Chapter 1024: Side Story 2 (4)

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“I truly hope so, but honestly, your constant chatter can be quite overwhelming at times.”

Runsheng’s face fell, but a flicker of determination replaced it. “Yes, I completely understand. I will definitely work on curbing that tendency. Brother Li, please give me another chance to interact with your sister, just one!”

Mr. Li Er hesitated, about to decline. However, upon seeing Runsheng’s genuine sincerity, he found himself nodding in reluctant agreement. “Alright,” he conceded, “but you only get one more shot.”

“Don’t worry,” Runsheng declared with newfound confidence, “I won’t waste this opportunity.”

Five days later, Hong Suzhi ventured out with two maidservants. She wanted to inquire about buying land.

No matter what the future holds, she will be prepared.

As they neared the clinic, a commotion drew Hong Suzhi’s attention. A crowd had gathered, and curiosity piqued, she approached. To her surprise, she witnessed a young woman attempting to sell herself into servitude to bury her deceased father.

However, Hong Suzhi’s keen eye immediately spotted a flaw in the performance. The supposed corpse’s skin color was far too lifelike. Dead men don’t have rosy cheeks, do they?

Just as she was about to turn away, the woman lunged at a young master clad in luxurious clothing. “Young Master,” she pleaded desperately, “Please buy me! I’ll be your devoted servant for the rest of my days!”

The young master recoiled in disgust. “Absolutely not! My household is overflowing with maids—many far prettier than you. Besides, that man over there just gave you ten taels of silver. Surely, that should be more than enough to bury even five bodies! Why didn’t you express your gratitude to him instead of harassing me?”

He dismissively swatted her hand away with his fan. “Honestly, what bad luck! My perfectly good clothes are now ruined.” With that, he stormed off, leaving the distraught woman in his wake.

Hong Suzhi froze, her heart pounding in her chest. That voice—it couldn’t be! Runsheng? But how could he be so heartless? Perhaps, it was just his decisiveness in recognizing a scam.

Her gaze fell upon the woman, who watched Young Master Yao depart with clenched fists. Hong Suzhi shook her head in silent sympathy and continued on her way.

Three days later, while visiting the Mother God Temple to offer prayers, Mr. Li Er revealed her location to Runsheng so that he could meet her.

As Hong Suzhi began her descent from the mountain, she was unexpectedly bumped into by none other than Runsheng, who had conveniently “appeared” on the path. He then offered her an escort back to the city, his demeanor far more subdued than their previous encounter.

Throughout the journey, Runsheng initiated conversations, this time focusing on topics related to Mother God. It was a genuine conversation, starkly contrasting his previous flamboyant ramblings. Hong Suzhi, in turn, found herself drawn to this new side of him.

Their paths crossed twice more over the following days.

“Did my brother spill the beans?” Hong Suzhi inquired with a playful smile during one of their encounters.

Runsheng grinned sheepishly. “Actually, it was my sincerity that swayed him. Miss, I truly admire you. Please grant me the chance to court you.” He cupped his fists in a gesture of earnest respect.

Hong Suzhi, momentarily taken aback, dismissed her maidservants. “There’s something you should know,” she began hesitantly. “If you don’t mind, perhaps we could discuss it further in private?”

“Of course,” Runsheng readily agreed. “What is it?”

Hong Suzhi braced herself and revealed a shocking truth. “The reason I left the capital… was because I lost my virginity. I even had to undergo an abortion.” With that, she fell silent, refusing to meet his gaze.

Runsheng went speechless. After a long pause, he finally managed to speak. “Was it consensual?” he asked, his voice serious.

“No,” Hong Suzhi mumbled, the lie heavy on her tongue.

However, the fabrication served a purpose. If she and Runsheng were to have a future together, this secret couldn’t stay buried forever. It was better to reveal it now than risk future complications.

Runsheng cut her off, his usual exuberance replaced by a gentle yet firm tone.

” I only feel sympathy, not scorn.”

“Don’t make any rash decisions. Let’s talk more in three days.” Hong Suzhi replied and started walking away.

This time, Runsheng didn’t chase after her. Instead, he watched her retreating figure, a flicker of unwavering determination replacing his initial shock. Her confession, at this point, spoke volumes about her trust and honesty. Since his heart was already set on her, a past mistake wouldn’t deter him.

Three days passed, and Runsheng returned, his answer clear. He accepted her, past and all.

Half a year later, they were married. Two years after that, with their firstborn son by their side, Hong Suzhi finally unburdened herself, revealing the truth about her past—her identity and her marriage to the deceased King Kang.

Runsheng held her close, a mix of sorrow and relief washing over him. His heart ached for the hardships she’d endured. Thankfully, King Kang was gone, or he wouldn’ t have had the chance to meet this extraordinary woman. At the same time, a wave of gratitude washed over him for the late emperor’s demise, for it paved the way for their unlikely yet beautiful love story.

From that day forward, they became a beacon of generosity, readily offering aid to those in need during times of hardship. Their love story, born from a chance encounter and nurtured by honesty and understanding, became a testament to the power of second chances.