I Married Female Lead's Crush Chapter 42

In the early morning, a ray of light rose from the horizon, making the whole world clear and bright.

There are tea houses, taverns, pawnshops, and other shops on both sides of the street. Yet none of them have opened the doors yet since it's too early in the morning. But food vendors have already set up stalls in the open spaces of the street to welcome the start of a new day.

After paying the vendor, holding the cake in a paper bag, Chuntao walked towards Su Qing who was waiting for her at the intersection under a big willow. He handed the cake and asked, "Your Highness, why do you want to come out to eat?"

Chuntao used to get up early when she was in the palace, so even after coming to Gu courtyard, she didn't change her habit. At dawn this morning, she was startled when she saw Su Qing rubbing her eyes while standing in front of the door.

She thought that last night the Seventh Lord……

The freshly baked pastry is crispy yet soft, very satisfied to the stomach.

Su Qing suggested Chuntao should also eat. Biting a piece of pastry in her mouth, she vaguely said with slightly bulging cheeks, "Because I want to go to Shifang restaurant to take a look….."

Shifang, is the name of her new restaurant.

Yesterday, Gu Zifu said that he wanted her to make him a sachet with vanilla fragrant. She looked for it for a long time and still couldn't find vanilla. In the end, she went to ask Shuangqiao and found a splendid vanilla field. It looks good yet cannot be used for the sachet. Using the excuse of going out to buy vanilla herbs, and conveniently go check at her restaurant. 

Prior to this, in order to increase the popularity of the restaurant, she has specifically told the steward to open the restaurant in the morning selling some simple noodles and porridge. She didn't know if this marketing strategy would work or not.

Chuntao didn't understand about this. She saw that Su Qing wanted to visit the restaurant, she nodded her head and vowed, "I will be with Your Highness wherever you go."

Su Qing hmmed, pretending not to believe her words, "I don't believe you."

Chuntao quickly wrapped the oil paper tightly in her hand, hid it behind her back. She took a few steps back and said, "If Your Highness doesn't believe me, I, I will let you eat anymore."

"Well, your courage is getting bigger now." Su Qing reached out for the pastry bag.

Chuntao did not let her get her own way, the two played with each other and laughed for a while. After having enough fun, the two sat down and relaxed in the shade under the willow tree and finished the leftover pastry.

Whiled chewing the pastry, Su Qing's eyes stare at the steamed bun stall on the opposite side of the road…..hm, it looks delicious too. 

At first, she tried to throw out her thought of eating it, but in the end she could not resist it, and picked up two large steamed buns on the way to the restaurant.

Su Qing's snowy cheeks are slightly pink due to the hot weather. While walking, her small mouth could not stop eating the bun, looking so cute with bulging red cheeks, passerby on the road would take a few glances at her and gasp in admiration. 

At that moment, steward Zhuo was checking the ledger. When he heard someone looking for him and waiting at the back door of the restaurant. He thought about it for a bit, then asked the waiter to keep an eye at the restaurant and quickly went to the back door.

As soon as he opened the door, a big white bun appeared right in front of him.

When he saw who it was, he said helplessly, "Your Highness, young lady can't causally eat on the street like this If to let others see, they would surely criticize you." 

Steward Zhuo has a granddaughter at home, has a naughty personality, likes to climb the tree if no one watching her. Now seeing Su Qing such a lovely girl but ended up marrying the Seventh Lord who is known for having an unpredictable mood, so his heart could not help but feel a little more concerned for her. 

Su Qing took a big bite on the bun and gave him a snort. Her pink lips became moist with the oil. She wouldn't listen to him anyway. She will eat and drink wherever and whenever she feels like it. She doesn't want to starve herself to death worrying about how others think of her.

"Did the money enough for Steward Zhou to manage?" She asked

Steward Zhuo replied, "Enough, enough. The few waiters and chefs that Official Tang hired are very capable. We are getting more and more customers daily, the income is enough to turn around."

Su Qing nodded, "People recommended by Officially Tang, naturally are capable. I can rest assured. If you need anything, you can find someone to look for me at Gu Mansion."

Steward Zhuo laughed, "Your Highness can be at ease. I think I can handle it."

"That's good, the restaurant will have to depend on you in the future." Su Qing smiled with sparkling eyes and took another big bite at the bun.

The restaurant was busy so Su Qing didn't want to stay there for too long. Moreover, steward Zhuo is a smart person, he knew what to do better than her.

Before leaving the restaurant, Su Qing did not forget her main purpose of coming out today. She asked steward Zhuo where she could buy the vanilla herd. She went to buy it after getting the address.

"Your Highness, aren't you afraid that the steward Zhuo secretly steals money." Chuntao asked in worry.

Su Qing put away the steamed bun and took the handkerchief to wipe her hands, saying, "What can we do about it you and I don't understand the account book. Even if we do, it's not suitable for a young woman to run a restaurant, showing her face in public. Besides, if I really go, I'm afraid that before I could show my face, the one in the palace would hurry to come out to see me as a joke. I definitely won't let it happen."

Chuntao was silent and followed behind her.

Su Qing knew she had no other meaning, and worried for her own good. She paused her step and patted Chuntao's hand, "Steward Zhuo was recommended by Official Tang. We have no other choice but to believe him. By the way, do not suspect the person you use. It may be not a bad idea to trust other people once in a while."

"Your Highness is right." Chuntao nodded and smiled embarrassedly, "Forgiving this slave servant's short-sighted and almost ruined Your Highness's business."

Su Qing hummed, shoved the buns into her arms, and smiled mischievously, "Then I'' punish you to help me finish these buns, they're too oily."

Su Qing's eyes sparkled when she saw the sign of the herbal shop right in front of her. As she was about to speak, suddenly hearing a commotion behind her, she turned around and saw Chuntao's panic cries. 

"——Stop, how can you steal people's money! Stop!"

"Chuntao?" Su Qing saw Chuntao chasing after the thief, she bit her lip and chased after her.

Fortunately, there are not many people in the morning, but it's still not easy to catch him in a crowd. That thief seemed to be an expert. He disappeared after making a few turns into the alley.

"Don't, don't chase….."

Su Qing panted for breath trying to catch up with Cuntao. She grabbed her sleeve and shook her head.

"…..We are not familiar with this place. In case, if he still has associates, no one will help us…."

If people really wanted to help her, they wouldn't let the thief run this far, it's just a waste of effort to continue chasing.

Chuntao was unwilling, "But those are the money we managed to save with difficulty. How can….how can….."

Chuntao originally thought after saving up enough she planned to buy new clothes for Su Qing. Every time she saw Gu Hanyue wearing new clothes passing by her, she felt heartache for her princess.

But now their savings are gone.

Su Qing looked at Chuntao's aggrieved expression, she chuckled lightly and was about to open her mouth to comfort her, suddenly heard the “crash” of things along with the wailing sound of someone in the alley.

"Thump——" The person fell to the ground, covered in dust.

——It was the thief who stole their money just now.

The moment Chuntao saw him, her rage had fueled up, she fiercely kicked his waist a few times, but still could not reduce her anger, "Let you be a thief! Let you steal our money!"

"Miss, be easy." A soft laugh came from the alley, "If you beat him to death, there would be no work left for authorities to do."

Chuntao was flustered upon hearing this, giving a fierce glance at the man on the ground and returned to stand next to Su Qing unwillingly.

It was a young man, dressed in blue with a cloud pattern. His crystal clear eyes smiling brightly at them.

He walked over, handed the stolen money to them, and advised, "Both misses should be more careful next time outside. Also, what kind of logic is that of a little girl chasing a big man across the street for money?"

"You……" Chuntao stared at him with a red face.

Su Qing thought that this man is really interesting. She took over the money pouch and said, "Thank you gentleman for your help today. We still have other matters, we won't disturb you."

After that, the two left the alley and went to the crowd.

The young man watched the two figures go far away, and then turned around and gave the person on the ground another kick, said scornfully, "Look at you, a big man in broad daylight stole the little girl's money, you are really….."

He paused at half sentence, as his face changed instantly. He said with a headache, "Damn it, I forgot to do the task my old man commanded……"

————————

Gu Courtyard.

When Su Qing came back she went to see Shuangqiao and asked for a small box to store the vanilla herbs. She thought about it for a bit and asked, "Did the Seventh Lord wake up yet?"

Shuangqiao shook her head and said she doesn't know either. 

It's still early, according to the Seventh Lord's habit, it's unlikely that he would get up at this time. 

It's so hot outside, Su Qing took needlework and vanilla herbs, walking into the main room where Gu Zifu slept before.

The main room is large and bright, many times better than her room next door.

"I really don't know what the Seventh Lord is thinking, did water get into his head….." Su Qing mumbled, and put the things in her hands on the table. 

She stood in the distance and looked at the books that were left on the table. She heard from Si Ting that the Seventh has been obsessed with reading these story-telling books lately. She thought it probably didn't put away yesterday.

Nevermind, she's a nice person, she will help him put them away.

"……huh?"

Su Qing was completely stunned at the book in her hand, her face was stiff while her trembling fingers turned the page. The pictures of two naked people intertwined with each other passionately. A woman with her hair scattered, and clothes slid down to her lower back, her arms were tightly attached to the man's neck, so intimately even a fool could tell what they were doing.

"…..this…..this….."

Su Qing still was not convinced and flipped through several pages. The characters in the book are all dressed differently, with minimum clothes, different postures, and styles. Looking very seductive and alluring beyond words…..

In broad daylight, the Seventh Lord is reading such a dirty book!

Su Qing's face turned red with shame. Slammed the book to the table angrily and picked up a few other books and compared the titles, they are almost the same.

A hooligan! Old hooligan!

No longer wanted to think about it, Su Qing wanted to leave the room as soon as possible, but in her panic, she tripped over her long dress and half of her body slammed into the table. She bit her lip tightly, disregarded the pain and tried to catch the teapot from falling, but she was too late and the books ended up getting wet.

She's done this time!

Su Qing murmured in her heart and hurriedly picked up the book to shake the water dropped.  Secretly annoyed with herself, it's not even erotic graphic, why did she have to scare herself into such a state?

Besides, who on earth would openly leave such a book on the table in broad daylight? Unless that person's brain has a problem! 

While complaining in her heart, a cold, unhappy voice came from outside, "What are you doing in the room, I can hear you all the way across the yard!"

Startled, the books in her hand fell off from her hand to the ground.

With a quick reaction, Su Qing kicked those books under the table, and tried to make herself look calm as much as possible.

She moved a few steps to lock the view from the outside.

"Ah? No, nothing…." Su Qing answered in flustered. Yet, as soon as she looked up she was welcomed by Gu Zifu's naked chest. Gu Zifu walked in with half of his shirt open revealing his white broad chest. 

Pictures in the book a moment ago flashed in front of her.

Su Qing: "……."

Gu Zifu was born with good looks, exquisite features, a handsome body, and a pair of attractive fox eyes.

Everyone in the capital feared him, yet at the same admired his good-looking appearance.

Not to mention wearing his pajamas outside, he didn't bother to properly dress. Casually exposing his chest, can't he be a little reserved!

Gu Zifu seemed aware of her embarrassment, he stared at her with interest for a while and sighed, "Well, did you do something behind the Seventh Lord's back and come here for confession?"

Su Qing lowered her head and did not answer him.

Gu Zifu frowned in displeasured, "I'm talking to you, can't you hear me?!"

Upon saying, he stretched his hand to hook on her chin, having her facing him, but he was shocked by the hot temperature on his fingers.

Why is it so hot?

Gu Zifu let go of her chin and instead touched her forehead. The little girl waved off his hand in flustered and took a few steps back in panic.

She moved too fast, and forgot about the books she hid under the table behind her.

Gu Zifu's sharp eyes locked on the books on the floor, Su Qing hurriedly picked up the books but Gu Zifu was one step ahead of her. She watched the little girl's face flushed red like a red tomato making his mood better.

He emphasized the long "oh" and laughed playfully. 

A hooligan!

Su Qing sulked in her heart, no longer cared about anything, and ready to leave the room before her body became hotter.

Yet, she didn't expect Gu Zifu's quick hand reached out to grab her wrist, effortlessly turned around and pulled the warm fragrant in his arms. He hooked his leg over the stool and let the little girl sit on his laps.

Su Qing struggled to get up, Gu Zifu simply released her wrist and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pressed the person against his chest and hugged her tightly in his embrace. 

Hearing a low chucked above her head, "Qing Qing, no need to hide, you will read it sooner or later."

"Shut up!"

Su Qing tried to break away from his hug but her strength was like a soft tickled to Gu Zifu.  His arms wrapped around her even tighter.

He separated the intact pages of the wet book and laid it on the table. With a mischievous smile on his face, Gu Zifu's fingers gently hooked on her chin and forced her to look at the pictures in the book.

"Qing Qing, you read faster than me. I haven't learned the next few pages yet, this posture is also good….."

Seeing that Gu Zifu brought the book closer to her, Su Qing closed her eyes in panic and her little hands covered her ears. She's really scared this time. She whispered softly with a trembling voice, "…Seventh Lord….Seventh Lord…..please let me go….I'm begging you…" 

Gu Zifu looked at the little girl's nervous apparent, disordered hair, then gazed at her delicate white neck, his eyes turned dark. After a moment of silence, he squinted his eyes covering the dim light of his eyes and breathed sharply.

"Don't move!" He shouted. 

Su Qing was still struggling to break free from him. When she heard his cold warning, she froze instantly,  watery eyes looking at him helplessly. 

Seeing her like this, Gu Zifu almost gave up and threw the person down.

"Shall we….."

Gu Zifu leaned down, pressed his cold lip against her soft neck, rubbing it gently, his eyes gradually became deeper.

"Shall we try it tonight….. the marriage consummate?"

Try, try….don't want to try! Don't want to try!!

Su Qing didn't dare to move anymore. Tears welling up in her eyes but didn't dare to spill out. She sobbed, "No, I don't want to try…."

When she found out that she was transported into the ancient era novel, she already accepted the fate of marriage young, but as a modern person, it's still hard for her to accept this reality.

This body is only fifteen!

How can the Seventh Lord say……

Gu Zifu muttered, "I heard vanilla smells very good, maybe put in the bath water will…."

Feeling a sudden sharp pain on the back of his hand, Gu Zifu released his hand unconsciously, without waiting for his reaction, the little girl already ran outside as if running away from a scary beast. 

Gu Zifu looked at the red tooth marks on his hand, his fox like-eyes narrowed slightly. Thought about it a little bit, raised his hand and then bit on the same marks.

Ouch, it hurts.

Su Qing ran back to her room, "pang" slammed the door and tightly closed it. Still not feeling secure, she moved several stools to block the door.

One drop, two drops, three drops….

The tears dropped like autumn rain, flowing across her snowy cheeks, dripped on her clothes.

She's so scared.

Slowly slid down her body, sat on the ground, she hugged her knees and buried her head tightly inside. 

She didn't know how long she had been sitting in this position until Chuntao came knocking on the door, asked in worry, "Your Highness, are you inside?"

No response.

Chuntao pushed the door a few times but the door was locked from the inside, she became anxious, "Your Highness, Your Highness? What's wrong? Please say something." 

Su Qing heard Chuntao's anxiousness, she tried to hold back her sobbing and hurriedly responded, "…..nothing, I'm just a little sleepy…."

"Your Highness, your voice….."

"It's okay, my throat is just a little dry, it will be fine after drinking some water."

Chuntao hesitated outside for a long time, tried to push the door a few more times, and still did not open. At that moment, hearing Shuangqiao's voice calling from the distance, she bit her lip and said, "Your HIghness, Seventh Lord has us go pick the petals, I'll be as soon as possible. When I come back, can you open the door for me?"

Even though she said so, she didn't leave until Shuangqiao urged her again.

Su Qing sat on the ground for a long time before she came back to her mind.

Petals? What petals?

——I heard that vanilla smells very good, maybe put in the bath water will….

Seventh Lord……are you for real?

A sense of powerlessness came to her heart, Su Qing sobbed softly, and after a short while, she stopped crying and slowly raised her head.

Her eyes were firm, tightly clenched her teeth with determination. 

Gu Li, who was walking passed her room, felt a strange cold on his back. He looked up at the sunny day——weird, why did he feel his back cold all of sudden?

————

At night.

It was dark at night, only a few stars in the sky, faintly shining hidden by the shadow of the tree.

It's all quiet in the Gu Courtyard, and the “click” sound on the back wall is especially clear.

From the reflection of the moon shadow, two figures could be seen indistinct, carefully bent to avoid the tree fork, lightly moving and finally stopped under the wall.  

These two are no other than Su Qing and Gu Li. 

Gu Li looked up at the high wall, the corners of his mouth twitched, and said helplessly, "Honestly, you really want to climb the wall in the middle of the night?"

"……." Su Qing glared at him, putting a finger on her lips and signaled him to be quiet. 

Whether what Gu Zifu said during the day is true or not, for her safety, she must run away tonight.

She had already inquired about it. At night, Si Ting would guard the back door of Gu Courtyard. Even if he didn't, he lived there, he would be able to hear if there is any sound. Another exit door is closer to the place where the Old Madam lives. Su Qing is not familiar with Gu Mansion, plus it's dark at night if she goes the wrong way or let others see her, everything will be in vain. 

After wrecking her head over it, climbing the wall is the best solution. 

Going straight along the path over the wall is the back door of Gu Family.

Gu Li has already dismissed his servants, so as long as she could climb out, everything will be fine.

Chapter end