A dozen garments lay spread out, their vibrant colors as light and soft as feathers.
On the couch, Duan Fei reclined lazily against a brocade cushion, swirling a luminous goblet of wine in his hand. He had been admiring the dresses for quite some time. Suddenly, his eyes brightened, and he reached out, pulling her into his embrace. “This one is perfect.”
The crimson fabric burned like fire, making even her pale complexion seem flushed with color.
Duan Fei drained his cup and casually set it on the table. Lowering his gaze, he murmured appreciatively, “My beauty was born to wear this.”
Hong Ning smiled faintly, subtly turning her face to avoid the scent of wine. Yet, the light fragrance of alcohol mixed with his own scent wasn’t unpleasant at all.
“Here, put on the bracelet.” Duan Fei picked up a nearby box, opened it, and revealed a pair of simple yet elegant jade bangles. Taking one, he gently slipped it onto her wrist, then held her hand for a moment, studying it with a slight frown. “For hands like yours, this level of craftsmanship is still lacking.”
Hong Ning smiled. “Where would you find anything better than this?”
Duan Fei actually seemed to consider it. “There’s a fine pair in our shop in Jiezhou. I’ll have someone fetch them tomorrow.”
Hong Ning shook her head and couldn’t help but remind him, “That was the governor’s daughter.”
“I know she’s the governor’s daughter,” Duan Fei said, unconcerned. He lifted her hand and kissed it lightly. “What, still jealous?”
She had meant to discuss serious matters, but he was teasing her again with that playful grin. Hong Ning sighed in exasperation and turned her face away.
“Worried about me?” Duan Fei laughed, gently brushing his fingers over her cheek. “With me around, my beauty should focus on trying on her new dresses every day. Don’t think too much. Thinking too much makes you age faster, and if you turn into an old woman, I won’t want you anymore.”
Doing business often required good relations with government officials. Hong Ning had initially been concerned that offending Governor Su might bring trouble, but hearing Duan Fei’s tone—so casual, so unconcerned—she realized he must be confident in handling the situation. So she said no more. Still, a thought lingered—someone who had built such a vast business empire and carried himself with such ease could never be an unknown figure. If she had paid more attention to the business world, she surely would have heard of his name and reputation before.
A sudden warmth brushed against her earlobe, humid and electrifying. A shiver ran down her spine.
Her robe had slipped down past her shoulders. Instinctively, Hong Ning grabbed his hand.
“Lost in thought? What are you thinking about?” Duan Fei looked up at her as if nothing had happened, his expression casual and composed.
Hong Ning released his hand and lowered her gaze. “Nothing.”
Duan Fei’s voice dropped slightly. “It’s getting late.”
She said nothing.
“Should I return to my room and rest?” he asked.
After a moment of silence, Hong Ning’s lips curved into a faint smile. “This is Young Master Duan’s residence. Everything here, including myself, belongs to you. If you wish to stay, you stay. If you wish to leave, you leave. Why ask me?”
Duan Fei gazed at her for a long moment. “Because I don’t want to leave.”
There was a flicker of curiosity in Hong Ning’s eyes.
“I don’t want to leave. That’s all.” Duan Fei smiled and gently pushed her away. “It’s rare to meet such an intriguing beauty. I’d rather she be the one to take the initiative. Maybe one day, she’ll come looking for me.” He paused, his tone laced with meaning. “And when that day comes, she will give me her heart.”
Hong Ning froze.
“Are you really searching for a place to settle down?” His voice was light, almost careless. “I think even if you find one, you won’t truly be at peace.”
He rose to his feet, his robes billowing as he strode toward the door. “You’re just tired. You don’t want to keep wandering, so you’re looking for a place to rest.”
Was that all it was? Just exhaustion?
She had been sitting in the same position for too long, and her arm had gone slightly numb. Slowly, Hong Ning straightened herself, her thoughts silent and tangled. Perhaps it was because he saw through her too clearly, exposing her weakness in a single sentence. Or perhaps it was because, despite understanding everything, he showed no sign of judgment—only quiet acceptance. A faint, unfamiliar ache stirred in her chest.
A pair of hands gently lifted her robe, pulling it back over her shoulders.
Hong Ning looked up.
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