Regardless of whether the other party had ulterior motives, Gu Chengyu did not want to have any further contact with them.

Ming Yan immediately understood his master’s intention, cracked a whip, ignored the young woman, and the carriage galloped forward at once.

The young woman wanted to take something out of her sleeve, but before she could finish speaking, she saw the carriage swiftly leave, leaving her dumbfounded.

Fang Yiming was also dumbfounded; he hesitated just a moment ago, not expecting the carriage to leave so decisively.

The onlookers saw that the main subject had left, and most of them gradually dispersed, though some stayed as the young woman hadn’t left.

As for their intent, it was unknown.

"Ahem! Miss, that gentleman has already left, please get up!"

Fang Yiming saw the young woman still kneeling on the ground, suppressed the discomfort in his heart, and stepped forward to help.

The young woman quickly avoided Fang Yiming’s hand and got up herself. She wiped her tears with her sleeve and, forcing a smile, bowed to the two gentlemen.

"Thank you for saving me just now, I am deeply grateful."

Fang Yiming quickly replied, "Miss, there’s no need to take it to heart, it was just a small effort, moreover, we didn’t actually help."

He glanced at the people who remained curious, noticing among them a few with shifty looks and clearly ill intentions, making him startled.

These people had perverted glances, looking like ruffians, so he softly said, "Miss, you are alone, it’s not safe to stay here long. If you don’t mind, let me and my classmate escort you home."

Lv Yunfeng originally planned to leave as Fang Yiming was unwilling to go. However, after Fang Yiming’s reminder, he realized there were several people around leering at the young woman, so he paused.

A fragile woman having just escaped a tiger’s mouth and then entering a wolf’s den would truly be a crime.

"Su’er!"

The woman was about to respond but then heard someone calling her. Looking up, she saw it was her aunt.

She quickly curtsied, "Thank you for your kind offer, my aunt has come for me, so I will take my leave."

"Aunt, Su’er is here." After saying that, the young woman walked towards the matron coming for her.

In no time, the two disappeared from the crowd’s view.

The onlookers, with no more show to see, scattered futilely. Only those with ulterior motives showed some frustration.

Such a beautiful girl, even to tease a little or enjoy with their eyes, would have been nice.

Fang Yiming felt a bit disappointed; why did she leave just like that? He couldn’t help but speculate whether the unfinished words of the girl meant she intended to offer herself?

Humph! Fang Yiming sneered, was she moved by the high status of the counterpart? In contrast, she dismissed them, implying disdain?

"Brother Fang, the girl already has family looking for her, let’s quickly head back!"

Lv Yunfeng saw Fang Yiming’s gloomy expression, he couldn’t help but be disappointed with Fang Yiming’s conduct today, deciding he must distance himself from him in the future.

It wasn’t that he blamed Fang Yiming for meddling, but felt he was somewhat incapable. Shouldn’t he assess his ability before trying to save someone?

In the end, the awkward situation was purely Fang Yiming’s fault, yet now he seemed to harbor resentment towards the girl and the nobleman.

Originally, if Silver provided financial aid and the girl wanted to repay, it would be quite reasonable.

Moreover, if the girl fancied the noble’s status, it was her choice anyway, what concern was it to them?

He felt Fang Yiming was narrow-minded and had an undue interest in women, instantly loathing him.

Even if he earned a fame, this person wouldn’t achieve much.

A haggard-looking woman pulled Liu Su’er as they briskly walked out of the city.

"Miss, today’s plan failed. It will be difficult to find another opportunity next time." the woman softly said to the girl.

"This person is extremely astute, very wary, impossible to approach easily. What does Uncle Qu say, was it him in the carriage?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The young woman glanced cautiously around, confirming no one was paying attention, then relaxed her tightly wound nerves a little.

"Brother Qu saw his token, it indeed bore the name Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice Gu Chengyu, it’s unmistaken." the woman spoke while assessing the surrounding people.

"Then we didn’t seek the wrong person, it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t deliver anything today, we need to find another way to approach him."

The young woman was somewhat vexed, after today’s whole ordeal, still no chance to get close to Gu Chengyu.

Today, Gu Chengyu was unwilling to show himself. But there were too many idle people present, she couldn’t outright declare her purpose.

The high gates of Gu Mansion, even loitering outside the gate would have the gatekeepers driving her away.

And Gu Chengyu’s return hour was not fixed, she had waited several days to seize an opportunity like today.

"How does Uncle Qu plan to arrange those two, better not let anything go awry!" The young woman remembered those two big men, feeling apprehensive.

"Rest assured, miss! They are just two ruffians, give them some Silver and they’ll be quiet. Besides, they impersonated gambling den people, afraid the casino would come for them. They dare not talk impulsively."

The young woman nodded, "Uncle Qu handles things very steadily; this time he has indeed helped us greatly."

"He’s repaying a debt of gratitude, miss, you..." the woman gazed at the pretty girl beside her, as if having more to say but ended with a sigh.

"There’s no need to persuade, Mrs. Tan, my mind is set!"

The woman looked at the girl who had already walked ahead, her steps unwavering. The woman’s eyes gradually blurred, for the girl’s temperament was much like the master, resolute and firm, once decided, she wouldn’t sway.

What was once bright sky now wore a hazy veil, seeming indistinct and unclear.

Gu Chengyu and the others finally returned to the mansion before dusk fell.

Upon returning to the mansion, Steward Chen greeted them.

"Sir, the master and the eldest lady have already arrived, they are waiting in the main courtyard to dine with you."

Not having met for over two years, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but feel a bit excited.

"Hmm!" He acknowledged verbally while already heading toward the main courtyard.

Steward Chen noticed a hint of joy on Gu Chengyu’s face, so he fell silent and looked at Ming Yan. Ming Yan nodded to him, making him understand that future matters were already reported to the master.

This was a time for family reunion; since the master already knew, there was no need to pester.

As soon as Gu Chengyu set foot into the main courtyard, he could hear the lively commotion inside, indicating many people were present.

The gatekeeping maid saw Gu Chengyu arriving and quickly saluted, "Slave greets Fifth Master! The Master and others have arrived, they’re waiting for you!"

The maid lifted the curtain, and Caiyun inside the house heard the commotion. She promptly told the others inside, "Fifth Master has returned!"

At this moment, Gu Chengyu was in quite a good mood; he nodded to the little maid and entered the main room.

There were two charcoal pots burning inside, and as the curtain was lifted, a gust of cold wind swept in instantly. The chatter ceased abruptly as everyone looked towards the young man who just entered.