C71 That Year When He Was 15 He Was in Love
The Second Concubine felt a chill run through her. She realized she had been too hasty. The master of the house was always a sharp man. If she said one more word, he might suspect her motives weren't pure. If he started investigating tonight's events, then...
She shivered at the thought. Quickly, she reached out to calm Old Madam Ye, whispering in her ear. Not daring to linger any longer, she excused herself to Ye Mingyuan and helped the visibly angry Old Madam Ye out of the living room. Soon, the other concubines, each with their own expressions, also excused themselves and returned to their rooms.
Ye Yuvyuv listened as her father coaxed her with a few words, then followed her older sister upstairs. On the third floor, Ye Nianci approached with a complicated expression. "Yuvyuv, I have something to ask you."
"Big Sis, I'm really tired and sleepy. Can we talk tomorrow?" Ye Yuvyuv's face was pitiful, her small hand shaking her sister's warm hand.
"You... alright, get some rest. I'll come by in the morning."
Ye Nianci couldn't resist her sister's pleading look. It reminded her of the day their mother left when her sister was very young. Her sister had clung to her arm, crying, "Sis, what's wrong with Mom? I can't wake her up. Can you help me wake her, please?"
Ye Nianci felt a pang in her heart but didn't want to show too much emotion in front of her sister. She smiled and urged her sister to go wash up and sleep.
Ye Yuvyuv ran back to her room, closed the door, and patted her chest, feeling a wave of nervousness. It seemed she couldn't fool her sister this time. She needed to think about how to cover her tracks when her sister asked questions the next day.
She had told her sister she was going to the movies with classmates, but after coming home and facing the Second Concubine's obvious ill intentions and the trap set for her, she had to confess that she had actually gone to a costume ball.
As for the details of the dance, well, Yuvyuv thought it over and decided to keep it from her older sister for now. Her sister was so kind and gentle; if she told her the truth, it would surely frighten her.
After a relaxing hot shower, Yuvyuv dried her hair and, feeling utterly exhausted, collapsed onto the soft, inviting bed. She could smell the fresh lavender scent on the sheets and knew her sister must have instructed the housekeeper to add it while washing them. The lavender aroma was soothing, calming her mind and spirit.
Lying on the fragrant sheets, her large eyes sparkled with a fierce light as she reflected on the night's events. "Tonight was a small victory, but it was full of danger," she mused.
"Who was that mysterious man in the restroom wearing the Ghost King mask?" Yuvyuv wondered, shaking her head in uncertainty. "Too hard to guess."
Her eyes suddenly brightened with a hint of certainty. "But that man with the Ghost King mask must know that devil Huo Lingxiao. Otherwise, why would he hand me over to him?"
Yuvyuv nodded to herself, twirling a damp lock of hair around her finger, her face showing a flash of anger. "Hmph, that mysterious man is no better than Huo Lingxiao. He knocked me out cold. He really hit hard."
She released her hair, her hand instinctively touching the back of her neck, which still ached slightly. That man had been ruthless. If he'd hit just a bit harder, she might not have survived.
A shiver ran through her small frame at the thought. Then, she remembered someone else.
That scoundrel, that lowlife.
Yuvyuv's eyes flashed with a fierce determination as she coldly muttered, "Wen Shixing, I'm back, and your days are numbered."
Wen Shixing, the eldest son of a prominent family, returned from studying abroad in France two years ago. His appearance was praised by the young women of the city, who compared him to a legendary beauty. Tall and elegant, he had a charming smile that could rival any woman's allure. With fair skin and a slender build, he favored wearing French-style suits, complete with a tie, white shirt, and vest. When still, he resembled a male model from the fashionable districts.
Upon arriving at the girls' school in the city, he quickly became the talk of the town. Women of all ages admired him for his youthful charm. What fascinated them even more was that, despite being a modern, educated young man with opportunities in government or military service, he chose a different path. Like a gentleman from a bygone era, he took on the role of a music teacher at the city's elite girls' school.
Yes, Wen Shixing, with his overseas education and aristocratic demeanor, became a vocal instructor at the prestigious institution. This sparked a rush among the city's young women to enroll in his classes, hoping to catch the eye of this dashing gentleman. Among them was Yuvyuv Ye.
Yuvyuv's father was the Finance Secretary of the city, and he doted on her, ensuring she attended the finest school with many foreign teachers. Spoiled and unaware of the world, she was a pampered young lady. At thirteen, just beginning to understand the world of romance, she was captivated by Wen Shixing the moment she saw him at the school gate, suitcase in hand.
With just one glance, her usual indifference towards other guys seemed to vanish. She adjusted her hair with a delicate hand, striking a pose she thought was her most charmingly shy. Standing in front of her car, she was like a bashful flower, her words hesitant yet sweet.
Ye Yuvyuv recalled that back then, she must have been quite adorable!
And Wen Shixing? He was carrying a suitcase, moving with the grace of a true gentleman, offering her a warm, elegant smile. He performed a bow, a gesture not often perfected by the local men, and said politely, "Excuse me, beautiful classmate, could you help guide me to the administration office? I'm new here and not familiar with the campus."
He stood in the sunlight, exuding a gentlemanly charm.
At that moment, young Ye Yuvyuv felt her heart bloom with excitement. She cast aside her usual reserve, her smile radiant and bright, nodding eagerly, "Please, follow me... I'll show you the way."
For the first time, she spoke with such politeness and grace, even mimicking the refined gestures of ladies she had seen at formal events, making a very British-style invitation.