Meanwhile, Lin Jiarui, thanks to his close friend Han Gongzi, quickly learned about the past grievances between Qiu Liuyue and Yue Hengyan.
Ahem, it wasn’t that Han Gongzi himself was particularly gossipy or loose-lipped, but since this matter involved his dear friend, he couldn’t just stand by and watch Lin Jiarui struggle in a doomed, unrequited love. After all, having grown up together, Han Gongzi knew Lin Jiarui’s temperament all too well. If Qiu Liuyue had feelings for someone else, Lin Jiarui would silently endure the pain, lick his wounds alone, and then—with the gentlest, brightest smile—send her off, encouraging her to pursue her own happiness.
At this thought, Han Gongzi sighed sorrowfully: *Why is it that after all these years of friendship with a scoundrel like me—flirtatious, shameless, and riddled with flaws—Lin Jiarui remains so… rigid and inflexible?*
Shaking his head, Han Gongzi consoled himself: *Ah well, hasn’t Jiarui always been like this since childhood? Kind, gentle, the epitome of an elegant and sincere gentleman. Wasn’t it precisely because of his noble character that I decided to befriend him and remain his closest brother all these years?*
With that, Han Gongzi set off to find Lin Jiarui, determined to fulfill his duty as a true friend.
When Lin Jiarui first heard the news from Han Gongzi, he was utterly disbelieving. After all, he had genuinely seen affection for him in Qiu Liuyue’s eyes and felt her emotions toward him. That was why he had believed their feelings were mutual and had worked so hard to build a future for them, striving to fulfill his responsibilities as a man and a potential husband.
But now, his best friend was telling him: *It was all in your head.*
Lin Jiarui didn’t doubt Han Gongzi’s words. Having grown up together, he knew Han Gongzi’s character well—his pride wouldn’t allow him to spin pointless lies. Moreover, Han Gongzi had mentioned that the incident had unfolded in public, witnessed by many. If it were false, a simple inquiry would expose the lie. Han Gongzi was far too clever to make such a foolish mistake.
Thus, the matter between Qiu Liuyue and Yue Hengyan was likely true.
At this stage, Lin Jiarui’s feelings for Qiu Liuyue weren’t yet deep enough to be irreplaceable. Though heartbroken and reluctant, he accepted that it had all been a misunderstanding—that Qiu Liuyue’s heart belonged to another. The pain would fade with time, and he would eventually move on.
*Who hasn’t experienced or witnessed a failed romance in their lifetime?* Lin Jiarui silently comforted himself. *This is just a small setback on life’s journey. Once you get past it, everything will be fine. Ahead lies a vast forest of possibilities… waiting for you… you… you…*
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Jiarui clenched a fist and lightly struck his palm. *Forget it. Emotions, love—they’re all fleeting. Only the knowledge in books is eternal. Why should I, so young, bother with romance? Isn’t returning to my books far more interesting? Yes, that’s what I’ll do!*
With that, he cast aside his sorrow and returned to his study, immersing himself in the world of books.
As for Qiu Liuyue and Yue Hengyan? *Who were they again?* He didn’t know them!
Meanwhile, Qiu Liuyue, who was dining with Yue Hengyan to deepen their bond, had no idea that the affection points she had painstakingly raised through her “literary talent” and “brilliance” had silently evaporated into thin air.
Meanwhile, Han Gongzi—Han Xinbai—after bidding farewell to his friend, sighed in relief at having helped Lin Jiarui escape a doomed romance. Shaking his head, he pondered where to seek amusement next.
*Should I visit the gambling den with my rowdy friends? Or head to the pleasure quarters to chat, listen to music, and watch dances with my lovely companions? Or…*
But Han Xinbai’s leisurely musings were abruptly interrupted—for right then and there, he laid eyes on his long-time dream lover!
A group of beautiful young ladies stood like a bouquet of dazzling flowers, forming a breathtaking sight that drew the gazes of every passing man. Yet these ladies paid no heed to the men around them, their cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling as they all stared at one person.
Strangely, the object of their admiration didn’t provoke jealousy from other men—because the one they were gazing at was also a young woman, though her style starkly contrasted with the delicate beauties around her.
Dressed in feminine attire yet exuding a radiant, heroic aura, she stood out like a blazing sun, impossible to ignore. Han Xinbai clutched his chest in awe.
*Heavens! Heavens! That’s Miss Xunmeng! My dream lover, Jin Xunmeng! Aaaaaah!*
Spotting her target, Jin Xunmeng—who had always been bold and unrestrained—felt her heart race uncontrollably. But as a woman accustomed to grand scenes, she maintained her composure. Casually bidding farewell to her companions, she strode toward Han Xinbai as if seeking someone she knew.
The moment the other girls realized Jin Xunmeng’s target was Han Xinbai—the darling of countless courtesans and the dream lover of many noble maidens—their fondness for him instantly plummeted to rock bottom.
*Hmph! How dare you steal our goddess’s attention? We’ll hate you forever!*
Unsurprisingly, Jin Xunmeng effortlessly triumphed over Han Xinbai in their little contest. Not that Han Xinbai cared—losing to his goddess left him oddly delighted.
*Ah, just competing with her is a joy in itself!*
As Jin Xunmeng approached, Han Xinbai’s famed wit and eloquence deserted him. Dazed, he listened as she explained that her elder brother, Jin Shaoxin, along with his father and other officials, was collaborating on some project under the emperor’s directive.
Bored and seeking entertainment, Jin Xunmeng had wandered out but didn’t know where to go. Having heard of Han Xinbai’s expertise in the capital’s pleasures, and given their families’ connection, she invited him to be her guide.
Would Han Xinbai refuse? Impossible! He immediately agreed, his mind racing to plan the perfect tour of the capital, determined to give Jin Xunmeng an unforgettable experience.
Around her, the usually suave and silver-tongued Han Xinbai became as bashful as a lovestruck youth, astonishing anyone who knew him. Jin Xunmeng, however, was thoroughly pleased.
After learning of Han Xinbai’s admiration from her brother’s friend You Qi, Jin Shaoxin had investigated him. Though Han Xinbai carried the air of a playboy, he had firm principles and knew his limits. His family’s status and his elder brother’s responsibilities allowed him freedom, but he was no scoundrel.
*That’s enough for me,* Jin Xunmeng mused.
Stealing a glance at Han Xinbai, she assessed him further. *Talented, principled, loyal—quite the catch. As for his legion of admirers… I’ll handle that.* Having grown up on battlefields and charmed countless women, Jin Xunmeng was confident in her abilities.
Unlike delicate noble maidens, Jin Xunmeng had been raised differently. She was no fragile flower but a woman capable of carving her own path, even after marriage.
Thus, after tossing Han Xinbai her way, Jin Shaoxin left the matter to her, trusting his sister to handle it perfectly.
Noticing Jin Xunmeng’s gaze, Han Xinbai turned—only to be dazzled by her radiant smile, his mind melting into mush. Jin Xunmeng’s satisfaction grew.
Hand in hand, the two strolled happily through the streets, deepening their bond—until chaos suddenly erupted ahead.
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