[Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 8

Chapter 47 Night's Offering

"Hmm..."

Yun Heying's right hand slightly clutched the front of his robe, looking as if he hadn't quite woken from a dream. For a moment, I felt a little awkward.

So what if it happened...

You're the master, I'm a prostitute, it's perfectly reasonable. Caring too much would only make things awkward for both of us, why bother...?

Just as I was pondering this with slightly disappointed dissatisfaction, I heard a soft voice from the other side—

"Sorry... I drank too much last night."

...

This time, it was my turn to be speechless.

Did I hear that right? Was it Yun Heying who apologized to me? This guy, who I remembered as arrogant, nasty, and ill-tempered, was actually apologizing to a lowly prostitute for something. For someone like me, who had always been bullied by him, it was truly a bit of a surprise.

"N-nothing..."

Damn it! What am I saying? How can it be nothing!

The moment the words of forgiveness left my mouth, I regretted them. I was the one who'd been pinned down in bed all night, and my back was still aching. Even if I wanted to forgive, I could only do it in my heart, or awkwardly put on a haughty front first. How could I let him off so easily?

But for some reason…

seeing his innocent and bewildered expression, I felt he looked even more like a pitiful child than Yun Zhengyue had when he clung to me and acted spoiled.

It wasn't my fault at all; I hadn't even seduced him. Yet, being so easily captivated made me feel incredibly pathetic. I hadn't even gotten anything out of it, just dismissed with a single sentence. Haitang, you're so useless!

"Please don't tell anyone about last night, especially not to Yue'er. Don't mention a word of it."

While I was secretly stamping my foot and sighing, Yun Heying had already cautiously stood up, silently picked up his clothes from the ground, and dressed himself. Before long, he was once again the aloof and noble young master Yun, without a trace of the drunken, complaining man from last night.

"This...of course."

Even without his instructions, I wouldn't dare to yell at Yun Zhengyue, not even if I had ten lives. Given his extremely possessive nature and his impulsive, thoughtless temper...I was afraid he would kill me if I spoke up.

"Hmm..."

After reaching into his robes and rummaging for a while, Yun Heying finally pulled out a jade pendant. I looked closely, and there it was—the very jade pendant that Young Master Helei had rewarded me with last night, only to snatch it away at a ridiculous price…

What was going on? Was he planning to use this to kill me and silence me…?

“Come here—”

Holding the jade pendant, Yun Heying beckoned to me expressionlessly.

“What are you doing…”

“I told you to come here, what’s with the nonsense?”

Seeing me take a few steps back, the man’s patience was tested once more.

“Oh…”

I moved forward step by step, raising my arms in a defensive stance.

“As payment for last night, you can take this jade pendant back. I’ll have someone remove the two hundred taels of silver debt from the ledger anyway. This is a gift for you, you can rest assured.”

“…”

My eyes widened, staring at the emerald green stone, trying to gauge the man’s sincerity, but I didn’t dare accept it easily.

No way… had Yun Heying changed his ways? I couldn’t believe what was happening before my eyes.

Chapter 48 Elopement

"Alright, you can go out now. Be careful where you walk, don't let the servants see you."

These were his last words to me.

In the end, I still accepted the jade pendant. To put it bluntly, it was originally mine. But receiving a benefit from Yun Heying for the first time still made me uneasy, a feeling of unease lingering over me. I had a feeling that this matter wouldn't be so easily resolved...

Dragging my heavy body, I slowly walked towards my room. Judging from the sun, it should be morning now, and Zhiniang was probably already busy, which was perfect. The thought of having to lie to her to cover up the fact that I had spent the night with Yun Heying made me feel very guilty.

"What are you doing here...?"

But you can't hide forever. I was surprised and annoyed to find that the person sitting in my room waiting for me was even harder to deal with than Zhiniang. It was none other than Second Master Yun, who had clearly been drinking alone all night, now with bloodshot eyes, a tired expression, and a tiger-like face that looked like he wanted to devour someone.

"Where have you been?"

He slammed his wine glass down on the table. Several empty wine jugs lay beside him. How much had he drunk… and yet he still had the energy to stay sober and wait for me to return? How eager was this guy to see me?

"I drank with your brother last night, and then I got drunk and fell asleep in the garden."

I told the truth, but only "partially."

Privately, I didn't want to lie to Yun Zhengyue, because this poor man had already been fooled enough. Anyway, I'd told him everything I could. Drinking with Yun Heying last night, that's for sure, right? Drunk and asleep in the garden, that's for sure, right? The rockery is right there in the garden…

"Really? You're not lying

to me?" Seemingly doubtful, the man held out his hand, beckoning me to come closer, which I did. As soon as

I was pulled into his arms, the pungent smell of alcohol almost made me faint.

"Really, how could I lie to you? How could you drink so much? There's no one to look after you. What if you die drunk and people think I killed you?"

Helplessly cupping his burning cheeks in my hands, I met the man's drunken eyes and felt a deep sorrow and depression hidden in his pupils.

"I'm glad you didn't lie to me..."

Suddenly, he hugged me tightly, burying his head in my neck and rubbing against me. It was like a spoiled child, or perhaps some kind of unspeakable venting...

"I'm really afraid you'll go with that Herre, I'm afraid I can't protect you..."

"..."

A sense of guilt began to rise in my heart. I let him hug me, feeling as if my heart and bones were about to fall apart.

I'm sorry...

"By the way, did you need something? Should I go and get someone to prepare some food for you?"

Yun Zhengyue's condition was really inappropriate. I was also very tired. My back ached, and the area between my legs was probably not presentable anymore. I was a little worried that this guy's lust would rise again while he was rubbing himself, and if he really took off his clothes, there wouldn't be anything to cover up...

"Well, I've been waiting for you all night, just to tell you this."

Slowly raising his head, the man gripped my shoulders, his expression serious.

"Eh?"

"Haitang, do you want to leave here with me?"

"Huh??"

I was startled. If I didn't still have a shred of rationality, I probably would have pushed him away immediately. What does this mean... Could it be that Yun Zhengyue was traumatized last night and now can't understand why he wants to elope with me? Still relying on his hands? How can that be satisfying? Forum reputation guaranteed! 3D male anime virgin physical sex toy highly realistic genital shape! Swallowing and spitting, irresistible! Click to enter

"How about it, Begonia? Let's leave the Yun mansion and go somewhere just the two of us. We'll work at sunrise and rest at sunset, living the life of ordinary people... What do you say?"

The man's eyes were bright and earnest.

"This... isn't that a good idea..."

I lowered my head, my palms sweating, unable to look Yun Zhengyue in the eye.

"What... you don't want to?"

The arm holding me suddenly loosened, as if Yun Zhengyue had been hit hard by something. His expression was full of understanding and disappointment.

"This... isn't very reliable... You've always been pampered, you simply can't live that kind of life, can you?"

I wasn't confident I could convince Yun Zhengyue not to be sad, but I was even less confident I could convince myself to let him do as he pleased.

Sometimes I think, if I could be a little weaker, a little kinder, like a woman like my mother, I should nod obediently right now, and hold his hand, saying such beautiful words as, "We'll wander to the ends of the earth, I'll follow you even if we eat chaff and wild vegetables."

But I'm not, and I'm not that naive and romantic.

To be honest, without money, without status or background, Yun Zhengyue is a complete tragedy. He's good for nothing but eating, drinking, and having fun, and he's even more naive than I am when it comes to thinking things through.

Being poor isn't the only issue, but the key is that this guy has absolutely no resilience. If I had to choose, based on last night alone, I'd even feel safer staying with that pervert Yun Heying than eloping with Yun Zhengyue.

"Even you... see me like that?"

In an instant, Yun Zhengyue's handsome face, previously flushed red from alcohol, turned ashen. I know I've hurt his fragile heart... but that's how people are; if you don't hurt them and force them to face reality, they'll never mature.

"That's not the point. What will we eat and drink after we leave the Yun family mansion? Do you know how to farm? Do you know how to build a house? Or are you already planning to take money with you, hire servants for everything, and then live off your savings for the rest of your life? Yun Zhengyue, can you please wake up? You're such a grown man, don't be so willful and childish."

"Childish?"

"I like you, and I want to stay with you forever without anyone's interference, and that's childish? Haitang, you really haven't changed at all, you're still a heartless woman..."

Yun Zhengyue's voice wasn't loud, but his throat was already choked with emotion.

I dislike this about him the most, a grown man crying at the drop of a hat. What's he crying about?! Cowardice!

"Don't be silly, go back and rest. Come find me when you miss me. Aren't I a servant in your Yun family mansion? I owe your elder brother so much money, I can't leave for a while, I can stay by your side forever."

People are just so clueless.

They think about love and romance all day long, thinking that's forever. Little did they know that those who love most deeply often suffer the worst fates. Like me, Yu Yuanwei Jiu, and like Yun Zhengyue to me…

In Yuanwei Jiu's eyes, I was just a promiscuous woman, someone he could easily give away to others to shoulder debts. But in my eyes, Yun Zhengyue was a delicate flower in a greenhouse, sensitive and fragile, easily broken.

“Okay… Begonia… Hello…”

The clenched teeth on his delicate face looked twisted and terrifying. Yun Zhengyue pushed me away, slamming me against the table. It didn't hurt much, but I saw his body trembling.

“If you don't come with me today, don't regret it…”

He uttered these hateful words in front of me, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. I turned my face away, refusing to look at him. After saying this, he pushed open the door and rushed out like a madman.

Ah… I have a bad feeling…

I think I should go and inform Yun Heying first, in case that willful second master causes trouble again…

Chapter 49 Accident

Speaking of Yun Heying, he’s definitely someone I’m destined to dread.

When I don’t look for him, he’s always wearing a red shirt and swaying around in front of me, trying to scare me. But when I want to find him, the butler tells me that the young master went out to inspect the shops early in the morning. You know, he just finished… you know… with me last night, how come he has so much energy?

Shouldn’t men be the ones who lose out in this kind of thing? Could it be that he’s exceptionally gifted, with a structure different from normal men…

Unable to find him, unable to remind him about Yun Zhengyue, I was so tired that I collapsed in my room and fell fast asleep. When I woke up, I found a noisy commotion outside, with clusters of chaotic firelight that were frighteningly bright.

"What's wrong... what happened?"

I had just gotten out of bed when Zhiniang knocked on my door, my head was spinning, and my vision was blurry. The woman's anxiety was obvious on her face. She touched my face and then pinched it hard. Only after making sure I woke up with a "whoop," did she hurriedly launch into a series of words.

"You little rascal, still in the mood to sleep! Something terrible has happened, do you know? Young Master Yun has run away from home!"

"Ah?? Really ran away?!"

This time, I was wide awake, more effective than Zhiniang pinching my face a thousand times.

Amitabha, this really has nothing to do with me. I've already tried to persuade him. It's all because Yun Heying happened to be away that gave that guy the opportunity to escape. Even if he can't be found, it shouldn't be my fault...

I was so focused on how to escape that I didn't notice the strange look on Zhiniang's face.

"What do you mean 'really ran away'... You knew all along that the second young master would run away from home?"

"No, no, no... I didn't know! Really, you have to believe me..."

He nervously covered his reddened face and hid to the side, pretending to look for his outer robe. This guy had just gotten out of bed and was still only wearing his undergarments...

Actually, I wasn't worried about Yun Zhengyue. My intuition told me that he couldn't endure hardship at all. Even if he ran away from home, he would still come back dejectedly once he ran out of money. But according to what Zhi Niang said, someone saw him riding alone towards the distant suburbs.

The weather was already bad today; it was clear in the morning but became cloudy in the afternoon. And the distant suburbs are all ravines and mountains. If a downpour hit, it would be almost impossible for a man and a horse to survive... That's what everyone is worried about.

"Um... what did the eldest young master say?"

I also became a little worried after what Zhi Niang said, but for some inexplicable reason, I couldn't find a solution and immediately thought of Yun Heying. Perhaps it's because in my impression, this man has always been very resourceful, as if nothing can stump him. If it were him, he should be able to find Yun Zhengyue unharmed.

"The eldest young master went looking for her as soon as he heard, all the servants he could find went. Sigh… you know, that second young master, he never lets anyone have a moment's peace. I don't know what's wrong this time, he's so distraught he's run away from home."

Zhi Niang, thirsty, picked up the teacup on my table and poured herself a drink. Seeing her gulping it down happily, I refrained from mentioning that the tea leaves were leftovers from yesterday…

Boom—

a flash of light ripped through the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder that startled both Zhi Niang and me.

No way… it's really pouring rain…

The torrential downpour began in an instant, the windows creaking and rattling, the icy rain hitting my face. Startled, I quickly braved the wind to firmly close the windows and doors.

"It's pitch black, Haitang, light the candles!"

Suddenly, the sky darkened, plunging the room into complete darkness and a chilling aura. Before long, both Zhiniang and I became somewhat frightened by the eerie atmosphere. Just as we were tense, we heard Zhiniang's feigned bravery as she rebuked us.

"Oh...okay."

For some reason, I was acting strangely today. Hearing Zhiniang's words, I quickly went to find something to light a fire, but even after getting a tiny bit of candle wick, it showed no sign of burning.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Just then, someone pounded on my door from the outside, startling me so much that I dropped what I was holding. Zhiniang screamed and visibly trembled.

"Who is it?!"

"Zhiniang, it's me...the steward."

"Oh dear, you scared me to death...weren't you going to see the second young master? What is it now..."

Zhiniang gasped for breath, muttering as she went to open the door. As soon as the door opened, a gust of cold wind rushed in, revealing the elderly steward standing in the wind and rain, holding a tattered paper umbrella and weeping.

“Sister Zhiniang, the second young master… he’s back on his own… but the eldest young master… his horse slipped and fell into the valley…”

Chapter 50 Rescuing Alone

“I’m sorry… it’s all my fault…”

Everyone in the hall was silent. Even Yun Zhengyue’s younger sister, who had never shown herself before, rushed over anxiously to discuss countermeasures with everyone. Unfortunately, the rain was still pouring down, so heavy that it was impossible to open one’s eyes. No one could go up the mountain to search for someone under such conditions. And no one dared to imagine that someone who had fallen into the valley could survive in such terrible weather.

“…”

I don’t know why I’m here too. When did the courtesans of the Yun family become allowed to discuss serious matters? But besides me, Zhiniang was also here. She was one of the few women in the mansion who truly cared about Yun Heying’s life or death. As the saying goes, one should repay kindness. To remember one’s benefactor to this extent, it was worth it for Yun Heying to have saved her back then.

"Second Master, don't worry. The eldest young master is a lucky man, he'll be alright..."

She spoke words of comfort, but tears were clearly welling in her eyes. Such words were hardly convincing, because I felt even she herself didn't truly believe them.

"If anything happens to my eldest brother... then I absolutely cannot live alone..."

The more I tried to persuade him, the more determined he became. Yun Zhengyue's lips trembled as he clenched his fists and loudly swore. And I want to say, I'm probably not the only one in this room who wanted to slap him to death.

It's laughable now. Someone said they saw him riding a horse to the back mountain, and everyone assumed he was going through the path to another small town behind the mountain. Who knew that wasn't the case at all? The eldest young master spent the entire day hiding in a secluded brothel at the foot of the mountain. It's said to be a secret pleasure place only open to high-ranking officials and nobles; he probably went there to drink and have fun with women to spite me.

This good-for-nothing man drank with the prostitutes until it rained, and was only then carried back drunk by the servants of the brothel, carrying with him a huge IOU, apparently from gambling.

Poor Yun Heying almost lost her life searching for him, only to realize at the end that she had sacrificed herself for such a worthless spendthrift. If he were truly dead, he would surely be struck down by lightning in heaven.

"Let's not talk about this now… If something really happens to my brother, and you're like this, how am I supposed to live alone, sob sob…"

It's clear that Yun Qian'er is a young girl raised in seclusion.

Saying she's young isn't about age; in fact, I feel about her age. Yet, I can't compare to her innocent, naive charm.

The girl is very beautiful, with an oval face, big eyes, and fair skin. She speaks softly, revealing an indescribable fragility. Such women are born to be protected; they can't endure hardship or be exposed to too much evil.

No wonder Weaver Girl said that women like us would avoid her. If this jade doll knew that there were women like us, "shameless" and who made a living by selling our bodies, she might faint from shock.

"Qian'er... it's your second brother's fault..."

Seeing his sister's helpless state, Yun Zhengyue choked back a few sobs and then reached out to hug her tightly.

"Second brother... sob sob sob..."

I rolled my eyes, unable to bear this timid scene. People should be tougher on themselves, more rational, and use their brains, no matter what happens. Yun Heying has fallen, not been confirmed dead; it's too early to cry.

Looking at the sky outside, the rain should stop before midnight. If we need to find someone, it should still be in time.

☆☆☆

I don't know why I got involved in this. What does it matter to me whether Yun Heying lives or dies? But by the time I realized it, my men were already on their way to find him…

Perhaps they couldn't stand the half-dead state of the two young masters and misses of the Yun family; entrusting the task to them was truly sluggish and ineffective. Putting everything else aside, I only knew that if I waited any longer, even if Yun Heying was still alive after his fall, they would drag him down and cause him to bleed to death.

"Sigh… what sins have I committed…"

It was late at night, the rain had just stopped, and the ground was wet and slippery. I stole a horse when no one was looking and, with the necessary tools, came to the so-called back mountain.

Looking up, it wasn't very high. It was just that the rain made things a bit inconvenient, but the slope was still gentle, and there was plenty of vegetation on the mountain; even if I fell, I could grab onto something and not die. I had

already changed into clothes that were easier to move in, and following the route I had inquired about from the servant who had witnessed Yun Heying's fall, I began to search little by little up the mountain from the foot of the hill.

"Yun Heying, you bastard, if you still have a breath left, answer me—" The

wind was chilly in the silent valley, making my hands stiff.

This was a good thing; the colder the weather, the less likely that guy would die, and the less blood he would bleed. I just didn't know if he was still conscious. If he was, as long as I could find out where he fell, I would have a way to get him back with me alive.

Don't ask me why I dared to search for this guy alone, and don't ask me what ability I had to find someone in this deep forest and keep him alive.

I'm a pirate.

A pirate is a desperate outlaw.

Living a life of bloodshed, getting injured, bleeding, and having to survive in unfamiliar places when stranded on a deserted island without food is normal. If we didn't have this ability, our entire crew would have starved or died of disease long ago. How could we be so majestic, moving freely on the sea like ghosts?

Not to mention that my mother and I have been constantly on the run since I was a child, sometimes hiding and sometimes wandering, and when we were lucky, we could sell a smile for a little food. If I'm unlucky, I won't eat for three days and three nights; I'll even eat grass roots and tree bark.

"Yun Heying—you bastard, are you here? Hey! If you're really dead, I'm running away, and I won't pay you back!"

*Thud* A small pebble flew from an odd angle and hit me squarely on the forehead. I cried out "Ouch!" and looked closely. The torch in my hand illuminated the direction of the flying pebble. There, a dark figure was half-sitting, half-lying against a large rock. The person was dressed in red, with bright black eyes—who else could it be but Yun Heying…

Damn it, couldn't you have answered me a little more gently?!

Rubbing my aching forehead, I walked towards him with a resentful smirk, wanting nothing more than to pick up a rock and smash it over his head.

But I didn't. In fact, as I walked towards him, my hands trembled, my heart raced, and I even felt a strange sense of excitement and joy.

This guy isn't dead, thank goodness…

☆☆☆

The man had injured his leg and hand, and his throat was scraped, looking bloody and horrifying. But based on my years of experience, although it was frightening, he wasn't in mortal danger.

"How are you? Still in pain?"

It took me a while to carry him to a cave. I was so glad I had deliberately looked for such places on the way here, just in case. Now I was able to quickly build a fire on the dry ground with this injured, almost crippled guy to warm up and rest.

"I'm feeling better…"

His voice was hoarse. I could tell that every word Yun Heying spoke was straining and painful, aggravating his neck wound. But when we were closer, he tried his best to express his condition verbally.

"I'll apply some medicine to your wounds first. Yun Zhengyue and the others should be here by dawn. Just bear with it for now; everything will be ready when we get back to the manor."

Among the tools I brought were wound medicine and clean strips of cloth to temporarily bandage his wounds. Fire starters were essential, along with some knives and a wine jug.

Wine was a good thing at this time; it could be used to keep warm, relieve pain, and disinfect wounds.

I fed Yun Heying some, but I didn't dare give him too much for fear of him losing control... As dawn approached, he began to weaken. I had no choice but to leave him alone and go out to hunt some game as quickly as possible.

"How can a girl like you be so ruthless?"

As I skillfully pulled a knife from my boot and gutted the pheasant, Yun Heying sat quietly to the side, watching with a hint of curiosity on her pale face.

Perhaps in his eyes, women should be like Yun Qian'er—gentle and delicate, seemingly capable of fainting at any moment without a man's protection.

"Who cares about being ruthless when there's food? If you're truly starving, you'd probably kill someone anyway."

I ignored him, simply skewering the prepared chicken on wooden sticks and roasting it over a fire.

This guy's really lucky; he gets to taste my best roasted pheasant. I rarely had the chance to eat this delicacy on the ship, but whenever we docked on an island, Yuan Weijiu would always ask me to make it. He loved the taste of barbecue, especially when I made it myself.

"What are you thinking about?"

Perhaps noticing I was lost in thought, Yun Heying gently called my name, pressing the wound on his throat.

"Nothing, just a not-so-good memory."

I smiled, not delving into the topic.

Yuan Weijiu, Yuan Weijiu, I realize I still can't forget him. Sometimes I think I've forgotten him, I can go a long time without thinking about him, and then I deceive myself that love is just such an unreliable thing, so easily broken.

But as soon as I think about him, my heart aches terribly, throbbing as if someone is squeezing it tightly, trying to burst the blood inside. It

's too cruel… This is absolute torture for me.

"I want chicken wings."

"What…?"

Suddenly Yun Heying's voice came, making my hand tremble. I almost lost my balance while turning the wooden stick, causing the almost cooked chicken to fall into the charcoal fire.

"What's wrong? I just said I wanted chicken wings…"

He frowned in confusion, his face dirty, yet his indifferent temperament and handsome face were undeniable. Yun Heying was the kind of person whose looks grew on you; his features weren't as dashing as Yun Zhengyue's. But this face, only slightly more handsome than average, combined with his personality and expressions, made him very intriguing, and you never got tired of looking at him.

Chicken wings…?

Yuan Weijiu also loved chicken wings.

Everyone would scramble to cut off the chicken legs, and some even preferred the greasy chicken butts. Only Yuan Weijiu, with one leg casually bent in front of him, would sit there with a menacing air, drinking heartily while wielding a dagger. With lightning speed, he'd cut off two chicken wings, tossing one to me and keeping the other for himself.

"It's nothing, what's so great about chicken wings? There's not much meat,"

I said awkwardly.

"I like them, I think they're delicious..."

A rare smile appeared on his lips, and the man seemed to possess a touch of allure amidst his coldness. In the warm firelight, I seemed to see another face on Yun Heying's face—

"Little Begonia, chicken wings are the best, so fragrant... Haha! Come, have a drink with Uncle Jiu."

"You...?"

I don't know what came over me, but I sleepwalked over and pressed my lips to Yun Heying's, sucking hard. At the same time, tears streamed down my face.

When I came to my senses, the name that had inappropriately slipped out was already on my lips—

"Uncle Nine..."

Chapter 51 Moon in the Mirror

, Cloud Crane Shadow. As expected of Cloud Crane Shadow, even when a woman took the initiative to kiss him, he only hesitated for a moment before shoving me away with a slap. I sat on the ground, disheveled, finally coming to my senses, my face a little embarrassed and extremely ashamed.

"What's wrong with you?"

he asked, his eyes bright, his voice hoarse because of his injury, actually devoid of any emotion.

"N-nothing..."

I patted the dust off my clothes, scrambled to my feet, and turned my back to him to turn over the roast chicken on the rack.

"Who did you remember, Uncle Nine... Yuan Wei Jiu? Is it?"

Before I could answer, he added another sentence with a mocking tone.

"Ah... so you like that pirate captain."

"Here, eat your chicken wings! Stop talking so much nonsense."

The chicken was already roasted, now perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Although there was no salt, I rubbed herb juice on it, which could still create a delicious flavor.

I never imagined I'd be so useless. Just eating a roast chicken reminded me of that jerk Yuan Weijiu. I even presumptuously imagined Yun Bapi as him. If I'm ridiculed to death by this sharp-tongued guy today, I guess I'll only have myself to blame.

Yun Heying chuckled again, his thin lips almost forming a line. They say thin lips mean no feelings, and that's so true. This guy looks like the heartless, ruthless type; he'd do anything for profit, his personality is truly awful.

"I can't move, feed me."

"..."

Facing his deep eyes, I was originally eating my chicken leg and didn't want to pay him any attention. But this man has that magical power that makes people willingly serve him. Being stared at by him without blinking, I immediately felt like I was being pricked by needles and couldn't eat. Helpless, I had to put down my food, pick up the roasted chicken wing, and crawl to his side.

"Eat..."

I tore off a piece of meat and brought it to his lips.

"Hmm, although it looks rough, the aroma is not bad."

He ate chicken from my fingers, still finding fault with me and making sarcastic remarks. After a few slices, Yun Heying looked a little better, and his voice became much louder.

"I'm thirsty, I want some water."

"..."

I gave him a disgruntled look. Was this guy addicted to ordering me around? But seeing him covered in mud and blood, with visible wounds on his hands and legs, he actually looked quite pitiful... I picked up the wine jug and, like a little maid, ran over to feed him.

"There's only wine, you'll have to make do."

"...Don't you know I can't hold my liquor? What if I get drunk?"

He took a small sip; the spicy taste made him frown.

"Heh..."

I sneered—

of course I know you, young master, can't hold your liquor. There are probably very few people in the world as aware of this as I am. When you're drunk, you turn into a perverted lecher, not only vulgar but also talkative!

"With you acting like this, do you think I'm afraid you'll do something to me again?"

It was meant as a joke, but as soon as I said it, we both remembered what happened last night. The atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.

"I always thought you wanted to climb the social ladder by marrying my brother, but I didn't expect you already had someone in your heart. Poor brother, he's so clueless, wasting so much affection on you."

I skillfully changed the subject, but unfortunately, it came at the cost of insulting me.

"Tch, when did I say I was trying to climb the social ladder? You're just greedy and think so badly of everyone else."

After helping him finish the chicken wings, I cut some chicken breast and handed it to him. Yun Heying obediently opened his mouth and ate, occasionally accepting a sip of wine I fed him.

We went back and forth like this for most of the day, the wine jug was empty, and the pheasant was reduced to an empty shell. I ate less and felt okay, but most of the wine and meat went into Yun Heying's stomach. His cheeks were slightly flushed, as if he were a little tipsy. His eyes were half-closed, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

"Okay, you sleep for a while. They'll come at dawn and we'll be saved."

I took off my outer robe and draped it over him, then turned the fire around and curled up beside him for a nap.

"Forget about him—"

"Huh? What…?"

In my half-drowsy state, I heard a warning. The voice wasn't loud, but it was so resolute. I was startled and hurriedly opened my eyes to look at Yun Heying. But I found that he had already closed his eyes completely and looked like he was fast asleep.

Was I hallucinating…?

I frowned in confusion, feeling bored with my own neuroticism. The fire was warm, making me feel extremely comfortable. Before long, I also quietly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 52 Water Flower

Yun Zhengyue brought people over at noon the next day. I was hiding behind a rock in the cave at that time, and I saw clearly how he excitedly embraced Yun Heying, who was lying on the ground, and then carried her out.

However, although he took the initiative to hug her, it looked more like a child throwing himself into the arms of an elder. The only thing missing was Yun Heying patting his head comfortingly and saying "It's okay," which would have made the scene truly perfect.

After much consideration, I decided it was best to keep this "heroic rescue" low-key and not let others know. Otherwise, Zhiniang would surely ask me again where I got the courage to sneak out of the manor...

Perhaps because they found someone alive, everyone in the Yun manor was too excited. They completely failed to notice how a man so badly injured had managed to move to the cave on his own, how he had started a fire, and how he had so cleverly found a pheasant to eat so he wouldn't starve to death before being found.

No one glanced behind the rock, except for Yun Heying—

who suddenly turned around the moment he stepped out of the cave. Because he was facing the light, I could only see a vague outline. The man's features were very graceful, especially his long hair, which, when blown by the wind, showed no signs of dirt, instead appearing almost unrealistically beautiful.

I just couldn't see his expression at that moment, nor did I receive any message from his gaze.

But it didn't matter; this man's eyes had always been unfathomable. Even if I did bump into them, it would only make me overthink and create nightmares. Some things are better left a little mysterious; it's better not to think about them so clearly.

I didn't peek out of the cave for a long time after they left.

The weather was beautiful today; it had rained last night, and the air carried a unique coolness characteristic of the mountains. The sky was exceptionally blue, and the sunlight, though not warm, was dazzling. I couldn't help but cherish this rare moment of freedom, breathing deeply the fresh air.

For a moment, I thought of running away, but it didn't take much effort to dispel the thought.

What applies to Yun Zhengyue also applies to me. Without the Yun family manor, I'm nothing. What can I eat or drink with just my two hands? And I'm still a wanted criminal… I'd bet my head off that ruthless Yun Heying would search high and low to find me, then impale me on the spot.

That's too terrifying; a weak woman like me won't play such a dangerous game. I'm lazy, and even though it's involuntary, I like having a place to settle down, like a snail. If I longed for a life of wandering, I wouldn't have followed Yuan Weijiu, much less boarded the pirate ship.

I want a home. A home doesn't have to mean anything to me, but it must be a place I can return to anytime.

Frustratingly, the horse I rode here is gone, which means I have to walk for two hours to get back to the Yun family manor. I was already regretting being so afraid of Zhiniang's nagging. I should have just gone back with them in the carriage…

☆☆☆

Finally, when I got back to the Yun residence, my legs were practically giving out…

What had I done to deserve this? Being tormented by Yun Heying all night the night before last wasn't enough; yesterday, to save him, I had to climb the mountain, kill a chicken, and get soaked in the rain; and today, I walked such a long way to get back to a place where I could sleep without being wanted. I increasingly felt that we were destined to be together; nothing good ever happened when we were together.

Without even taking a bath or drinking a drop of water, I climbed over the wall, crawled into the house, and, with the mindset of "anyone who gets in my way will die," collapsed onto the bed. That sleep was absolutely slept like a log. When I finally woke up, it was already dark, and I couldn't tell if it was dusk or dawn.

"Knock knock knock—"

Who's knocking on the door?

"Sister Haitang, are you awake? The young master wants to see you."

Hearing this in my drowsy state, I was instantly wide awake and sprang out of bed.

Yun Heying…?

What?! He's messing with me again!!!

☆☆☆

"You come to see me like this… what kind of manners did Weaver Girl teach you?"

Okay, I know I don't look very presentable right now. But doesn't he understand why?

I glanced coldly at Yun Heying, who was half-reclining on the bed, elegantly slurping ginseng soup while looking at me with that condescending gaze. I pursed my lips and ignored him.

Ugh…

I'm so hungry.

I asked the servant earlier; it's nighttime. So my stamina is still pretty good; I've almost recovered after just one day of sleep. But I haven't eaten anything, and now my nostrils are filled with the strong smell of ginseng soup. It makes me feel like my stomach is so empty it could be drumming.

"What are you looking at? Hungry?"

Sensing my longing gaze, the man raised an eyebrow and smiled, teasing me with a knowing question.

"Get to the point, or I'm going to eat..."

I was too lazy to be coy with him, even less inclined to flatter him... My legs were still cramping from the pain. I wasn't actually that bold, but remembering that I was his savior, I listlessly found a chair and sat down.

"Oh, you're something else. Who gave you permission to sit down? Stand up and talk."

The man continued his pretentious act.

"..."

I raised my eyelids slightly, settling into my seat.

"If you behave, I'll prepare a feast for you, complete with a bath sprinkled with flower petals."

"...Do you think I'm a puppy? Giving you a bone and expecting to be bossed around!"

Annoyed by his condescending attitude, I barked back loudly. This man is truly heartless. Is this how one should treat someone who saved their life?!

But at the same time, I still stood up without any backbone, staring at him expectantly…

Master, I'm hungry—

“Okay, good girl. Just listen to me, Haitang, remember, as long as you listen to me, you'll have everything.”

Long, slender fingers stirred the soup in the bowl with a spoon, Yun Heying took a sip, then looked up at me. He then said something that both confused me and sent chills down my spine.

Always sensitive to the enemy's movements, I had already sensed that this man was secretly planning something, and that I was involved in that plan…

This was definitely not a good sign.

“What are you going to do…”

I retreated warily, only to find two guards standing like door gods at the door. I, a mere woman, shouldn't be a match for them…

“Don't rush, go take a bath and eat first, do what you want to do most. Then we'll come back and talk slowly.”

The man finished the last sip of soup and handed the empty bowl to the maidservant beside him.

Chapter 53 Promotion

While eating, I stuffed my face with tears streaming down my face, thinking that perhaps Yun Heying wasn't as bad as I imagined. Look at him, so grateful, preparing this lavish meal for me, many of which were meats I love. And the maidservant even said that Young Master Yun allowed me to eat my fill before bathing and changing. Although this is against table manners, he was afraid I'd faint and drown in the hot water tub if I didn't eat.

Putting aside his jinxed words, isn't this guy incredibly considerate and caring? No wonder he can manage such a large family business at such a young age, and still appease a willful and unruly younger brother and a gentle, sheep-like younger sister.

Speaking of Yun Heying, he always appears calm and collected. His occasional eccentricities and stinginess don't diminish his composure and authority.

But I always felt that this guy was actually suffering, carrying a heavy burden. Another day when I'm bored, I'll ask Yun Zhengyue about this man's past, see if he's become so twisted because he was dumped by his first love due to personality flaws...

After eating and taking a short nap, I took a bath. I smelled wonderful, but before my hair could even dry, the servants took me back to Yun Heying's room.

It was already late at night, and I noticed that the two thugs who used to guard the door were gone. Yun Heying was sitting shirtless on the bed, having the doctor specially hired by the manor massage his injuries and apply pain-relieving ointment.

"Come here—"

Tsk, this guy always speaks to me like he's ordering a dog. I reluctantly moved over, only to see him point at me and say calmly to the person beside him:

"Doctor Wu, this is Haitang. You can teach her the rest."

"Yes, Young Master Yun."

The doctor surnamed Wu was quite old, with a long beard like an old man. He smiled and guided me to place my hands on Yun Heying's bare shoulder, gently rubbing his muscles and joints with his knuckles. I was like a puppet, letting him do as he pleased, but I was actually a little dumbfounded, not understanding what was going on.

"Miss Haitang, this ointment needs to be changed three times a day. Before each application, you must clean the wound and massage the surrounding muscles with a gentle touch... Did you remember what I just taught you? I think your finger technique is quite good, you have a real talent." After

finally helping the old man apply the ointment to Yun Heying and bandage it with cotton strips, the old man handed me a whole bottle of unused ointment and a lot of bandages. Then he patted my shoulder with a look that said, "From now on, this arduous task is entrusted to you," stroked his beard, and strode away as fast as a rabbit afraid of being left behind by a fox.

"Hey...!"

Thanks to his good memory of not forgetting to close the door when he walked away, now only Yun Heying and I were left in the room. The hairs on the back of my head stood on end. I felt a chill in the room, and the man's naked body was so glaringly obvious.

Could someone tell me what was happening…?

"Are you full?"

Yun Heying seemed exhausted. It would be a lie to say he wasn't in pain after all that fuss; his face and body were covered in cold sweat. Seeing me in a daze, he called to me, gesturing for me to place a soft cushion behind him to make him more comfortable.

"Oh… um, I'm full."

I nodded, adjusting the cushion and pulling the blanket up to his chest.

"There's a basin over there. Wring out a cloth for me to wipe my sweat; I feel uncomfortable being wet."

Although it was an order, the man's tone was already quite weary, as if he were very weak.

Not daring to provoke him, I quickly and obediently did as he said. While wiping his sweat, Yun Heying stared at my face for a long time before speaking again softly.

“From now on, you’ll stay in my room and follow me.”

“What…?”

I was so startled that the handkerchief fell onto his chest, eliciting a soft chuckle from the man.

“What are you afraid of? Do you think I’m a tiger that will eat people…”

I awkwardly curled my lips, thinking to myself, you’re scarier than a tiger…

“I’m very satisfied with your performance last night, and it has also changed some of my previous prejudices against you—”

Slowly closing his eyes, the man’s breathing became slow and even.

“I originally thought you were just a wild girl who relied on her looks, with no redeeming qualities other than your pretty face. But now it seems you’re smarter, braver, and more resilient than I imagined. I admire people with such tenacity, even though you’re just a woman, you can be very useful if trained properly.”

“…What do you mean?”

I couldn’t help but clutch the handkerchief tightly, my heart pounding.

"You'll stay by my side as a eunuch for now, let me see what other skills you have, and whether you're as qualified as I think. Your monthly salary is twenty taels of silver, with extra rewards for good performance. You can choose whether or not to take the jobs as a courtesan; it's up to you, I won't force you anymore. If you pass the test, you'll learn business from me. Money won't be calculated in fixed amounts anymore; you can take a cut directly, which will make paying off your debts much faster."

After saying this, he paused, then gestured for me to bring him the bird's nest soup bowl from the table.

"How about it? Think it over."

I accepted the heavy, expensive tonic, and the man merely sniffed it before handing it to me. What's this called, a bribe after coercion...?

"So, what do I need to do as your eunuch?"

Actually, the monthly salary alone was enough to attract me. After all, Yun Heying isn't like Yun Zhengyue, who's always lecherous and irresponsible. Being by his side would definitely allow me to learn a lot of business skills and witness many grand occasions. It's much better than sleeping with a man twenty times a month.

"A lot, basically, you have to be wherever I am, and you have to do whatever I need you to do. For example, massaging me, changing my dressings, preparing food and finding lodging when we go out. How about it, can you do it?"

"Okay, then it's a deal!"

I was really tempted.

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