with me? she wondered in surprise.
She had always shown great talent for martial arts—even the generals who taught her in the palace praised her gifts.
What on earth is wrong with me today?
Li Lizhi simply couldn’t understand. Raised in the palace, she knew nothing of the matters between men and women, nor what it meant to “like” someone. Now, she found herself adrift.
“Princess, relax. Let’s just take our time,” Yue’er soothed her.
“Thank you, Miss Yue’er,” Li Lizhi replied, feeling a pang of guilt—after all, it was her own distraction, yet Yue’er kept encouraging her. Perhaps it was partly because she was a princess, but the guilt remained.
At that moment, Yue’er suddenly paused, approached Li Lizhi, and said in a calm voice, “Princess, may I ask you a personal question? If my words offend, I beg your forgiveness.”
“Hmm…?” Li Lizhi was taken aback. What personal question could possibly offend her?
After a moment’s thought, she smiled and replied, “Miss Yue’er, feel free to ask. I won’t mind.”
“Very well.” Yue’er nodded, then looked at Li Lizhi with utmost seriousness and asked, “Princess, have you perhaps fallen for the young master?”
Li Lizhi was stunned, staring at Yue’er in disbelief.
She liked Li Yi?
How could that be!
After all, Li Yi was Xiaomei’s fiancé—her good friend’s future husband! How could she possibly fall for that infuriating man?
It was absolutely impossible!
Li Lizhi immediately dismissed the notion from her mind.
“Miss Yue’er, you must be mistaken,” she said with a gentle smile and a shake of her head. “How could I possibly like your young master? He is Xiaomei’s fiancé. We’re just friends, nothing more.”
But as soon as she spoke the words, Li Lizhi felt an inexplicable sense of loss in her heart.
It was a strange feeling, one she couldn’t name...
Today has been a busy day, I’ve fallen behind—please vote for me, QAQ
(End of chapter)