Chapter 44

Gu Ci chose a lantern in the shape of a rabbit. The chubby rabbit was dressed in a flowing, wide-sleeved fairy robe, its expression adorably naive. Its big eyes reminded Gu Ci of Nianxi, making it particularly cute. Gu Ci thought she would certainly like it. However, when he stepped outside, he couldn’t find her anywhere.

Qin Lang and Wen Qingheng were watching a street performance not far away. Gu Ci walked over and asked, “Have you seen Nian’er?”

Wen Qingheng, drawn to the performance, was unaware. Qin Lang, however, was constantly vigilant. He had seen Pei Jian pulling the younger sister into a secluded alley. He dared not raise his voice and waited anxiously, his heart pounding. Inwardly, he kept comforting himself that, although Pei Jian had no boundaries, he was at least educated in the classics, so he couldn’t possibly act like a beast.

But as time passed, no one came out.

He grew increasingly uneasy, fearing that Pei Jian, if rejected, might act recklessly and cause harm to Nianxi.

Tormented by guilt and self-reproach.

What a sin.

In fact, before Gu Ci arrived, he had already prepared to go look for her.

When Gu Ci asked him, Qin Lang pointed without hesitation toward the dark alley, “I vaguely saw she was heading in that direction…”

Gu Ci gave him a deep look, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Wen Qingheng scolded him, “You saw my sister heading into a dark alley alone and didn’t stop her? What kind of twisted thoughts are you harboring!”

By this point in the night, Qin Lang was already exhausted. He shot Wen Qingheng a glance, drained of energy, and said weakly, “You’re her brother, after all.”

Wen Qingheng ignored him and quickly walked ahead. But before he could take more than a few steps, Nianxi hurriedly approached.

Seeing Gu Ci’s anxious face, she composed herself, stepped forward, and said, “Were you worried? I just saw something fun and got a bit distracted, so I was delayed.” As she spoke, she raised the Mohe doll in her hand, looking dejected. “I accidentally broke ‘Gu Sixth Brother’s’ arm earlier. Please don’t be mad at me.”

Gu Ci reached out to gently pat her head, his touch warm and comforting. Though his face lacked its usual smile, he remained tender towards Nianxi. “Nian’er, I will never be angry with you.”

He didn’t ask anything more, taking the Mohe doll from Nianxi’s hand and examining it. He softly comforted her, “It’s alright.”

After that, Gu Ci held Nianxi’s hand tightly the entire way, never letting her stray even half a step. The two of them went to the riverside to buy lotus lanterns. This was also a traditional custom of the Qiqiao Festival.

They placed a small lamp in the base of the lotus lantern and set it afloat on the river, letting it drift downstream as they made their wishes.

Silently, Nianxi prayed in her heart, wishing for the safety and happiness of Gu Ci’s entire family. When she turned around, she saw Gu Ci still gazing at the drifting lotus lanterns in the distance. She couldn’t help but smile and ask, “What wish did you make? Why are you silently pondering for so long?”

She tilted her head to look at him, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Being too greedy won’t do.”

Gu Ci didn’t argue with her. He lowered his head, his handsome face glowing with a gentle smile. His eyes, like an autumn moon, reflected sincere warmth.

He softly said, “I only wish for my Nianxi to have all her dreams come true.”

The moonlight was faint, and something stirred from the depths of his heart, slowly blending into the intoxicating warmth of the Qixi evening breeze, leaving an indelible mark.

As the night deepened, the western market was still bustling. There was no curfew tonight, and many young men and women continued strolling through the lively streets in pairs.

Gu Ci prepared to escort Nianxi home.

Before leaving, he said to Qin Lang, “Weren’t you planning to drink earlier? On this wonderful festival night, let me escort Nian’er home first, and then we’ll have a good drink together.”

“Remember to invite Shizhang too.”

Qin Lang’s heart skipped a beat. A sense of unease rose within him. “…Alright.”

It was at this moment that Wen Qingheng suddenly remembered Pei Jian. “By the way, where is Shizhang? Why haven’t I seen him all night? He’s been acting strangely—is he lovesick?”

Qin Lang asked, “You noticed?”

“I’m not stupid. He’s been walking around with a cold face; anyone could see it.” Wen Qingheng sighed. “I have no idea who this mysterious ‘Earring Lady’ is, but she’s clearly turned Shizhang—such a fine young man—into someone moody and unpredictable.”

Qin Lang closed his eyes briefly and remarked, “It’s honestly impressive you managed to pass the imperial exam.”

…

Pei Jian emerged from the dark alley alone. He had overheard Nianxi’s excuse and knew that Gu Ci didn’t believe it because while Gu Ci gently patted Nianxi’s shoulder and spoke in soothing tones, his eyes were locked intently on the shadows where Pei Jian stood.

Pei Jian returned the gaze expressionlessly. He saw Gu Ci holding Nianxi’s hand, the matching pouches hanging from their waists, and her leaning by his side, never looking back.

Pei Jian felt an urge to laugh, but when he tried to move the corners of his mouth, he realized he simply couldn’t. There was a deep wound on his index finger.

At that moment, he leaned down, but she turned her head away, avoiding his kiss. He had completely lost his reason, with nothing left in his mind but the urge to seize. He ended up kissing the side of her neck.

They had shared many moments of joy before, and there was an indelible familiarity with each other’s presence. He knew that her neck was delicate and sensitive.

So she bit down hard on his finger. She must have been furious at the time.

Pei Jian lowered his head, rubbing his index finger. The bloodstains had already dried, leaving a fine mark like a thin red thread wrapped around his fingertip. He knew that he had upset her mood once again.