Chapter 41

Nianxi and Gu Ci’s carriage had just departed when another carriage left the Wen residence.

Wen Qingheng expressed his reluctance. “Two men strolling the lantern-lit Western Market together—wouldn’t that be strange?”

Qin Lang, however, clearly had his own reasoning. “Aren’t you worried about your sister spending time alone with Gu Ci? As her brother, you should at least pay some attention.”

Wen Qingheng was speechless. If he had any doubts, he would have already checked on her numerous times. Even their parents had tacitly approved of the matter. As her brother, what control did he have over his sister, who was captivated by beauty?

From an observer’s perspective, Wen Qingheng could see that Gu Ci’s feelings for Nian’er appeared genuine. He came to their house more diligently than he attended court, and his affection for Nian’er was so evident that it was impossible not to notice. It was as if he wanted to offer his whole heart to her, and the entire household could see it.

Because of this, Wen Qingheng was often urged by his mother to quickly find a match, settle on an engagement, and not delay his sister’s marriage.

“Where’s Shizhang? Wasn’t he supposed to come too?” Wen Qingheng asked. “Though I was drunk that day, I vaguely remember overhearing your discussion.”

“How are Shizhang and that ‘Earring Lady’ doing now? Did he manage to get what he wished for? By the way, who exactly is that lady?”

His barrage of questions left Qin Lang at a loss. He could only reply vaguely, “Why are you asking me? How would I know his personal matters? Alright, let’s not talk about this. Later, when we see the lanterns, let’s go together with my sister.”

Wen Qingheng, hearing him mention his sister repeatedly, felt his heart stir and said thoughtfully, “Why should we go with Nian’er? Qingye would surely dislike us disturbing them.”

Qin Lang wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was only worried that if Pei Jian lost his composure, things might get out of hand, leading to chaos or even a fight.

“The more, the merrier.” Qin Lang lifted the carriage curtain to look at the bustling streets outside. He didn’t notice Wen Qingheng’s expression darkening as he continued, “Weren’t you complaining earlier about Qingye getting too close to my sister? Today, you should step up as her brother and make sure they behave.”

Let’s not provoke someone into losing their temper on the spot.

After that day, Qin Lang mulled over things and decided he bore some responsibility in the matter. He couldn’t let Pei Jian act recklessly. However, knowing he couldn’t restrain Pei Jian alone, he sought Wen Qingheng’s help as an elder brother to keep things under control.

No matter the situation, having Wen Qingheng and himself present was better than letting Gu Ci and Pei Jian confront each other directly.

“Qingye is at Xinghe Pavilion. Let’s go meet him directly later,” Qin Lang suggested.

“I’m not going!” Wen Qingheng’s face turned cold, and he responded sharply, “And you’re not going either!”

Qin Lang was left speechless.

Wen Qingheng rarely put on such a stern expression, and Qin Lang immediately sensed trouble. “Why not? Shizhang will be there soon. Didn’t we agree on this?” he asked.

Wen Qingheng snorted coldly. “Put away your dirty thoughts!”

“Considering our friendship, I’ll help you keep this matter from Qingye this time. But from now on, don’t appear before my sister again.”

“Who are you talking about?” Qin Lang pointed to himself in disbelief. “Me?”

Wen Qingheng assumed Qin Lang had temporarily lost his mind and patiently advised, “Many have admired my sister since childhood, and plenty of them are better than you. It’s not surprising that you’ve developed feelings for her. Qingye may have his flaws, but at least he’s an upright gentleman. Setting all else aside, my sister prefers handsome men. You won’t stand a chance.”

In summary, Wen Qingheng seemed to say, “You’re too unattractive. My sister wouldn’t even consider you, so give up on your delusional dream.”

Qin Lang: …

“Alright, alright, it’s only my world that’s left shattered.”

“Jinghe, I have absolutely no such intentions toward your sister. You have to believe me…”

…

Chaos erupted in the other carriage, but Nianxi and Gu Ci remained blissfully unaware. The two happily entered the restaurant. As always, Gu Ci ordered her favorite drinks and pastries. Then, he excused himself for a moment. When he returned, he was holding a pair of Mohe dolls. One had delicate, handsome features, the other rosy lips and pearly teeth. They were adorned with luxurious golden attire, exquisite jade ornaments, and vibrant colors, lifelike and irresistibly charming. They were none other than the famous pair of Mohe dolls sold at Panlou.

Gu Ci gently said, “When we return, let’s place these clay dolls on the Qiqiao Festival tower in the courtyard. It’s a festive occasion, after all.”

Nianxi took the two Mohe dolls, feeling a peculiar wave of emotion. All of the regrets she had voiced—and those she hadn’t—were unexpectedly addressed and surpassed by Gu Ci.

It felt surreal, like a perfect dream.

Clutching the Mohe dolls close, she looked up at him and asked, “Why are you so good to me?”

Gu Ci chuckled and pointed at the base of the dolls. “I’m not that perfect, actually. When I carved the names earlier, the ‘Xi’ in your name ended up a bit crooked.”

Nianxi paused, flipping over the Mohe dolls to inspect them. On the base of the female doll, the words “Dear Nianxi” were engraved, while the male doll bore the inscription “Gu Sixth Brother.”

Upon closer examination, the character “Xi” ‘s final stroke was slightly crooked.

Amused, Nianxi’s teary eyes gradually cleared. Holding up the doll labeled “Gu Sixth Brother,” she asked with a playful tone, “Why not ‘Brother Ci’?”

In recent days, for reasons unknown, Gu Ci had become oddly fixated on having Nianxi call him “Brother Ci.” Neither “Gu Sixth Brother” nor “Brother Gu” would suffice—it had to be “Brother Ci.”

Naturally, Nianxi found it impossible to say. But Gu Ci, with countless tricks up his sleeve, persistently found ways to coax her.

Worn down by his pestering, Nianxi finally gave in. Yet, when she sweetly and softly called out, “Brother Ci,” Gu Ci turned red on the spot.

And just like that, the tables had turned.

Nianxi would occasionally tease Gu Ci by calling him “Brother Ci,” and no matter how many times she did it, he always looked visibly flustered.

Hearing her tease him again, Gu Ci felt helpless and amused. Indeed, he had brought this upon himself. Every time he heard her soft, sweet “Brother Ci,” even knowing she was teasing him, he couldn’t help but feel a tingling sensation all over.

“It wouldn’t look good if others saw,” he muttered.

Gu Ci originally wanted to engrave “Brother Ci” on the male Mohe doll. However, since the pair of dolls was to be displayed on the Qiqiao Festival tower in the Wen family’s courtyard, he thought it wouldn’t be appropriate if others saw it.

Nianxi chuckled and playfully pointed toward his nose from afar. “Brother Ci is blushing, isn’t he~” she teased with a mischievous grin.

“Stop teasing,” Gu Ci said, his body heating up from her words. Mindful of the public setting, he gently took her hand and softly added, “If you keep this up, no more sugar snow treats for you.”

Nianxi was unfazed and teased him further, “Brother Ci, how heartless you are~”

Just then, Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang entered through the door, both catching Nianxi’s playful words.

The four of them fell into a brief silence.

It was Gu Ci who broke the awkwardness first. “Jinghe, have you come to see the lanterns as well?” he asked, addressing Wen Qingheng, though his gaze flickered toward Qin Lang.

Qin Lang, fully aware that he was an unwelcome presence at the moment, couldn’t help but feel out of place.

But what ulterior motives could he possibly have? Wasn’t he just doing this for the sake of his brother?

Forced to make light of the situation, Qin Lang said, “Yes! We wanted to join the fun as well. But the tables downstairs are all full, so we thought we’d come here and disturb you a bit. Qingye, you don’t mind, do you?”

Gu Ci, showing remarkable composure, replied, “It’s perfect timing; I ordered extra dishes. Let’s eat together.”

Feeling assured with Wen Qingheng present, Gu Ci said to them, “You both sit down. I’ll go down and get some cold treats.” He had not brought any attendants with him today, preferring to handle anything concerning Nianxi personally.

“Aside from the sugar snow treats, is there anything else you want?” Gu Ci asked Nianxi in a completely different, gentle tone. “I’ll get everything in one go.”

With a gesture towards the lychee-infused drink on the table, Nianxi responded, “It’s so crowded today. Forget about it. This drink is just fine for me.”

However, Gu Ci remained steadfast. “The shop selling the cold treats is quite close. It won’t take long.”

“Then should I come with you?” she offered.

“No need. It’s too hot outside. I’ll be back in no time,” Gu Ci reassured her.

Meanwhile, Wen Qingheng and Qin Lang sat silently sipping tea, increasingly aware of how out of place they felt at this moment.