In the following days, Lu Yichen was busy dealing with special department matters, so he didn't have time to ask Zhong Niangyao out on a date.
Zhong Niangyao didn't go out either, instead staying at home. Ever since the incident with Hu Jiu, her spirits had been low. She didn't even want to set up her stall or go shopping, let alone step out of the house.
Soon, a rumor began spreading quietly throughout the Zhong Family: Zhong Niangyao had been dumped by Third Young Master Lu, which explained her unwillingness to go out.
Initially, the rumor circulated only among the servants. But as the story grew more outrageous, everyone in the Zhong Family, except for the parties involved, had heard about it.
Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong naturally heard about it too. They were worried but didn't dare to confront Zhong Niangyao directly. Thus, they strictly forbade the servants from gossiping, threatening dismissal if the rumors continued.
