TSWRLM -Chapter 376 Forgot Everything

“Xiao Yecheng!”

Xiao Qinghe called out softly, her voice tinged with anxiety.

The stark difference in strength between them, the tugging sensation, made her involuntarily recall the earlier conflict with Wei Lingze.

She could accept Xiao Yecheng now, but she wasn’t ready for anything overly intimate. Tonight, Xiao Yecheng had been drinking; if he acted on impulse, she wouldn’t be able to resist.

Lost in thought, she heard Xiao Yecheng’s low voice: “Young Mistress, I was wrong. Punish me.”

With that, he grabbed her hand and struck his own face with it.

That single slap shattered the fear that had been clutching Xiao Qinghe’s heart.

The person standing before her wasn’t Wei Lingze—it was Xiao Yecheng, who had silently protected her for many years. Even drunk, he wouldn’t harm her.

Xiao Qinghe relaxed and hurriedly explained: “I was just joking earlier. I’m not angry. Don’t do this.”

“Really?”

Xiao Yecheng’s eyes lit up, his gloom transforming into joy.

Xiao Qinghe nodded in affirmation. Xiao Yecheng immediately released her, then asked, “Did I hurt you just now?”

He was careful, only holding her slightly; it hadn’t hurt her.

But he had been holding the soup warmer, and the warmth of his palm lingered on her wrist even after he let go.

“No.”

Xiao Qinghe shook her wrist gently.

Xiao Yecheng slightly lowered his head, his eyes fixed on her wrist without blinking.

Feeling his overly intense gaze, Xiao Qinghe couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Why are you staring at my hand like that?”

“Beautiful.”

Xiao Yecheng answered without hesitation, his tone firm and sincere.

Xiao Qinghe paused mid-motion, about to respond, when she heard Xiao Yecheng say: “I want to kiss it.”

“……”

Xiao Qinghe stepped back. Xiao Yecheng, emboldened by the wine, paid no heed to restraint. He lifted his head, looked into her eyes seriously, and asked, “Young Mistress, may I kiss your hand?”

“No!” Xiao Qinghe refused, panic rising, her face heating. “It’s very late; you should go home.”

Xiao Yecheng didn’t hear the rest of her words. His brows drooped slightly, a look of hurt on his face: “Not even once? I had a bold dream before, and didn’t you say it wasn’t disgusting?”

That was a completely different matter!

And what could she explain to a drunk man?

Xiao Qinghe ignored his words and said lightly, “I’m very tired. I need to rest.”

“Oh,” Xiao Yecheng nodded, letting it go. “Then I’ll head home. He’er, you go to sleep quickly.”

With that, he turned and left. Xiao Qinghe, worried, asked, “You’re drunk. Can you get home by yourself?”

“Yes, I remember the way.”

Xiao Yecheng was certain. Still, Xiao Qinghe hesitated, then said, “Forget it. I’ll have someone send you home by carriage.”

It was New Year’s Eve; the night market would stay open all night. Any accident along the way would be unfortunate.

After speaking, she picked up a lantern and escorted Xiao Yecheng to the stables.

He remained quiet the entire way.

Near the stables, Xiao Yecheng suddenly asked again, “How can I…?”

“How?”

Xiao Qinghe couldn’t follow his train of thought. Xiao Yecheng stepped closer, looked into her eyes, and asked word by word, “What should I do to be allowed to kiss you?”

“……”

Xiao Qinghe fell silent. After a long pause, she said, “Go home and sleep well. If you remember this tomorrow, I’ll tell you the answer.”

“Okay.”

Watching Xiao Yecheng board the carriage and leave, Xiao Qinghe finally relaxed.

She was truly tired today. After a quick wash, she went to bed.

The next morning, Quezhi and the maids in the courtyard returned.

Xiao Qinghe had already prepared New Year’s gifts. After Quezhi distributed them, as soon as she got up, everyone lined up to offer thanks, each speaking unique auspicious phrases.

Xiao Qinghe smiled and accepted them, finished dressing, and went to Songhe Courtyard to accompany the Old Madam Xiao for breakfast.

The Songhe Courtyard was lively. The younger generation from each branch woke early to pay respects to the Elder Madam. She had prepared many lucky bags for everyone, not just Xiao Qinghe and Chun Xi, but even for Father Xiao and Madam Xiao.

At the start of the new year, everyone’s faces were bright with smiles, speaking only auspicious words.

By mid-morning, Xiao Yecheng came to pay respects to Old Madam Xiao.

Usually in dark clothing, today he wore a rare vermilion brocade outfit embroidered with “Ruyi” patterns, catching everyone’s eye as he entered.

His gaze naturally fell on Xiao Qinghe.

She had just been amused by An’an and Ning’er, but noticing Xiao Yecheng’s stare, her smile faded slightly.

She still remembered the promise made last night, unsure if Xiao Yecheng would recall it after sleeping.

Others didn’t know what happened the night before. They teased Xiao Yecheng, saying he had finally “opened his mind,” like a frenzied peacock spreading its feathers.

Xiao Yecheng felt no embarrassment, letting them look, and stepped forward confidently to greet Old Madam Xiao.

“Good, good. You’re grown now. Work hard this year, aim for marriage soon, and have children early.”

The Elder Madam spoke kindly, handing Xiao Yecheng the last lucky bag.

He took it with both hands, saying solemnly, “I will remember your advice and work hard.”

Lately, Xiao Yecheng frequently visited the Xiao household to bring gifts to Xiao Qinghe. Hearing this, everyone smiled knowingly.

Xiao Qingyue winked at Xiao Qinghe, clearly thinking that her sister’s good fortune was near.

Although pleased, Old Madam Xiao was low on energy, so after chatting for a while, everyone withdrew.

Chun Xi saw that the Elder Madam was tired, took Ning’er and An’an away, and stayed to massage Elder Madam.

Xiao Qingyue pulled Xiao Qinghe aside, hoping for more news. As they stepped out of Songhe Courtyard, Xiao Yecheng caught up: “Yue’er, may I speak to He’er alone for a moment?”

“Yes, of course!”

Before Xiao Qinghe could respond, Xiao Qingyue let go and quickly slipped away.

Xiao Qinghe tried to remain calm, but as Xiao Yecheng approached, her hands clenched the silk handkerchief tightly.

“He’er, last night I…”

Hearing this, Xiao Qinghe’s heart sank. She interrupted: “You were drunk last night. I had someone send you home. Nothing else happened!”

“……”

After she spoke, Xiao Yecheng said nothing more. Silence lingered awkwardly between them.

After a while, he handed her the soup warmer: “I was drunk last night and don’t remember anything. Thank you for sending me home, He’er. And here’s this.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qinghe looked up at him. His expression was calm, normal, and sincere. Her heart finally settled.

It was fine as long as he didn’t remember.