MTLNOVEL Chapter 8: Secrets Revealed
Chapter 8: Secrets Revealed
Su Liyan’s delicate features froze in astonishment. “Ten thousand yuan?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
She stared at the sum before her, mind struggling to comprehend such wealth. How could anyone possess so much money?
Lu Yuan maintained his composure as he continued his carefully crafted explanation. “As I mentioned before, my parents were successful merchants in the south. They were prudent with their earnings, which allowed our family to accumulate considerable wealth.” He offered a reassuring smile. “I understand the importance of financial responsibility, but given our recent marriage and our family’s resources, we can afford some indulgences.”
Confusion lingered in Su Liyan’s eyes, but Lu Yuan’s gentle persuasion gradually eased her concerns.
During their meal, Lu Yuan broached the subject of traditional marriage customs. This conversation should have occurred the previous evening, but their mutual attraction had rendered such practical matters forgotten. Besides, in this realm, unlike modern Earth, betrothal gifts carried less significance.
“The customary gift from my family was only ten yuan,” Su Liyan explained.
Lu Yuan nodded thoughtfully. Despite his newfound wealth, he decided to maintain tradition with a modest betrothal gift. Excessive generosity would burden Su Liyan’s family, as custom dictated they provide a dowry of comparable value. Unlike the imbalanced practices he knew from Earth, this society maintained a sense of reciprocity and dignity in marriage exchanges.
Given Su Liyan’s modest family circumstances, ten yuan would suffice. The matter was settled quickly between them.
As their conversation eased, Su Liyan’s initial nervousness faded. Her hunger finally acknowledged, she began to eat with greater enthusiasm. Lu Yuan sat opposite, contentedly observing his wife.
After several minutes, Su Liyan glanced up to find Lu Yuan watching her with a warm smile. “Brother,” she asked shyly, “why do you keep smiling at me?”
Lu Yuan’s expression softened further. “I’m happy,” he replied simply. “I feel fortunate to have married someone as wonderful as you.”
Su Liyan’s heart fluttered at his words. After a moment’s reflection, she responded softly, “No, I’m the fortunate one. I never thought I would marry at all. This feels like a dream.”
As their comfort with each other grew, Su Liyan spoke more freely. Lu Yuan’s curiosity was piqued by her comment. “Why would you think you wouldn’t marry? What about that young man from our neighborhood?”
Su Liyan shook her head. “My aunt withheld information about my family’s circumstances during those introductions. The first two times prospective in-laws visited, they immediately declined once they learned the truth. For the third visit, my aunt suggested waiting until after the initial meeting to reveal our situation.” She sighed. “Even if I made a favorable impression, most families would withdraw their interest after learning about my past.”
Lu Yuan nodded with growing understanding, though questions remained. Surely not everyone would be deterred, especially given Su Liyan’s extraordinary beauty. The imperial court had resolved the matter three years ago.
Sensing his thoughts, Su Liyan continued her explanation. There were indeed those in the imperial city who, like Lu Yuan, had lost their parents and wouldn’t concern themselves with her family history. However, as she described, many were “street urchins” without stable means to support themselves.
“And then there were widowers in their thirties and forties seeking new wives,” she added with visible distaste. “Their children were nearly my age. I would become a stepmother, serving the entire household. If I must live as a servant, I would rather serve my own mother until the end of my days.”
“What about the men from your village?” Lu Yuan asked between bites. Given her beauty, he imagined suitors would have been abundant.
Su Liyan’s expression darkened. “I could never marry any of them. They delighted in our misfortune, speaking ill of my family. One New Year’s Eve, someone shattered our windows in the night.” Her voice softened. “Things are better now, but the bitterness remains.”
Before Lu Yuan could offer comfort, Su Liyan’s expression brightened. “Yet perhaps it was fortunate I didn’t marry earlier. Otherwise, I might never have met someone as kind as you.”
Her sincerity—both shy and boldly affectionate—moved Lu Yuan deeply. He reached across to gently touch her cheek. “From this day forward, I will cherish you,” he promised.
Though Su Liyan blushed at his public display of affection, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into his touch. “And I will devote myself to you,” she whispered.
After their meal, they returned to the compound carrying their purchases. Su Liyan held Lu Yuan’s arm, her face radiating contentment despite her lingering shyness.
Lu Yuan’s attention was drawn to the delicate black fox ears atop her head. “Do two pairs of ears enhance your hearing?” he asked, curious.
Su Liyan explained softly, “No, these are merely vestigial traits of my demon ancestry. They serve no purpose. When I’m older, I’ll be able to conceal them.”
“Please don’t,” Lu Yuan responded quickly. “They’re perfect as they are.”
Su Liyan’s eyes widened momentarily before she lowered her gaze. “If that pleases you,” she murmured.
After walking in comfortable silence, Lu Yuan leaned closer and whispered, “Do you have a tail as well?”
A delicate tremor passed through Su Liyan. Growing up in the village, she had overheard enough from the outspoken elderly women to understand the nature of his interest. Some human men found the atavistic features of demons particularly alluring.
With unexpected boldness, she stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear, her voice a gentle tremor of anticipation: “Yes. When night falls, I’ll show you.”