Back in Chong Zhou, one would have thought that it was the most prosperous city of the dynasty. Yet, Ganzhou proved to be no less dazzling. Not only were its sights unique, but the attire and accents of its people were distinct, unlike those of any other place. Despite being a foreigner, Hong Ning did not feel out of place. On the contrary, there was an unexpected sense of familiarity.
Walking down the lively streets, she once again felt that surreal, dreamlike sensation wash over her. Not long ago, she had been strolling through Chong Zhou with Yang Zhen, and now, in the blink of an eye, she had arrived in Ganzhou. The person by her side had changed as well—now it was a charming and elegant gentleman of Ganzhou. Everything had shifted so quickly: the sudden rain, the unexpected rescue, the illness, her promise to Duan Fei… It all felt like an ephemeral dream.
“What is my beauty thinking about?” Duan Fei wrapped an arm around her waist, studying her closely. “As beautiful as ever, but your complexion is far too pale.” Without a care for the gazes of passersby, he pulled her toward a nearby shop. “Let’s get some rouge. The cosmetics here are quite famous.”
Hong Ning did not object and followed him inside.
Who in Ganzhou did not recognize this generous patron? The moment they stepped through the door, the shopkeeper beamed and immediately ordered his assistants to bring out the finest, newest products for them to choose from. Personally, he served them the best tea.
A dozen boxes of rouge were neatly arranged in a row.
Duan Fei took a seat on a nearby chair and smiled at her. “Take whichever one you like, my beauty.”
Hong Ning was not fond of such things by nature. She glanced over the selection briefly and said, “Anything is fine.”
Even the shopkeeper was taken aback. These were not cosmetics that ordinary women could afford. He had seen many beauties come and go, all either delightedly accepting the offer or playfully making a show of picking and choosing. Never before had he heard such an indifferent response. Momentarily unsure of what to do, he thought to himself, You’re told to pick whatever you like, yet you pretend to be reserved. Hesitantly, he turned to Duan Fei. “Young Master Duan, what do you think…?”
Duan Fei seemed unconcerned. “Just buy them all.”
Before he had even finished speaking, Hong Ning casually picked up a box. “I’ll take this one, then.”
The shopkeeper’s smile stiffened. Has this Duan fellow not even married yet? This is just a woman from outside, so why not take advantage of the opportunity? Why bother saving his money? Such a perfect chance to show off, and she let it slip away! Foolish! But in the next moment, a realization dawned on him. His expression shifted, and he secretly admired her cleverness. She’s smarter than the others—she knows how to cast a long line to catch a big fish.
As expected, Duan Fei followed her lead. “If my beauty fancies this one, then this one it is.”
Seeing the attendants pay and put away the rouge, Hong Ning suddenly realized that her action had been rather inappropriate for her position. She regretted it at once and casually explained, “I don’t like using rouge. Buying too much would just be a waste…” She stopped mid-sentence and smiled bitterly. I really have grown too used to being frugal. Even when I try to act otherwise, I fail.
Duan Fei chuckled in agreement. “My beauty speaks wisely.”
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