Su Liwan was widely known as the most breathtaking beauty in Qingxi County.
On usual days, she dressed neatly, kept her demeanor proper, and carried herself with the elegant restraint of a noble young lady. But lately, she had completely lost her composure.
She spent entire days sitting by the window, her black hair loosely draped over her shoulders, a few stray strands sticking to her neck, lending her a lazy, disheveled charm. Her collar had slipped slightly, revealing a section of her fair, slender neck, softening her usually sharp jawline.
Her gaze was vacant, fixed on the parasol tree outside, unmoving. Her fingers unconsciously brushed her lips, and just recalling the force and warmth of that kiss made her face flush deeply, from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears, even her neck turning pink. Her breathing grew shallow and hurried, her chest rising and falling faintly, as if her whole body had been soaked in warm water, weak and limp.
Her mind was filled with Qin Ruhai.
The shadow he cast as he leaned down, the faint scent of ink on his clothes, the overwhelming heat of that forceful kiss. She felt ashamed to even think about it, yet her heart was so stirred that she was nearly drowning in the sensation.
When Yunxiu entered the room, she found her young lady lost in such a lovesick daze. Already stunningly beautiful, Liwan looked even more captivating in her absent-minded, ignorant infatuation—innocent yet tempting, stirring desire in anyone who saw her.
"Young Miss…" Yunxiu called softly, a hint of knowing amusement in her eyes. "You're thinking of that Young Master Qin again, aren't you?"
Su Liwan trembled violently, as if her most hidden secret had been exposed. She quickly pulled her hand away, instinctively straightened her collar, and lowered her head, too flustered to meet Yunxiu's eyes.
"I'm not…" she whispered, her voice weak and flustered.
"Keep denying it," Yunxiu said, placing the teacup on the table. "You've barely eaten or slept these days. What else could you be thinking of? You run to his street stall every day. If you don't see him even once, you act like you've lost your soul."
Su Liwan bit her lip, saying nothing.
She did want to go. To the busy street, to his calligraphy stall, just to look at his paintings, to exchange a few words. In broad daylight, with crowds around, she felt safe, and happy.
Yunxiu watched her hopelessly smitten, naive expression and secretly relaxed, even feeling a little relieved.
Thankfully, they only met in public.
Thankfully, it was nothing more than browsing books and casual chat.
With so many people around, there would be no danger, no improper behavior.
She reassured herself—
as long as she stayed close, as long as they never went anywhere secluded, her young lady would never experience what she had.
She would never understand the sudden, brutal violation she had endured that first time she stepped into Qin Ruhai's residence.
She thought this was the safest way to protect her.
She never expected—
A servant hurried in, announcing loudly:
"Young Miss! Master has invited Young Master Qin to our residence as a guest! That Young Master Qin Ruhai is waiting in the front hall right now!"
In an instant—
Su Liwan's face burned with embarrassment and excitement, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest.
All the relief and calm on Yunxiu's face shattered completely.
He was not satisfied with meeting her in secret.
He had come straight to her home.
Inside the front hall, warm light spilled over the room.
Qin Ruhai was already a familiar guest of the Su family. Master Su deeply admired his talent and character, and during this second visit, their conversation was even more relaxed. His eyes were filled with obvious approval and fondness.
Su Liwan lifted the curtain and entered, curtsying politely, her voice gentle and obedient:
"Father, I missed you, so I came to keep you company. I also brought some newly made pastries."
"Perfect timing," Master Su laughed heartily, gesturing for her to approach. "Young Master Qin is here. Sit and listen. Learn from him."
"Yes, Father," she replied.
Su Liwan took a seat quietly to the side, sitting upright, her skirt arranged neatly, every inch the proper noble lady.
But in an instant, her cheeks flushed pink, right down to her earlobes.
She lowered her eyes, seemingly listening intently to their conversation, yet her peripheral vision kept drifting softly toward Qin Ruhai, again and again. Her long lashes trembled, her lips pressed together slightly, every subtle expression revealing the restless infatuation of a young girl.
She did nothing out of line, yet her innocent, lovesick appearance was irresistibly tempting.
Master Su was thoroughly enjoying their chat, completely absorbed in praising the young talent. Though he was not entirely oblivious—he had long noticed the affection in his daughter's eyes—he chose not to address it, pretending to see nothing as he continued talking and laughing with Qin Ruhai.
"Young Master Qin, to possess such talent and grace at your age is truly rare. Your future is boundless."
Qin Ruhai bowed slightly, a gentle smile on his face.
But the moment Master Su lowered his head to stroke his beard and looked away, Qin Ruhai lifted his eyelids and glanced sharply at Yunxiu.
It lasted only a split second.
Too fast for anyone else to notice, yet chilling to the bone.
This was no longer the gaze of a refined scholar. It was the stare of a lone wolf lurking in the dark—gloomy, cruel, oppressive, dominating, pinning her in place.
Yunxiu froze completely. Cold sweat broke out on her back in an instant. Her fingers clenched tightly, her breath catching. She quickly lowered her gaze, her heart thumping wildly, her whole body turning cold.
Qin Ruhai calmly looked away, his gentle smile returning, his tone unchanged:
"You flatter me, Master Su."
After a short conversation, Qin Ruhai stood up gracefully and bowed politely:
"Master Su, I must excuse myself. I need to use the chamber. May I take my leave for a moment?"
Master Su laughed, unconcerned, and immediately ordered:
"Yunxiu, show Young Master Qin to the side courtyard chamber. Lead the way carefully."
"...Yes," Yunxiu replied, her face pale, her voice slightly hoarse. She could do nothing but lower her head and obey.
Qin Ruhai nodded politely and followed Yunxiu outside.
Su Liwan's heart sank. She almost stood up to see him off, her gaze clinging obsessively to his back.
This time, Master Su did not pretend not to notice.
He reached out and gently held his daughter back. His expression remained gentle, but his eyes carried a stern dignity, his voice calm yet unyielding:
"Sit."
Su Liwan stiffened and obediently sat back down.
Master Su saw her flushed ears and evasive eyes and understood everything, yet he said nothing directly. He spoke calmly, each word a subtle reprimand, pressing down on her desires:
"As a daughter of the Su family, every word and action must follow the rules of etiquette and morality.
Dignity, restraint, and virtue are your duty.
In the presence of men, you must understand proper conduct. You must not act improperly, disturb your mind, or ruin your reputation."
He did not mention the word "affection" once.
Yet every sentence told her:
I see your feelings. But the Su family rules are strict. You will not act on them.
Su Liwan lowered her head, her fingers tightening into fists, her voice weak:
"I… understand, Father."
But the more she was suppressed, the more wildly her feelings grew.
The more she was controlled, the more she yearned for the man who had brought her such burning, uncontrollable desire.
She had no idea
that Yunxiu, who had just been led away, was about to fall into utter darkness.