My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 30 Part 2

After seeing his father-in-law off, Ji Yangzong returned with his hands behind his back, his face clouded with worry.  

He knew You's mother had come to show off her newfound status, but her words hit a sore spot. If the Xue family really decided to flex their influence, the Ji family would be in trouble.

Now that they were moving to the city and cozying up to the Xue family, even though the You family was undeniably in the wrong regarding Ji Taoyu, and even though You Lingxiao had tearfully claimed at the gathering that he couldn’t bear to let Ji Taoyu go, their two-faced behavior made it unlikely they’d dare bring up the Ji family to the Xue family.  

But no one knew what schemes the mother and son might cook up over time, and they remained a lingering threat.

Huo Shu had a rough idea of what was troubling Ji Yangzong.  

"The Xue family hasn’t formally betrothed their daughter to You Lingxiao yet because they’re still hedging their bets. You Lingxiao has potential, but for an official family, he’s hardly their only option."  

Ji Yangzong looked at Huo Shu. "What do you mean?"  

"If the ‘treasure’ they’re betting on loses its value, based on your understanding of the Xue family, would they continue supporting You Lingxiao...or discard him?"  

Ji Yangzong said, "You Lingxiao is talented and handsome, that’s what the Xue family value. But the You family is still just ordinary family, and their clan isn’t united. Without his potential, the Xue family wouldn’t waste their resources on him, they only have one daughter, after all."  

Huo Shu nodded. "Exactly. In that case, Village Head, there’s no need to worry about the You family anymore."  

Ji Yangzong still didn’t fully grasp Huo Shu’s meaning, but Huo Shu said nothing more.

Huo Shu glanced in the direction of the Ji family’s kitchen and said:  

"Thank you for the hospitality today, village head. I’ll take my leave first."  

Ji Yangzong, noticing Huo Shu’s expression, composed himself and said: "Xiao Taozi and his mother are washing dishes in the kitchen. They should be almost done. I’ll have him see you off."  

"No need to trouble them."  

With that, Huo Shu turned and left.  

Ji Yangzong frowned, somewhat puzzled.  

Returning inside, Ji Taoyu wiped his hands on his apron and asked: "Has Grandfather left already?"  

"Yes."  

Ji Taoyu fastened the food box and asked: "What about Brother Huo?"  

"Both gone."  

"Gone?"  

Ji Taoyu’s eyes widened in surprise. He quickly grabbed the food box and rushed outside.  

Ji Yangzong watched his impulsive ger and said to Huang Manjing: "This child."  

"You bought a lot of shrimp earlier, and there’s plenty left, big and fresh. Xiao Taozi said that since Sun niangzi's visit disrupted the meal and since Huo Shu seemed to like the shrimp, he wanted to pack some leftovers for him to take back."  

"That’s fine."  

Ji Yangzong said: "This child is quite thoughtful."  

"Brother Huo!"  

Huo Shu was walking leisurely toward the Zhao family’s direction, intending to take care of some business, when a familiar voice called out from behind.  

He turned and saw Ji Taoyu running toward him along the field path, clutching a food box.  

"You left too quickly."  

Huo Shu walked quite a ways ahead, and by the time Ji Taoyu caught up, the ger was already panting. He hastily handed the food box to Huo Shu.  

"What’s this?"  

Ji Taoyu, still catching his breath, said: "Sun niangzi disrupted the meal earlier. Father was worried you didn’t eat well, so he asked me to bring you this. There’s plenty of food left at home. If you don’t mind leftovers, take these back with you."  

Huo Shu didn’t respond immediately, but he still took the food box.  

He opened it to take a look, and his brows twitched slightly.  

Inside the box was a plate of shrimp - smaller than the ones served at lunch, but every single one had been peeled, leaving only the meat with the heads intact, neatly arranged in two full layers.  

Huo Shu recalled how Ji Taoyu had slipped into the kitchen right after the meal, barely even bidding farewell to Huang Yinsheng when he left.  

He had thought the young ger was simply tired from cooking all morning, but now…  

An indescribable warmth stirred in Huo Shu’s heart, making it hard for him to look away.  

"I-I was afraid the plate wouldn’t hold much, so I peeled the shells off."  

Ji Taoyu, noticing Huo Shu’s lingering gaze at the peeled shrimp, felt as if he himself were being scrutinized. His ears turned slightly red. "Do you have vinegar at home?"  

Huo Shu carefully closed the lid and nodded.  

"That’s good."  

Ji Taoyu, somewhat embarrassed, said: "I-I should head back now. I’ve delayed you enough."  

"Ji Taoyu."  

Huo Shu suddenly called out to him just as he was about to leave.  

"Hmm?"  

Huo Shu looked quietly at the young ger. Ji Taoyu’s brows furrowed slightly as he returned the gaze in confusion. "What is it?"  

"Nothing."  

"Things are chaotic outside. Don’t go out unless necessary. If you must, let me know."  

"Alright."  

Huo Shu opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but for the first time, he felt frustrated by his own reticence.  

After a brief silence, he could only say: "Go back."  

Ji Taoyu acknowledged him with a sound.  

Walking away with his back to Huo Shu, his mind momentarily blank, he soon remembered that Huo Shu had accepted the food box, and his steps lightened slightly.  

Just as he reached the corner, he suddenly paused.  

Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together and slowly turned his head, intending to catch a glimpse of Huo Shu’s retreating figure. But when he looked back, he saw the man still standing there, watching him silently.  

The winter wind was cold, yet it seemed to avoid Huo Shu as he stood motionless in the breeze.  

When their eyes met, Ji Taoyu suddenly felt something rise in his chest - something warm, spreading rapidly with the rhythm of his heartbeat.  

It was like a floodgate opening or spring sunlight bursting forth, filling his body so completely that even the cold wind no longer felt biting.