Chapter 89

When Gu Ci sent Nianci back to Yiqiao Street, it was already late, but he was still reluctant to part.

The two of them ended up going to Panlou to enjoy a hot pot meal.

Panlou was the most famous restaurant in the capital. The three-story building had been around for many years. Its railings and supporting pillars had a dark sheen, and vibrant red lanterns hung in rows on both sides.

The waiter had been waiting at the entrance for a long time. As soon as he saw them step out of the carriage, he approached with a smile and said, “Lord Gu, I’ve been waiting for you half the day. The private room has long been prepared. Please, both of you, come inside.”

Gu Ci acknowledged this, ascending the corridor first and returning to take Nianxi’s hand. Together, they entered a room at the end of the corridor and sat at a low table.

The room was fragrant, serene, and elegant. Upon turning her head, Nianxi noticed a Chinese tallow tree flourishing in the courtyard. Its leaves had turned red in the autumn, resembling a tree in full bloom at first glance. When the wind blew, the leaves swayed gracefully.

This was evidently something Gu Ci had arranged in advance.

Once they settled in, tea and snacks were served one after another.

After the attendants had left, Nianxi asked, “How did you know I’d agree to come today? What if I had stayed angry?”

Gu Ci poured her tea with a smile. “How could I be sure? I simply prepared in advance, just in case it might be useful.”

He was always meticulous and thoughtful, carefully arranging everything. If something hadn’t happened, he would never disappear for days without a reason. That was why NiaxXi had been so worried a few days ago.

Before long, the hot pot was brought to the table.

Hot pot, also called “Bo Xia Gong” (Offering of Sunset Glow), derived its name from the poem: Waves surge like snowy rivers in sunny weather, and the evening light resembles fluttering clouds.

The pot was set on a wind stove to keep the broth simmering. Using chopsticks, thinly sliced meat was swirled in the broth, transforming into vibrant cloud-like hues before being dipped in sauce and enjoyed.

Hot pot had become very popular in the capital.

At that moment, the table was fully adorned with cups, plates, and bowls. Nianxi tried the food; while the taste wasn’t particularly remarkable, what truly mattered was the lively and steaming atmosphere.

After the meal, filled with smoke and warmth, the entire table was cleared, and tea and desserts were brought out.

A leisurely autumn afternoon passed just like this. Sipping tea, admiring the scenery…

When feelings are deep, even just sitting together in silence becomes a delightful and precious time.

“If there were a magic spell to shrink you,” Gu Ci said, noticing that Nianxi looked a bit drowsy, “I could carry you around in a pouch wherever I go.”

Nianxi rested her chin on her hand, her eyes still closed, but the corners of her lips curled up: “Wouldn’t that suffocate me? Can’t you pick a better spot?”

“A pouch won’t do,” Gu Ci pretended to think deeply. “How about in my sleeve?”

“What if you fling your sleeve and I fall out?”

“Good point.” Gu Ci nodded thoughtfully, then had a sudden idea. “Why not place you in my ear? That way, you could see farther and higher.”

Nianxi opened her eyes and couldn’t help but laugh. “Why don’t you just put me in your mouth? Open wide when you’re happy to let me see outside, and when you’re not, swallow me in one gulp.”

Gu Ci looked troubled and hesitated, “Nian’er, I don’t eat raw food.”

The two of them bickered like five-year-old children, having great fun. However, the key issue was that Nianxi lost the argument. For a moment, she couldn’t think of how to respond and was instantly met with Gu Ci’s merciless teasing.

Unwilling to reason any further, Nianxi lunged at him like a wildcat. Gu Ci laughed heartily as he caught her, gently stroking her back as if soothing her, “Alright, alright! However Nian’er says to eat, that’s how I’ll eat.”

He absolutely adored Nianxi in moments like this.

When they first met by the Qu Shui, her brows always carried a lingering sadness that seemed impossible to dispel. Though she often smiled, her smiles were faint and light, her entire being wrapped in an elusive melancholy that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

To a young man yet to come of age, such a Nianxi was undoubtedly mysterious and enchanting, drawing him in and binding him in fascination. But as their relationship deepened, Gu Ci longed more for her genuine happiness—like now, with a sparkle in her eyes, free and unrestrained.

Gu Ci remembered what Wen Qingheng had once said, “My younger sister speaks softly and seems gentle, but she’s actually full of cunning little tricks.”

“When we were in Jinling, she saw that the neighbor’s younger brother was handsome. One day, when no one was paying attention, she tricked him into dressing up as a girl to play with her. It was seamless—no one could tell. The Zhou family searched for him for half a day and were so frightened they almost reported it to the authorities. Then, these two little rascals finally came forward and revealed the truth.”

By then, Wen Qingheng no longer viewed Gu Ci with such a critical eye as he had in the beginning. With a sigh, he said: “When Nian’er first came to the capital, she had a serious illness. After recovering, she seemed like a different person—she didn’t like to talk and always stayed alone. But after meeting you, her smiles have grown more frequent day by day.”

“I can see that she genuinely cares for you. Don’t let her down.”

Wen Qingheng’s words were filled with sincere brotherly affection, but to Gu Ci, they brought immense joy and honor.

In this world, nothing is more beautiful than mutual love.

As for Gu Ci, he always relied on witty banter. Sometimes, he teased Nianxi until she was angry. Then, he would puff out his chest and tell her to punch him, “I’ve got thick skin and flesh—be careful with your hands.”

When Nianxi became too frustrated, she resorted to tickling him instead.

Gu Ci appeared unshakable, not reacting even when tickled.

After some playful banter, Nianxi sat upright. Her hair had come slightly undone, so Gu Ci helped smooth it out, tucking the stray strands behind her ear. Nianxi, ever one to enjoy being pampered, let him do as he pleased.

During their earlier teasing, Gu Ci had already felt a stir of emotion. Now, with Nianxi closing her eyes in complete trust, her rosy face adorned with a smile, his thoughts wandered even further. But in the refined setting of the restaurant, it wasn’t appropriate to be overly intimate. He shifted the topic to Nianxi’s mischievous childhood, laughing as he asked, “What made you think of dressing up the neighbor’s younger brother?”

Recalling her past antics, Nianxi laughed along. “That’s because you’ve never seen him. You don’t know how good-looking he was. His features were delicate and beautiful. When he wore a ruqun and adorned himself with flowers, he was even more captivating than a girl. Back then, he was still young. As he grew older, his looks became even more striking, almost otherworldly.”

“Just a man with feminine features,” Gu Ci remarked nonchalantly. “I’ve seen plenty of those on stage.”

Nianxi raised an eyebrow, wrinkling her delicate nose as she teased, “Whose vinegar spilled here? Why does it smell so sour?”

Her playful jab didn’t anger Gu Ci, but he couldn’t let it go entirely. He emphasized again, “A man should have a masculine spirit.”

Nianxi obediently played along, immediately praising him, “Just like Brother Gu—unparalleled in masculinity, unmatched in heaven and earth!”

For the rest of the day, Nianxi occasionally called Gu Ci “Brother Masculine.” At first, he didn’t catch on, but later, he found it amusing and exasperating.

Even as Gu Ci escorted Nianxi back to Yiqiao Street, she didn’t forget the nickname. “You still have work tomorrow, Brother Masculine. Head back early.”

Gu Ci gave her a helpless yet doting look. After watching her enter the residence, he wave goodbye and head home.

After walking some distance, he turned into the alley by the side gate. Since the last time he encountered Pei Jian there, Gu Ci would always take a detour to check the place each time he passed by. Although he hadn’t seen Pei Jian again, he couldn’t put his mind at ease.

Today, it was supposed to be just a few extra steps.

And then—

Right at the corner, he unexpectedly ran into Pei Jian, who had come to clarify and confess his feelings to Nianxi.