[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 17

October arrived in the blink of an eye.

Yan Hui and Leng Qingqiu had been so immersed in their studies that they barely noticed the days passing. It wasn’t until the mornings turned chilly and Mrs. Leng began having the summer and autumn clothes packed away and the thick winter garments brought out, washed, and aired for future use, that they vaguely realized how late in the year it had become.

Now, whenever one stepped outside in the early morning, even their breath turned white with frost.

Standing at the doorway, Yan Hui gazed up at the two jujube trees in the Leng family courtyard. The leaves had all fallen, leaving behind clusters of plump red dates, hanging like ornaments. The sight reminded her of Zhang Xiaoxiang’s poem: “Autumn is too dull—add red dates.”

Leng Qingqiu had just stepped outside and overheard her. She laughed. “I hear someone’s getting greedy.”

“You said it, not me,” Yan Hui replied, turning to look at her.

She must’ve just woken up. Her hair was still uncombed, two loose braids falling beside her neck. She’d thrown a coat over her shoulders against the cold, not bothering to slip her arms into the sleeves. She leaned casually against the doorframe, exuding a lazy, unbothered comfort.

Yan Hui rarely saw her in such a relaxed state and couldn’t help but glance a few more times.

Noticing the gaze, Leng Qingqiu followed it down to herself and blushed immediately. She retreated quickly, stammering, “Why are you here so early today? Come inside—it’s cold. I’ll go get changed.”

With that, she hurried off.

Yan Hui didn’t think much of it and stepped into the house.

The Leng family had just gotten up and were surprised to see her. “Why so early?”

“We’re meeting with the bookstore folks today,” Yan Hui explained. “There’s a bit to prepare, and I thought Leng Qingqiu might need help.”

“Thank you so much.” Qingqiu had already changed into fresh clothes and tidied her hair. She looked neat and cheerful as she came out from the inner room, lifting the curtain with a smile. “Once we’re done with everything, let’s pick a sunny day and harvest the jujubes. I’ll make you some snacks.”

“That sounds perfect,” Yan Hui replied, smiling. “They say Jiangnan snacks are delicious, but I’ve never had the chance to try any.”

“That’s easy,” Mrs. Leng chimed in from the side. “You two go handle your business, and I’ll take care of the snacks. Once you’re finished, they’ll be ready for you.”

“Don’t listen to her, Mom,” Qingqiu protested. “Making them is half the fun. What’s the point if you do everything?”

Yan Hui added, “She’s right, Auntie. You should rest—we’ll do it. Just wait to enjoy the results.”

Mrs. Leng laughed. “You young people and your strange ideas. Fine, fine. I won’t interfere. Do as you like.”

After a bit more chatter, breakfast was served. Once the family finished eating, Yan Hui and leng Qingqiu went to the study to begin their preparations. When everything was ready, they headed to the bookstore together to discuss the next stage of their collaboration.

The previous batch of books had already hit the shelves and received excellent feedback. Word of mouth spread quickly, and even the additional copies sold out in no time. Seeing how successful this pre-sale method was, the bookstore wanted to print another round. Since it was best to work with familiar partners, they naturally reached out to them again.

By the time all matters were settled, the sun was setting. Yan Hui accompanied Leng Qingqiu home and was about to leave when Han Ma opened the door and called out, “Miss Jin, please wait!”

As it turned out, while they were out, the Jin family had sent over an invitation. When they found no one home, they’d asked to be sure the message was delivered upon their return—an invitation to visit that evening.

“Are you going?” Yan Hui glanced at the note in her hand and looked up at Leng Qingqiu.

“I’ve been cooped up reading for so long,” Leng Qingqiu said after a moment’s thought. “Since it’s a rare invitation, I’d like to go.”

She couldn’t help sighing inwardly. She had always considered herself disciplined in her studies, but since studying alongside Yan Hui, she realized how much more focused and self-controlled Yan Hui was.

Compared to her, Leng Qingqiu’s earlier efforts seemed almost lax. Stillness breeds restlessness—and this invitation came just in time.

Yan Hui laughed. Studying required balance, after all. A little relaxation was good for focus. She nodded. “Alright then. I’ll head home, change, and come back to pick you up.”

The Jin family’s banquet was, as expected, quite lavish. Since it was hosted by Mrs. Jin herself this time, it felt far more formal than Yanxi’s previous birthday celebration.

When Yan Hui and Leng Qingqiu arrived at the gates, the mansion was aglow with lights, grand and impressive. Carriages and guests flowed in an unending stream like a river.

Inside, the paths were lined with vibrant flowers, an extravagant display for this season. The air was thick with the mingled scents of blossoms, powders, and perfumes, making one feel slightly dizzy. Music drifted in from the dance hall; it sounded like a lively crowd had already gathered there.

Before they could get a good look around, the three young ladies of the Jin family appeared, followed by Yanxi.

“Well, aren’t you two rare guests,” Meili teased with a smile. “You’ve been scarce lately. We sent an invitation and were told no one was home—what’s been keeping you so busy?”

“We’ve really been caught up in things,” Yan Hui replied with a grin. “But once we got your invitation, we came straight over.”

Meili was about to respond when Minzhi interrupted, “Let’s not keep our guests standing outside and interrogate them. It’s getting colder now. Come in—everyone’s waiting.”

Inside, they greeted Mrs. Jin and then joined a group of their peers.

The room was filled with young men and women, most already familiar with each other, chatting freely. Yan Hui and Leng Qingqiu stood out with their refined bearing and appearance, drawing attention the moment they entered. Everyone eagerly asked for introductions.

As names were exchanged, Yan Hui noticed a tall young man seated beside Bai Xiuzhu. The two were deep in conversation, their heads close together—almost intimate.

Yan Hui was stunned. In the original novel, even after Qingqiu married Yanxi, Bai Xiuzhu never gave up on him. Now, before that future could even come to pass, it seemed she had already moved on?

Sensing her distraction, leng Qingqiu followed her gaze and chuckled, “Who’s that with Miss Bai? I don’t think I’ve seen him before.”

“There are quite a few unfamiliar faces here,” Yanxi replied stiffly.

Yan Hui glanced at him, noting the sour tone.

He had been the first to stray. While Leng Qingqiu hadn’t taken any step forward due to Yan Hui’s influence, the emotional drift between him and Xiuzhu had long begun. It was only due to family expectations and their shared childhood that they hadn’t formally broken off. Yet now, seeing Xiuzhu close with someone new, he was clearly upset.

With that in mind, Yan Hui deliberately led Leng Qingqiu in that direction and raised her voice. “Miss Bai, why don’t you join us? Isn’t this your friend? You should introduce him!”

Startled, Bai Xiuzhu and the man beside her turned around. Yan Hui was surprised to see that the young man was a foreigner—tall, with sharp features and deep-set eyes.

Xiuzhu stood up with a smile. “I was just listening to Andrew talk about Europe. I didn’t notice you.”

She made the introductions.

Yan Hui asked curiously, “Are you planning to go abroad, Miss Bai?”

“Yes,” Xiuzhu said with a bright smile. “I’d planned to for a long time but never followed through. Now I’ve finally made up my mind. If all goes well, I’ll leave after the New Year.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept briefly across Yanxi before turning away.

It was likely Yanxi had once been the reason she delayed her plans. Their relationship had been so close, it seemed natural they’d marry. But now, free from that expectation, she was able to pursue her goals again.

Yan Hui smiled genuinely. “Then let me congratulate you in advance. Do let us know when you leave—we’ll see you off properly.”

“Of course,” Xiuzhu replied easily.

Yanxi looked displeased. “Do Miss Jin and Miss Leng also support her decision to go abroad?” he asked.

“Why wouldn’t we?” Leng Qingqiu replied, confused.

“I just think that while education is important for women, there’s no need to study too much,” Yanxi said. “At our age, it’s time to think about family and career. If one really wants to learn, there are good schools in China. Why go abroad?”

His remark was met with collective glares, especially from the young women—many of whom had studied overseas or were preparing to.

Realizing his blunder, Yanxi quickly tried to backtrack, but the discussion had already shifted. Education, ambition, and independence took center stage.

Someone asked about Yan Hui and Leng Qingqiu’s plans. Leng Qingqiu answered casually, “We’re aiming for university too. We’ve hired a tutor to help us prep.” She turned to Meili. “That’s why we’ve been so busy.”

Meili, being of similar age and concerns, asked, “Which university are you aiming for? Maybe we’ll be classmates.”

Leng Qingqiu smiled without answering, but Yan Hui replied clearly: “Peking University.”

At that, the room fell silent.