When Shen Yunjiao returned to the mansion, she happened to run into the Shen family father and son who had just finished their shift.

"Father, brother!"

Shen Yunjiao's eyes lit up slightly. She lifted her skirt and ran to Shen Zhizhang and Shen Qinghuai, "Daughter hasn't seen Father for a long time."

Shen Zhizhang smiled gently and said, "These past few days, your father and brother have been staying home to keep you company."

The three walked together to the flower hall. Shen Zhizhang ordered his attendant to bring a sandalwood brocade box, which he pushed in front of Shen Yunjiao. "Yunjiao, this is something your father specially went to the Treasure Shop to find. Do you like it?"

Shen Yunjiao was stunned for a moment, then quickly opened the brocade box embroidered with peonies, inside which was an enormous golden South Sea pearl.

This South Sea pearl was the size of a pigeon egg, with a rich luster and delicate texture. Shen Yunjiao had never seen such a large and dazzling pearl in her two lifetimes.

Shen Yunjiao was taken aback at first, then smiled sweetly at Shen Zhizhang and said, "Thank you for the gift, Father."

Shen Qinghuai said sourly from the side, "I knew Father was biased. He only gives the good things to my sister."

Shen Zhizhang said with a stern face, "If you can find me a wife, I'll give you ten, not just one."

Shen Qinghuai immediately shut up, shrinking his neck like a quail and burying his head in drinking tea.

Seeing such a heartwarming scene, Shen Yunjiao was somewhat dazed.

She hadn't experienced much family affection in her previous life, but unexpectedly, after transmigrating into the book, she was able to gain two close relatives all at once.

This can be considered a blessing from God.

After taking a sip of tea, Shen Zhizhang put down his teacup and said to Shen Yunjiao, "I heard you went to the White Horse Temple today?"

“Yes, I’ll go find a master to choose an auspicious date.” Shen Yun said with a smile. After putting the bead back into the brocade box, she sat up a little straighter and then cleared her throat. “Father and brother, I have something important to tell you. I’m going to open a clinic!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhizhang smiled broadly. "I heard from Uncle Lin a few days ago that you were busy with renovations. Is it really for the opening of the museum? When it opens, I'll be the first to come and support you."

Shen Qinghuai added, "I'll go too, and I'll invite my colleagues as well."

"No, no, no." Shen Yunjiao quickly shook her head, her eyes burning with determination. "Father and brothers don't need to come here to save face for me. I believe that with my abilities, I can run this acupuncture clinic successfully without relying on the Shen family's reputation. Father and brothers, just wait and see."

Shen Yunjiao was full of confidence and was preparing to start her own business. Shen Zhizhang was very pleased to see this. "Yunjiao is a sensible child. In the future, if you encounter any difficulties, just say my name, Shen Zhizhang. I don't think anyone will dare to make things difficult for you."

Shen Qinghuai also sighed, "Most women in Dayong take pride in being good wives and mothers and living a secluded life. But my sister is different. She has a broad vision and a courage and boldness that others don't have. I am truly ashamed of myself for not being able to do the same."

Shen Yun listened with a smile as her father and brother showered her with praise and compliments. She was overjoyed and even had Shen Qinghuai accompany her for a few cups of snow-infused white wine at dinner.

The most popular summer drink among the people of Dayong Dynasty was this chilled rice wine, which had a sweet and sour, mellow taste and could easily make one feel intoxicated.

After returning to her room in a daze, Shen Yunjiao dismissed Fuxia and Granny Lin, afraid that they would realize she was drunk again and have to cook hangover soup and take care of her in the middle of the night.

Shen Yunjiao remembered that last time she got drunk, she was caught by Granny Lin, who lectured her for a long time.

Shen Yunjiao, a medical student, naturally understands the dangers of drinking alcohol. However, she occasionally gets a craving and can't control herself. Being a pure alcoholic, there's nothing she can do about it.

The room was empty, with only the cool night breeze and Chen Yunjiao as companions.

There was only a dim silver candle burning in the room. Shen Yunjiao stared at the dim candlelight for a long time with mixed feelings before realizing that she was actually filled with a sense of anticipation.

What am I waiting for?

Could it be that she's waiting for him?

Will he come?

Shen Yunjiao thought sullenly, "Others have such a beautiful princess, yet they don't even spare a shred of attention for me."

She had long known that men were all heartless jerks, spouting sweet nothings effortlessly and then forgetting them as soon as they were done.

Luckily, I wasn't moved back then.

Shen Yunjiao gave a soft hum and decided to stop thinking about these troublesome things. She lay down in the quilt and silently reviewed in her mind all the things that needed to be done to open the acupuncture clinic.

As she thought about it, the chaos in her mind gradually subsided, and then, without realizing it, her eyelids began to feel heavy.

Just as Shen Yunjiao turned over and drifted off to sleep, there was a sudden sound from the other side of the window.

A moment later, a tall and imposing figure stood by Shen Yunjiao's bedside.

His handsome face was hidden in the dim light, making it appear somewhat obscure.

Shen Yunjiao seemed to be overheated. She drowsily frowned and kicked off the thin blanket covering her body. She turned over and unintentionally revealed a section of her fair neck, with skin as delicate as porcelain.

Are you so happy today? You're so drunk that you even forgot to take off your hairpin.

Xiao Huaijin snorted coldly, his gaze deep and intense.

He reached out and pulled out the hairpin, his cascading black hair spreading out onto the pillow. His delicate features, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, exuded an indescribable charm and allure.

Xiao Huaijin sat down gently on the couch, his gaze fixed heavily on Shen Yunjiao's face.

"Yun Jiao..."

Xiao Huaijin asked in a low voice, "Why do you always like to look at other people?"

It used to be Pei Zhixuan, now it's Yelü Qi, why can't she focus all her attention on herself?

"We only talk about feelings, not love."

Shen Yunjiao's words had entered Xiao Huaijin's memory.

Looking at that peaceful sleeping face, he suddenly felt a little breathless.

She can fall in love with herself, and she can fall in love with others as well.

Xiao Huaijin sadly discovered that there was nothing he could do about it, but he also couldn't bear the thought that others could witness his romantic feelings.

Hurry up and ascend the throne.

Become emperor quickly.

Only in this way could he use an imperial edict to firmly grasp her in his hands and drive away all the other women around her.

Xiao Huaijin stared intently at Shen Yunjiao's flushed face. Finally, he leaned down slightly, feeling the gentle breath Shen Yunjiao exhaled on his face, warm and with a hint of intoxicating alcohol.

Shen Yunjiao's face was so close to his, her fair skin now flushed with a rosy blush. Because she was sleeping on her side, her full, moist lips were squeezed and slightly deformed, making her look even more innocent and childlike.

Xiao Huaijin had intended to bite her lips hard as punishment for her disrespect today.

But she had no intention of losing herself in such a gaze.

He gazed at her silently for a long time until he could no longer contain himself and uttered her name: "Shen Yunjiao".

At first sight, I was amazed and delighted; after spending time together, my heart still fluttered.

After gently kissing Shen Yunjiao, Xiao Huaijin climbed out the window and left, heading to the inn where Yelü Qi was under the cover of darkness.