Chapter Fifteen: The Reckless Youth

This news swept over the lake like a spring breeze, stirring up ripples that prompted Haitang Yu to reconsider the once reckless youth.

That day, Yushui He was busy washing dishes in the kitchen, her hands covered in suds, when Haitang Yu mysteriously pulled her into the room.

“Yushui, stop what you’re doing. I have something important to ask you,” Haitang said with a serious expression, her eyes revealing a trace of urgency.

Yushui looked puzzled. “What’s so urgent? I haven’t finished washing the dishes yet.”

Without hesitation, Haitang pressed down on her hands, her tone firm and unwavering. “Forget the dishes for now. This concerns your brother!”

“My brother?” Yushui furrowed her brows, a faint premonition stirring within her.

Taking a deep breath as if summoning great resolve, Haitang asked, “I heard that your brother and Widow Qin… is there really something going on between them?”

Hearing this, Yushui felt a mix of emotions—anger and helplessness. “What nonsense are you talking about? There’s no such thing! I even hoped they might have something, but unfortunately, my brother is such a stubborn blockhead; he refuses to marry Sister Qin.”

“What? You actually want your brother to marry a widow?” Haitang was so surprised she nearly cried out. She had never imagined Yushui would think that way.

Yushui shot back, “What’s wrong with a widow? Sister Qin is kind-hearted and gentle. If she were an unmarried girl, she might not even catch my brother’s eye! If she became my sister-in-law, my brother’s life would be wonderful.”

“But your brother…” Haitang hesitated, unable to comprehend Yushui’s logic. “Your brother is the cafeteria manager at Hongxing Ironworks, with a decent job earning a good monthly salary. With such good prospects, why would you want him to marry a widow?”

Hearing this, Yushui grew even more displeased. “I don’t like what you’re implying. What’s wrong with Sister Qin? She’s hardworking, capable, gentle, and caring—she’s more than worthy of my brother. On the contrary, you seem so concerned about his status. Could it be… you have feelings for my brother too?”

Haitang’s cheeks flushed crimson as if set aflame. She never expected that in a moment of urgency, she would reveal her true feelings.

“Don’t say such things!” Haitang hurriedly denied, though a hint of shyness flickered in her eyes.

---

Yushui suddenly understood. So this girl had harbored feelings for her brother all along.

She smiled secretly to herself but also felt a twinge of regret—why hadn’t she realized it sooner?

As night fell, Yushui sat alone at her desk, gazing out at the moonlight with a heavy heart.

She thought of her brother’s hardships over the years, Sister Qin’s gentle and virtuous nature, and Haitang’s affection for her brother. Suddenly, she felt compelled to act.

After much contemplation, Yushui finally made up her mind, stood up, and walked toward her brother’s room.

Yet, standing before his door, an inexplicable nervousness and timidity surged within her.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, but her clenched fist could not bring itself to knock on the familiar door.

Just as she was about to turn away, the sound of He Yuzhu’s voice came from inside, tinged with teasing curiosity.

“What are you playing at alone, putting on quite the show?” “Hurry up and come in; don’t just stand outside.”

As Yushui stepped over the threshold, He Yuzhu began to tease her, as if to sweep away the previously tense atmosphere.

“What’s gotten into my sister today? She even remembered to knock before entering. When did she become so polite?” He Yuzhu had already seen everything through the crack in the window.

He knew perfectly well that Yushui’s decision to come looking for him was the result of serious thought and considerable resolve.

Since their last unpleasant quarrel, the atmosphere at home had been strange.

That lunch was the first time they had spoken more than they had in a long while, which was unusual.

Seeing Yushui take the initiative, He Yuzhu considered how to gracefully ease the tension.

After all, they were family; grudges shouldn’t last overnight.

---

Yushui had been tense and on edge, fearing a scolding the moment she entered.

But He Yuzhu’s casual, carefree tone unexpectedly eased her, and much of her anxiety melted away.

“Brother, I came to apologize,” Yushui said with a pleading smile, her voice cautious, afraid that one wrong word might upset him again.

“Huh? What’s this about? You didn’t do anything wrong, so why apologize?” He Yuzhu already had a suspicion but pretended ignorance to tease his sister.

Yushui knew her brother well; seeing the barely concealed mischievous smile on his lips, she realized he was teasing her.

“Brother, don’t joke around. You know exactly why I’m apologizing.” “Let’s not beat around the bush—say what’s on your mind, be straightforward.” “I was wrong. I underestimated you before. I shouldn’t have teased you about Sister Qin or belittled you because of her.”

Her words surprised He Yuzhu.

He hadn’t expected Yushui to recognize her mistake so thoroughly, and hearing her speak of Sister Qin in such a way made him almost disbelieving.

He looked at Yushui with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

“I did guess you came to apologize, but I didn’t expect you to say all this. Be honest—what made you suddenly realize?”

Meeting his gaze, Yushui recounted her change of heart word by word, her voice sincere and resolute.

“Actually, it’s because of Haitang Yu.” “She told me I had underestimated you. Someone like her was worried you wouldn’t even look at her, and yet I was trying to set you up with Sister Qin. Looking back, it was my fault.” “Brother, I truly know I was wrong. Sister Qin is indeed a good woman, but I think you deserve someone better.” “My future sister-in-law should be a girl like Haitang Yu—or even better!”

When Yushui finished, He Yuzhu’s face showed astonishment, his eyes wide as saucers.