Chapter Seventeen: Adding Trouble

So, he absentmindedly went about his tasks, his mind already scheming the next move.

Meanwhile, someone else was far less composed—Xu Damou.

Xu Damou was burning with anger, his face covered in pimples, revealing his inner turmoil at a glance.

Why was he so upset? It was all because of He Yuzhu! Xu Damou had just been dumped by Lou Xiao’e, another beauty from the courtyard, and somehow, He Yuzhu was involved.

Xu Damou thought it unfair that he was alone and lonely, while He Yuzhu enjoyed the blessings of being surrounded by admirers. It wasn’t right! Determined to make things difficult for He Yuzhu and ruin his happiness, Xu Damou began plotting his plan.

Since Yu Haitang was so concerned about He Yuzhu, he decided to start with her.

He hurried to Yu Haitang’s office door and knocked loudly.

“Yu, are you there?” Xu Damou called out loudly.

“It’s Xu Ge, come in,” Yu Haitang’s calm voice replied.

Pushing open the door, Xu Damou saw Yu Haitang tidying her things, ready to leave for the day.

“Yu, it’s already after hours. Why are you still here? Is something wrong?” Xu Damou feigned concern.

“Nothing much, just packing up. Xu Ge, is there something you need?” Yu Haitang glanced at him, a trace of suspicion in her eyes.

“Nothing serious, just want to invite you to dinner. We can chat while we eat,” Xu Damou smiled brightly, pretending it was a simple invitation.

Yu Haitang immediately grew suspicious: What was he really up to? We don’t have much interaction—why suddenly invite me to dinner?

“Xu Ge, I’m surprised by your sudden invitation. We don’t really have a close relationship. What’s there to talk about?” she gently expressed her doubts.

Xu Damou’s heart skipped a beat but he maintained his smile. “Yu, don’t be so distant. We may not talk often, but we’re from the same village, always running into each other. Besides, He Yuzhu and I have been friends since childhood. Don’t you want to hear about him?”

A cold smile curled on Yu Haitang’s lips. “Xu Ge, stop beating around the bush. I think it’s you who wants to tell me something about He Yuzhu.”

Xu Damou’s face reddened but he pressed on, “Yu, you’re being too formal. I really just want to have a meal and chat. If you don’t want to go out, we can talk here in the office.”

Yu Haitang felt even more uneasy. She pointed toward the door with a hint of sarcasm, “Xu Ge, I’m still busy here. I really don’t have time for dinner. You can talk here if you want.”

Xu Damou felt stifled by her attitude, gritting his teeth and swallowing hard before continuing. “Yu, I’ll be straightforward. What do you think of He Yuzhu? Do you think he’s got good prospects?”

Yu Haitang nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Leaning closer, Xu Damou whispered conspiratorially, “Yu, He Yuzhu isn’t as simple as you think. He’s already involved with that woman Qin Huairu!”

Yu Haitang’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Seeing her reaction, Xu Damou grew more smug. “If you become He Yuzhu’s other half, you’re jumping straight into a fire pit!”

His tone was serious, filled with resentment toward He Yuzhu.

Yu Haitang’s expression darkened instantly. She retorted, “Stop spreading nonsense. They’re just ordinary neighbors and colleagues. It’s not as complicated as you say.”

Xu Damou scoffed, shaking his head, and continued, “I’m a good person, so since we’re talking, I’ll just lay it all out for you. Look, Qin Huairu, me, and He Yuzhu all live in the same courtyard. Since Qin Huairu’s husband passed away, He Yuzhu’s been after her, always hovering around, eager to impress. His lunch boxes are always packed full—not for himself, but for Qin Huairu!”

He spoke with such fervor as if he had witnessed everything firsthand.

“Yu, you better be careful of Qin Huairu. She’s no innocent bystander, always running to He Yuzhu—who knows what her intentions are.”

Yu Haitang’s face turned pale. Forcing a smile, she asked, “Xu Ge, where did you hear these rumors? I find it hard to believe.”

Xu Damou pounded his chest in assurance. “If you don’t believe me, go ask around the courtyard yourself. If anyone says He Yuzhu never brought food to the Jia family, or that Qin Huairu never helped He Yuzhu with housework, I’ll twist my head off and let you kick it like a ball!”

Though doubtful, Yu Haitang’s feelings for He Yuzhu were strong. She resolved to find out the truth herself.

After work, she headed straight to the courtyard.

Instead of asking around, she knocked on Qin Huairu’s door.

When Qin Huairu opened and saw a young unfamiliar girl, she was puzzled but welcomed her warmly. “Oh, young lady, come in. The house is humble—don’t mind.”

Yu Haitang nervously settled on a small stool, fidgeting with her clothes. “Qin Jie, you’re very kind. I just wanted to chat casually.”

Noticing her nervousness, Qin Huairu guessed something was up but feigned ignorance. “Having trouble at work? If there’s anything I can help with, just say.”

Yu Haitang shook her head, summoning courage. “Actually, Qin Jie, I want to ask about He Yuzhu.”

Qin Huairu’s eyes flickered briefly but quickly regained calm. “Oh? He Yuzhu? What do you want to know?”

Taking a deep breath, Yu Haitang laid out her doubts. “I heard that He Yuzhu takes special care of your family, often bringing you food, and that you often go to help him with chores. Is that true?”