C28 Starry Sky

I was alone in the house, enveloped by the darkness outside, deep into the night when the streets were deserted.

Peering outside after opening the door, I saw the courtyard beams adorned with festive lanterns and streamers, signaling that wedding preparations were well underway.

I hadn't fully grasped what Liu Tian meant by past lives, reincarnation, and karmic cycles, but I was determined to protect Miss Loong from harm. If it came down to it, I'd rather call off the marriage and leave the Loong family with her.

While pondering my next move, I remembered my promise to Miss Loong and decided to meet with Miss Zhang. Before setting out, I inquired about the Zhang family from a servant of the Loong family.

The Zhang family was shrouded in mystery, with no one certain of when they rose to prominence. Their business dealings were an open secret, yet in recent years, they had begun legitimate operations, leaving their past unspoken but not forgotten, as they continued their questionable activities behind closed doors.

The servant warned me of the Zhang family's ominous reputation and the potential complications of our families' union. I learned that Miss Zhang, a beauty of renowned grace, had taken over the family business due to her father's failing health. To meet her, I was directed to Zhang's Ancient Building.

"Zhang's Ancient Building?" I echoed softly.

"Yes, it's located in the eastern part of the city," the servant confirmed.

After parting ways, I made an excuse to leave the Loong family estate. As a scholar, my freedom was not entirely restricted.

Walking through the streets, I took in the Republic-era architecture and the cacophony of city life. Soon, I reached Zhang's Ancient Building.

It was midday. The building stood three stories high, with a restaurant on the first floor and a tea house on the second.

The third floor's purpose was a mystery, accessible only to a select few in the county.

Upon entering the ancient edifice, I was greeted by the sight of a girl clad in a contemporary white dress. She radiated youth, sunshine, and vitality, her beauty captivating.

Yet, she was accompanied by several servants. Despite appearing to manage her family's affairs, Miss Zhang of the Zhang family seemed quite delicate.

Once the Zhang family elders had departed, I positioned myself directly in front of her.

Her servants quickly closed in around us, with one brusquely remarking, "Kid, you must have a death wish."

I paid him no mind, instead focusing on Miss Zhang. "I need to speak with you about something crucial," I stressed, emphasizing the gravity of my words.

Miss Zhang glanced at me and commanded, "Step aside, let him through."

The hostile stares from the crowd couldn't deter me, especially since Miss Zhang had given her orders, which they dared not contravene.

"Follow me," Miss Zhang instructed.

We proceeded into the Zhang's Ancient Building, ascending to the third floor amidst astonished looks. The decor was tastefully elegant, yet the atmosphere was unsettlingly eerie.

Miss Zhang invited me to sit and cut straight to the chase, "You're Ming, aren't you? The scholar of Miss Loong."

"Miss Loong?" I echoed, quickly realizing who she referred to. Shifting the conversation, I asked, "How do you know I'm with the Loong family?"

"If I weren't aware of such details, how could I possibly be a suitable bride for the Loong family?" Miss Zhang spoke with assurance.

"Speak your piece," she continued. "If you're here to convince me to call off this marriage, don't bother. I'm resolute in my decision."

In that moment, Miss Zhang became an enigma to me.

My eyes swept over the third floor, a place shielded from public view. As my gaze wandered, it settled on a locked door. But before I could inspect it further, Miss Zhang stepped in front of me.

"If there's nothing else, you should leave," she suggested.

"Is there truly no room for negotiation?" I pressed. "You must realize that Miss Loong is also a woman."

"Shut up! If you keep spouting nonsense, believe me, I'll make sure you don't live to make it back," Miss Zhang snapped, her demeanor suddenly turning vicious.

I had a certain confidence within me; I knew I didn't belong to this world. In a way, I truly had traveled through time.

So, I spoke up without hesitation, "Don't try to intimidate me. I wasn't raised to be frightened easily. I'm not afraid of you. Miss Loong doesn't fancy you, so stop pestering her."

As soon as the words left my mouth, Miss Zhang's expression turned icy. "Don't assume I'm unaware of your origins. Step out of line, and I'll ensure you can never go back," she warned.

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I had intended to press for an answer, but Miss Zhang gave me no opportunity.

With a shout for her servant, I was promptly thrown out of Zhang's Ancient Building.

Once outside, Miss Zhang's final words haunted me. Could it mean...? I was inwardly stunned. Did she know that I had traveled here from 2000 years in the future? My curiosity was piqued.

I longed for answers, yet there was no one to provide them.

Liu Tian had once spoken of a "Dream Demon." Could it be that such a creature could be perceived by others? I returned to the Loong family estate, my mind in turmoil. What did Miss Zhang see in the Loong family? Or what did the Loong family see in the Zhang family? What agreement had they possibly reached?

Why else would two families, equal in social standing, be willing to arrange a marriage between two women?

Now, I began to doubt whether Miss Zhang had seen right through me. But who exactly was she, and what was her story? After all, I was the one who had come from two thousand years in the past.

Everything seemed shrouded in a mist, and I was lost within it, unable to see clearly as I had in the year 2000.

It felt like a snare, and I was caught in its grasp.

Upon my return to the Loong family, Miss Loong was already awaiting me. Seeing me back, just as it was her usual time for reading, we headed to the study room together.

Miss Loong asked, "How did it go?"

I replied, "It didn't work out. She wasn't willing, it's just..."

"Just what?"

I pondered for a moment, thinking to myself that I certainly couldn't reveal that Miss Zhang seemed to suspect I was someone from 2000 years in the past.

I told her, "Miss Zhang is a bit odd. She's adamant about marrying into the family."

Upon hearing this, Miss Loong's already furrowed brow deepened with concern. I couldn't bear to see her distressed and assured her, "When the time comes, I'll definitely find a way to help you."

"Ming," Miss Loong suddenly called out.

I looked up at her as she continued, "Do you know what my greatest dream is?" At that moment, Miss Loong seemed like she had transformed into someone else.

She always had to act the part of a man in public. Yet now, she showed the demeanor of a woman.

"What is your biggest dream?" I inquired.

Resting her chin in her hand, Miss Loong's eyes sparkled with hope as she said, "My biggest dream is to wear a beautiful dress and gaze at the starry sky with the person I love."

"And you?" Miss Loong lifted her chin, her eyes clear and bright.

In truth, I wanted to say that I just wished for a normal life, free from all these bizarre occurrences, to earn enough money to pay off my father's debts, and to complete my university education without a hitch. I'm really just an ordinary person.

I shook my head and told Miss Loong, "I don't have any dreams," followed by a wry smile. "I'm a simple man, so simple that perhaps just living well is enough to fulfill my desires."

Miss Loong didn't press further, but a wistful expression crossed her face. Outside the window, the servants bustled about, each absorbed in their tasks.

The date for the Loong family's young mistress's wedding was fast approaching, a union Old Master Loong placed great importance on, so no one dared slack off.

I held a book, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

Miss Loong let out a sigh, and as I watched her, I couldn't help but think, "This young lady is truly unfortunate, burdened with such a father."

Regrettably, I lament not being born a man.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

I made my way over and opened it to find a servant standing there who said, "Young Master, the Master is looking for you."

Miss Loong acknowledged the message and quickly shed her feminine demeanor, her expression turning strikingly handsome in an instant.

After Miss Loong departed, I remained alone in the study, not venturing out. Liu Tian had brought me here to handle the vicious creature on the basement level, yet I still hadn't found any sign of it.

I pondered what sort of being this vicious creature in the basement might be.

Lost in thought in the study, I couldn't come up with a solution. I was neither skilled in divination nor in Feng Shui, so it seemed I had no choice but to play it by ear.

I felt the red string in my pocket and reassured myself that all would be well as long as I had it. The nature of Ming's relationship with Miss Loong, however, remained unclear to me.

Reflecting on Miss Loong's plight, I could only sigh with empathy and resolved to help her if I could.

She was a genuinely kind-hearted girl, in stark contrast to Miss Zhang, who appeared to be full of cunning.

I was curious about the terms of their families' marriage arrangement.

As time slipped into night, a gentle breeze swept through the courtyard. Gazing up at the star-studded sky, the darkness seemed to lighten under the celestial glow.

It was then that I saw Miss Loong approaching along the corridor, carrying a jug of wine and two cups. Coming to a stop before me, she invited, "Come, join me for a drink."

Observing Miss Loong's flushed cheeks, I surmised that Old Master Loong had likely chastised her.

That evening, Miss Loong and I succumbed to the wine's embrace.

In a hazy state, I heard her softly recite her deepest wish: "To don a dress... to gaze up at the resplendent stars with the one I love... a starry sky that belongs only to us."