Qilin turned around, his soaked white night robe dripping water onto the ground.
Wang Cang Hai sighed and said slowly, “My attendants went to fetch dry clothes. They’ll be back soon. Put on my clothes before you leave.”
Only then did Qilin lower his head to look at himself.
His silk robe, now completely drenched, had become transparent, clinging to his body so tightly it left nothing to the imagination. He was practically naked.
His face flushed deeper, and in his embarrassment, he sank back into the water, no longer daring to look at Wang Cang Hai.
Now, they sat in the hot spring together, facing each other.
Wang Cang Hai watched Qilin directly, while Qilin kept his head lowered, avoiding his gaze. In a small voice, he asked, “How do you know my name? Who are you, really?”
“I am Wang Cang Hai.” His voice was as cold as ice.
Qilin still didn’t look up. “So you really are Lord Xiao Wang… It must have been Wu Ma Nan Sheng who told you my name.”
Wang Cang Hai did not respond.
Qilin, returning to his usual chatterbox nature, kept talking to himself. “Just now, I overheard Wu Ma Nan Sheng saying that you were the one who killed that centipede monster. Thank you for saving my life.”
Wang Cang Hai thought, Damn that Wu Ma Nan Sheng. Since when did you become so familiar with him? Is there no limit to your social skills?
Qilin continued, “Lord Xiao Wang, have you seen my friend Wan Bao? He was injured—he needs someone to take care of him. Do you know where he is?”
Wang Cang Hai asked, “You want to see Wan Bao? You want to take care of him?”
Qilin nodded.
Wang Cang Hai thought, Everyone is your dear friend, and I’m the only stranger to you, is that it?
He answered with a completely straight face, “Wan Bao has already returned to the Wan family in Dong Hai.”
That was a lie. In reality, Wan Bao was still here, but at that very moment, Wang Cang Hai had already decided—he would have Xia Xia send Wan Bao away today and make sure he left for the Wan family estate.
Qilin, looking worried, pressed on. “How is Wan Bao’s injury? Is he alright?”
Wang Cang Hai, annoyed, snapped, “The Wan family will take care of him. You don’t need to concern yourself.”
Qilin opened his mouth to say something else, but at that moment, his stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl.
“Lord Xiao Wang,” Qilin said, embarrassed, “I apologize for my poor manners. I haven’t eaten in a whole day and night.”
Hearing those words, Wang Cang Hai’s heart softened. His tone, too, became gentler. “Come here. There are some pastries on the table behind me.”
Qilin followed his instructions, walking slowly toward him. As he passed Wang Cang Hai, his shoulder accidentally brushed against his smooth, porcelain-like skin, causing him to flush bright red. He quickly lowered his head, avoiding Wang Cang Hai’s gaze.
But then his eyes caught something else—a glimpse of reflected water, shimmering like springtime warmth, causing his blush to deepen.
Hurriedly, he turned his head away, stepping forward a bit too quickly and nearly crashing into the edge of the pool and the table.
When he finally raised his head, he saw the table—indeed, it was arranged with an assortment of delicacies and fruit wine, all displayed with exquisite plating. The arrangement formed the shape of a plum blossom, delicate and artful.
“Red bean cakes!” Qilin exclaimed with delight. “They’re my favorite!”
Wang Cang Hai’s heart stirred slightly.
Qilin… Qilin… Do you have any idea?
Red bean cake is also called “Lovesick Cake.”
For sixteen long years, my obsession and suffering…
Turns out it was nothing but my one-sided longing.
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