Chapter 75: The First Time (Part One)

"You, unfilial child!" Madam Xue, humiliated by Xue Ao in front of everyone, turned around in fury. Seeing Liu Chuyan frowning, lips pressed together in apparent surprise, she became even more incensed.

Liu Chuyan met Madam Xue's glare without flinching, standing tall and refusing to yield, which nearly made Madam Xue spit blood in frustration.

Xue Ao felt that his aura was anything but ordinary, and none of the women around him were gentle or quiet. From Old Madam Han to Liu Chuyan, from Old General Liu to Liu Guanqui, from his grandmother to his mother—each had a more stubborn temper than the last. How did he end up surrounded by such a group? He wondered what would happen if Liu Chuyan confronted Madam Xue. Secretly, he wanted to see them spar for his sake; it would be an exquisite spectacle.

But he dared not. If the two truly quarreled, he’d find himself torn between filial piety and dignity. He strode forward, standing before Liu Chuyan, clearing his throat: "Mother, don’t frighten her. You may not know it, but your son’s life was saved by her."

"What?" Madam Xue was utterly shocked.

"I said, she’s saved your son twice. Not only has your son fallen for her, he intends to repay her with his life."

"You!" Madam Xue wanted to scold him for being unfilial again, but since he said Liu Chuyan had saved him, to speak ill of her would be an affront to her son’s savior—surely inviting divine retribution. Yet, true to her nature, she refused to back down. "When did this happen?"

"When I was ten, I was chased and fell off a cliff. She saved me."

"You mean..." Suddenly, Madam Xue recalled that Xue Ao had called her 'Chuchu' earlier; she’d been too anxious to notice, but now, she remembered. "She’s the Chuchu you’ve never forgotten?"

"Yes."

Madam Xue eyed Liu Chuyan suspiciously, her face pale as death. "You’re Chuchu. So, that year..." She stopped halfway, clutching her chest, retreating two steps, her lips trembling, unable to speak.

"Mother..." Xue Ao, seeing her like this, grew concerned, stepping forward to steady her. "Mother, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing..." Madam Xue waved him off, refusing his help, allowing only the maid behind her to support her. "Zisheng, if you wish to marry her, you may, but you must promise me one condition."

"What condition?" Xue Ao’s intuition told him his mother knew some truth about the past—about the kidnapping, about those elusive figures in black—yet she’d never spoken of it. Now, knowing the Liu family had saved her, she no longer opposed his marriage to Liu Chuyan, but demanded he agree to a condition. He was at a loss, his previously clear thoughts now muddled.

Madam Xue shook her head slowly. "I don’t know yet. When I think of it, I’ll tell you."

"Mother, are you hiding something from me?"

Madam Xue clearly didn’t wish to discuss it, and even Old General Liu was ignored as she claimed to feel unwell and summoned Xue Huaiqin’s two sisters to attend her.

Xue Ao watched her leave, her once upright back now stooped, lost in thought.

Liu Chuyan originally intended to follow Old General Liu and Old Madam Han inside, but seeing Xue Ao so distracted, she paused, wanting to speak but unsure what to say. From Madam Xue’s words, it was clear he’d always remembered her, cherished her since childhood—even Madam Xue knew it. She held a unique place in his heart.

Though their reunion had been unpleasant and even embarrassing, it couldn’t erase the beauty they’d once shared.

He was cold on the outside but warm within, just as Han Shujing had said. He loved her fiercely. By contrast, she was too sensitive, always hesitating, worrying about this and that. If she could let go of past grievances, wouldn’t things be wonderful between them?

Madam Xue’s words carried an unspoken meaning, but more than that, Xue Ao’s inadvertent tenderness melted some icy corner of her heart, like spring water flowing in after a flash of lightning.

"Chuchu, what are you thinking?" Xue Ao knew she’d been standing behind him, turned, and smiled gently.

It had been so long since she’d seen such a smile. If she looked carefully, she could feel the familiar childhood warmth. Yet he frowned lightly, making that warmth seem elusive.

Unable to resist, Liu Chuyan reached out. But as her fingers neared his brow, she pulled back as if shocked.

Xue Ao refused to let her go, moving faster than she, grasping her hand. He clearly sensed Liu Chuyan’s attitude towards him had changed, and he had to seize this chance. "Chuchu, what are you thinking?"

Liu Chuyan didn’t struggle, but looked hesitant, glancing at the servants nearby.

For the first time, Xue Ao found the household attendants annoying—utterly unnecessary. Though he usually ignored their presence, today they were more obstructive than pillars, making his Chuchu afraid to even speak. Yet this was his sisters’ garden; he couldn’t simply dismiss everyone, especially with elders inside. He quickly searched for a way to let Liu Chuyan speak freely.

Liu Chuyan leaned in, lowering her voice. "Do you have somewhere private to talk? Somewhere spacious?"

"I do." Xue Ao answered without hesitation, glancing at Qin Yan and Qin Su, who stood behind, eyes lowered in perfect decorum. "You two, go quickly."

"Yes." Liu Chuyan watched as Qin Yan and Qin Su ran out, stirring a row of fallen leaves, and stared at Xue Ao in surprise.

Xue Ao barked an order, driving everyone else indoors, then led Liu Chuyan out of Yixiang Garden. Song Ling hesitated, but followed; Xue Ao hadn’t told her to leave.

"Xue..." Liu Chuyan instinctively wanted to call him Xue Ao—they’d just quarreled last night, after all—but that was too familiar. To call him Second Master Xue was too formal, and to call him Brother Jun Cheng wasn’t right anymore. It was difficult.

Xue Ao glanced at her, cheeks puffed, brimming with suppressed energy, and chuckled, "You can call me Zisheng directly."

"No." Liu Chuyan shook her head. They weren’t that close; it wouldn’t be proper.

"You refuse again. Is it because you’re not used to it? Then call me Brother Zisheng for now. But after we’re married, you must drop the 'brother.' I’m not your brother."

At heart, he was still a rascal. Liu Chuyan pouted, refusing to call him that, and looked around to change the subject. "Where did you send those two?"

"Qin Yan and Qin Su? Oh, they’re clearing the way."

"Hm?" Liu Chuyan didn’t understand until she noticed they’d passed several corridors without seeing a single person. Qin Yan and Qin Su must have chased everyone away. Xue Ao didn’t want anyone to see them together, but wasn’t this too conspicuous?

Xue Ao saw she understood and stopped explaining, leading her down a left corridor to a doorway, stopping Song Ling. "Song Ling, you may return to the residence." He pointed to the corner ten yards away, which led to a small door to the Han residence. "If anyone asks, say she’s feeling unwell and resting. After we finish talking, I’ll escort her back."

"This..." Song Ling’s lips trembled; it was bold. But she’d done bolder things behind Liu Chuyan’s back, so this wasn’t much. With a glare from Xue Ao, she shrank. Seeing Liu Chuyan expressionless, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, Song Ling quietly turned toward the small door.

Xue Ao watched her go, then pulled Liu Chuyan through the doorway, and then another, entering the rear of a garden.

Qin Yan and Qin Su had chased all the servants away, though they kept glancing up, unable to mind their own business.

Liu Chuyan realized her own audacity—alone with Xue Ao, and others aware of it.

Xue Ao saw her shyly lower her head, laughed, and tossed a silver ingot to Qin Yan, "You two, go drink. Don’t be in the way."

"Yes, yes." The two rarely left Xue Ao’s side, never free for pleasures. Today, he sent them to drink, and their pent-up energy surged. They hurried out, locking the door behind them.

"Hey, they..." Liu Chuyan heard the lock click, stepped forward in alarm to call them back, but Xue Ao spun her around, pulling her into his arms. She fell against his chest, breathing in his unique scent, faintly tinged with sweat. She frowned.

"Don’t worry. I have a way to get you back. And this is just the back door—even if it’s locked, there’s always the main entrance."

"I bet you’ll lock the front door, too." Liu Chuyan’s hands were pinned to her chest, unable to move, and she glared at his irreverence.

"The front door locks from the inside. Don’t be afraid." Xue Ao smiled.

Liu Chuyan had no words, turning her face away.

Xue Ao smiled a while, then gently pinched her chin, "Chuchu, what did you want to say to me earlier?"

"Nothing."

"Then why seek somewhere private?"

"Is this your courtyard?" Liu Chuyan dodged the question.

"Yes. If you wish to talk privately, my own courtyard is best."

Liu Chuyan fell silent, her heart tangled. She truly didn’t know what to say, and if she did, didn’t know how. She regretted it deeply. Now she was caught, unable to advance or retreat. If she asked to leave, Xue Ao certainly wouldn’t let her.

Xue Ao kept smiling, and as she drifted into thought, he led her to the front yard, standing beneath the tall magnolia tree. Light and shadow speckled her shoulder like flecks of gold under the moon. "Chuchu, what happened last night was my fault. Will you forgive me?"

Liu Chuyan looked up at the familiar yet strange lotus magnolia, biting her lip, and gently nodded.

He hadn’t expected her to agree so readily, and joy burst in Xue Ao’s heart. He pressed on, "Let’s forget all those painful memories. Let’s be happy together, shall we?"

"Yes." Seeing his happiness, Liu Chuyan smiled in turn.

"Chuchu!" Xue Ao was beside himself with delight, shouting as he hugged her tightly, holding her close as if afraid she’d be stolen away. "Chuchu, you’re wonderful."

"I’ve always been wonderful." Liu Chuyan smiled, resting her head against his chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat. For the first time in ages, she felt safe and secure.

"You have always been wonderful." Xue Ao lowered his head, kissing her hair. "Always wonderful." Even with her in his arms, Xue Ao felt as if he were dreaming, barely able to believe Liu Chuyan’s attitude had changed so much—it was more thrilling than a windfall from heaven.

"Chuchu, you’re suddenly so good to me, I feel like I’m still dreaming. Could you pinch me?"

He released her slightly, his dark eyes meeting hers, shining with joy like a child.

Liu Chuyan reached for his cheek, but couldn’t bear to pinch him, hesitating under his eager gaze. When his smile threatened to freeze, she hooked her arms around his shoulders, stood on tiptoe, and gently bit his lower lip. "You bit me last night. I’m biting you back."

Author's note: Their eyes have finally met! Now comes the longing—one day apart feels like three years!

Give me flowers~~~~~~ If you don’t, I’ll cry for you to see /(tot)/~~

No meat for you, I’ll draw circles~