A lonely man and a solitary woman

Because of today’s Dance Festival, the courtesans of all the major brothels in Beijing were resting in the warm chambers, which, for once, were closed to the public. When the crowd slowly dispersed, Ye Qianran found Ye An and the others to explain the situation. They had no objections, but Meng Lanyi was uneasy about the inn, so Gu Qingcheng sent a servant to escort Juan Bilu, Luan, and Qingge back to the inn and arranged private rooms for the four. Ye Qianran thought this was rather troublesome, but Gu Qingcheng’s thoughtfulness made it impossible to refuse, so she stayed. The real reason was her curiosity about the mysterious person who seemed to know everything beforehand. Throughout the discussion with Ye An and Meng Lanyi, Ye Qianran never looked at Zhuge Liuyun, who remained silent and offered no opinion.

It was Meng Lanyi who asked a question that puzzled Ye Qianran as well: "Why did they go to such lengths to keep you here? Is it really just for that wager?"

Ye Qianran shook her head, but Ye An smiled and answered, "You’re the only one in three years who’s passed the challenge. Of course, they want you to stay. Ten thousand taels of gold are easy enough to come by, but a young talent is rare. Perhaps Miss Qingcheng might even offer herself to you, cousin—you’re truly fortunate!"

Ye Qianran shot him a glare; her brother never spoke seriously. Then she pulled Meng Lanyi aside, "It’s because of me that you’re inconvenienced, sister..."

Before she could finish her apology, Meng Lanyi interrupted, "If you keep saying such distant words, I’ll be upset."

Ye Qianran had nothing left to say, but she reminded Ye An to take good care of Meng Lanyi. Before leaving, she cast a deep glance at Zhuge Liuyun, who kept his usual indifferent expression, lips curved in a faint smile. Ye Qianran’s expression darkened as she followed the maid to Gu Qingcheng’s private courtyard.

It was already the hour of the pig; a crescent moon hung high in the sky like a sickle, and birds occasionally flew overhead, leaving faint shadows. Gu Qingcheng’s courtyard felt utterly secluded, its hall brightly lit, while all around was silent—a contrast so stark, it was hard to believe both places belonged to the same world.

Gu Qingcheng greeted her with a radiant smile, rose, dismissed the maids, and said nothing, merely staring at her intently. Ye Qianran felt uneasy under this gaze. After a long moment, Gu Qingcheng finally withdrew her gaze, casting a strange smile that startled Ye Qianran, as if a great plot was unfolding. At length, Gu Qingcheng spoke: "May I ask the lady’s name?"

Ye Qianran drew a sharp breath and stepped back in surprise, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind. So she knew she was a woman—why insist on keeping her here? Ye Qianran composed herself and asked calmly, "When did you see through my identity?"

Gu Qingcheng seemed to have anticipated the question. She smiled slightly, "From the moment I first saw you, I knew."

Ye Qianran grew annoyed, "Then why did you insist on keeping me here? Were all your previous words mere deception?"

Gu Qingcheng circled her once, still smiling, "Though I knew you were a woman, I did not deceive you. Everything I said was true. Someone did indeed make a wager with me to keep you here."

"Oh?" Ye Qianran’s lips curled in a cold smile. "Then I must thank you for your honesty?"

Gu Qingcheng seemed oblivious to the hostility in her tone, replying with a smile, "I kept you here only to fulfill my promise, but only with your consent. If you are afraid and wish to leave now, I will personally ensure your safe return."

Ye Qianran’s anger eased somewhat, her tone softened, "Since I decided to stay, I’ll let you fulfill your promise. Though I am not a man, I understand the value of a pledge. There’s no need to provoke me."

Gu Qingcheng thanked her, leaving Ye Qianran alone in the room to fetch her friend. Left with nothing to do, Ye Qianran began to inspect Gu Qingcheng’s chamber.

Setting aside her prejudices, Ye Qianran admitted Gu Qingcheng was quite admirable: beautiful, learned, the only blemish her identity—a courtesan can never compare with a noble lady, no matter her virtues; such is fate’s caprice.

She was pondering these thoughts when someone pushed the door open. Ye Qianran turned to look—and was startled to see Wei Zhuang again!

Ye Qianran instinctively tried to leave, but Wei Zhuang blocked her way with his arm.

She hurried to distance herself, asking with open hostility, "Why is it you again?"

Wei Zhuang asked with amusement, "Why shouldn’t it be me?"

Ye Qianran shot him a disdainful glance. "You’re the one who made the wager with Gu Qingcheng?"

"Yes."

"How were you so sure I’d pass all three tests?" Ye Qianran’s tone softened as she gazed at him, curious.

Wei Zhuang laughed quietly, approaching her step by step, his voice low and alluring, "If it had been anyone else today, perhaps I wouldn’t have been so certain. But you—I have no doubts at all."

"Why?" Ye Qianran was even more intrigued, staring at him intently.

"Because I know you. I believe in your talent. If there’s anyone in this world who could overcome these three challenges, it would be you." Wei Zhuang stood before her, his gaze locked on hers, sincerity resonating in his voice.

Listening to his words of praise, looking into his obsidian eyes—so deep, so unfathomable, stripped of the usual banter—Ye Qianran almost believed he was a good man. But the faint smile at his lips brought her back to herself. She turned away, analyzing his words carefully, realizing they were nothing but lies. He claimed to know her? They’d met barely a handful of times, yet he shamelessly said he believed in her. This man was truly brazen. What was most absurd was that she nearly believed him.

She stepped back, widening the distance. "You’re lying. We’ve only met twice—hardly enough to claim understanding, let alone trust."

Wei Zhuang laughed softly again, advancing on her as she retreated until there was nowhere left to go. Backed against the wall, she found herself enclosed by his arms, their proximity so close she could hear his breath. His voice was low and mesmerizing: "There are some people—one glance feels like a thousand years. Qianran, do you believe in that feeling?"

Ye Qianran had never heard her name spoken so beautifully. She saw his Adam’s apple move with his words, tracing a graceful arc.

She could smell the pleasant fragrance on his clothes, hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. At such a moment, Zhuge Liuyun’s image suddenly flashed in her mind—how wonderful it would be if the man before her was Zhuge Liuyun.

Looking at him, her face glowed with a strange radiance. Wei Zhuang sensed she was looking at him, yet perhaps through him at someone else. After a long moment, he sighed and released her.

A hint of mockery appeared at his lips as he sat nonchalantly in a chair, poured water for them both, and raised his cup: "I’ve never met a woman who would think of another man while in my arms—you’re truly unique."

Ye Qianran took a seat on the opposite side, laughing lightly, "You’re certainly confident in yourself."

Wei Zhuang sipped his tea, set the cup down, and smiled, "I thought you’d be angry again after hearing that, maybe even try to hit me."

"After two encounters, I’ve found that apart from your sharp tongue, you’ve done nothing to harm me. Besides, you didn’t offend me this time, so why should I hit you?"

"Oh, so that’s how you see me," Wei Zhuang’s interest was piqued. "But I think you say that because you don’t really know me. If you ask around, you might not even want to stay in the same room with me."

Ye Qianran sipped her tea and smiled, "I never judge a person’s nature by their past." She set her cup down as if remembering something, her face lighting up with excitement. "But I am curious about you. You seem so mysterious. Since there’s a chance tonight, why not tell me about your past?"

Wei Zhuang smiled, "That, you’ll have to find out for yourself. The rumors in town are far more interesting than anything I could say."

Ye Qianran rolled her eyes, then stood up. "We’ve met, we’ve talked—I think it’s time I left."

Wei Zhuang smiled, "Where will you go? Qingcheng said you’re a distinguished guest—the private room is yours, she’s gone elsewhere."

"Oh?" Ye Qianran sat back down, resting her chin on her hand, eyes wide. "She really said that?" Then, muttering to herself, "I must thank her properly tomorrow."

Wei Zhuang couldn’t help but laugh at her adorable expression.

Ye Qianran glared at him, "What are you laughing at?"

Wei Zhuang only laughed harder, shaking his head, "Nothing, really, nothing at all."

Ye Qianran got up, opened the door, and gestured for him to leave, "I’m going to rest now, sir—please leave."

Wei Zhuang rose, but instead of exiting, he closed the door she had opened. Ye Qianran, now irritated, asked, "What’s the meaning of this?"

"Obviously, I intend to sleep with you," Wei Zhuang replied shamelessly.

Ye Qianran’s cheeks instantly flushed, and she spat out, "Shameless!"

Wei Zhuang was unfazed, leaning against the door, finding her blushing face especially charming, and decided to tease her further: "So, should I sleep on top, or should you?"

Her face grew even redder, as if blood might drip from it. Heaven only knew what images flashed through her mind, and Wei Zhuang laughed uproariously.

Realizing she’d been teased again, Ye Qianran stomped on his foot, making Wei Zhuang gasp in pain before she finally relented. Pretending to be cold, she said, "Sir, please leave now, I want to rest."

Wei Zhuang said nothing, heading straight for the bed. Now truly anxious, Ye Qianran grabbed his sleeve, "You’re not serious, are you?"

"What do you think?" Wei Zhuang raised his thick brows, unconcerned.

Ye Qianran was on the verge of tears; she’d thought he was joking, but now it seemed real. She’d overlooked the fact that Wei Zhuang was never a good man—she shouldn’t have expected him to act like one. Now, desperate to leave, she turned to go, but Wei Zhuang blocked her. She pushed him with all her might, but his strength was overwhelming, impossible to budge. In her distress, tears began to fall, landing on his sleeve. Wei Zhuang sighed, "I just wanted to talk with you a little longer—are you really so afraid of me?"

Ye Qianran’s hands paused, raising her tearful eyes to look at him, saying nothing. After a long silence, Wei Zhuang released her, his gaze tinged with disappointment. "I admire your talent and wished to converse by candlelight, but you act no differently from any conventional woman, bound by rules and unable to cross the line. It seems I’ve overestimated you."

Ye Qianran relaxed a little, seeing the disappointment in his eyes, wondering if she’d judged him too harshly. She never considered herself a stickler for rules—if she refused now, it would seem she was afraid.

Yet, in such circumstances, it was improper for a man and woman to be alone. She was caught between advancing and retreating.

Wei Zhuang saw her hesitation and continued, "I have to leave on a long journey tomorrow—two or three months before I return. Who knows when we’ll meet again? Please grant me this wish."

Ye Qianran saw his sincerity and harmless intent; if she refused, it would seem discourteous. She forgot that Wei Zhuang himself was not a courteous man—he only used manners when necessary and otherwise disdained them.

She moved a little further away, still wary, repeating, "Just talking, as agreed."

Wei Zhuang smiled kindly, pulling her to sit down, "Though I am not a good man, I would never take advantage of you. Rest assured."

Ye Qianran finally felt at ease, sipping her tea. The candle’s flame flickered, casting dancing shadows. Wei Zhuang’s profile, half-lit, half-shadowed, seemed almost unreal. This Wei Zhuang was different from the one she’d met before: once a rogue, now refined and eloquent—almost respectable. She found him truly enigmatic.