Chapter 82

Shen Yu covered Pei Chunli and dragged him outside, vaguely hearing Uncle Zhong berating them loudly for their improper behavior.

She recalled what had happened.

Last spring, when she had just turned sixteen and was curious about everything, she heard about a bidding for the city’s top courtesan and, finding it intriguing, took green medicine to the flower house.

The courtesan of that day was won by a young gentleman. Shen Yu, unsatisfied with her view, sneaked into the gentleman’s room and hid on the ceiling beam to get a better look.

To her surprise, as soon as the gentleman entered the room, he flopped down onto the couch, ending up looking directly at Shen Yu on the beam.

Both of them were playful by nature, and they quickly struck up a conversation.

The courtesan sang for them most of the night, until her voice went hoarse.

That gentleman was none other than the current Pei Chunli in front of her.

At that time, Shen Yu had introduced herself as the young master of the Shen family. Later, Pei Chunli visited the Shen residence once, but found that Shen Zhao, the Shen family’s young master, was nothing like the person he had met, thinking it was just a borrowed name for boasting.

Unexpectedly, nearly a year later, she saw him arguing with Dou Qing on the street while at a restaurant. She intended to help but was preempted by Xie Tingzhou.

For Pei Chunli, it had only been a year since that spring.

But for Shen Yu, after three years married to Jiang Lianzhi in her previous life, it had been four years in total, so her memories were naturally not as fresh as Pei Chunli’s.

In a low voice, Shen Yu asked, “How did you find this place?”

“I missed you,” Pei Chunli said. “I really missed you. No one else was as fun as that night.”

Shen Yu pressed her lips together, “Even if you missed me, it doesn’t matter. I don’t miss you. You should leave, Little Marquis.”

“You’re heartless,” Pei Chunli accused, pointing at her. “We agreed to have fun together in the future. How can you go back on your word?”

Shen Yu found it both funny and exasperating. After so long, Pei Chunli still acted like a child, unlike Li Jifeng, who was lazy but clever. Pei Chunli was genuinely foolish.

With a serious tone, Shen Yu explained, “It’s not that I don’t want to, but now I have duties and am not as free as before.”

In the past, she had no worries, with her father and brother covering for her. She only needed to enjoy life, whether or not she got married. But things were different now. She had many responsibilities.

“If that’s the case, it’s simple,” Pei Chunli clapped his hands. “I’ll just ask the heir to let you come with me. Then you can stay by my side and have fun.”

Xie Tingzhou, standing under the corridor, raised his hand to stop Xifeng, who was about to speak.

Hearing the Little Marquis was here to fetch someone, he assumed she must have caused some trouble again and came to intervene.

Good, very good.

True to his nature, Pei Chunli pulled Shen Yu along, only to run into Xie Tingzhou around the rockery.

“Oh, heir, I was just looking for you.”

Xie Tingzhou’s gaze swept over Shen Yu’s wrist, his voice chilling, “What do you want?”

Seeing Xie Tingzhou’s expression, Shen Yu knew something was wrong and quickly tugged at Pei Chunli, signaling him to stop talking.

But she forgot Pei Chunli’s foolishness, who misunderstood her gesture as encouragement.

“Don’t worry,” Pei Chunli patted her hand comfortingly, “I’ll ask him right now.”

This boy had a good heart but a terrible mouth.

Shen Yu felt she couldn’t clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

Xie Tingzhou exhaled sharply, striding towards the main hall.

Pei Chunli hurriedly pulled Shen Yu along, who shook off his hand when they reached the hall. Xie Tingzhou and Pei Chunli took their seats, with Shen Yu standing in the center.

Pei Chunli, foolish as ever, patted the chair next to him, “Come, sit here.”

Xie Tingzhou’s gaze turned cold, his tone mocking, “Sit down. Why aren’t you sitting?”

From his tone, Shen Yu understood he meant: just try sitting there.

Caught in an awkward position, Shen Yu felt an inexplicable sense of guilt.

A maid brought tea, and Xie Tingzhou lifted the lid to find plain water, then put it back.

Pei Chunli took a sip and asked, “Have you considered my request?”

Xie Tingzhou replied, “What request?”

“To let her come with me,” Pei Chunli said, as if it was obvious.

Xie Tingzhou’s jaw tightened, “She’s always been free here. Why don’t you ask her if she’s willing to go with you?”

Pei Chunli was delighted, “Of course she will be. I can’t let you suffer a loss; I’ll send some beauties to your residence.”

Mentioning beauties, Shen Yu suddenly remembered Changliu’s words.

The neighboring residence of Luming Pavilion was bustling with beautiful women. She saw them in the morning, each looking like a lotus, with graceful figures.

Xie Tingzhou certainly had good fortune.

Shen Yu looked at Xie Tingzhou and said, “Now I’m the prince’s guard, and it’s up to him.”

Xie Tingzhou saw the challenge in her eyes, their gazes clashing like sparks.

Pei Chunli, oblivious to the tension, still smiled foolishly, “Isn’t this great? The heir has agreed, so come with me.”

He got up, ready to pull her along.

Shen Yu stood still, ready to follow if Pei Chunli really took her away.

As Pei Chunli approached, Xie Tingzhou clenched his fists.

“Bam—”

Just as Pei Chunli was about to reach Shen Yu, the table rattled. Turning his head, he saw Xie Tingzhou striding over, grabbing Shen Yu’s hand, and pulling her away.

Pei Chunli stood dumbfounded. Hadn’t Xie Tingzhou agreed? How could he go back on his word in front of him?

When he came to his senses, he only saw their figures disappearing through the door.

Pei Chunli was bewildered, while Uncle Zhong looked heartbroken.

Xie Tingzhou walked briskly, dragging Shen Yu along. Servants, seeing him, quickly knelt and made way.

With his long legs and fast pace, Shen Yu had to almost jog to keep up.

Xie Tingzhou didn’t know where he was going, only realizing he had deeper feelings for her than he thought.

He understood that for her, he was just a means to an end. Someday, their association would end, and she would leave, whether as Shen Yu or to pursue her own goals.

But one thing was certain: she could not remain his guard.

He thought he could let go when the time came, but now he realized it was just a delusion.

He had been testing her, testing Pei Chunli, and ultimately, only testing himself.