Walking along the black-and-white pebble path, that dreamlike sensation washed over her once again. The grass in the muddy ground beside her was lush and green, the bamboo swayed gently, seeming even more vibrant than before. Though it was only early spring, unknown petals were already fluttering down from above.
Hong Ning slowed her steps, momentarily lost in thought.
She had been living in this secluded estate for so long, idle day after day. Only after the New Year had passed did Duan Fei finally return from his business inspections across various regions. His carriage had arrived at the estate just that afternoon, followed by the bustle of cleaning rooms, unpacking goods, changing clothes, bathing, and resting. It wasn’t until evening, after confirming that he had finished his meal, that Hong Ning decided to visit him and express her gratitude.
The plaque reading “Listening Bamboo Pavilion” had already been mounted above the entrance, with elegant curtains draped over the doorway. From inside, she could faintly hear the sound of women laughing.
Two unfamiliar maids stood outside. When they saw Hong Ning, they both exchanged knowing smiles. Without needing her to state her purpose, one of them lifted a corner of the curtain and called into the room, “Young Master, the lady you rescued before has come to thank you.”
There was a brief silence inside.
Then a man’s voice, carrying a hint of laughter, rang out as if he had just remembered something.
“Ah, so it’s the beauty I rescued back then. Please, come in.”
Had he already forgotten about it after just a few months?
Hong Ning smiled faintly. She was beginning to understand this young master’s temperament. Even the maids dared to tease him so openly—it was clear he treated his servants with unusual leniency.
Lifting the curtain, she stepped inside.
The room was no longer the bare, empty space it had been before. Now, it was fully furnished—tables, chairs, and side tables arranged neatly, exquisite paintings adorning the walls. Musical instruments, including a qin, flute, and jade xiao, were placed in their appropriate spots. The luxurious quality and refined craftsmanship of each item spoke volumes about the owner’s taste.
However, the moment she fully took in the scene inside, Hong Ning drew in a sharp breath, stunned.
A bamboo couch had been placed exactly where she had imagined it would be!
Her reaction was so abrupt that it drew the attention of everyone in the room.
A variety of expressions turned toward her—some amused, some curious, some outright mischievous.
Coincidences were common in this world, and perhaps that particular spot was simply an ideal place for a bamboo couch.
Hong Ning had seen enough in life to steady herself quickly. Realizing her momentary lapse, she composed herself, erased all traces of surprise from her face, and replaced them with a polite smile.
She then shifted her gaze toward the man reclining on the couch.
But the moment she saw him, her shock only deepened.
A luminous jade cup rested casually in his hand as he reclined half-lazily on the bamboo couch. He was dressed in opulent robes and a gilded crown, yet his accessories were minimal—as though his very presence carried an effortless sense of wealth and leisure.
His jet-black hair was neatly tied, his eyebrows slightly close-set, creating the illusion of a faintly furrowed brow that added a melancholic elegance. His straight nose spoke of decisiveness, while his thin yet well-shaped lips curled with an unreadable smile—part teasing, part indulgent, part playful.
At that moment, Hong Ning finally understood what it meant to be truly charming.
But what truly unsettled her—what utterly disarmed her—were his eyes.
All his charisma, all his allure, was concentrated in those eyes.
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