plumlizi

Blog

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 10

    Chapter 10: Take off your clothes

    Take off his clothes?

    A dangerous glint shone in the man’s eyes. It was obvious that he was displeased and even in the dark, Han Yunxi could feel him staring at her. 

    “What are you looking at? If you don’t take them off, how am I supposed to examine the injury? You’re a man and I’m a woman, so it’s me at a disadvantage, not you.” Han Yunxi finished speaking before moving in to take action herself. President Lin of Soaring Cloud Hospital had the right words in mind. Before a doctor, there was no difference between men or woman. At the very least, Han Yunxi had long grown used to such things. When her hands drew closer, the man slapped them away as if he loathed the thought of a woman touching him.

    “I’ll do it myself.” Even now, his icy tone lacked all traces of warmth. Though the poison was by no means shallow, this man still possessed a good amount of strength. He quickly took off his outer robes. Truthfully speaking, Han Yunxi hadn’t seen much at all in the dark. Since the human body didn’t vary much, she could find its major acupuncture points with her eyes closed, and inserted two needles in acupoints by his heart to stop the progress of the poison. Afterwards, she collected samples of blood near the injury itself. The man instantly felt the needles relieve some of the pressure around his chest and gradually relaxed his guard.

    “Hold on a minute, I’ll go get a light.” She rose to enter the bedroom, using the chance to put the blood samples into the detox system of her pocket dimension for analysis. The results were somewhat unexpected.

    This poison was a blend of different snake toxins. There were differences between snake venom of modern versus ancient times–for example, many snakes of the past had become extinct in the present, so she had no stockpiles of antivenom in her stores. Even the ingredients needed to make one herself were missing.

    After realizing her current state of affairs, Han Yunxi touched the sword wound on her neck and felt unusually calm. Fine, there was no helping it if she lacked the medicine. That despicable assassin, willingly slaughtering the innocent on a whim–it wasn’t as if she was really going to save him! So she retrieved some ingredients that could delay the onset of poison, as well as a few tools of her trade, and went back with her lamp in tow.

    Under the guidance of lamplight, Han Yunxi could better make out the man’s features as she drew closer. Although he was sitting down, she could tell from his limbs that this man had an excellent figure–at least, he was very tall. Gradually, the light drew nearer. When it finally illuminated his features, Han Yunxi was stunned.

    Heavens!

    This man…

    Despite being an assassin, his face wasn’t covered. The cold, stern contours of his features framed a face that looked as if it had been carved by the gods themselves. Even though he had been injured, he didn’t look like someone who had been forced into a difficult position. Instead, his entire body emanated the respectable, dignified air of a monarch, domineering and regal. Anyone standing before him would feel a bit inferior. Though the light illuminated his face, it gave no light into his eyes. Those deep, dark pupils seemed capable of taking in everything and everyone in this world. It was these eyes that stared coldly towards Han Yunxi as if trying to suck her inside.

    She looked at him in a daze, hand shaking so much the lamp tumbled to the ground. She’d seen many outstanding men before, but today she had to admit that this one had the most advantages.

    “What are you still dawdling for?” the unhappy man didn’t take well to Han Yunxi’s reaction. Only then did she quickly look away, regaining her cool once again.

    “I haven’t eaten anything all day, so my grip was weak.”

    So speaking, she picked up the lamp and walked closer, refusing to look at his face any further. Putting the light to the side, she kneeled next to him and took out the medicine, cotton swabs, gauze and plants, spreading them before her. The man spotted the delicate cotton swabs and gauze in bewilderment. “What are these?”

    Han Yunxi pretended not to hear as she raised her head towards the wound. As soon as she set eyes on his chest, she couldn’t turn away. 

    This man had an excellent physique!

    It was a healthy chest, with firm abs and skin that shone almost bronze in the lamplight. It had a certain attractive wildness that made it hard to look away. This was proof that the saying of  ‘no difference between men and women in the eyes of a doctor’ only held true in certain situations! Han Yunxi forgot about the injury in light of studying this body, the tips of her ears growing redder and redder…

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 9

    Chapter 9: Mysterious man

    Han Yunxi waited from morning until night. It wasn’t just the groom–there was no sign of any other human here. Late evening, she rested against the pillow before somehow falling asleep. Yet a sudden ramming noise from one of the windows woke her up. There wasn’t enough oil in the lamp to shine it outside, so Han Yunxi could only wait a long while with an uneasy heart. Eventually, she carefully stepped out of the bedchamber.

    “Who is it?”

    It was quiet and dim outside, and nobody answered.

    “Did someone come in? Who are you?” Han Yunxi asked again, shining her oil lamp. At this moment, a dootdootdoot alert sounded in her head, warning her of poison in the vicinity. What was going on? 

    Did someone come in with the intention of poisoning her?

    Han Yunxi trembled, immediately turning around to go back to the bedroom. Who knew that right at this moment, a hand would reach out and grab her ankle?

    “Ah–” Before she could cry out, someone dragged her back. The oil lamp fell to the ground as she toppled over. But she couldn’t worry over such things, she was too busy trying to kick aside the hand. Unexpectedly, her foot came in contact with a man’s chest, filling the room with the stench of blood.

    “If you want to live, then don’t move,” a cold male voice spoke, chilling the room.

    Han Yunxi suddenly grew still because the icy edge of a sword was resting against her body. This guy seemed to be injured–not only that, but poisoned as well. Was he an assassin?

    Their surroundings were very quiet, enough to hear the man’s heavy breathing. After sensing no reaction from him for awhile, Han Yunxi asked timidly, “Hey, are you here to assassinate the Duke of Qin?”

    The man didn’t reply.

    “The Duke of Qin isn’t here. I don’t think he’ll return for at least a year. Why don’t you let me go and I’ll pretend none of this ever happened, okay?” Han Yunxi tried asking.

    Sadly, the man still didn’t speak. In the darkness, Han Yunxi saw him sit down to lean against the wall. He was dressed all in black so it was difficult to make out his features.

    “You’re injured. Don’t sit like that, hurry up and leave. I promise I won’t shout for anyone to catch you,” Han Yunxi said nervously, carefully crawling to her feet to try and push away the sword.

    Who knew that as soon as she touched the sword, the man would raise it to her neck and prepare to slice?! With her life hanging on the line, Han Yunxi backed away and hastily spoke again. “You’re poisoned with a wound on your chest four inches[1] from your heart. It’s snake poison that set in an hour ago, not from a direct bite but extracted venom. You have labored breathing and slowed heartbeat because this poison is designed to injure the heart. The flare-ups will happen very quickly, so for you to last an hour is already your limit.”

    Han Yunxi spoke everything in one breath according to the conclusion she’d drawn from the detoxification system. Even now, the tip of the man’s blade was still resting by her throat, and the slow trickle of blood down her neck was making her heart pound. But the fact that the man hadn’t moved his weapon any further proved that Han Yunxi’s words were on point.

    In the ensuing silence, cold air flowed in to fill the tense scene. Swallowing her saliva, Han Yunxi mustered up the nerve to speak, “I can help you get rid of the poison. If I can’t, it won’t be too late to kill me then.” After that, she didn’t dare to speak again, trembling with fear where she stood.

    After a long time, the man finally spoke coldly, “How long?”

    “I need to examine the injury to check the intensity of the toxin,” Han Yunxi said, sticking to the facts.

    The man didn’t reply, but lowered his sword. Her heart, which had been hanging in mid-air, finally settled back down. After making sure she didn’t have to worry about her life, Han Yunxi assumed a professional air and rose to her feet. Seeing that the black-robed man was about to do the same, she immediately commanded him, “Sit, you can’t move!” Her voice was weak, but brooked no room for rebellion. “If you move, you’ll speed up your blood circulation. If any more of the poison enters your heart, we’ll be in trouble.”

    In the dim light, the black-robed man’s eyes flashed before he obediently stopped moving. Who knew that the next thing Han Yunxi said would be:

    “Take off your clothes.”

    -o-

    [1] inches (村) – cun, Chinese unit of measurement approximating 1.4in.

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 8

    Chapter 8: Into the nuptial chambers

    The bride had crossed the threshold, but without a groom how could she do the traditional three bows? Granny Wang listened to Grand Concubine Yi’s orders and sent her off to the nuptial chambers.

    “Is she really that beautiful?” Grand Concubine Yi asked, her face full of doubt.

    “Grand Imperial Concubine, your servant saw it with her own eyes! It’s the absolute truth! I don’t know where these groundless rumors came from to call such a beauty an ugly hag!”

    “Impossible!” Grand Concubine Yi sat up straight. “I’ve seen her when she was young, she had a large scar on the right side of her face!”

    “Grand Imperial Concubine, you’ll get to see the bride when she comes to pay her respects tomorrow. How would your servant dare to trick you? The Han family is renowned for their medical skills, so perhaps they’ve finally cured her,” Granny Wang could only try to explain things this way.

    Grand Concubine Yi impatiently waved her hand, awarding Granny Wang some money before letting her go. 

    “Mufei, this is great news! It’s better if she looks pretty, or else we’d completely lose face for the Duke of Qin by letting her in today, even though the empress dowager forced elder brother’s hand. Isn’t it better that she didn’t shame us?” Murong Wanru chirped happily.

    Grand Concubine Yi was a little appeased by the fact that Han Yunxi was beautiful, but hearing the words ‘empress dowager’ put her back in a foul mood. She coldly replied, “The empress dowager forced the daughter of her lifesaver on my son. What else would this be, if not humiliation? So what if she’s beautiful?”

    Murong Wanru had no choice but to heave a sigh. “Aye, if her mother hadn’t saved the empress back then, then now…”

    Murong Wanru didn’t have to finish the sentence, but even an idiot knew that if that incident hadn’t happened, even the fate of current emperor might have changed. Han Yunxi’s mother saved the empress dowager’s life back then, changing the lives of an entire generation.

    “Enough of that, I don’t covet that position. I’m already plenty satisfied with Feiye as a son. You can leave now,” Grand Concubine Yi rubbed her forehead as she spoke.

    “Yes, Wanru’s said too much,” Murong Wanru retreated meekly. As soon as she went out the door, she headed towards the Duke of Qin’s Hibiscus Courtyard, but stopped just short of the door.

    She was very clear that Long Feiye’s private quarters lay beyond the doorway and he resented others casually entering his space. Even a foster sister like herself was no exception. But that Han Yunxi had openly entered them under the title of his official wife. After thinking for a bit, Murong Wanru couldn’t help but clench her fists. She couldn’t help but muse that Han Yunxi would be chased out of the household as soon as Long Feiye returned. 

    —

    Han Yunxi had no idea about the particulars of this Hibiscus Courtyard. In the end, she ending up sitting on the bed, waiting for half of the day for nobody. She actually dared to lift the wedding veil and stood up to stretch, before deciding to take off the phoenix wedding coronet. Immediately, it felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off her head, making things much more comfortable.

    The first thing she wanted to do was check a mirror because she had no idea what she looked like to startle all the people outside. The nefarious culprit that had tried to incriminate her with the stealthy dart only put her in spotlight instead. That person must be very gloomy now, right? Han Yunxi was in a good mood as she casually sat in front a mirror, only to be stunned by her own reflection.

    Her reflection was similar in spirit to her own face, but the shape, skin color, and features were far more attractive. The pretty looks of the original body combined with Han Yunxi’s own innate charm truly combined the best of beauty inside and out for a stunning sight. 

    Han Yunxi lightly caressed her right cheek, where there wasn’t even any sign of the old scar. It was as if it’d never existed in the first place. She couldn’t help but think that this face was at least worthy of a Duke of Qin. That man still hadn’t shown up yet, so who knew what he looked like?

    She stood up and paced around in a circle before discovering these rooms were unusually large. The bedroom wasn’t part of the main rooms, but separated from them by a layer of thick and heavy curtains. Beyond the curtains laid an even bigger space, with an indoor hot spring on the right and a study on the left. Straight in front of her stood a long, serene passageway flanked by two rows of pillars that led directly to the front gates. It would be better to say that this wasn’t a bedroom, but sleeping quarters equivalent to that of an emperor and empress.

    “So excessively extravagant!” Han Yunxi went for a stroll, feeling her legs ache by the time she made it back. Didn’t rich and influential families have lots of attendants? This house is so large, yet there’s no sign of anyone around. She couldn’t even find a person to question here, how strange.

    Han Yunxi sat back on the bed, wondering whether the bridegroom would come home tonight.

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 7

    Chapter 7: Whose beauty can cause the fall of a country?

    The two rows of musicians dared not delay, and quickly fell into ranks to play their instruments. Gongs, drums, vertical flutes and suona rang out with boundless joy in celebration. Han Yunxi lifted her hand, and Nanny Wang hastily ran to her side. The bride had already left the sedan chair. With everyone watching, if she didn’t support her, then she’d be in the wrong.

    Thus, before the gaping looks of hundreds, Han Yunxi straightened her back and climbed step-by-step onto the Duke of Qin’s doorsteps, every movement graceful. All the elegance and brilliance that day was taken by her as a honor that no one else could touch.

    This led many people to forget that she was originally an ugly woman.

    Who knew that after Han Yunxi alighted on the final step and came to a stop, a flying dart would whiz by her face, knocking her bridal veil to the ground?

    “Ah…there’s an assassin! An assassin!” Nanny Wang screamed shrilly, releasing Han Yunxi to flee. She accidentally tripped and tumbled down the stairs.

    Immediately, guards appeared from two sides of the duke’s residence, searching around without finding the culprit. A long while passed, but nothing else happened after the flying dart appeared. The crowd was all caught up in a fluster. Han Yunxi was frightened as well, her heart pounding in her chest. She could treat poisons but didn’t know martial arts. Just then, that dart had missed her head by centimeters, how terrifying!

    A guard led the way to pick up the bridal veil and examine the flying dart, before giving the weapon to someone else to take care of.

    “Lady Han, here.” the head of the guards personally returned her veil.

    Han Yunxi patted her heart to calm down before turning to accept. “Thank you.”

    Who knew that as soon as she turned, the head guard would suddenly widen his eyes and yell ‘Ah’ in surprise, terrified as he backed up a few steps?

    The poison tumor was gone, but was she still very ugly? The head guard’s alarmed reaction hurt Han Yunxi slightly.

    But if that was the case, then she’d just stay ugly. She’d always relied on her hands to earn a living, not her face. With her back to the crowd, she mentally prepared herself before confidently turning around, holding out the bridal veil. “Nanny Wang, it’s all right now. You can come up.”

    Who knew that this single turn would cause the entire crowd to suck in a cold breath. Nanny Wang’s sharp shriek was even louder than her last one. “You…you…how could you, ah…”

    Han Yunxi had no idea that looking back had revealed a devastating beauty beneath the Heavens, endowed with elegance and intellectual brilliance. She only heard someone in the mob suddenly cry out, “Too beautiful! Are you really Han Yunxi?”

    Beautiful? Before she could process the words, a sensation broke out.

    “Wasn’t it said that Han Yunxi was an ugly woman? What happened?”

    “Rumors ruin a person, ah! Han Yunxi, you’re even more beautiful than Tianning’s top beauty!”

    “Does his lordship the duke know? You can’t believe groundless allegations!”

    —

    In a moment, all sorts of voices had spoken out. Even the members of the Han Family couldn’t believe it and wondered whether someone had substituted their Han Yunxi. But just by blocking out half her face, they could tell this was the genuine girl. One could only say that Han Yunxi’s peerless beauty had been hidden too long by the poisonous tumor, so her sudden appearance today had stunned all the masses.

    Chaos reigned before the front door until the noise carried into the main hall. Grand Concubine Yi and Murong Wanru were shocked after hearing the reports of the servants. Feeling as if they were on tenterhooks, the pair couldn’t help but want to run out and see for themselves. By now, Granny Wang had replaced the wedding veil on Han Yunxi’s head and led her past and over the threshold. Even though the new bride had gone inside, the crowd was still exclaiming over their beauty. They’d even forgotten the matter of their bets. 

    Within the crowd stood a beautiful woman dressed in bright, new clothing, using all her strength to drag away the man next to her.

    “Elder brother, there’s definitely a problem with Han Yunxi’s face! I’ve stolen a peek at her before and it was absolutely hideous. I almost wanted to throw up!”

    This woman was none other than Tianning Country’s General Mu’s third young miss Mu Liuyue[1]. The man next to her was a young general with a huge reputation in Tianning named Mu Qingwu. He was a handsome young man with strong contours, his figure steady and profound. Though he wasn’t wearing armor today, there was still the powerful aura of a commander in chief about him, and his bright, piercing eyes show with an upright light. The dart from beforehand had been shot by Mu Liuyue. She was one of the Duke of Qin’s steadfast admirers, and like all his admirers, particularly disliked Han Yunxi. Her original intention was to humiliate the woman in public, but who could know she’d end up helping her instead?

    Irritated by his sister’s complaints, Mu Qingwu grabbed Liuyue’s wrist and spoke in a stern voice. “Is this a place for you to act so wildly? Hurry up and go home!”

    He hadn’t been interested in the ongoings here, but the new bride’s courage had drew him into lingering for a look. Who knew that there was still someone with a spine in this capital of weak-willed sissies–and a woman, at that?

    Mu Liuyue was long accustomed to her brother’s rough manners and grabbed his hands, acting like a spoiled child. “Big brother! There’s definitely something wrong with that woman.”

    “Even if she has problems, it’s none of your business! Go home!” Mu Qingwu commanded.

    “There’s no common language with you!” Mu Liuyue pursed her lips but was lazy to say any more. She decided that she needed to find some more helpers and investigate whether this Han Yunxi was a fake.

    -o-

    [1] Mu Liuyue (杨琉月) － Mu is the surname meaning “solemn, reverent”, liu is a character found in “琉璃” (liu li), or ceramic glass, and yue is “moon.”

    [2] Mu Qingwu (穆清武) －Qing refers to “clear, quiet, just and honest, pure”, while wu means “military, martial, valiant, fierce.”

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 6

    Chapter 6: The auspicious hour’s arrived

    Early the next morning, a large crowd had gathered around the gates of the Duke of Qin’s residence. Han Yunxi didn’t know, but at least 30 gambling organizers in and out of the palace had arranged betting pools on whether she’d enter the duke’s gates. Around 1,000 people had placed wagers.

    The wedding music hadn’t even started, but the noise of the crowd had already made things lively with their hubbub of voices. Han Yunxi didn’t even have to worry about oversleeping since they woke her up. She stole a look at the color of the sky and gauged that there was still enough time for her to wake up completely and take care of her face.

    A small malignant tumor was nothing against a gold standard poisons expert and one night was enough to destroy any evidence of its existence. Han Yunxi tore off the gauze, cleaned up the medicine, and lightly caressed her cheek. The original location of the tumor was now smooth and glossy, the skin exquisite and fine. Too bad there was no mirror, or else she could’ve seen what she looked like. 

    At the very least, even if she wasn’t beautiful, getting rid of the tumor meant she wasn’t an ugly woman anymore, right?

    She took some acupuncture needles from her pocket dimension to hide within her sleeves, then some poisonous powders for self-defense, before cleaning up and temporarily storing the mess inside the dimension. Even if anyone caught a whiff of medicine, they wouldn’t find any traces of it.

    Replacing the bridal veil on her head, she sat up straight in the sedan chair, eyes closed to attain mental tranquility as she waited for the auspicious hour.

    Time trickled by like a stream while the gathered crowd swelled in numbers. Though this was the second wedding day, the news was still the talk of the capital. Even members of the Han family had disguised themselves to hide in the crowd and see the outcome.

    Finally, the auspicious hour arrived!

    Creak…

    As the doors to the Duke of Qin’s residence opened, the noisy crowd fell silent, no one daring to make a sound. The duke’s residence hadn’t acted perversely but generously opened the front gates. However, the bridegroom didn’t come, nor was there any parties sent out to escort the bride inside. There was only the old Gatekeeper Liu who walked out to stand by the door.

    What…what the meaning of this?

    For better or worse, the groom had to kick the sedan chair door before the bride could alight, right?

    This situation turned the silence of the crowd into a deathly stillness. Coincidentally, everyone’s eyes turned towards the bridal sedan. No matter which outcome they’d bet on, everyone was nervously awaiting what would happen next.

    The disguised members of the Han family couldn’t help but curse Han Yunxi in their hearts. Though marrying into the Duke of Qin’s family was like claiming ties of kinship with those of high social position, it didn’t mean bringing shame and humiliation onto themselves!

    Nanny Wang hid a cold smile beneath her lowered eyes, keeping silent on purpose so the situation would turn more awkward as she waited for the auspicious hour to pass. But who knew that someone would kick the sedan chair door with a ‘bang’ from inside? With her phoenix coronet, embroidered tassel cape, and bridal veil, Han Yunxi confidently descended from the covered sedan.

    She wasn’t very tall, and a long period of malnutrition had turned her thin so the wedding robes were an ill fit for her body. But she kept her back straight and held her head high, standing in a way that gave her a strength of character so you couldn’t look away.

    “The auspicious hour’s arrived, why isn’t there any wedding music?” she asked in a loud voice.

    When those words came out, the crowd finally recovered and realized what had happened. Heavens, the bride had actually kicked her own door and left the sedan, how could it be like this? This wasn’t established custom!

    “A woman like you is so shameless! You actually got out yourself! Since you can’t be married off, you’re forcing your way through the door, how base!” Within the crowd, someone suddenly shouted.

    Echoes of ‘how base,’ ‘shameless,’ and even ‘that wench’ rang through the four corners to curse her. Han Yunxi was still human, and a woman at that. She knew she was being shameless, but what else could she do? Stay in the sedan chair until the next auspicious hour? Could she hold out for that long?

    The emperor had gotten angry at the Duke of Qin and acted rashly, commanding him to take a wife. If things got out of hand, what could the emperor do to his duke? In the end, all the fault would lie with her. If she died, then the marriage contract would naturally be annulled. Bitter sadness flitted across her heart before Han Yunxi steeled her nerves.

    To continue living was the most important thing.

    While they hurled invectives at her, Han Yunxi loudly said, “This was originally something the Duke of Qin should’ve done. But since the duke was too busy to come, I can only stand in for him. You mean to say that the Duke of Qin made me into a base woman?”

    As soon as she spoke these words, the crowd exploded.

    “Han Yunxi, you’re confusing right and wrong! Vicious slanderer! The Duke of Qin would never want to marry you!”

    “That’s right, you really think the duke wants to marry you?! Haven’t you looked at a mirror since you were a child? Don’t you know what kind of beastly face you have?”

    Han Yunxi stilled her steps, turning to face the source of the voice. Though her body was thin and frail, her voice was filled with power. “The empress dowager approved this wedding and the emperor commanded it be done before the month’s end. You all say the Duke of Qin doesn’t want to marry me, but how could he go against imperial decree or feign compliance? Who said that,  step out for me!”

    When the words settled, the entire scene grew quiet. The people who’d just spoken had sickly expressions from fright, looking tongue-tied as they lost the ability to speak. None of the rest made any more comments. Who would dare to slander the Duke of Qin?

    Now that the crowd had shut their mouths, everything was calm. Han Yunxi took a deep breath to steady herself and proudly shouted, “Wedding music, play on!”

    Previous | Index | Next

  • You’re So Arrogant Chapter 82.2

    Soon, it was the eve of Xin Li’s birthday. Xie Yuran had dinner with her as usual and drove her back to her condo.

    The car stopped downstairs at the condominium. Xin Li unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. Xie Yuran followed suit, intending to accompany her upstairs.

    However, Xin Li said, “Don’t come upstairs.”

    She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning against him and looking up with a smile. “I’m afraid if you come upstairs, you won’t want to leave again.”

    Xie Yuran lowered his head and said, “How about moving in with me?”

    Upon hearing this, Xin Li displayed a hesitant expression.

    It wasn’t that she objected to living together; they had already done so many intimate things, so there was no need to be coy. However, she hadn’t confessed to her parents yet, and if they suddenly came over…

    While she was in a dilemma, she noticed a sudden change in Xie Yuran’s expression, and his gaze shifted behind her.

    “What’s wrong?”

    Turning around, Xin Li followed his gaze and immediately spotted Xu Wanqin standing not far away… She had no idea how long she had been there.

    Xin Li: “…….”

    Speak of the devil.

    After a pause, Xin Li let go of Xie Yuran and uttered, “Mom.”

    ……

    ……

    In the living room, the atmosphere was awkward. Xin Li and Xie Yuran sat side by side on the sofa, silent.

    Xu Wanqin sat on the other side, looking at the two of them with a solemn expression.

    After a moment, Xin Li summoned up the courage to ask, “Mom, why are you here?”

    Xu Wanqin didn’t respond to her and turned her gaze to Xie Yuran as if expecting an explanation from him.

    Xie Yuran didn’t evade her gaze, meeting her eyes and tightening his grip on Xin Li’s hand.

    “Auntie Xu, Xiao Li and I are dating.”

    Xu Wanqin frowned slightly. Although Xie Yuran’s presence in the Xie family was relatively low compared to his brother, Xie Shuo, Xu Wanqin was not unfamiliar with him. 

    The relationship between the Xin and Xie families was still intact, and considering Xie Yuran was her junior, Xu Wanqin didn’t want to create too much tension. She tried to ask calmly, “When did this start?”

    Before Xie Yuran could respond, Xin Li interjected, “Just recently.”

    Xu Wanqin glared at her, and Xin Li immediately fell silent.

    Turning her attention back to Xie Yuran, Xu Wanqin said, “It’s getting late. I have something to discuss with Xiao Li. Why don’t you head back first?”

    Xie Yuran appeared as if he still had something to say, but Xin Li scratched his palm and shot him a meaningful look. “Go back first.”

    Xie Yuran glanced at her and then at Xu Wanqin before finally getting up and leaving.

    With only the two of them left in the room, Xu Wanqin dropped the pretense and asked sternly, “What exactly is going on?”

    Playing with her fingers, Xin Li looked down and said, “It’s just as you saw. I’m dating Xie Yuran.”

    “……”

    Xu Wanqin felt a lump in her chest. After all her efforts to set her up with Xie Shuo, she ended up choosing Xie Yuran?

    Xu Wanqin’s head started to ache, so she raised her hands to massage her temples.

    No wonder she had resisted being with Zhou Zeyan so adamantly.

    Seeing her like this, Xin Li dared not argue with her and said, “Mom, he treats me very well. Can you guys try accepting him?”

    Hearing these words, Xu Wanqin’s headache intensified. After a while, she said, “We’ll talk about this later.”

    Putting down her hands, she looked at Xin Li and said, “Your dad hasn’t been feeling well lately. He just went to the hospital this afternoon. Go and visit him; don’t be at odds with him anymore.”

    “Dad’s sick?”

    Xin Li asked anxiously, “Is it serious?”

    Xu Wanqin: “Nothing serious, but he needs to be observed in the hospital for two days.”

    After a pause, she reminded, “Don’t tell him about you and Xie… Xie Yuran for now.”

    Xin Li understood her meaning and nodded. If she were to reveal their relationship to him right now, it might turn a non-serious condition into a critical one.

    “You two…” Xu Wanqin seemed to want to ask something else but didn’t know where to start, so she stopped.

    With Xin Yuanhong’s illness, it wasn’t good for Xin Li to quarrel with him. Early the next morning, she went to the hospital to visit him. 

    Perhaps because it was her birthday, Xin Yuanhong didn’t stay glum when he saw her, and the relationship between father and daughter finally eased a bit.

    Xin Li spent the entire day at the hospital and didn’t return to her condo at night. Instead, she went directly back to the Xin family residence. 

    Xu Wanqin had already arranged for a cake and birthday presents to be prepared, simply celebrating her birthday.

    After dinner, Xin Li returned to her room and couldn’t wait to take out her phone. She sent a message to Xie Yuran, asking what he was up to.

    However, after a while, she didn’t receive a reply.

    Xin Li couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. After all, it was her birthday today. How could he not show any signs of well wishes?

    Could he have forgotten?

    Just as she was pondering, a call came in.

    Seeing the nickname displayed on the screen, Xin Li’s eyes lit up, and she answered the call.

    “Hello?”

    “You went home?” Xie Yuran asked.

    Xin Li responded with an “En,” before complaining, “Did you forget what day it is today?”

    Xie Yuran: “Do you still want your birthday present?”

    “?”

    “Come out, I’m in front of your house.”

    Xin Li was taken aback, instinctively turning to look out the window… of course, she couldn’t see anything.

    Returning to her senses, she slipped on her slippers and ran out of her room quietly, looking left and right to ensure no one noticed before swiftly exiting the house.

    The night breeze brushed past her ears, and her heart pounded. As she walked, she couldn’t help but complain in her mind: What era is this? Meeting a boyfriend feels like a secret rendezvous.

    Passing through the main gate, Xin Li immediately saw a familiar figure under the moonlight.

    Leaning against his car, Xie Yuran watched as she ran out in a dress, with a smile forming on his lips.

    Xin Li jogged over to him, her eyes filled with surprise.

    Xie Yuran handed her a jewelry box. “Happy birthday.”

    Xin Li took it, opening the box.

    Inside was a custom-made bracelet: a delicate silver chain with a beautifully crafted little fox made of a gemstone, transparent and lovely without losing its cuteness.

    Xin Li fell in love with it at first sight and couldn’t bear to part with it, smiling brightly.

    Xie Yuran asked, “I’ll put it on for you?”

    Xin Li extended her wrist to him with a bright smile.

    Taking the bracelet, Xie Yuran looked down and put it on her. His fingertips lightly glided over her wrist, a tingling sensation spreading to the depths of his heart.

    The bracelet was exquisite, emitting a delicate glow under the lamplight, especially enchanting on her fair-as-jade wrist.

    After putting it on, Xie Yuran naturally clasped her slender fingers and pulled her closer.

    Xin Li kissed him on the lips as if rewarding him.

    “This present is quite satisfactory.”

    Xie Yuran smiled slightly, his fingers gently caressing her knuckles as he asked, “How’s your dad’s health?”

    Xin Li’s smile faded slightly. “It’s nothing serious; he’ll be discharged in a couple of days.”

    Looking down at her, Xie Yuran pondered for a moment before saying, “How about I pay him a visit?”

    Xin Li was startled and hurriedly said, “Not now!”

    Afraid that he might be upset, Xin Li hugged him and explained, “My dad wants me to marry into the Zhou family. He’s been angry at me because of this. If you visit him now, he’ll definitely be even angrier…”

    “How about you visit him after he has fully recovered?”

    Xie Yuran remained silent, and Xin Li could only kiss him again.

    Xie Yuran lifted his hand, embracing her waist.

    The gentle breeze brushed through their hair, and under the streetlight, the leaves swayed gently, creating patterns of light and shadow.

    ……

    After her birthday, Xin Li continued to stay at home, not returning to her condo.

    Xin Yuanhong’s health improved, but he persisted in the matter of a political marriage, actively searching for a new prospective partner for her.

    Xin Li felt perplexed.

    In actuality, she could understand their perspective. The Xin family had been facing a downhill trend in the past two years, and the recent financial issues in the company made the need for a marital alliance even more pressing. If it weren’t for Xie Yuran, perhaps she would have compromised long ago.

    Just at this time, Xie Yuran was forcibly called back to HQ due to the wedding preparations for Xie Shuo, temporarily taking over the affairs there. He was busy day in and day out.

    The two barely had any chances to meet, and Xin Li found herself without a place to seek comfort.

    Seeing that Xin Yuanhong was about to set her up with a new prospective partner, Xin Li finally couldn’t hold back and called Xie Yuran.

    When he answered the call, Xie Yuran had just returned from a business trip. He was unlocking his door when he asked, “What’s the matter?”

    Feeling stifled, Xin Li, in a moment of impulsiveness, spilled everything to him.

    In the end, she said, “How about we secretly register our marriage?”

    Xie Yuran paused and said, “Okay, how about tomorrow morning?”

    Xin Li chuckled. “I’m just kidding. Did you really believe me? You betta propose first before thinking I’ll marry you! How presumptuous!”

    Xie Yuran laughed.

    With their playful banter, Xin Li’s mood improved significantly. Considering he had just returned from a business trip and must be tired, she didn’t keep him on call for too long and was about to hang up.

    “It’s late, get some rest. Let’s talk tomorrow, goodnight.”

    Just before she hung up, Xie Yuran asked, “Do you have any plans tomorrow?”

    Lying on the bed, Xin Li turned to look out the window and said unhurriedly, “Nothing planned. Why, do you finally have some time?”

    Xie Yuran unbuttoned his shirt, saying, “Wait for me at your house tomorrow morning.”

    Hearing this, Xin Li excitedly sat up. “Okay.”

    ……

    At 9:30 a.m. the next morning, Xie Yuran arrived punctually outside the Xin family residence.

    Answering her phone, Xin Li excitedly grabbed her purse and headed out.

    The sky was clear, and the greenery in the residential area was lush and vibrant. Xie Yuran leaned against the car door, waiting for her.

    Quickly approaching, Xin Li held his face in her hands, deliberately sighing, “Sigh, it’s not easy. I finally get to see my boyfriend live.”

    Xie Yuran chuckled and opened the car door for her.

    As the car left the residential area, Xin Li suddenly remembered to ask, “Where are we going?”

    Xie Yuran glanced at her and said with a smile, “You’ll find out when we get there.”

    So mysterious…

    Suddenly recalling the joke from last night, Xin Li exclaimed, “You’re not seriously planning to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, are you? I didn’t bring my hukou.”

    Xie Yuran turned around a bit. “Go back and get it?”

    Judging by his calm demeanor, it was clear that wasn’t the case. Ignoring him, Xin Li turned around to look ahead.

    The car drove through the city and headed to a secluded area, finally stopping outside the Xie family’s ancestral home.

    Xin Li got out of the car and looked around, realizing where they were. She stared at Xie Yuran in disbelief.

    Xie Yuran held her hand, leading her inside and answering her previous question, “We’re here to see yeye*.”

    yeye – a term to address one’s paternal grandfather

    Xin Li was instantly overwhelmed, and she quickly pulled down the hem of her knee-length dress, all flustered. “Why didn’t you tell me in advance? If I had known, I wouldn’t have worn this dress.”

    As she said that, she stopped in her tracks and took out a mirror from her purse before adjusting her hair, looking visibly nervous.

    Seeing her like this, Xie Yuran couldn’t help but smile. Normally fearless and outspoken, it was surprising to see her nervous now.

    He took her mirror and said with a smile, “You look beautiful.”

    Leading her inside, Xin Li felt as if her heart had stopped. When they reached the entrance, she suddenly remembered something and anxiously said, “I didn’t bring a gift!” 

    “How about we just forget about it today? We can come back when I’m ready?”

    She turned to go back, but Xie Yuran held onto her wrist. On her wrist was the little fox bracelet he had given her, sparking in the sunlight.

    “Scared?”

    He raised an eyebrow, smirking,

    Xin Li could never resist a challenge, and she retorted, “Who’s scared?”

    Xie Yuran chuckled, leading her by the hand as they ascended the steps and entered the manor.

    Grandfather Xie was sitting in the living room with a cup of hot tea on the coffee table in front of him. It seemed like he had been waiting for them for a while.

    “Yeye.”

    Xie Yuran led Xin Li forward and greeted him.

    Grandfather Xie smiled kindly. “You’re here?”

    Xin Li composed herself and returned a smile. “Xie yeye.”

    Grandfather Xie nodded. “Take a seat.”

    They sat side by side, and Grandfather Xie looked at Xin Li from head to toe, smiling gently. “It’s been a while. You seem to have lost some weight. Has Xiao Ran not been taking good care of you?”

    Xin Li’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at Xie Yuran.

    That afternoon, Xin Li and Xie Yuran stayed to have lunch with Grandfather Xie, and they chatted for a while before leaving in the afternoon.

    After getting into the car, Xin Li gradually came back to her senses and turned to ask Xie Yuran, “Why… did you suddenly decide to bring me to meet your grandfather?”

    Xie Yuran gripped the steering wheel and was about to start the car when he paused at her question.

    He turned around, smiling at her. “If I don’t bring you here soon, my girlfriend might become someone else.”

    Xin Li chuckled but then grew concerned, asking uncertainly, “Are you planning to have your grandfather step in and persuade my parents?”

    “Xiao Li.”

    Suddenly, he reached out and held her hand, his expression earnest.

    “While I may not be as capable as my brother, I’m not as useless as you think. There are things I simply choose not to fight for. My uncle has done a lot for me, and my brother has always protected me since we were kids. For me, they are more important than so-called fame and status.”

    That’s why, after becoming an adult, he chose to avoid any collision of interests with Xie Shuo, becoming independent.

    Looking at her, he said, “But for you, I will do my best to strive.”

    Xin Li was momentarily stunned.

    ……

    A few days later, Grandfather Xie and Xie Baiyan personally accompanied Xie Yuran to visit the Xin family.

    Before they arrived, Xin Li confessed to Xin Yuanhong about her relationship with Xie Yuran.

    Xu Yuanhong, like Xu Wanqin, was also very surprised when he learned about it.

    So, after all the commotion, it was back to the Xie family?

    Before he could fully process this, Grandfather Xie, Xie Baiyan, and Xie Yuran had arrived.

    Once seated, Grandfather Xie smiled and said, “I came here today to talk to you all about these two kids…”

    As Xin Yuanhong listened to Grandfather Xie’s words, he looked toward Xin Li seated beside Xie Yuran, and his initial frown gradually relaxed.

    If this had happened in the past, he and Xu Wanqin might have opposed it. However, with Grandfather Xie and Xie Baiyan stepping in and considering Xin Li’s firm stance, they ultimately chose to agree after careful consideration.

    Finally free from hiding, Xin Li breathed a sigh of relief and began to let herself go.

    They could finally date openly and publicly, occasionally showing PDA with Xie Yuran, appearing to be a couple deeply in love, which earned teasing from her girlfriends. 

    In June, Xie Shuo and Ye An held a belated wedding ceremony, and Xin Li was invited to attend.

    The bride wore a white wedding dress with a long, flowing train that spread out like layers of stars.

    Looking at the wedding dress, Xin Li turned to Xie Yuran and said, “This wedding dress is so beautiful.”

    Xie Yuran asked in a low voice, “You like it?”

    Xin Li glanced at him, seeming to guess what he was about to say, deliberately choosing not to answer.

    The wedding was grand and lively, lasting until late at night. Xie Yuran, as one of the groomsmen, shielded Xie Shuo from a fair share of toasts.

    Xin Li was concerned that he couldn’t handle it and helped him to his room to rest.

    Xie Yuran was quite drunk, stumbling into his room and collapsing onto the bed, carelessly pulling at his tie.

    Xin Li had someone bring honey water up and helped him sit up, offering the cup to his lips.

    After drinking half the cup of honey water, Xie Yuran became a bit more sober. He leaned against Xin Li’s shoulder, squinting his eyes.

    Xin Li helped him loosen his tie and unbutton his shirt collar, saying, “Go take a shower before you sleep.”

    Xie Yuran massaged his temples and, with her support, stood up and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

    Xin Li walked to the balcony, leaning against the railing, gazing at the vast night sky.

    The breeze was cool, and the moon was bright, with the stars shimmering.

    After a while, footsteps sounded, and Xie Yuran, still a bit wet from the shower, embraced her from behind.

    In moments like these, even without saying a word, it didn’t feel dull. It just seemed like a peaceful and good moment in time.

    “Does your design studio take wedding dress commissions?” 

    Xie Yuran suddenly asked.

    Xin Li paused, turning around to look at him.

    After a while, she raised her chin slightly, smiling. “That depends on who it’s for.”

    Xie Yuran lowered his head, a smile in his eyes. “For my girlfriend.”

    Xin Li turned back, gazing once again at the vast starry sky with a bright smile.

    A few seconds later, her voice floated in the night breeze…

    “We can consider it.”

    Previous | Index | Next

  • You’re So Arrogant Chapter 82.1

    Epilogue 12: Xin Li & Xie Yuran

    Xin Li entered the house with light steps, but her smile faded when she saw Xu Wanqin sitting in the living room.  

    While she solved the issue with Zhou Zeyan, dealing with her parents would be another challenge.

    Seeing Xin Li’s seemingly happy expression when she came in, Xu Wanqin thought she had been on a date with Zhou Zeyan and asked, “Did Zeyan send you back? Why didn’t you invite him in?”

    Xin Li hesitated for a moment but eventually couldn’t hold back and said, “Mom, Zhou Zeyan and I are not suitable for each other.”

    Xu Wanqin was surprised upon hearing her words. “You two were getting along so well. What do you mean that you two aren’t suitable so suddenly?”

    Xin Li: “We’re just not suitable. I made it clear to him today.”

    Xu Wanqin’s expression immediately changed, frowning. “Such a big matter; why didn’t you discuss it with me and your dad beforehand?”

    Not wanting to argue with her, Xin Li suppressed her frustration and said, “Discussing it wouldn’t have changed anything. I really don’t have any feelings for him. I’m sleepy, gonna go to bed.”

    Without giving Xu Wanqin a chance to respond, she quickly went upstairs.

    “Xiao Li…”

    Xu Wanqin sighed helplessly as she watched Xin Li’s retreating figure.

    That night, after Xin Yuanhong returned home from his social gathering, Xu Wanqin informed him about the matter.

    Xin Yuanhong, unlike Xu Wanqin, was not as easy-going. The next morning, during breakfast, he questioned Xin Li. He was in the middle of negotiating a partnership with the Zhou family, and any complications at this time were unacceptable.

    Xin Li restrained her impulses this time and didn’t argue with him. She remained silent, letting him scold her without uttering a word.

    Seeing her like this, Xin Yuanhong felt a lump in his chest. Unable to continue scolding, he suppressed his anger and went to work.

    Once he left, Xin Li packed her things, preparing to move back to her condo.

    Xu Wanqin came over to persuade her, “Xiao Li, don’t be so stubborn…”

    Xin Li dragged her suitcase, pausing at the doorway, and asked, “Mom, am I just a tool for a political marriage?”

    Xu Wanqin’s expression froze.

    Xin Li said nothing further and walked straight out of the main door.

    ……

    Since Xin Li hadn’t lived in her condo for a long while, it had gathered quite a bit of dust. She hired someone to come and clean, busying herself until dark.

    Looking at the clean and bright room, her mood improved a lot. She lay on the sofa, legs crossed, and sent a message to Xie Yuran.

    At noon, she had already informed Xie Yuran that she was moving back to her condo and arranged to have dinner together.

    Xin Li: “I’m dead tired. When are you coming over?”

    Xin Li: “Lying down.”

    Several minutes later, Xie Yuran directly called her, “I have a matter to deal with later. How about we have dinner tomorrow?”

    Xin Li had just quarreled with her family and was feeling a bit down. She initially wanted him to comfort her, but now that he dipped on her, she couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. “Alright, take care of business first.”

    After hanging up the call, she punched the pillow in her arms unhappily before getting up and going out to find a restaurant nearby to have dinner.

    Upon returning home, she entered the study and started designing on her laptop.

    The entire condo was quiet, with just her inside. In the middle of sketching, her phone, placed beside her, suddenly vibrated.  

    With a glance, she saw that it was her brother calling her.

    “Argued with Mom and Dad again?”

    Xin Yu asked as soon as she answered the phone.

    Lately, Xin Yu rarely stayed at home, so he hadn’t witnessed the scene this morning. He had only heard about her moving out from their mom, Xu Wanqin.

    Pursing her lips, Xin Li mumbled, “They insist that I marry Zhou Zeyan, but I really don’t have any interest in him.”

    Xin Yu had always been protective of her, so upon hearing her words, he didn’t erupt in anger like Xin Yuanhong. Instead, he changed the topic and asked, “Any plans tomorrow? Wanna go to the equestrian club with me?”

    Feeling irritated, Xin Li wanted to go out and clear her mind, so she readily agreed, “Sure.”

    Xin Yu: “I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning then.”

    After talking with Xin Yu, Xin Li looked at her nearly completed draft. Feeling a bit tired, she closed her laptop and went to take a shower.

    Coming out of the bathroom after taking a shower, Xin Li walked toward her bed, preparing to sleep, when her phone suddenly rang.

    She picked it up and answered.

    Xie Yuran’s slightly tipsy voice came through, “Are you asleep?”

    Sitting down at the edge of the bed, Xin Li replied, “Not yet.”

    Xie Yuran: “Come and open the door.”

    Xin Li was stunned for a bit before quickly walking out of her room.

    Opening the door, Xin Li found Xie Yuran standing outside, dressed in a white button-up, looking exceptionally good-looking.

    Her eyes lit up. “Didn’t you say you had something to do?”

    Xie Yuran smiled. “I wanted to see you.”

    Entering the condo, he closed the door behind him, and concerned that she might be upset and still hadn’t eaten, asked, “Have you had dinner?”

    “Yeah.”

    Xin Li smiled, and the previous displeasure she felt seemed to vanish in thin air with his arrival.

    Relieved, Xie Yuran embraced her shoulder and led her further inside.

    Xin Li caught a faint scent of alcohol from him and asked, “Have you been drinking?”

    Xie Yuran loosened his tie and sat on the sofa. “I had a little at dinner tonight.”

    Turning around, Xin Li went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea before handing it to him.

    Accepting the tea, Xie Yuran held her hand and pulled her to sit beside him.

    He took a few sips of the tea before placing the cup down on the coffee table and asking, “Are you still hungry? How about I accompany you for a late-night snack?”

    Xin Li shook her head. “No thanks, I’ve already taken a shower.”

    Xie Yuran’s gaze fell on her, noticing she was wearing a light and thin nightgown, revealing a large expanse of her snow-white collarbone.

    Sensing his gaze, Xin Li didn’t avoid it and raised an eyebrow. “Where are you looking?”

    Having had some drinks, Xie Yuran’s eyes lost their usual clarity, gaining a hint of drunken haziness.

    He focused on her for a few seconds before leaning closer and whispering, “Looking at my girlfriend.”

    Xin Li’s heart skipped a beat, and the next moment, her lips were gently kissed by him.

    She tilted her head up slightly as her fingers clutched his shoulder, exerting a little pressure.

    Their breaths intertwined between their lips as the fragrance of shower gel mixed with a subtle hint of alcohol. The curtain swayed in the night breeze, creating a rhythmic dance.

    After a while, Xin Li felt her nightgown being lifted. Suddenly, she remembered something, and the remaining trace of reason prompted her to stop his hand.

    Pushing him away, she looked up and said, “I’m going to the equestrian club with my brother tomorrow, and he’ll be coming to pick me up early in the morning.”

    Xie Yuran paused and withdrew his hand before looking down at her. “I’ll go with you.”

    Xin Li mentioned this to remind him to be discreet, but he seemed to completely miss her point and hastily said, “Let’s not for now. My brother doesn’t know about us yet…”

    As soon as she said that, the expression on Xie Yuran’s face became a bit muted. He let go of her and sat back.

    Xin Li held his hand, observing his expression. “Angry?”

    Xie Yuran remained silent.

    Xin Li leaned forward and embraced his waist, coaxing him, “My brother has a bit of a bad impression of you from the things before. If we tell him about us now, he might end up punching you.”

    She concealed the reason involving her parents and pinched his chin, saying, “Who told you to dip on me tonight? I thought you were busy tomorrow; else, I wouldn’t have agreed to him.”

    After hearing her words, Xie Yuran’s expression softened.

    The night outside deepened. Holding her waist, he massaged his temples and said, “Go to bed early. I’ll go back first.”

    As he stood up, Xin Li followed suit. Noticing his discarded tie, she picked it up and handed it to him. “Your tie.”

    Taking it, he walked toward the door.

    Sending him to the door, Xin Li tiptoed to kiss him. “Goodnight.”

    Finally, a smile appeared on Xie Yuran’s face. “Goodnight.”

    ……

    Early the next morning, Xin Yu came to pick up Xin Li.

    Together, they went to the equestrian club in the suburbs, and to their surprise, they saw Xie Yuran there.

    Xin Li was taken aback.

    Xin Yu also paused and glanced at Xie Yuran before turning to look at her.

    Afraid that Xin Yu might notice something, Xin Li quickly withdrew her gaze, pretending as if they had no connection. However, she couldn’t help but sneak a glance at him from the corner of her eye.

    Not long after, the two of them went to change into riding attire.

    Xin Li managed to change ahead of Xin Yu. Seizing the opportunity, she secretly pulled Xie Yuran aside and asked, “Why are you here?”

    Xie Yuran asked insipidly, “Why can’t I be here?”

    Xin Li: “……..”

    The equestrian club wasn’t owned by her family, so he was indeed allowed to be there.

    “Then, don’t get too close to me later, in case my brother was to find out,” Xin Li instructed.

    Xie Yuran neither agreed nor disagreed, just looking at her.

    While they were talking, Xin Yu also came out after changing into his riding clothes. Xin Li quickly turned around, preparing to go choose a horse.

    Just as she was about to take a step, her hand was suddenly grabbed. Xin Li turned back and tried to free herself. “Let go quickly…”

    Seeing that Xin Yu was coming their way, she became anxious and tried to break free.

    “My brother is coming over; let go quickly!”

    Before Xin Yu approached, Xie Yuran finally let go of her hand.

    Xin Li gave him a warning look that seemed to say, “If you mess around again, go back and kneel on the keyboard.” She then greeted her brother with a smile, “Ge.”

    Xin Yu looked past her and glanced at Xie Yuran, who was not far away, meaningfully.

    Feeling a bit guilty, Xin Li pulled him to another side to choose horses.

    Perhaps it was the warning look from Xin Li that deterred him. During horseback riding, Xie Yuran didn’t get too close to her. He kept a certain distance, following from afar.

    Xin Li hadn’t gone horseback riding in a long time. After a few laps, she decided to take a break. However, she accidentally twisted her foot when she dismounted.

    Fortunately, it wasn’t a serious injury, just a slight pain when walking. She didn’t dare to exert too much force. After returning to the lounge, she headed to the restroom.

    When she came out, she saw Xie Yuran waiting outside.

    He stepped forward to support her. Looking at her foot, he asked with a frown, “Did you sprain it?”

    The surroundings were open, making it easy for others to see. Xin Li hurriedly tried to push him away, saying, “I’m fine…”

    Ignoring her protests, Xie Yuran embraced her waist, attempting to lift her up.

    Just then, footsteps sounded from behind. Xin Li’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly freed herself from Xie Yuran, moving to the side.

    It wasn’t until she turned a corner in the corridor and saw no one was there that Xin Li leaned against the wall, relieved.

    She looked at Xie Yuran, who followed after her, whispering, “Didn’t I tell you not to stay too close to me? What if we’re found out?”

    Xie Yuran stared at her, his expression turning somewhat soured. “Am I that disgraceful to be seen with?”

    Xin Li was taken aback.

    His expression was glum, seemingly genuinely upset.

    “No…” Xin Li was about to explain when footsteps approached once again.

    Xin Yu appeared at the corner, observing the two of them.

    Xie Yuran glanced in his direction and said nothing more before following Xin Li’s suggestion to leave from another direction.

    Xin Li instinctively wanted to call him back, but before she could speak, Xin Yu had already walked up to her.

    “Why are you entangled with him again?” Xin Yu questioned.

    Feeling bothered by Xie Yuran’s words just now, Xin Li decided she was too tired of hiding, so she directly admitted, “Ge, we’re together now. He’s my boyfriend.”

    Xin Yu frowned. “Since when?”

    Xin Li: “A while ago.”

    Xin Yu finally understood why she had suddenly rejected Zhou Zeyan. He couldn’t help but feel a headache. “Is he the only option for you?”

    Looking into his eyes, Xin Li softly said after a moment, “Ge, I really like him.”

    No matter how good others might be, they were irrelevant to her.

    Xin Yu was always unable to bear seeing her in such a pitiful state, so he softened his tone after a moment of silence and asked, “What do you plan to do about Mom and Dad? Do you intend to keep it a secret forever?”

    Xin Li paused before replying, “I will find the right time to confess to them, but please don’t tell them for now.”

    Xin Yu naturally wouldn’t tell on her, saying reluctantly, “Let’s go get lunch.”

    They returned to the lobby, but there was no sign of Xie Yuran.

    She looked around but couldn’t find him anywhere.

    Did he really leave in anger?

    Did he have to be this petty?

    Taking out her phone, Xin Li called him.

    After a bit, he answered. 

    “Where are you?”

    “I have something to attend to, so I went back to the city.”

    His tone was somewhat cold, and Xin Li asked, “Are you really angry?”

    There was a faint, indistinct, clamorous noise from the other end. Xie Yuran must be on the road. After a while, he said, “No.”

    Xin Li continued, “Let’s have dinner together?”

    “En,” came the reply.

    ……

    Around 4 p.m., Xin Li returned to her condo, feeling sore all over. After taking a shower, she lay on the bed like a corpse.

    As the sun set, Xie Yuran finally came over.

    Hearing the doorbell, Xin Li quickly got up from the bed and rushed to open the door.

    Before Xie Yuran entered the door, she threw herself into his arms, hugging his neck tightly. “You’re here!”

    Xie Yuran was pushed back half a step by her sudden embrace but quickly recovered, holding her waist.

    Her body wash wafted through the air as Xie Yuran embraced her waist and walked inside. In contrast to her enthusiasm, he was much calmer.

    Seeing him silent, Xin Li planted a kiss on his lips. “Still upset?”

    Xie Yuran looked down at her; any lingering anger faded away in the face of her playfulness.

    He asked, “Didn’t you mention going out for dinner?”

    Xin Li smiled. “I’ll go change. Wait here for me.”

    With that, she kissed him again and turned to enter her room.

    Her touch on his lips felt like a dragonfly skimming the water. Xie Yuran watched her retreating figure and smiled.

    After changing, Xin Li did some light makeup and came out of her room.

    “Let’s go.”

    The two went downstairs and headed to a nearby restaurant.

    After dinner, it was still quite early, so Xin Li pulled Xie Yuran for a stroll in the park next to the restaurant.

    As they walked, a young couple passed them; the girl held a bouquet of vibrant roses.

    Xin Li glanced at them and couldn’t resist poking Xie Yuran’s chest. “Look at you. Since we met until now, forget about gifts, you haven’t even given me a single strand of flowers. Yet, you have the nerve to be angry with me.” 

    Xie Yuran grabbed her finger and interlocked his hand with hers. Suddenly, he asked, “Is your birthday coming up soon?”

    “There’s still five more days,” Xin Li raised an eyebrow. “You still remember? I thought you had long forgotten.”

    Xie Yuran recalled the bites she gave him on her last birthday night. He leaned down to her ear and said, “You bit so hard; how could I forget?”

    Xin Li: “…….”

    Xin Li’s ears went slightly warm, glaring at him. “Who told you not to prepare a birthday present for me?”

    After strolling for a while, Xie Yuran sent Xin Li back to her condo.

    Once inside, Xin Li held onto his arm, showing no intention of letting go.

    Leaning against him, she looked up and asked, “Have you figured out what present to give me this year?”

    Xie Yuran smiled slightly but didn’t answer.

    Xin Li grabbed his collar and raised her chin before saying willfully, “If you don’t prepare anything this time, I’ll…” 

    Xie Yuran glanced at the collar she had pulled open and asked, “What will you do?”

    Xin Li tilted her head and nibbled his Adam’s apple before pushing him down onto the sofa. Kneeling beside his legs, she looked down at him with a playful glint in her eyes.

    With a hint of a smile on his lips, Xie Yuran lay casually, letting her take the lead.

    Xin Li leaned in, sealing his lips with hers.

    Suddenly, she pushed him away and got up, sitting beside him.

    Xie Yuran immediately felt the weight off of him and was momentarily stunned before sitting up, too.

    Xin Li smiled at him, her face still flushed, but she was clear-headed. Her bright eyes sparkled. “It’s so late. Aren’t you gonna go back yet?”

    Looking at her, Xie Yuran’s eyes were fervent.

    Xin Li grabbed a pillow to put in front of her body before reminding him once more, “You should head back now.”

    As if he hadn’t heard her words, Xie Yuran leaned in closer and took away the pillow that separated them before holding her slender shoulders.

    ……

    The night had deepened, and the moon cast a faint light, silently falling through the window.

    ……

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 5

    Chapter 5: A familiar warning

    The skies had grown dark, but Han Yunxi was still fast asleep. Heaven knows how tired this body was. Despite this, she heard a familiar dootdootdoot, dootdootdoot from the depth of her consciousness. On instinct, she opened her eyes. Wasn’t this noise the warning signal from Lingyun Hospital’s newest detoxification system?

    In an effort to keep her as an employee, Lingyun Hospital used vast amounts of funding to research and develop a poison-detection system. It was the equivalent of an intelligent pocket dimension where she could store antidote ingredients and equipment for her patients.

    The system had been implanted into the nerves of her brain and was completely controlled by her mind. Han Yunxi never thought her transmigrated soul would carry over such a treasure as well. She was moved. Heaven hadn’t forgot about her!

    The “doot” 「嘟」alarm sounded like “du” 「毒」, or poison. It was a reminder to Han Yunxi that there was poison within range around her. She had been suspecting whether the tumor on her face was created by toxic means. With the alert from the detox system, she was certain that was the case.

    Closing her eyes, she tried to use her mind to open the detoxification system. She didn’t expect it to be just as easy to use as before. She took out a few acupuncture needles and some medical gauze from the contained dimension while checking over her supplies. There were still plenty of acupuncture needles and medicinal ingredients.

    Han Yunxi then took a glance outside, seeing everyone else dozing around her. For the time being, she was certain she’d be undisturbed and started to treat the poison on her face. Originally, she wanted to collect and analyze some blood from the tumor in her detox system, until she recognized the poison with one whiff.

    This toxin was also known as grape clusters, or staphylococcus, a commonplace poison used in ancient times to disfigure the face. Even poison experts with trifling abilities could dissolve the venom, yet the great medical family of Han had allowed its daughter to suffer without anyone treating her. She must have been poisoned on purpose!

    Han family, was it. She’d remember this grudge for the body’s original owner. 

    There was logic in not letting a doctor self-treat oneself. Although removing poison was easy, it was inconvenient when the poison was on her own face. She could only grope around in the dark to bleed out the poisonous blood and clean its remnants, choosing and applying her own medicine. Finally, she stuck a piece of gauze to her face and finished up everything within an hour.

    After cleaning up her things, Han Yunxi replaced the bridal veil on her head and called out, “Nanny Wang, I’m hungry. Bring me a bowl of noodles.”

    Nanny Wang had been on guard all day. When the Duke of Qin’s residence didn’t sent people to chase them off, her gut recognized the formidable person within the carriage and dared not offend Han Yunxi anymore. Immediately, she ran off to buy food.

    A large bowl of delicious, steaming hot noodles was handed into the sedan chair, completely overtaking its previous scent of medicine. Han Yunxi dismissed Nanny Wang before removing her bridal veil and happily gorged herself on the fresh, hot noodles.

    At the same time, Han Yunxi’s chosen husband, Long Feiye, the Duke of Qin, stood with his hands clasped behind his back atop a nearby building. He leaned against a parapet as he observed the scene in the distance. His expression was impossible to discern, but his form was tall, dashing, and as lofty as a mountain. In his black robes, he looked both mysterious and imposing as he emitted an aura of domineering arrogance. From this height, he resembled a respected god of the night, disdainfully looking upon the common people below.

    “Duke, we’ve done thorough investigations. The woman inside the sedan chair truly is Han Yunxi. Nanny Wang is one of the grand concubine’s people.” a black-robed chamberlain respectfully reported.

    “What’s the situation inside the imperial palace?” his voice was deep and chilly.

    “The news has spread. Many are making private bets as to whether she’ll pass through the gates tomorrow,” replied his interior bodyguard, Chu Xifeng.

    Only then did Long Feiye turn around, his handsome face cold, as if carved by the Heavens. Those looks were enough to arouse the indignation of both men and gods, yet the lamp light shining on his face did nothing to illuminate those dark eyes. They were like icy pools with endless depths, an eternal riddle.

    “Your lordship[2] is also curious to see if she’ll enter.” Long Feiye said coldly before stepping into the air and leaving the Duke of Qin’s residence behind him.

    Chu Xifeng was stunned. Heavens, had he heard incorrectly? Even the Duke of Qin could be curious, and the object of interest was a woman?

    Was the sun going to rise from the west tomorrow?

    -o-

    [1] Chu Xifeng (楚西风) －bodyguard for the palace. Chu can mean “distinct, clear, pain, suffering,” Xifeng is “west wind.”

    [2] your lordship (本王) －benwang, a pronoun used to refer to oneself in third person.

    Previous | Index | Next

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 4

    Chapter 4: Then let her keep waiting

    Right as Nanny Wang lifted a corner of the door curtains, Han Yunxi stepped on her hand with her foot, asking in a dark tone, “You want to invite me out before the auspicious hour comes?”

    “N-no! I…it was an accident, an accident!” Nanny Wang explained, not daring to cry out from the pain. Only then did Han Yunxi release her, gracefully withdrawing her foot to lean lazily against the sedan walls.

    The Han family usually treated her cruelly, but they hadn’t shortchanged Han Yunxi for her wedding. The interior of the sedan chair was spacious and comfortable, perfect for sleeping. She wouldn’t be so stupid as to leave and come back tomorrow. If she really went back, there was no promise she wouldn’t be delayed and miss the auspicious hour again.

    The Duke of Qin dared not obstruct the emperor’s orders, but they could try out all sorts of delaying tactics. 

    In the end, it’d still be her who got the worst of it. Though Han Yunxi didn’t want to marry, she knew that she had to cross those doors into the Duke of Qin’s residence. Otherwise, when the palace came to place blame, she’d be pushed out as the scapegoat. The Duke of Qin’s marriage to an official wife was the talk of the town. News of her waiting at the gates would definitely make its way to the imperial palace. When they started paying attention, the duke’s residence would have no choice but to let her in tomorrow!

    Thinking up to here, Han Yunxi shifted to a more comfortable position before feeling assured enough to fall asleep.

    —

    At this moment, the Grand Concubine Yi who lived in comfort and enjoyed her high position had lost her usual ease. She personally rushed to the side doors and saw the red of the bridal sedan through its cracks. The face she’d always taken good care of turned a little ghastly.

    “Mufei[1], this Han Yunxi woman is so strange. The rumors all say she’s timid, but how did she turn so daring today? The palace just sent people over to ask what was the matter.” Murong Wanru said in an anxious voice.

    She was Grand Concubine Yi’s adopted daughter. Sweet-tempered, virtuous, and meek, she’d served the Grand Concubine Yi since her youth and was closer to her than any daughter of flesh and blood. A single ‘mufei’ from her lips was enough to outline her position within the Duke of Qin’s household.

    “This ugly woman dares to tussle with me on my doorstep?” Grand Concubine Yi narrowed her eyes in an awful expression, swiping a finger across her neck to signal Murong Wanru to kill the interloper.

    Murong Wanru’s face drew into a panic. “Mufei! If the person dies on our doorstep, it’d be so unlucky! What if the emperor blames it on big brother?”

    There were guards on watch around the Duke of Qin’s house as well. It would be difficult to explain a death on their door, especially with the whole capital spectating on the events. Grand Concubine Yi wasn’t stupid and came to this conclusion after some careful thought. “Good, then! So she’s decided to shamelessly stay here! Tsk, how could this ugly woman scheme so thoroughly?”

    “Mufei, what do we do now? When the auspicious hour comes tomorrow, do or don’t we open the gates?” Murong Wanru asked helplessly.

    “Hmph, since she wants to come in so much, then we’ll let her in! I’d like to see how long she can stay!” Grand Concubine Yi wouldn’t attract any attention. No matter what sorts of things happened inside the Duke of Qin’s residence, none of it would ever get out. Murong Wanru could only nod in acceptance, but a glint of self-satisfaction shone in her eyes.

    She had long hoped for Han Yunxi to enter the gates. Grand Concubine Yi had a mind to pair her with the Duke of Qin. Unfortunately, her birth status was petty and low so she had no chances of being his wife, only a secondary concubine. The one thing she feared was someone powerful and influential stealing away the position of head wife.

    This Han Yunxi with her ruined looks was just a tool used by the emperor to humiliate the Duke of Qin. Both he and mufei would only hate and spurn her, giving her no chance to turn her prospects around. If the proper wife selected by the empress dowager could die, then the position would be left open. This was her most ideal ending.

    Murong Wanru was in a good mood as she held Grand  Concubine Yi’s hand and carefully accompanied her back.

    “Aye, if the empress dowager could pair you with Feiye, then my life’s wish would be fulfilled,” Grand Concubine Yi lightly patted Murong Wanru’s hand, filled with regrets.

    “Mufei, Wanru only wants to serve at your side for the rest of my life,” Murong Wanru hastily declared.

    “You can still serve me for the rest of my life if you’re my daughter-in-law. When you have nothing else to do, go visit the Duke of Qin in his study, understood?” Grand Concubine Yi smiled.

    Murong Wanru’s face almost turned red as she lowered her head. It was a sight that anyone could love, and made Grand Concubine Yi like her all the better.

    “Mufei, the duke should return tonight, right? Otherwise, who’ll kick the sedan chair door[3] tomorrow?” Murong Wanru asked again.

    “It’s better if there’s no one to kick it. She can keep on waiting inside.” Grand Concubine Yi’s tone sounded like she was discussing the weather.

    -o-

    [1] mufei (母妃) －literally “mother concubine,” a title/name for Grand Concubine Yi from her foster daughter.

    [2] Murong Wanru (慕容宛如) －Murong is a two-character surname, Mu can mean “admire, yearn for”, Rong is “hold,” “tolerate/permit”, “facial expression.” Wan is “winding, tortous”, Ru is “like, as if”, “surpass/exceed”. Wanru together also means “just like.”

    [3] kick the sedan chair door (踢轿门) －tijiaomen, in ancient China the groom traditionally kicked the bride’s sedan chair door before accepting her inside. This was meant to make sure that the husband wouldn’t be henpecked and the wife wouldn’t fight back in the future. Chinese weddings are ridiculously complicated things, I recommend you read up on them, it’s fun~ Han Yunxi’s progress so far has been highly irregular.

  • Poison Genius Consort Chapter 3

    Chapter 3: Not leaving, this sister’s no pushover

    Stillness and silence settled around them, though occasionally there would come bursts of loud laughter. This was probably Tianning Country’s first time seeing a new bride being told to come back tomorrow, it would likely never to happen again in the past or future!

    The crowd was laughing. Even in the group of people that had delivered the bride, there were a few who couldn’t resist a snicker. It really was the first time something like this had happened. Inside the bridal sedan, the calm, composed Han Yunxi finally narrowed her eyes. The Duke of Qin’s household had really gone too far!

    Nanny Wang was crestfallen as she returned, sighing and disappointed. “Aiya, how unlucky. I’ve been a wedding nanny for so many years but I’ve never seen something like this! Let’s hurry up and go, quickly, go back!”

    Yet just as the sedan bearers lifted her carriage, Han Yunxi spoke up. 

    “Hold it!”

    Eh…who talked?

    The crowd stilled and looked around, but couldn’t find the speaker.

    “Nanny Wang, I’d like to trouble you to ask at what time tomorrow we should arrive?” When Han Yunxi spoke again, her quiet tone was filled with a dignity that was hard to cross. Though her voice wasn’t very loud, the crowd could clearly hear her.

    In one second, all the onlookers turned disbelieving gazes towards the bridal sedan chair. Were these words really from Han Yunxi? Shouldn’t she be secretly crying in such a situation? She actually dared to speak out, and so loudly as well?

    “Nanny Wang, what are you dawdling for? Do you want this Miss to pile responsibility on you for taking us down the wrong path?” Han Yunxi’s voice suddenly turned stern.

    Nanny Wang hadn’t expected this and was frightened. It had been the grand imperial concubine[1] who’d ordered her to take the wrong path. Of course the Duke of Qin’s household wouldn’t investigate the matter, but she couldn’t bear the responsibility if the Han family did. If that happened, the grand imperial concubine wouldn’t protect her at all.

    How did this meek Han Yunxi suddenly turn so fierce?

    Nanny Wang couldn’t attend to too many details at once, but hastily replied, “Yes, yes! Eldest Miss, please wait a moment.”

    Knockknockknock! This time she pounded on the door none too gently. It was still the same old gatekeeper that opened them. “What are you doing? Don’t you understand that we want you to come back tomorrow?”

    “The bride asked what time tomorrow! Please trouble the grand imperial concubine with our question,” Nanny Wang entreated kindly.

    The old gatekeeper was astonished. This new bride was somewhat interesting. “All right, wait a while.”

    —

    Within a pavilion in the back gardens of the duke’s residence, Grand Imperial Concubine Yi[2] and a few royally appointed wives were playing mahjong. She’d totally set aside the issue of her new daughter-in-law. After the current emperor took his throne, the wives left behind by the previous emperor were all put to death or set to watch his tomb. Only the wives under Grand Concubine Yi were left untouched. Even the empress dowager had to yield a bit before her. Three years ago, she’d felt it was oppressive living in the palace and moved to her son’s house instead.

    A maidservant approached, lowering her head to speak by her ear. “Mistress, the new bride is asking what time tomorrow she should arrive?”

    Grand Concubine Yi’s hand stiffened in the middle of her play, whirling her head around. “Who did you say was asking?”

    “The…the new bride,” the maidservant replied in a low voice.

    “What nerve!” Grand Concubine Yi was bewildered, but more engrossed in playing mahjong than the matter at hand. Casually she replied, “At Yǐ[3] hour, like before.”

    So what if she’d asked about the hour? When tomorrow came, they’d make her late again.

    —

    “Yǐ hour,” Nanny Wang reported to the bridal sedan.

    No one expected that Han Yunxi would reply with the three icy words: “Stay and wait.”

    Quite a few people around them had sensed that something was off about this young Lady Han. Nanny Wang raised her voice abruptly without reason. “What?”

    “A new bride can’t be like this. We can’t block someone’s gates, right? They’ll laugh at us! No, this is no good, there’s no such logic! What kind of person comes to a family’s doorstep and waits to get married?”

    “You’re the one who said that we can’t turn back. What now, you want to curse me to be divorced and returned to my home?” Han Yunxi asked coldly.

    Weren’t these Nanny Wang’s own words?

    “Those who can’t wait can leave. If you can’t get your wages after returning to the Han house, don’t come looking for me.” Han Yunxi reminded them helpfully.

    The hired help looked at each other, not expecting the new bride to be so fierce. None of them dared to leave, but all of them sat down in place to wait with her together. Seeing that no one was backing her up, Nanny Wang could only sit down by the sedan chair. She had the irresistible urge to lift the hanging door curtains and see the new bride for herself. Was she really as ugly as the rumors said? And as cowardly and self-abasing? They didn’t switch her with someone else, right?

    After a moment’s hesitation, Nanny Wang nervously reached out a hand…

    -o-

    [1] Grand Imperial Concubine (太妃) －taifei, in this case it refers to the concubine of the previous emperor and the mother of the Duke of Qin (Long Feiye). Will be referred to as “Grand Concubine Yi.”

    [2] Yi (宜) －surname of #1. Yi means “suitable, appropriate, fitting”, or a negative version of “should, ought to.”

    [3] hour of Yǐ (已时) －yishi, which in Chinese time rests between 9~11AM.