Chapter 33 Yingyi's Thoughts

The courtyard is lush and shaded, with pomegranate flowers hanging on the walls. Even butterflies, unable to bear the heat, flutter their wings and swirl towards the shady spots on the wall.

Qian Yuxing and Ren Yuqing have been frequently visiting Yunteng Pavilion these past few days, only talking to Qian Yingyi. Why is that?

It turns out that Qian Jiayingyi's birthday is approaching.

The garden was filled with the fragrance of sweet fruit. Qian Yuxing held a chilled melon under a tree and ate it. Leaning against the tree, she smiled and said, "On June 15th, every year when I think about your birthday, I really want to laugh at the expression on my mother's face when she recalled how she almost died giving birth to you."

Qian Yingyi was born in the summer, while her older brother and sister were born in the winter. Her mother suffered a lot while pregnant with her.

After giving birth to Qian Yingyi in the summer, she stayed indoors to recuperate. This beautiful wife of an official could no longer bear the heat and cursed, "Qian Jinnian! From now on, you are not allowed to enter my room again. If you want to give birth, go give birth yourself!"

Whenever she heard this, Qian Yingyi would cover her face and chuckle, and this time was no exception.

After laughing for a while, he looked at Ren Yuqing's slightly protruding belly and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry, the weather was cool when my little niece was born. With my sister and me taking care of you, you'll be very comfortable."

Ren Yuqing stroked her lower abdomen, her eyes softening. "She was so fussy when I was pregnant with her, it kept me from eating or sleeping properly. I don't even know how naughty she will be after she's born."

Qian Yingyi smiled and poured herself a cup of tea. She leaned back in the bamboo rocking chair and waved her fan lightly. "It's no big deal. She's my niece, so we'll spoil her. It's okay for girls to be a little spoiled. But if he's my nephew, we'll give him a good beating. With his brother around, he can't do anything he wants, no matter how hard he tries."

The three of them laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying themselves. They then subtly reminded Qin Lizheng that, due to Qian Yuxing and Ren Yuqing's recent interactions, he hadn't exchanged a single word with Qian Yingyi in broad daylight for the past few days.

Qian Yuxing then changed the subject again, asking Qian Yingyi for another slice of melon, "So, how do you plan to celebrate your birthday this year? Although your brother is in Yangzhou, your sister and sister-in-law are by your side, making it much more lively than in previous years."

Qian Yingyi hummed in agreement, unsure of what to do. "Oh dear, I haven't decided yet. Let me think about it carefully."

This thought immediately brought to mind the golden glow of the setting sun.

After having dinner in the small flower hall, Qian Yingyi returned alone. Upon entering, she saw the maids gathered together, looking at storybooks. With a smile, she asked Cui Cui for one as well.

When it was time to take a bath in the evening, Qian Yingyi wanted to wash with warm water because it was too hot. However, Xia Ling persuaded her repeatedly before she reluctantly sat in the steamy hot water.

The heat caused a faint blush to rise under her eyes, and two strands of damp hair at her temples extended down to her chin, adding a touch of glamour to her soft appearance.

Qian Yingyi always liked to work hard by lamplight at night, and this time she buried herself in her work at her desk, sketching and writing by the light of the silver lamp.

As luck would have it, she had almost lost her life last time, but only three or five days after returning, she had forgotten her fear and instead wrote down the thrilling experience, intending to write another strange tale on paper.

After all, the dividends offered by the owner of Yinbaoge were really attractive, and she also really liked those shiny silver coins.

After half an hour, her wrists began to ache. After tidying up the table, Qian Yingyi picked up the storybook she had gotten from Cuicui and leaned back on the table to read it carefully.

After glancing at it for a few moments, Qian Yingyi suddenly closed her eyes, a blush creeping onto her face.

What a shameless Cuicui! How dare she peek at such a storybook!

Qian Yingyi closed her eyes, then glanced at the book cover again. Unable to resist the urge to look, she flipped through it with both hands.

Just as she was settling down to read, there was a sudden bang at the west window, and a figure climbed in with practiced ease, startling Qian Yingyi. She didn't know what was wrong, but she hurriedly hid the storybook behind her back.

Qin Lizheng walked lightly to her side, tilted his head to peek at the suspicious faint blush on her face, observed her for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "What are you hiding?"

Afraid of losing face in front of him, Qian Yingyi quickly shook her head and quietly backed away, slipping the storybook into a hidden drawer under the table.

But Qin Lizheng was faster than her. He took two steps forward and snatched the storybook from her hand.

"Hey! Give it back to me!" Qian Yingyi immediately reached out to snatch it, but he grabbed both her wrists with one hand. She cleared her throat and simply kicked him with her foot, "Don't look!"

Qin Lizheng only intended to tease her, but seeing her so anxious, his curiosity was piqued. He lightly pushed open the storybook with his thumb and glanced at it casually.

The room was completely silent.

A moment later, Qin Lizheng read aloud in a low voice, "Wang Sheng grabbed the young lady's waist, intending to kiss her. The young lady shyly dodged, and Wang Sheng took the opportunity to lean in..."

He let out two loud laughs from his chest, then waved the storybook at her. "You like reading this?"

The question made Qian Yingyi blush with embarrassment.

She turned her face away, pursed her lower lip, and asked, "Don't tell me you came into my room in the middle of the night to laugh at me."

Qin Lizheng put down the storybook, slowly stepped forward, blew out the flame in the silver lamp, and trapped her in front of the table with his arms. His voice was low and tender, "What do you think?"

After saying that, he pressed one hand against her waist and moved it upwards inch by inch, then gently pinched her waist, as if he wanted to put into practice the descriptions in the storybook.

Qian Yingyi pretended to be calm, her expression unchanged, and she didn't say a word.

She thought that she was probably hot because she had just taken a bath. She could even feel how hot and captivating his body was beneath his armor when he embraced her.

Qin Lizheng moved closer and closer, so close that he could capture her lips with a single lowering of his head. Looking down at her indifferent expression, he chuckled to himself, then suddenly released her, asking only, "Your birthday is coming soon, what kind of birthday gift do you want?"

A fleeting sense of disappointment crossed Qian Yingyi's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.

She glanced at his face, paused, then deliberately cleared her throat, her voice carrying a profound meaning, "That depends on the giver's intentions. In these matters, it's always the gift that carries the weight of the sentiment. I'm just an ordinary person; I like things that are as light as a feather but also carry a weight that makes me very happy."

Qin Lizheng nodded slightly, remained silent for a moment, then moved her chin and looked her up and down. "I have good eyesight. Tell me, what's wrong with your face?"

He laughed, "How come you're still so popular?"

Qian Yingyi knew she was being teased, so she glared at him blatantly and shoved him toward the west window. "What do you care what I'm doing? I'm going to sleep. If you don't leave, I'll yell and tell Xia Ling to come in and catch you!"

After a bit of pushing and shoving, the surroundings returned to silence, with only the incessant chirping of cicadas and frogs, as if trying to sing out Qian Yingyi's heart.

The willows in the courtyard are still, people sleep soundly in the daytime; people sleep soundly in the daytime, the willows in the courtyard are still, and the wind blows through the air. Qian Yingyi sat up from inside the tent and suddenly called out, "Xia Ling!"

"Squeak."

A moment later, the door was pushed open, and Xia Ling's face appeared halfway through the crack. She asked, "What can I do for you, Miss?"

“I can’t sleep, so I’ll call Chuntang over. You can sleep with me.”

Xia Ling was surprised. Since she was twelve years old, she and Chun Tang had stopped sleeping with their young mistress. Firstly, their young mistress gradually became less concerned about companionship, and secondly, their young mistress was still their young mistress, and it was somewhat inappropriate for two maids to always sleep with her.

In the blink of an eye, Chuntang came over with Xia Ling, carrying a quilt. She was clearly still sleepy, and Xia Ling had pulled her off the bed.

Qian Yingyi made the two of them lie down on either side, and then took one of their arms in each of hers.

Even so, Xia Ling sensed that she had something on her mind, so she turned to the side, used her palm as a pillow, and looked at her, saying, "If Miss has something on her mind, you might as well talk to me and Chuntang about it."

Although Chuntang was quiet, she noticed it, so she turned her face to the side and stared at her.

Qian Yingyi pursed her lips, then finally sat up, put an octagonal soft pillow behind her back, and simply did what she always did: remain silent and start gesturing with her hands.

—I'm another year older now, I'm nineteen. Last year, my father kept sending me letters urging me to return to the capital. I always made excuses that I was still too young. Now, although my older brothers and sisters have come here, they will have to return to the capital after they finish their business. At that time, I will have no reason to stay in Nanjing.

Her eyes were watery, as if they contained a hint of reluctance, but Xia Ling and Chun Tang knew the source of this reluctance.

Five parts are her grandfather; two parts are this vast Jinling; and the remaining three parts are perhaps the guard who won her heart.

The two maids knew perfectly well what was going on. Perhaps even the young lady herself didn't realize it, but she had already begun to worry about her "future" with him.

What does the future hold? Xia Ling has never experienced love, so it's hard for her to say. But she's always been understanding, so she simply cuts to the chase.

—Have you considered having a son-in-law live with you, Miss?

Qian Yingyi was startled and involuntarily looked up at the top of the tent. She knew he was there.

This secret was suddenly exposed, leaving Qian Yingyi extremely uncomfortable.

—Who said they were going to marry him?

The two maids smiled but remained silent; they did not reveal who it was.

Qian Yingyi's heart began to stir with ripples. She was angry at being teased, so she pulled the quilt over her face and covered it for a long time before awkwardly emerging.

Chuntang smiled, smoothed her hair down, and then offered a suggestion.

—Why don't you go and sound out the old master first? He always sides with you.

Qian Yingyi quickly shook her head. Years ago when she came to Jinling, her grandfather had already worried about so many things for her; how could she trouble him with such a small worry?

As they talked, Qian Yingyi only felt more and more annoyed. So she simply pushed all of this out of her mind, smiled and asked Chuntang what it felt like to be married. Seeing Chuntang blush, she seemed to be happy too, so she hugged the two maids and they snuggled together to sleep.

The red blossoms are still budding, while new lotus seeds have already formed in the fields. A gentle breeze stirs the bamboo shadows on the high wall, and in a few days, it will be Qian Jiayingyi's birthday.

The sun had set for a while, but the shade of the trees remained, and I felt refreshed and cool when I woke up early.

The cicadas were still chirping when Qian Yingyi got up early to prepare for entertaining guests that day. She sat in front of the mirror, applying makeup and powder to adorn her beautiful face.

It was indeed a grand banquet, just like Yan Qiuyan's, who held her birthday celebration at home.

Xu Jun especially doted on Qian Yingyi, and hired an embroiderer early on to make a beautiful dress for her.

On her birthday, Qian Yingyi was certain to be the most beautiful among all the young ladies.

After quickly finishing her makeup, Qian Yingyi went outside.

The Qian family rarely hosts banquets, but because of Qian Yuxing's act of standing up for her sister, all the ladies who came today had smiles on their faces. Qian Yingyi walked past them and bowed to them, and her face became a little stiff from smiling.

Finally reaching the pavilion, Qian Yingyi wiped the sweat from her brow and sighed, "So many people! I've never seen many of them before. I don't even know their surnames, Wang or Li. And they said, 'Miss Qian, do you still remember my daughter?' When did I ever meet any ladies or young women from Henan Province?"

“Their family was transferred from Henan Province to Nanjing,” Yan Qiuyan said with a smile, fanning herself. “They must have heard the rumors and came uninvited.”

Wen Ninglan laughed along, "Ever since Sister Yuxing came to Jinling, there have been far fewer rumors about you outside, which I think is quite good."

"Hey, let's not talk about that."

Qian Yingyi waved her hand dismissively, then glanced at Yan Wenying sitting to the side. She couldn't help but look at Lin Yuhu at the men's table, who was drinking with someone. Although he was handsome, he seemed too frivolous. She couldn't help but turn her gaze back and ask softly, "How have you been lately, Sister Yan?"

She had also heard rumors that Yan Wenying and Lin Yuhu seemed to have gotten into a rather ugly falling out.

Yan Wenying was a little stunned. It was only after Yan Qiuyan gently nudged her from the side that she blinked and came back to her senses. After a while, she forced a smile and said, "I'm fine. Everything has been fine lately. But you, Yingyi, the last time I saw you was at Qiuyan's birthday banquet. It's already your birthday. Did you like the birthday gift I gave you?"

She gave Qian Yingyi a pair of embroidered gold butterflies, which were very beautiful. Qian Yingyi smiled and said politely, "Sister Yan has good taste. How could I not like them?"

Yan Wenying smiled and nodded, "I asked Sanlang to come with me to the shop to pick it out. He said this golden butterfly suits you, so I should praise him too."

As the group was talking, a maid led two people over from a distance. Upon closer inspection, they realized that it was the wife of Lord Fan, the head of the Water Conservancy Bureau, and his daughter, Fan Baozhu.

As they approached, Mrs. Fan smiled and presented a small, square brocade box. Fan Baozhu then said to Qian Yingyi, "Miss Qian, my mother and I have come uninvited, please don't be offended. We are here to express our gratitude to the Qian family for helping my mother and me out of that predicament last time."

The mother and daughter must have felt bad about being bullied last time, because they were both covered in perfumed powder today, smelling very sweet. Only someone with an exceptionally keen sense of smell could detect a faint fishy odor.

Qian Yingyi quickly had Xia Ling take the brocade box and said with a smile, "It's alright. Since you're here, you're guests. Mrs. Fan and Miss Fan, please take a look around first. When the banquet starts, a maid will come to invite you."

The mother and daughter then went to the garden with the maid.

Coincidentally, Ren Yuqing, who was sitting nearby, caught a whiff of this scent.

Although it was light, it was still somewhat uncomfortable.

She was polite and gentle, and didn't want to show it in front of the mother and daughter. Only after they were far away did she pat her chest to calm herself down.

Yan Wenying came here on Yan Yu's instructions, with the aim of fostering a harmonious relationship with the Qian family.

Seeing that Ren Yuqing was not feeling well, Yan Wenying turned her gaze to her slightly protruding belly and asked politely with concern, "Young Madam Qian, are you alright?"

Qian Yuxing followed Xu Jun outside to entertain the guests. At the small table in front of them were only Ren Yuqing and Yan Wenying, both of whom were married grandmothers.

Ren Yuqing picked up the warm tea and took a sip, suppressing her discomfort. She then gave Yan Wenying a friendly smile and said, "Thank you for your concern, I'm fine."

Seeing Yan Wenying staring at her belly, and noticing that she looked a bit older than her, Ren Yuqing assumed that she might have already given birth, so she asked, "This is my first time being a mother, and I don't know anything about it. Grandma, could you explain it to me in more detail?"

As soon as she said this, everyone at the table stared at Ren Yuqing. She was also clever and quick-witted, and she realized that she had said something wrong. Without any airs of being the hostess, she quickly stood up and bowed to Yan Wenying, "I misspoke, please accept my bow."

How could Yan Wenying allow her to bow to her? She hurriedly got up to stop her, but when she sat back down on the round stool, she couldn't help but glare resentfully at Lin Yuhu.

Turning her face back, she tugged at her lips, a hint of self-deprecation in her expression, "It's an undeniable fact that we haven't had a child after so many years of marriage."

Yan Qiuyan had a good relationship with her and quickly stepped forward to offer some words of comfort.

Qian Yingyi nodded and said, "Sister Yan, you shouldn't let other people's mistakes ruin your life. You have your own way of living, and no one can force you to do anything about it."

Yan Wenying's heart trembled at these words. She carefully examined Qian Yingyi in the daylight, and after a long while, she smiled and nodded repeatedly, "You're right, I have to live for myself."

They chatted and laughed for half a day, and the banquet was set up. At the banquet, Qian Yingyi was surrounded by people, who hugged her and said all sorts of nice things to her.

Qian Lanting took half a day off from the Ministry of Works to celebrate her birthday with her. Qian Yuxing and Xu Jun also stayed by her side, which made Qian Yingyi feel even warmer. She thought to herself that it had been a long time since so many people had come to her side, and it had been a long time since she had felt so lively.

After the initial joy, for some unknown reason, a sense of emptiness gradually crept into my heart.

This emptiness made her look around repeatedly from her seat, as if if she could hold onto that figure, his strong body could fill the small gap in her heart.

But looking around, there was no sign of him in this bustling place.

After a lively half-day, the banquet ended. Many ladies and young women took their leave, leaving only young ladies like Yan Qiuyan and Wen Ninglan, who were on good terms with Qian Yingyi, at the Qian family home. In the afternoon, they played cards together, which was a way to pass the time.

Qian Yingyi declined repeatedly and sat alone to the side, leaning over on the veranda chair, watching the lively scene around her.

Before long, a slender figure approached from afar. Qian Yingyi turned her head and saw that it was Yingniang, who had not wiped off her makeup.

Qian Yingyi had invited the opera troupe that Yingniang belonged to to perform at her house, but now, upon careful recollection, she couldn't quite remember what the troupe had sung. Therefore, feeling slightly apologetic, she quickly moved aside and invited Yingniang to sit next to her.

No one dared to say that Yingniang was dishonest today. She was delighted and grew even more fond of Qian Yingyi. She quickly took out a long brocade box from her bosom and handed it to her, saying, "Miss Qian, I'm sorry. I wanted to give it to you as soon as I arrived, but I saw that there were too many guests, so I saved it for last to congratulate you."

Qian Yingyi accepted it with a smile, then suddenly remembered how she seemed to be getting along quite well with the Pei official next door, so she winked at her and said, "I saw that the opera troupe was about to leave, but you deliberately stayed. Is it for Pei official?"

Speaking of Pei Ji, Qian Yingyi muttered to herself, "It's strange, I haven't heard the opera singing next door for quite some time now, that house is eerily quiet."

To everyone's surprise, Yingniang lowered her head sadly and whispered, "I haven't seen him for quite some time. He hasn't moved away, and the gatekeeper is still the same servant. I think... he probably doesn't want to see me."

She suddenly felt a pang of sadness, and Qian Yingyi was speechless for a moment. Realizing that her careless words had brought up her sad story, she patted her thin shoulder and said that a relationship is like a fleeting moment, too fast.

These words left Qian Yingyi lost in thought for the entire afternoon, feeling that although it was her birthday, she wasn't as happy as she thought.

Just then, Xia Ling went to Yun Teng Pavilion a few times, and this time she came to ask, "Miss, where should I put the gifts from those families I'm not very familiar with?"

Qian Yingyi seemed to wake from a dream, and a thought gradually surfaced in her mind. She couldn't help but think absurdly that among all the birthday gifts she had received, not one was from him. Upon careful consideration, she realized that she was actually most looking forward to him giving her something.

This thought made her suddenly stand up.

As he walked through the corridor, he bumped into Qian Yuxing, who was coming towards him. "Where are you going? It's almost time for dinner, and your friends are still hanging out at home!"

"I have urgent business to attend to, sister. Please entertain me properly."

The garden was still fragrant, the pavilions and terraces were scattered about, and the whole house was still very familiar. As evening approached, the fiery clouds gradually disappeared, and the sky was about to darken. Qian Yingyi wandered around alone with a lantern, but suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

It seems like I can't find him anywhere.

After standing there in a daze for a moment, Qian Yingyi suddenly remembered that there was still one place she hadn't been to, so she hurriedly twirled her skirt and ran towards that place.

The wind rose, and fragrance enveloped her from all sides. She ran so fast that the lantern went out and her hair became slightly disheveled.

Half an hour later, Qian Yingyi stopped panting outside the secluded pavilion, gazing at the familiar figure inside.

He was indeed here.

This garden is secluded; no one else would come here except her. He found her here last time; he was hiding here!

Qian Yingyi approached him step by step, only to find that he had his eyes gently closed, as if he were resting.

She immediately gave a vicious laugh, reaching out to pinch his arm with a sinister glint in her eyes, her breath coming in short gasps, "I've been looking everywhere for you, do you know that? What are you doing hiding here?"

Qin Lizheng lazily glanced at her, noticing her slightly disheveled dark hair, and raised his hand to tidy it up. "Have the guests left?"

“I didn’t leave,” Qian Yingyi puffed out her cheeks and stood beside him, glancing at him. “I abandoned them all to find you!”

These words were already quite ambiguous. Qin Lizheng smiled subtly, stood up to pour himself some tea to moisten his throat, and said, "So, you and I are thinking the same thing, you just want to spend this birthday alone with me?"

The moon peeked through the clouds, its clear light slanting across the pavilion, draping over his shoulders and making his eyes appear watery and tender.

Qian Yingyi, unusually, didn't get angry. She just pursed her lower lip and moved closer to him on her own.

Because of the difference in their heights, she could only look up at him from where she was standing. She unconsciously stood between his legs, and he put down his cup and gently put his arm around her waist.

Qian Yingyi's heart suddenly raced, as if the small gap in her heart was being rebuilt. Seeing him gradually lean down, she inexplicably closed her trembling eyelashes tightly.

The pavilion was silent, the cicadas chirping louder. After a while, she heard him chuckle softly in her ear, "Waiting for me to kiss you?"

Qian Yingyi suddenly opened her eyes, a wave of embarrassment washing over her. She clenched her fist and punched him hard, "Ouch, you're so annoying!"

Qin Lizheng let her hit him, and instead reached into his pocket and pulled out an object, which he then inserted into her hair in the blink of an eye.

Qian Yingyi paused, raised her chin to look at him, and then took the object off her hand. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a comb with impeccable craftsmanship.

"After studying under Blacksmith He for a few days, is he still of any use to you?"

Qian Yingyi's anger dissipated instantly. She lowered her eyes and stared at the comb, examining it back and forth, muttering, "So that's why you've been missing these past few days. You've been doing this behind my back."

"It's alright, not that bad."

Despite saying that, she took the jewelry out of her hair bun and was about to put the comb in. "Don't just stand there, take a look for me, am I wearing it crooked?"

Just as she was about to speak again, the bracelet on her wrist gently bumped against her earring. The extremely light and crisp sound made her pause slightly. She then looked down and glanced around at herself, realizing that all the jewelry she was wearing today was a gift from him.

For some reason, she really wanted to laugh, and burst out laughing.

When her laughter subsided, she looked up at him and saw him looking down at her. She then saw herself reflected in his dark eyes.

She smiled, and her reflection smiled too. "Thank you, I like it very much."

Qin Lizheng was used to following her emotions, so he moved his face closer to her, a smile playing on his lips, "Since you like it, may you always be happy. Can I ask you for something?"

Qian Yingyi knew what he was planning without even thinking about it, and felt inexplicably nervous. "Just for a moment?"

Just for a moment.

A gentle breeze drifted into the pavilion, the sound of frogs croaking filled the air, and above, a sky full of stars stretched out before her. A familiar face appeared before her. A ripple of emotion stirred in Qian Yingyi's heart. Without thinking, she clutched her skirt, tiptoed, and gently kissed his cheek.

A pair of shadows were close and intimate on the brick floor of the pavilion. Qin Lizheng smiled silently, took her hand, and pointed to the other side of her face.

Qian Yingyi was instantly embarrassed and annoyed, "You said it! Just once!"

His gaze gradually intensified, fixed on her lips, and his words made her feel that he was especially cunning: "Won't you feel uncomfortable if I only kiss one side?"

It would have been fine if he hadn't mentioned it, but Qian Yingyi was already very nervous. As soon as he brought it up, Qian Yingyi's heart started to itch, and her eyes kept glancing at the half of his face.

He simply held her hand, preventing her from running away, and quietly waited for her to make a decision.

After a long while, Qian Yingyi finally couldn't hold back any longer. She grabbed his neck and pulled him down, then planted a heavy kiss on half of his cheek.

This stirred up their hidden emotions, and Qin Lizheng took the opportunity to grab her legs, letting them hook around him, while he steadily supported her with his arms.

He then sat down slightly and leaned against the stone table behind him.

He nuzzled the tip of her nose and asked, "Now, can we turn it around and kiss each other?"

These words made Qian Yingyi blush instantly; he did remember the three rules they had agreed upon. But she was a young woman, how could she possibly agree to them in front of him?

Therefore, she just lowered her eyes and didn't say anything.

The moonlight was bright, illuminating the grass and trees. Qian Yingyi was held in his arms, her hands around his neck. She knew they had gone too far in intimacy, but she was still uneasy.

It seemed the moonlight streaming into the pavilion could also illuminate her thoughts. What was she doing? Was she waiting for him to kiss her?

His kiss landed... was it heavy or light?

Unfortunately, her unspoken thoughts only lingered in her heart for a moment.

The next instant, his lips were pressed against mine.

Qian Yingyi trembled inwardly, her hands involuntarily gripping his tightly. As her breath reached its limit, she gently opened her lips again.

Looking down at her, who was clearly caught up in desire, Qin Lizheng switched to pecking kisses, soothing her with each one.

He then gently lifted his eyes, peering through her cheek at the figure not far away, his gaze containing a hint of provocation. The next moment, ignoring the person, he closed his eyes again and deepened the kiss.

Yan Ruheng stood at the corner, quietly watching the two of them, his knuckles, hidden in his clothes, were white from the force he was using.

He had already sensed Qian Yingyi's intention to leave while she was talking to Qian Yuxing. He had followed her all this way, only wanting to talk to her a little while.

Unfortunately, he witnessed her being seduced.

He caught her in such an intimate situation with a guard.

What should he do? What could he do? Step forward and separate them? Who does he think he is?

Yan Ruheng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and turned away without saying a word, his face grim.

He kept walking forward, faster and faster, the bitterness in his heart growing ever deeper. If things hadn't been a mistake from the start, why would he have watched her fall into another man's arms?

He was walking in a hurry, and after turning several corners, he suddenly bumped into a beautiful figure.

Fan Baozhu liked Qian Yingyi and Qian Yuxing very much. She originally wanted to stay at the Qian family home and talk to the two sisters more, but since she was not very familiar with other people, she could only wander around by herself.

Nearly knocked over, Fan Baozhu gasped softly. When she looked up and saw the handsome and upright Third Master Yan, her heart pounded. She quickly asked, "Lord Yan, are you alright?"

Yan Ruheng was usually calm and composed, but right now his mind was filled with the scene of the two of them kissing. Fearing that he would involuntarily turn back if he stayed any longer, he didn't bother to speak to Fan Baozhu, and without even helping her up, he walked past her.

Liu Fan Baozhu blinked in place, not annoyed, and just watched his back as he left.

Qian Yingyi, unable to bear it any longer, hurriedly pushed Qin Lizheng away, struggling to escape from his body.

Since the kiss was probably tacitly agreed upon by her, Qian Yingyi was at a disadvantage again. She didn't dare to turn her head to look at him, and could only turn to the outside of the pavilion under the moonlight, her eyes darting around in a panic.

Hearing his footsteps behind her, she chuckled awkwardly and made conversation, "I forgot to ask, when is your birthday?"

"The first day of the ninth month."

Every step he took seemed to strike her heart, carrying immense weight. She suspected he had weights tied to his legs; otherwise, why would every step make her heart tremble?

"call out--"

Fortunately, fireworks burst in the sky above the house, their silvery blossoms and dazzling colors preventing Qian Yingyi from hearing his footsteps and calming her heartbeat slightly.

These are firecrackers and fireworks that Grandpa had someone make, specially for her.

The bright moonlight and dazzling fireworks reflected each other, and Qian Yingyi's eyes were filled with stars. She thought that tonight she was probably the happiest young lady in all of Jinling. Her grandfather's love, her sister's tolerance, and the warmth of her family enveloped her tightly.

A figure suddenly appeared beside her. Qian Yingyi turned her head to look, and it was him.

Qin Lizheng looked up and took in the lively scene, then suddenly called her name, "Qian Yingyi".

He had called her "Miss" and "Yingyi" before, but this was the first time he had called her by her full name. Qian Yingyi's lips parted slightly, and she responded. She knew he could hear her.

"Aren't you going to make a wish?" he said. "Make a wish on the fireworks, or on me. Just tell me, and I will do it. I will never break my promise."

Under the dazzling Milky Way, Qian Yingyi smiled and said, "I have everything, what else do I need to wish for?"

"Then keep it in your heart, and tell me when you want to make a wish."

Qian Yingyi tilted her head and gazed at him.

He was very tall, and she always had to look up to see him, even when hitting him; she still had to tiptoe slightly when she exerted force. She still couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart; when she stood next to him, her heart felt sweet, sour, and a little numb. When exactly did this feeling begin?

After a while, the fireworks stopped. She spoke softly, "A-Zheng."

Qin Lizheng curled his lips into a smile. "Hmm?"

"If... I mean, if you had to give up everything you have and live a different life, would you be willing?"

Her voice was soft, yet it resonated deep within Qin Lizheng's heart. He thought he could probably guess the meaning behind her words.

She just didn't say it out loud.

Qin Lizheng slowly turned around to face her, looking her directly into her eyes, "That depends on who it is with."

The crackling of firecrackers reappeared, and Grandpa, being generous, had the craftsman make many fireworks. Qian Yingyi stared blankly as a beam of silver light shot up from his shoulder and back, and with a "pop," the fireworks scattered above his head.

Amidst the clamor, she also clearly saw the words uttered by his lips—"As long as it's you, I'm willing."

Qian Yingyi suddenly remembered that last year during the Qixi Festival, she had gone to travel along the banks of the Huai River with Xia Lingchuntang.

At that time, several wooden plank bridges were built on both sides of the Huai River, covered with colorful ribbons, and matchmakers would tie couples together with strings that allowed men and women who were too shy to express their feelings.

She hid behind the crowd, pointing at the couples holding hands and laughing, "Look how silly!"

Qian Yingyi's gaze slowly shifted to his hands.

As the sound of firecrackers subsided, a faint voice could be heard calling her from not far away, presumably searching for her, not knowing where she had gone.

Qian Yingyi stared at the hands so close to hers and suddenly had a thought.

She thought she was probably a little crazy and a little foolish. She actually wanted to hold his hands tightly and then pull him out without a care in the world, so that those people looking for her outside could see her.

In this way, they not only found her, but also discovered her heart, which was inexplicably trembling.

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Author's Note: Qin Lizheng: You said you came all the way here just to spend your birthday with me?

Qian Yingyi: It wasn't me, I didn't do it, don't talk nonsense!

When it comes to being stubborn, Yingyi is second to none.

Love grows quietly like wild grass.