“Je… Jewelry?”
Though Yin Qiu tried her best to refuse, her efforts were in vain.
Shen Yu bought whatever she wanted, and the two of them were on completely different wavelengths.
Shen Yu was quite generous, buying Yin Qiu many beautiful silver ornaments and hairpins.
She didn’t forget the bronze mirror and comb for their daily grooming, either, since both of them could use those.
She even spent over ten silver taels to buy Yin Qiu an exquisite Gold Bracelet.
It looked heavy, gleaming with a dazzling luster under the sun that inspired a sense of awe.
It wasn’t that Shen Yu was spoiling Yin Qiu, nor was she trying to flaunt her wealth.
It was a means of protecting Yin Qiu.
Yin Qiu was too timid; such a personality made it easy for others to bully her.
While public security in the Capital City was quite good and the probability of robbery or theft was extremely low, that didn’t mean the Capital City was absolutely safe.
The Capital City was home to a vast number of wealthy people, and it was inevitable that there would be snobs who judged others by their appearance.
A large Gold Bracelet on one’s wrist was the simplest symbol of wealth and status.
When ordinary people saw it, they might not necessarily be more respectful, but at least they wouldn’t think Yin Qiu was an easy target.
It could prevent a lot of trouble.
Of course, this tactic only worked in a stable environment like the Capital City.
Leaving the Capital would instead invite disaster.
The further one was from the Capital City, the higher the risk of wearing expensive jewelry.
“Sister — this is too precious. I can’t…”
Yin Qiu tried her hardest to pull the Gold Bracelet off her wrist.
Her pretty face was flushed red, and tears shimmered in her eyes.
She truly didn’t dare to wear it.
She believed from the bottom of her heart that such a luxurious item shouldn’t be on her wrist.
This Gold Bracelet was worth more than her life; what right did she have to wear it out?
But the Gold Bracelet had been custom-made for Yin Qiu’s wrist.
It was difficult to put on, and removing it would require a professional jeweler’s help.
Yin Qiu rubbed her wrist until the skin was raw, yet she still couldn’t get it off.
She paced around in a panic.
Even when they went out to the street, she cautiously hid her wrist in her arms, warily eyeing everyone they passed.
“I told you to wear it, so wear it. What are you… doing?”
By the time Shen Yu discovered that Yin Qiu was quietly trying to remove the bracelet, they were already finishing their shopping and preparing to head back.
Shen Yu noticed Yin Qiu was carefully hiding her hand and occasionally frowning, letting out sharp, hissing breaths.
Realizing something was wrong, Shen Yu pulled Yin Qiu’s wrist toward her.
Only then did she find that this silly girl had rubbed her wrist until it was a bloody mess.
‘She was actually willing to use her own blood as a lubricant just to get the bracelet off?’
“I… I… I’m sorry, Sister. This is too precious. I’m afraid.”
Yin Qiu spoke timidly, her voice full of caution and even a hint of a sob.
“I’m already satisfied just being able to eat my fill while following you, Sister. There’s no need to buy me such expensive things. You have to stay in the Capital City for the Imperial Examination, and the lodging alone costs three silver taels a day. There are many places where you’ll need money. There’s no need to spend it on me…”
Yin Qiu clutched her wrist.
The heavy bracelet was stained with blood, and Shen Yu felt as if she could see the infinite sense of inferiority hidden deep in the child’s heart.
Just like this blood-stained Gold Bracelet…
“I know you’re good to me, Sister. I’ll definitely work hard to repay you. But this Gold Bracelet… *sob*.”
Before she could finish, Yin Qiu couldn’t help but burst into aggrieved tears.
“The money for it could have bought so much grain. It could have fed us for a long, long time. You’re so good to me, Sister. I’ve never gone shopping in my life. I’ve never bought new shoes or new clothes, and I didn’t even know what rouge or jewelry was…”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, Sister. It’s just that I, Yin Qiu, am not worthy of such fortune. I can’t feel at peace with this Gold Bracelet on my wrist. I’m already content that you were willing to take me in and give me a bite to eat.”
“Sister… you’re the person who has treated me best in the whole world. I can’t cause you trouble…”