[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 13

At first, Bai Xiuzhu assumed the Leng family was a modest household, likely humble in both appearance and status. She imagined that Leng Qingqiu would feel embarrassed to host guests, and Xiuzhu was determined to witness it firsthand. In doing so, she hoped Qingqiu would realize how unsuited she was to marry into the prestigious Jin family.

To Xiuzhu’s surprise, Qingqiu had boldly and openly sent out invitations to a wide circle. Her plan to shame the girl quietly collapsed, leaving her striking at air. The confidence and transparency from Qingqiu made Xiuzhu’s own intentions seem petty and small-minded by comparison.

This deeply unsettled her.

Xiuzhu had always prided herself on being a “modern woman”—progressive, independent, and above superficial customs. How could she tolerate the sting of being outdone in grace?

Any thought of competition quickly faded. She stood in the crowd, silent, casting a cold glance over the Leng household. Though not expansive, the home was tastefully arranged with an understated elegance.

The jujube trees in the courtyard especially caught her eye. Despite the season’s late autumn chill and the blanket of fallen leaves, bright clusters of red dates still clung to the branches, adding a lively burst of color to the otherwise muted surroundings.

Leng Qingqiu had chosen not to wear her usual Western dress today. Instead, she donned a simple robe with her hair braided loosely down her back. The look harmonized perfectly with the atmosphere of the courtyard. Under the jujube tree, every gesture and smile of hers was effortlessly picturesque.

No wonder Jin Yanxi couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Yet, oddly enough, Xiuzhu no longer felt the sharp jealousy she had when they first met. Standing here now, in Qingqiu’s home, she suddenly believed what the girl had once told her: that regardless of what Yanxi felt, Qingqiu had no desire to cling to him.

Human emotions are strange that way.

Upon learning that Yanxi had such a remarkable woman by his side, Xiuzhu had instinctively viewed her as a rival and treated her with hostility. But realizing that Qingqiu didn’t see herself as part of that game, Xiuzhu only felt… bored.

She had feared Qingqiu might steal Yanxi away—but if Qingqiu didn’t care for him at all, then all of Xiuzhu’s suspicion felt meaningless.

In Xiuzhu’s social circle, Jin Yanxi was seen as a highly eligible suitor. After falling for him, Xiuzhu had given him her heart entirely, focused only on their future marriage. Recently, however, she couldn’t ignore the change in his attitude. They’d clashed over it more than once.

She’d chalked it up to bad influences from the outside world, and in her pride, had convinced herself that no other woman could compare to her—whether in family background, education, character, or appearance.

She still believed that Yanxi wouldn’t truly let go of her. The Jin family already treated their marriage as a given, after all. Even if he had momentary distractions, he would return to her. She had already assumed the role of his future wife—naturally, she remained guarded toward the women around him.

But now…

Perhaps things are only worth chasing if others desire them too. When she realized someone like Qingqiu actually looked down on Yanxi, Xiuzhu couldn’t help but question his worth. Was he even someone worth fighting for?

Yanxi was thoughtful, generous, and easy to get along with. But Xiuzhu had long sensed that this kindness wasn’t exclusive—other women received the same treatment.

She used to tell herself that all men were like this. As long as she was clever enough, she could win his loyalty.

But no matter how she rationalized it, what educated woman with self-respect could accept such a situation? Especially someone like Xiuzhu, who held herself in such high regard.

And they weren’t even married yet. If she already had to work this hard to control him, how would things be after marriage?

Worse, the “control” she thought she had was merely an illusion. When Yanxi was out of sight, she had no clue who he saw or what he did. If someone hadn’t brought up Miss Leng today, she might still be blissfully ignorant.

As Xiuzhu’s thoughts wandered, someone tapped her shoulder. Startled, she turned and found Meili beside her.

“Why are you zoning out? Someone was asking you something!” Meili laughed.

“Huh?” Xiuzhu blinked, still lost in her thoughts.

“We’re saying this place is too cramped to move around. We’re thinking of heading to the mountains to see the autumn leaves. Everyone agrees it’s a great idea. What do you say?”

“I don’t mind,” Xiuzhu forced a smile. “If everyone else agrees, then I’ll go along with it.”

“That doesn’t sound like you,” Yanxi said, surprised. “You always speak your mind—why follow the crowd today?”

Unlike Xiuzhu’s unease, Yanxi was in high spirits.

He’d hesitated before inviting Qingqiu and Yan Hui to visit the Jin household. His relationship with Qingqiu hadn’t been formalized yet, and he worried that revealing too much would stir up conflict—especially with Xiuzhu, who might blow things out of proportion.

But in the end, it had all gone smoothly. The Jin family had taken a liking to Qingqiu and Yan Hui, and hadn’t interfered. Xiuzhu, though visibly unhappy, hadn’t confronted him either.

Now, with everyone enjoying themselves, he felt relieved—and more than a little pleased.

He noticed that Xiuzhu alone seemed withdrawn, and he guessed the reason. Hoping to coax her into joining in, he deliberately teased her.

But Xiuzhu didn’t go easy on him. “If someone’s idea makes sense, I agree with it. If it doesn’t, I say so. What does that have to do with following the crowd? Must I oppose something just because the majority supports it?”

Yanxi was ready for his response. With a smug grin, he bowed and said, “Then thank you, Miss Bai, for supporting my idea.”

Xiuzhu froze—she hadn’t realized the plan was his. Her disgust surged, but she couldn’t take back her words. So, she muttered, “You really only pay attention to the trivial things.”

“Isn’t that enough?” Yanxi shrugged playfully.

Ignoring him, Xiuzhu turned to Yan Hui. “Miss Jin, are you driving? I’d like to ride with you.”

Hearing this, Qingqiu glanced at Yan Hui too.

Though Yan Hui had already explained their situation, Qingqiu couldn’t help feeling uneasy at how close Xiuzhu and Yan Hui seemed. Yan Hui had said it herself—possessiveness among close friends is natural. So, it made sense for Qingqiu to be a little watchful.

Yan Hui noticed Qingqiu’s expression immediately. She knew Xiuzhu was trying to avoid riding with Yanxi, and it wasn’t easy to refuse without being rude.

“There are a lot of us,” she said, “so I’ll call for another car. That way, there’ll be more room. You can choose whichever one you like.”

The real reason Xiuzhu didn’t want to ride with Yanxi was because she suddenly recalled their last trip to the mountains. They had argued and left on bad terms—a painful reminder that she had no real hold on him.

Back then, she didn’t know Qingqiu even existed. She thought she had everything under control. But Yanxi had already started distancing himself. That alone made her feel humiliated.

He must have met Miss Leng already by then—and shifted his attention to her. That’s why he was so cold.

And today it was Qingqiu who didn’t care for Yanxi. But who’s to say there won’t be a “Miss Wen” or “Miss Re” next?

Thankfully, Brother Cao came to the rescue. Upon hearing that they were going to the mountains, he sent an extra car. Yan Hui placed Qingqiu and Mrs. Leng in one, Meili and Xiuzhu in another, and the Jin sisters with Qiu Xizhen in a third. That left Yanxi… all alone.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Yanxi protested to Yan Hui.

“There just aren’t enough seats,” she replied casually. “No matter who rides with you, someone else gets left out. So, it’s fairer if you go solo—no favorites.”

Yanxi thought it over and conceded, “Fair point.”

“It’s a short ride anyway,” she added. “And you’ll have plenty of chances to impress once we start climbing.”

Yanxi chuckled. With these delicate ladies, they’d definitely need help later. There was no rush.

The drive wasn’t particularly scenic. A few days earlier, there might have been fields waiting for harvest. But now, the countryside looked bleak. Fortunately, the mountain foot greeted them with a breathtaking display of red leaves.

Tourists crowded the area, so they chose a quieter path for their climb.

Yan Hui lingered at the back, taking photos. As she snapped away, she overheard the Jin sisters chatting about their mountain villa—and paused.

It hit her.

This was a turning point in the original novel.

In the original story, without her interference, Qingqiu and Yanxi were already involved by now. With Yanxi living next door, he frequently visited the Lengs. Mrs. Leng, sensing a beneficial marriage, turned a blind eye. But the Jin family remained in the dark. Whenever Qingqiu brought it up, Yanxi deflected.

What finally forced his hand was a trip like this one. They viewed villas in the mountains, stayed out too late, and ended up spending the night at a nearby inn.

Whether by coincidence or design, Qingqiu surely knew something wasn’t right. But she went along with it, half-consenting in her confusion.

She became pregnant not long after, and with no more room to delay, Yanxi was compelled to propose. The rushed wedding stirred internal strife among the Jin family’s various branches—sowing the seeds of later disaster.

What began as Qingqiu’s long-awaited dream turned out to be bitter from the very start—doomed to end in heartbreak.

But now…

Yan Hui exhaled and looked through her lens at Qingqiu walking ahead.

Everything was different now.

As if sensing her gaze, Qingqiu turned and smiled. The mountain breeze had tinted her cheeks with a healthy glow. Her bright eyes lit up as she watched the geese flying past.

Yan Hui instinctively pressed the shutter, capturing the moment.