Spring was in full bloom, with fragrant scents everywhere.

Sang Yao hadn’t been going out much these days, often lost in thought.

Regarding Xie Yun’s confession a few days ago, she hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, not even to Ran Dong. But even though she didn’t bring it up, it still weighed on her mind.

Ran Dong pointed to the incense box in front of her and said to Sang Yao, who was sitting by the window, “Miss, this is the newly arrived incense powder.”

“I heard that the process is complex, involving the essence of plum blossoms and snow water, creating the fragrance of cold plum blossoms. Shall I light it for you to try?”

Sang Yao absentmindedly responded, “Sure, go ahead. The previous scent has become stale anyway.”

Ran Dong lit the incense and closed the iron lid. Soon, a vertical wisp of blue smoke rose up.

Ran Dong sniffed lightly and said to Sang Yao, “Miss, it smells wonderful!”

Sang Yao held her cheek in her hand, staring at the faint smoke, seemingly uninterested, and remained silent for a moment.

Xie Yun’s voice echoed in her ears.

Why did she keep thinking of him?

The tone of the girl’s voice carried a hint of melancholy as she asked, “Ran Dong, do you know Xie Yun?”

Ran Dong paused for a moment and replied, “Is it the famous Lord Xie?”

Indeed, he was well-known. Not only Sang Yao, even the maids and servants in the mansion had heard of him.

Sang Yao nodded and said, “Yes, him.”

Ran Dong said, “I haven’t seen Lord Xie, but I’ve heard that he is extraordinary and accomplished at such a young age. He must be an exceptional person.”

As expected, Sang Yao thought. She sat up straight, her expression serious, and asked Ran Dong, “What do you think of me?”

Ran Dong was puzzled by the question but smiled and replied, “Miss, you are gentle and kind-hearted, exceptionally beautiful and gracious. You are the best Miss!”

Sang Yao followed up with, “Do you think he and I are a good match?”

Ran Dong widened her eyes and said, “Well…”

Sang Yao urged, “Hurry, tell me!”

Ran Dong whispered, “But I have never seen Lord Xie, so I don’t know if he is round or flat.”

Then she added, “But Miss, if Lord Xie is indeed as rumored, then I don’t think you two are a good match.”

Sang Yao’s expression changed. She sighed and asked, “Why?”

She looked somewhat crestfallen as she continued, “Do you think I’m not good enough for him?”

Although, indeed, she wasn’t good enough.

Feeling a bit aggrieved, Sang Yao couldn’t help but think that love couldn’t be compared like this, right?

Right?

Ran Dong quickly shook her head and said, “Of course not!”

After pondering for a moment, she continued, “I feel that if the rumors are true, then Lord Xie must have a flock of admirers around him! Miss, look, water flows downhill, and people strive for higher positions. Nowadays, love might not hold much value, but considering the status symbolized by Lord Xie, he must be very popular.”

Sang Yao listened attentively, finding some truth in Ran Dong’s words.

She was a nobody without aspirations, but others weren’t.

Xie Yun was not only a man but also a shortcut.

Ran Dong added, “With so many beauties in the capital, it’s difficult for any man to remain faithful. If you were to be with him, you’d have a lot to worry about.”

“But speaking objectively, if we disregard feelings, I think you two would be a perfect match!”

Sang Yao had stopped listening by the end.

She found Ran Dong’s words reasonable and realistic.

And Xie Yun’s sudden confession did seem impulsive.

Maybe he only noticed her at the banquet, thought she was somewhat attractive, and decided on a whim.

It seemed more realistic than entertaining an unrealistic dream.

She sighed and said, “Okay.”

The next day, Sang Yin returned home early.

As he entered the mansion, he coincidentally met Sang Yao coming out of the main hall.

Sang Yao saw Sang Yin’s toothy grin from afar.

It was rare for her father to be in such a good mood. Sang Yao picked up her skirts and hurried over, waving at Sang Yin.

Before her father could speak, Sang Yin shifted his body slightly, revealing Xie Yun standing below the steps.

The elegant man looked at her from a distance.

Sang Yao’s hand hadn’t yet dropped when the man seemed pleased. He nodded slightly and waved back at her, very satisfied.

“…”

Sang Yao turned to leave, but Sang Yin’s voice came from behind.

“Yao Yao! Where are you going?”

“Where are your manners? Come and greet Lord Xie!”

Sang Yao turned back, and Xie Yun tilted his lips at her.

She pressed her lips together, reluctantly moving closer.

Sang Yin introduced eagerly, “Lord Xie, this is my daughter. She’s gentle and rarely leaves the house, always buried in books. She’s particularly talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, a true marvel in the capital. But she’s always reserved and dislikes being in the limelight.”

Sang Yin continued shamelessly, “I’m often busy with state affairs, neglecting many household matters. Yao Yao handles most things, despite her young age. Don’t be fooled by her youth; she’s quite capable.”

Sang Yao thought to herself, Who will save me? Why is my father exaggerating so much? What’s the point of dragging me into this?

At least Xie Yun didn’t know her well; otherwise, she’d never be able to face him again.

Sang Yao forced a smile and said, “Dad, that’s enough.”

Xie Yun glanced at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I didn’t expect Miss Sang to be so remarkable. What kind of books do you usually read?”

She read romance novels and various forbidden stories that Xie Yun probably wouldn’t approve of. As for the serious ones, she’d skim through but usually didn’t pay much attention.

Trying to save face, she said, “I read too many different things to remember them all.”

Then, she reluctantly bowed to Xie Yun and said, “Greetings, Lord Xie.”

Sang Yin, not satisfied yet, added, “Actually, Yao Yao once mentioned to me how much she admires Lord Xie. Finally meeting you today fulfills her wish.”

What’s wrong with her dad? Even if he wants to use me to gain favor, he should at least maintain some dignity. What’s he doing?

Sang Yao couldn’t take it anymore.

Meanwhile, Sang Yin grinned and winked at Sang Yao.

Oh, forget it.

Sang Yao lowered her head and said, “Lord Xie is renowned for his erudition and talent, admired by all in the capital. It’s only natural to admire him.”

Xie Yun nodded in acknowledgment. “I see. It’s my honor.”

Sang Yin’s smile widened even more. It was widely known that Xie Yun was usually extremely arrogant, but today, he seemed surprisingly attentive to her daughter!

“Lord Xie, please feel free to visit often!” Sang Yin added enthusiastically.

Sang Yao couldn’t bear it any longer.

Before Sang Yin could speak again, she quickly made up an excuse and left.

Xie Yun watched her until her faint figure disappeared from view.

He remarked softly, “Lord Sang, you’ve raised a remarkable daughter.”

Sang Yin grinned, his face almost frozen in joy. He nodded and modestly replied, “She still has many shortcomings.”

After lunch, Sang Yao assumed Xie Yun must have left.

Just to be sure, she sent someone to check, and indeed, only Sang Yin remained in the main hall.

Feeling determined, she marched out, intending to confront Sang Yin about his behavior.

But as she entered the small garden, she came face to face with Xie Yun.

The smile on Jinglian’s face brightened when he saw Xie Yun. Unable to contain his excitement, he blurted out, “Miss Sang, what a coincidence!”

Xie Yun cast a cold glance at Jinglian before turning his attention to Sang Yao. “Miss Sang, are you here to see me?”

Sang Yao hesitated. “No, I… Why are you here, my lord?”

Xie Yun replied, “There are some matters with Lord Sang, and I thought I’d take the opportunity to explore on my own.”

He emphasized the word “alone.”

Jinglean seized the chance and quickly said, “I’ll go check if Lord Sang is done with his tasks.”

Soon, they were alone.

Sang Yao took a step back and asked, “Do you… need something?”

Xie Yun seemed sincere as he replied, “Lord Sang is busy, so I was wondering if Miss Sang would be free to show me around.”

With their courtyard being so small, what could there possibly be to show him?

Sang Yao agreed and walked beside Xie Yun, keeping a distance of about three feet between them.

After walking in silence for a while, Xie Yun spoke up, “Miss Sang, would you mind introducing yourself to me?”

As Xie Yun was a distinguished guest in their house today, even if he had confessed his feelings to her, she couldn’t afford to be disrespectful.

So, Sang Yao began to awkwardly introduce herself.

However, the Sang residence was not large, and they finished the tour in just fifteen minutes.

Xie Yun never let her words hang in the air; he always followed up on them.

This man exhibited a gentleness that didn’t match his appearance. His actions and words always made her feel like he genuinely liked her.

Was it because she had little experience interacting with men, making her easily moved by his gestures?

Moreover, he hadn’t brought up that day’s incident again.

But there was still a subtle ambiguity in the atmosphere. He always stopped just short of crossing the line, making Sang Yao feel like she might be overthinking things.

Sang Yao held back her emotions all the way, but finally, she stopped and said, “Lord Xie.”

Xie Yun asked, “Yes, what is it?”

Summoning her courage, Sang Yao whispered, “Lord Xie, I still don’t like you. You don’t have to put in effort on me.”

Xie Yun fell silent for a moment before asking, “Why?”

Sang Yao replied firmly, “I just don’t. There’s no specific reason.”

Her rejection was quite straightforward.

But it didn’t quite match Xie Yun’s expectations. Someone must have said something to her, making her overthink things again.

Xie Yun asked, “If you don’t like me, then why not let me put in the effort?”

Sang Yao gasped softly in surprise, looking at him incredulously.

Stepping closer, the cold yet alluring fragrance emanating from him enveloped her. Sang Yao’s breath caught in her throat nervously.

They were too close. “What… what are you doing?” she asked.

Xie Yun’s gaze moved from her slightly moist lips to her trembling eyelashes as he spoke softly, “Miss Sang, are you not even willing to give me a chance?”

His voice was deep and carried a hint of reproach, “You’re really quite heartless.”

Sang Yao’s face flushed again, feeling embarrassed.

She raised her eyes to look at Xie Yun, thinking that he seemed genuinely serious.

Maybe he wasn’t lying to her; perhaps he truly liked her.

Xie Yun, where would you find someone who enjoys deceiving others?

“Miss Sang?”

Sang Yao’s face grew hotter and hotter.

She bit her lip, thinking to herself, “Isn’t it just a matter of feelings? It’s not a big deal to be deceived a little.”

Maybe…

Maybe she should give him a chance to pursue her?

She turned her face away, not looking at him, the blush on her teenage face more stunning than the blossoms of spring.

She murmured softly, “Well, if you insist on pursuing me, I can’t stop you!”