Young Master Han scratched his head with a hint of pain, muttering, “What should we do about this?”
“Young Master Han?” Chi Huai was somewhat puzzled by Han’s current dilemma.
Han coughed awkwardly and stammered, “Well, you see, Brother Jiarui (Lin Jiarui, the son of the Minister of Revenue) and I are very close friends. He once happily told me that he had… ahem, feelings for that Miss Qiu Yue downstairs, and it seemed she reciprocated somewhat. Brother Jiarui even planned to propose to her, just like you did, Chi. But now… it seems he might have misread the situation.”
Below, Qiu Liuyue was being harassed by a rather unattractive young man dressed like an unreliable nouveau riche—which, in fact, he was. Later, Yue Hengyan stepped in to help, and Qiu Liuyue gazed at him with starry eyes. As Lin Jiarui’s close friend, Han was at a loss for how to break this disheartening news to him.
Watching Qiu Liuyue and Yue Hengyan chatting happily below, Han sighed regretfully for his friend.
Having grown up together, Han knew Lin Jiarui’s temperament all too well. Jiarui was a gentle and refined scholar, devoted to literature and poetry, sincere and considerate to others. If Qiu Liuyue didn’t return his feelings and had fallen for someone else, Jiarui, no matter how deeply he cared for her, would restrain himself and not let his emotions run wild.
As Jiarui often said, matters of the heart should be mutual. What meaning or value was there in forcing something? It was merely self-deception by the weak.
If Qiu Liuyue and he had truly been in love, despite any status disparity or familial objections, Jiarui would have mustered the courage to fight for their future together. But if it was just his own one-sided affection, he would decisively let go and step aside for her happiness.
Frankly, those who knew both Han and Jiarui found their friendship astonishing. One was disciplined and serious, while the other indulged in pleasures and frivolities. Yet, their bond had remained unshaken for years, a true marvel.
Turning to matters of the heart, Chi Huai couldn’t help but ask curiously, “So, what kind of woman does Young Master Han prefer?”
Despite Han’s reputation for revelry and countless female companions, he had never taken a wife or even a concubine. His liaisons were mostly with courtesans—paid for a night’s pleasure and nothing more. It was unclear what kind of woman he would eventually marry.
Han stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… the type I like is someone who can keep up with me and enjoy life together.”
“Keep up with him…” Chi Huai silently observed Han, his thoughts taking a slightly off-color turn. Whether it was his own imagination or Han’s phrasing that was suggestive remained unclear.
Han quickly clarified, “Not like that! I mean, I prefer women who can join me in all sorts of games—riding, hunting, teasing cats and dogs, playing all kinds of fun activities.”
As a pampered young noble without much responsibility, Han was like an eternal child. For a future wife, he favored a bold, domineering type or a lively girl who could share his playful spirit over a demure, obedient lady.
Speaking of his ideal type, Han’s eyes gleamed with longing. “Actually, General Jin’s younger sister, Miss Xunmeng, has always been my… well, let’s say, my dream lover.”
“Miss Xunmeng?” Chi Huai recalled—Jin Xunmeng was quite a renowned figure in the capital.
The Jin family was a lineage of loyal generals, though unlike the Marshal’s household, it now consisted only of General Jin Shaoxin and his sister, Jin Xunmeng. Fortunately, under the protection of the emperor and the Marshal, Jin Shaoxin had already earned great fame in his youth, ensuring a bright future for the family.
Jin Xunmeng, having followed her father and brother to the battlefield as a child, was nothing like the delicate, refined ladies of the inner chambers. In armor, wielding weapons, she had captivated countless admirers. Truly, when a woman was that dashing, men paled in comparison.
Chi Huai had naturally heard of her, but he hadn’t expected Han to harbor feelings for such a bold and unrestrained woman. Nearby, You Qi glanced thoughtfully at Han.
You Qi mused, *Shaoxin has been fretting over his sister’s marriage for ages. He’d probably be thrilled to know someone likes her. This is good news.*
Then, recalling Jin Xunmeng’s formidable personality, You Qi shuddered imperceptibly.
He thought his reaction had gone unnoticed, but Chi Huai immediately turned to him. “You’er, are you cold?”
Chi Huai quickly grasped You Qi’s hands, intending to take him inside to warm up. Startled, You Qi felt a surge of warmth in his heart and smiled. “I’m fine, Ah Huai. Don’t worry, I’m not cold.”
Initially skeptical, Chi Huai checked You Qi’s hands and found them pleasantly warm—even warmer than his own perpetually cold ones—and relaxed.
However, he noticed that You Qi’s hands weren’t soft and delicate like most women’s. Instead, they were broad, strong, and calloused, hinting at a past of hardship. Though it pained him, Chi Huai refrained from prying. Even as lifelong partners, some things required respect and space. If You Qi chose not to share, Chi Huai wouldn’t force him to reopen old wounds.
As the two exchanged tender glances, pink bubbles seemed to float around them. Han, catching a glimpse, winced at the blinding display and averted his eyes, sighing dramatically. “Ah, why can’t a dashing gentleman like me find his soulmate?”
Hearing this, Chi Huai snapped back to reality and coughed awkwardly. “Ahem, Young Master Han, aside from Miss Xunmeng, is there anyone else you fancy?”
Had You Qi not been holding his hand so tightly, Chi Huai might have withdrawn it—though, admittedly, the warmth was comforting, and he found himself reluctant to let go.
Unaware of the silent exchange beside him, Han pondered Chi Huai’s question. “Other crushes? Well, I am quite intrigued by the mastermind behind the Wonder House.”
His eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Think about it—if I married the owner, I’d get first dibs on all their new gadgets! Maybe even exclusive, non-sale items!” For a playboy like him, the temptation was irresistible.
You Qi shot Han a subtle glance but remained silent.
While the group chatted above, the commotion below gradually subsided.
Initially, Qiu Liuyue had only wanted to check on her Wonder House’s business. She wasn’t worried about her identity being exposed—whenever she appeared as the owner, she wore a mask and cloak, concealing her features and keeping a low profile.
Truthfully, if not for the Duke’s estate’s unresolved issues, Qiu Liuyue would never have settled for such modesty. Someone as remarkable as her deserved to flaunt it! After all, wasn’t the whole point of her hard work to bask in admiration and envy?
But thanks to the Duke’s household—especially the Duchess and that troublesome Qiu Muxue—she couldn’t even reveal her true self without her mask and tokens. The mere thought filled her with loathing for the Duke’s family.
Still, as she wandered the bustling shop, watching the profits roll in, her mood lifted—until it was abruptly shattered.
The troublemaker was a local tyrant from a remote region. After his sister became a high-ranking official’s concubine in the capital, he grew even more brazen. As the family’s sole male heir, no matter his misdeeds, his sister would bail him out. With such backing, he feared nothing.
But this time, he’d gone too far—accidentally causing a death—and unfortunately, a capital official happened to be incognito nearby. The situation was spiraling out of control.
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