Rebirth: Contract Husband Falls in Love with Me-Chapter 507 - 259: Planning to Accompany (2)

"There’s no need!" Mrs. Wang said with a smile: "However, I do have two people for you to take along, and you are not to decline."

"Two people?" Shi Fengju was slightly taken aback, seemingly understanding his mother’s intention.

"It’s not proper for you to be without someone reliable by your side when you’re out. Let Fang’er and Xiuchun accompany you; they can help you manage your meals and daily life. That would put my mind at ease while you’re away!" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Mother," Shi Fengju furrowed his brows and rejected flatly: "There’s no need! I was just about to discuss this with you. I’m planning to go to Dongliu Village tomorrow night, and then take Miss Wan with me the day after. Sang Wan has been taking care of me from Handan all the way back, and I’ve gotten used to her care. Plus, the scenery in Hangzhou is beautiful, and it’s a great opportunity to take her out for a change of scenery. Cousin and Xiuchun should stay here and keep you company, Mother!"

Mrs. Wang was momentarily stunned, "You, you are taking Miss Wan with you?"

"Yes," Shi Fengju said: "Now mother can rest assured, right?"

Rest assured? Logically, she should be reassured, since her son will be looked after, but Mrs. Wang felt somewhat twisted inside. After a long pause, she said: "Then why didn’t you tell me earlier? I worried for nothing!"

"I’ve been busy these past few days, am I not telling you now?" Shi Fengju replied with a breezy smile, then chuckled: "Alright, let’s just say your son was forgetful and made a silly mistake. I apologize to mother; are you satisfied now?"

Mrs. Wang, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, felt uncomfortable deep down but had no more to say, and waved her hand with a resigned sigh: "Never mind, never mind! You go! No matter what, you’re always right!"

Although Mrs. Wang was somewhat displeased, the happiness of her son was more important. Since he said Sang Wan takes good care of him, Mrs. Wang consoled herself to let it be.

Shi Fengju smiled, exchanged a few more words, and then left.

At the peony garden, Gu Fangzi’s smile hadn’t faded since she returned, and she took personal care in packing her luggage with great precision. She knew this was a golden opportunity that might not come again. With the picturesque scenery of Jiangnan and a shared past that both of them had once traveled together—and without Sang Wan there to dampen the mood—Gu Fangzi believed that hearts aren’t made of iron. Given her efforts to follow and take care of him, even if he didn’t immediately return to treating her the way he used to, there would surely be a softening. By the time they returned, their relationship would undoubtedly have warmed-up significantly. Then, with just a little provocation against Sang Wan, she would make the same impulsive mistakes as Gu Fangzi herself had done in the past. This way, the young master would be hers in the end!

To win Shi Fengju’s favor and evoke his memories, Gu Fangzi put tremendous thought into her selection of clothes, accessories, and jewelry. Mistress and maidservant were busy until midnight before they finally finished packing and turned off the lights to go to bed.

The footsteps of Lan Xiang, who had quickly fallen into steady breathing, could be heard, but Gu Fangzi was too excited to sleep. In the still of the night, she couldn’t help but recall the former Lan Xiang; if she were here, she would have shared the same excitement and had endless conversations with her. This one was far from comparable!

Gu Fangzi never expected that when she visited Mrs. Wang the next day to pay her respects, she would be struck by a bolt from the blue. Her complexion turned pale in an instant, and her expression of astonishment made Mrs. Wang feel both sympathy and guilt.

"It’s all my fault, had I asked Fengju in advance, this wouldn’t have happened! Since he has taken Miss Wan to look after him, you can stay at home. It’s a good opportunity to prepare for the wedding!" Mrs. Wang said with a smile, gently patting her hand.

Gu Fangzi was so angry she nearly swore, gripping her palm tightly, but she held back and managed to restrain herself.

"Hmm, sister has always been attentive. With her care, my aunt can also be at ease, and I will be reassured! As long as cousin is happy, it’s all fine by me! And this is not related to my aunt at all; my aunt has nothing to apologize to me for, how could I bear it!" Gu Fangzi forced a smile.

Seeing her obviously straining to smile, her face more grievous than if she were crying, and yet still being so understanding and comforting, Mrs. Wang was profoundly moved. She gently patted Fangzi’s hand, sighing, not knowing what else to say.

In Dongliu Village, Sang Wan and Liu Ya had already spent two days. The environment here was serene, a favored place for the people of Shi Mansion to stay and cool off during the hot summer days. All the houses and furnishings were maintained by dedicated people, so Sang Wan and her servant had an easy time settling in.

There was a large camphor tree forest behind the manor, Sang Wan’s favorite spot for its tranquility and the unique fragrance in the air. She often spent half a day here with Liu Ya, simply whiling away the hours.

On the day of her arrival, Sang Wan was secretly hoping that Fengju would come to find her—showing, even if she refused to go back with him, that he still had her in his heart.

However, two days passed, and not a trace of Fengju was to be seen. Instead, Mrs. Li had someone send over tea leaves, tea set, pastries, fruits, incense burner with incense cakes, thin blankets, and sitting mats, all the everyday items she was used to. Grateful as Sang Wan was, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed and annoyed, which made her a bit sullen.

Liu Ya, who understood Sang Wan best, hurriedly coaxed with a smile: "Madam, don’t be upset, the young master must be busy these past few days. Otherwise, he would definitely come to see you! Everyone knows the young master cares about you the most!"

Was her own mood really that obvious? Could the young girl see right through her, even offering such spontaneous consolation?

Sang Wan immediately felt somewhat embarrassed and disordered.

On second thought, what was she angry about? What did it matter if Fengju didn’t come to see her or didn’t care about her feelings? Wasn’t that just natural? Why did she expect him to come at all? She had regarded both herself and him too highly, creating her own unwarranted frustration. What for?

With these thoughts, she felt a bit better, gave Liu Ya a playful glare, and said with a smile: "What nonsense are you spouting, girl? How did you see that I was upset? We finally have a chance to relax in this lovely scenery—why should I dwell on silly thoughts when there’s no need to worry about anything? I’m not that foolish!"