It was a relief when the master finally dismissed class, and everyone swarmed around Yu Mingyue.
"Is he the new top scholar who placed first in all three imperial examinations?"
"You were too bold just now."
"Quick, tell us, what's going on between you and that Xie Jiayan...?"
They were a mix of envious and shy; they certainly wouldn't dare.
Besides, that Xie Jiayan looked so gentle. The way he spoke to Mingyue just now, his gaze was as soft as moonlight flowing on water. Truly, a noble gentleman, as if carved and polished.
Hearing her sisters praise Xie Jiayan, Yu Mingyue felt a sense of shared pride. She spoke of Xie Jiayan with boundless enthusiasm: "Brother Jiayan placed first in all three examinations because there were only three tests. His knowledge far surpasses that. I'm not bragging, but among the people I know, including my uncle and maternal grandfather, none match his learning. In short, there's nothing he doesn't know..."
"He's that amazing!"
At an age when hearts flutter, and for such a handsome young man, the group of young ladies couldn't help but feel envious.
"Sixth sister, when you praise him, your eyes light up and sparkle like stars, even more enthusiastically than when you praise Brother Mingjing. Do you like him?" Cui Xinru asked.
To rush over and hug him in front of everyone, that was truly... so brave!
Yu Mingyue froze, clearly caught off guard by Cui Xinru's question.
Like?
Did she like Brother Jiayan?
She felt about him the same way she felt about her brother?
Did she act like that?
She had never considered this question before.
"Sixth sister, Sixth sister?" Cui Xinru called out.
"Ah?" Yu Mingyue finally snapped back to reality.
"I asked you, do you like Xie Jiayan?"
"I... I don't know." Yu Mingyue lowered her head, losing her earlier effervescence. However, her heart suddenly began to pound fiercely.
"Still denying it? Your face is all red!" Cui Xinru teased.
Yu Mingyue covered her face and whispered, "No, I'm not!"
Though she said so, her thoughts were in complete disarray.
Did she like him?
"Alright, alright, the master is coming back, quickly take your seats!" Cui Xin'ai rescued Yu Mingyue.
Yu Mingyue sat in her seat, propping her chin on her hand, her thoughts drifting far away.
Was this liking?
No, it couldn't be?
But why was her face flushing and her heart beating so fast? She didn't feel this way about others.
Oh, dear!
Sister Xinru was so wicked, why did she tell her this, making her feel so troubled now.
Why was her mind now filled entirely with Brother Jiayan?
The way he walked, the way he read, the way he drank tea, and the way he smiled at her just now when she glanced over.
Oh, dear, she longed to see him now.
It was a relief when school finally ended, and Yu Mingyue, without even tidying her things, ran off.
Cui Xinru teased, "Still saying you don't like him? If the master didn't dismiss class any sooner, Sixth sister would have fallen ill from lovesickness."
Cui Xin'ai glared at her sister, "This concerns Sixth sister's reputation, don't talk nonsense! You few are not allowed to tease her anymore. Didn't Sixth sister just say it? Xie Jiayan and the Duke's mansion are neighbors, and he's good friends with Brother Mingjing."
"Yes!" The other sisters quietly stuck out their tongues but dared not disobey their elder sister.
Cui Xin'ai nodded, "Alright, everyone disperse!"
Although Cui Xin'ai said this, she felt a hint of worry. Could it be that Sixth sister's reluctance to marry the Seventh Prince was because of Xie Jiayan?
...
Yu Mingyue ran all the way to the courtyard where her maternal grandfather received guests. Before she could even catch her breath, she saw her grandfather and Xie Jiayan emerging from a room, chatting and laughing.
Seeing Yu Mingyue running breathlessly, Elder Cui couldn't help but say, "You child, what's with this reckless haste?"
Yu Mingyue's eyes were fixed on Xie Jiayan. She was certain. Sister Xinru was right; she did like Brother Jiayan.
She liked him very much!
Because the moment she saw him, all her earlier anxieties and restless heartbeats vanished. She was so happy, sweet as honey.