As Yu Meixian heard Tang Xiuying's proposal, she simply lifted her glass of wine and drank it calmly before saying, "No."
Tang Xiuying frowned. "Why? You know your master and my mother were close friends. Now that your master is no more, my mother would welcome you with open arms. I know you also want to complete your master's martial arts. I'll make sure the Tang Clan spares no effort to provide you with the resources to help you improve."
Yu Meixian sighed softly, her expression turning distant. "Xiuying, you know when my master was known to the world, many clans and sects offered her a place — even your mother gave her the same proposal. But she rejected everyone. Do you know why?"
Tang Xiuying leaned forward, curious. "Why?"
Yu Meixian's eyes softened with remembrance. "Because a sword looks best when it is free. Big clans and sects only cover a sword like a sheath. But the beauty of a sword only shines when it is drawn — when it swings freely."
Tang Xiuying tilted her head slightly. "Well, that's true. But a sheath protects the sword and gives it rest."
Yu Meixian shook her head gently. "That depends on the sword. And I'm not that kind of sword."
A quiet sigh escaped Tang Xiuying's lips. "Okay, I know your personality. But one day, if this sword ever needs a sheath, make sure it is Tang — not anyone else."
Yu Meixian rose from her seat gracefully. "Well, I'm done for today."
Tang Xiuying pouted playfully. "We just started drinking, you know."
"I'm starting to quit wine," Yu Meixian replied calmly.
Tang Xiuying's eyes widened in disbelief. "Someone who holds the title of Underworld Drinking Queen quitting wine? Ha!"
Yu Meixian smirked faintly. "It's not my title."
Tang Xiuying looked directly into her eyes. "Well, from now on, that title doesn't belong to you?"
Yu Meixian smiled softly. "Maybe."
Tang Xiuying grinned knowingly. "It's because of that man named Lianzhen, isn't it?"
Yu Meixian chuckled, her expression gentle. "Maybe," she said again, and turned to leave.
As she walked away, Tang Xiuying gazed up at the ceiling, swirling her wine. "Maybe it's true that men change women," she murmured, raising her cup high. "Well, I'm not done, so cheers to love!"
She drank deeply, her lips curving in satisfaction as she watched the male dancers performing elegantly on the stage below — their movements flowing like silk in candlelight.
Outside, the air of Chengdu's night was filled with music, laughter, and the scent of incense. Yu Meixian stepped out of the pavilion, her boots touching the stone street as golden lanterns floated above her. The city was alive — merchants shouting, couples strolling hand in hand, and the river reflecting rippling streaks of light.
Just as she took a deep breath, a sudden sight sobered her instantly, washing away the faint trace of intoxication from her mind.
There, among the market stalls, stood the most beautiful man she had ever seen — Lianzhen — dressed in new clothes, his elegant posture drawing everyone's gaze. He was quietly shopping for earrings.
Yu Meixian approached him with a faint smile. "Oh, you're shopping for earrings, huh?"
Lianzhen turned, startled, before his eyes softened. "Oh, it's you, Meixian."
"Want me to give you company?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.
Lianzhen smiled. "Oh, sure. Can you tell me which earring is good? This one or this one?"
For a moment, Yu Meixian found herself mesmerized by his face — his fair skin glowing under the lanterns, his calm eyes reflecting the warm street lights. He was properly dressed, his appearance refined and alluring, almost too perfect to look at.
Without thinking, she picked a pink blossom flower hairpin. "This one."
"Let me wear it," Lianzhen said, reaching for it.
Yu Meixian stopped him gently. "Let me help you."
Lianzhen blushed faintly but allowed her. He tucked his hair behind his ear as Yu Meixian leaned closer, her fingers brushing against his cheek as she carefully placed the earring on his ear. For a brief moment, time seemed to stop — the busy noise of the marketplace faded into silence.
"Does this earring look good?" Lianzhen asked softly.
Yu Meixian's voice came out gentle, almost tender. "It's pretty."
Lianzhen blinked, tilting his head slightly. "Does this earring look pretty on me?"
Yu Meixian smiled faintly. "Oh, you're talking about the earring."
Lianzhen's face flushed bright red as he turned away shyly. Yu Meixian snapped back to her senses and forced a laugh. "Oh—earrings are good. Let me pay."
She handed the shopkeeper one silver niang. "Keep the rest."
Lianzhen looked surprised. "That's too much for this earring."
Yu Meixian smiled. "It's not expensive compared to your happiness."
Lianzhen looked away shyly again, his ears still red. "So, how about you accompany me while I shop?"
"Sure," Yu Meixian said.
They wandered through the glowing night market, stopping by every stall. They played street games together; Yu Meixian bought him sweet candy, and Lianzhen ate it happily like a child. His laughter echoed through the street, and Yu Meixian's heart softened with every passing moment.
After a while, Yu Meixian turned to him. "Let me take you to my favorite place in Chengdu."
Lianzhen nodded. "Yes."
Without hesitation, Yu Meixian gently held Lianzhen's hand — like a noble lady guiding her beloved prince. (In this reversed world, she held him as one would hold a delicate princess.) Lianzhen blushed deeply, his eyes lowering as he followed her silently.
Her light steps carried them swiftly through narrow streets and up the staircase of a tall building. Soon, they stood atop the tallest rooftop in Chengdu.
Lianzhen opened his eyes wide in wonder. Below them, the city spread endlessly — glowing lanterns, winding streets, and the soft hum of night filling the air. The world seemed to shimmer with gold and crimson light.
"The top view of Chengdu… it's mesmerizing," he whispered. "Especially at night — the lights look heavenly."
It was his first time seeing such a beautiful sight.
Yu Meixian let him down gently and gazed out over the city. "My master was the one who first brought me here. It's still as beautiful as it was that day."
"It is beautiful," Lianzhen said softly.
Yu Meixian looked at him, her voice barely above a whisper. "But not as beautiful as you are."
Lianzhen's shyness exploded. His face turned bright red as he quickly stood up. "Oh—it's late. Let me check on Rin."
As he turned to leave, Yu Meixian caught his hand gently. "Could you stay with me for a while?"
He hesitated, then sat back down quietly beside her.
Yu Meixian's voice trembled slightly, her eyes glimmering in the moonlight. "I've met many men in my life, but none ever managed to catch my attention. Only you — from the first time to now — every moment has been beautiful."
Lianzhen looked at her silently, his heartbeat quickening as her words melted into the night air.
Yu Meixian continued softly, "It's the first time I've ever felt like settling down with someone… spending my life with them instead of wandering endlessly."
She moved closer, her hand resting gently on his cheek. The moonlight danced in her eyes.
"I think I love you, Lianzhen."
The night breeze carried her words over the rooftops of Chengdu, where lanterns swayed like stars, and two hearts stood on the edge of something deeper than fate