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Chapter 12: The West Wind Ruffles the Girl’s Heart

After neatly organizing the Chinese medicinal herbs in the storage box, when Ji Zhen Tang took them out, she saw another small box underneath, containing a box of fruit candies. The colorful candy wrappers were dazzling, filling the box to the brim.

It was prepared for her by Zhong Yu Bai.

She smiled with surprise, picked one, and unwrapped it. It was sweet and juicy.

“Xue, the class monitor is waiting for you downstairs,” Su Yunli came back from outside.

Lin Guixue: “I know, he’s calling me to the City God Temple, but I don’t want to go.”

Su Yunli asked, “Ah? Why don’t you want to go?”

Lin Guixue didn’t say anything, but asked her back, “Have you been there? Is it fun?”

Su Yunli shook her head.

She had been coming and going early and late these days, not knowing what she was busy with.

Zhou Zhi asked her if she was dating a boy. She said no. When she said it, she glanced at Ji Zhen Tang, and their eyes happened to meet.

Su Yunli calmly looked away.

Ji Zhen Tang’s eyes also dimmed.

She could tell that Su Yunli liked Zhong Heng.

The new school logo peripheral hanging on her school bag could only be bought from the Medical Department, and she seemed to have been going there frequently recently.

Su Yunli had a reserved personality, but Zhong Heng didn’t like overly obedient girls. However, men’s exploration of love was not so persistent, nor did they care so much about the connection between “foggy love adventure” and “a lifetime of love”. Even if they didn’t like it, they could still give it a try.

Rashness was an inherent trait in their DNA.

If she didn’t want Su Yunli to get involved with Zhong Heng, her most sincere reason was that she didn’t want her to get hurt.

But if she said it like this, it would seem too meddlesome and inexplicable.

Many times, watching the delicate figure of the girl, she hesitated to speak.

Rushing into danger was foolish, but it could also be a kind of precious bravery.

She sighed.

Moreover, what if it turned into a boomerang and struck her?

“Speaking of which, the greatest use of men is probably just as stepping stones. I really hope that all the girls in the world have this kind of realization.”

In the end, Lin Guixue summed it up: “Stifle the love brain in the cradle.”

Ji Zhen Tang lay in bed, and just as she heard these words, she happened to open a notification in her friend circle.

That day she had liked a comment by Zhao Siqi, and his new comments kept popping up for her.

Someone commented: “I think I just saw a handsome guy [star-struck emoji].”

Zhao Siqi replied: “That’s my sponsor.”

The person asked: “Really? [surprised emoji]”

Zhao Siqi continued to reply: “Of course, he’s also my dad’s business partner.”

She could imagine how Zhao Siqi had benefited from his father’s connections, linking up with Zhong Yu Bai’s network and sheltering his emerging brand. And Zhong Yu Bai, how he didn’t take this minor matter to heart, treating it as simply going with the flow and doing a favor.

He probably didn’t even remember the name of this young gentleman.

For example, today she tentatively mentioned the class monitor, but Zhong Yu Bai remained indifferent.

Ji Zhen Tang closed her eyes, turned over, and grasped the goldfish-shaped fan placed on her pillow.

It was a sleepless night.

She wanted to ask Zhao Siqi, ask about what? Anything would do, chat with him about his “sponsor,” but with many mixed feelings of apprehension, she hesitated repeatedly, and could only give up in the end.

Finally, Ji Zhen Tang opened a social platform and searched for Zhong Yu Bai’s name.

There were quite a few news items related to him, such as today’s good news about signing a new project with the Ocean Institute.

However, there wasn’t anything particularly fresh, besides business, it was all boring.

Ji Zhen Tang scrolled lackadaisically until she came across a web news article with a picture.

She clicked on it—

The picture was a candid shot of Zhong Yu Bai at a funeral scene, taken four years ago.

The news article stated that the deceased was Zhong Yu Bai’s second brother, cause of death: fell from a building.

Zhong Yu Bai was present, carrying the coffin for his brother.

The name of the deceased was concealed, and the protagonist of the news was him. At that time, the media still referred to him as the heir of the group.

The photo was full of noise, low saturation, with a gloomy and cold tone, covered in fluttering snowflakes.

In the winter storm, the man wore a black long coat, paired with a dark gray scarf. In the captured moment, he was slowly taking off his black gloves.

He stood tall in front of the towering coffin, his gaze sharp and profound, making him particularly conspicuous among the mourners.

The scene was strangely beautiful.

If it hadn’t appeared on a news page, it wouldn’t have been surprising to say it was a still from a TV drama released by some production crew.

Ji Zhen Tang suddenly remembered something.

It was Zhong Heng’s warning: “My second uncle was killed by him, don’t doubt it.”

Her heart sank slightly.

She looked closely at the news picture again.

Zhong Yu Bai’s complexion was calm, his gaze cold. He slightly lowered his head, beside him were grieving female relatives.

That year, Qingcheng experienced a rare heavy snowfall. The man wore a stiff long robe, standing tall amidst the chilling snow and wind, his handsome face devoid of any warmth.

She tried to discern something from his expression.

The sorrow of a relative’s death, the satisfaction of a murderer. Or anger, or, hatred?

However, there was nothing.

His heart was as calm as still water, without even a trace of restraint.

True masters are those who kill without leaving a trace.

She was suddenly struck by this sentence.

A few days later, Ji Huan came to the school, and Ji Zhen Tang was pleasantly surprised, receiving a bowl of soup that smelled like home.

“Your aunt heard that you were sick, so she made pigeon soup for you.”

Sitting in a corner of the cafeteria, Ji Huan was across from her, helping her unpack the thermos and handing over the bowl and chopsticks.

“What’s with this anxiety of yours? I looked it up online, what’s the reason? Mild anxiety shouldn’t be a big deal, it shouldn’t…,” Ji Huan said, his eyes probing as he looked at her, “You don’t have any suicidal tendencies, right?”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled and said, “No, anxiety is just worrying too much, depression is wanting to die.”

Ji Huan let out a sigh of relief, “That’s good then.”

From the slightly worried look in her father’s eyes, she could discern a hint of human warmth. It was rare and precious.

Ji Huan wasn’t tall, and his appearance was average. Sitting down, he was of the same height as Ji Zhen Tang, not inheriting any likeness in appearance from him. She took after her mother.

The two of them didn’t share any resemblance in appearance, they didn’t quite look like family.

“Oh, by the way, did you receive the 3,000 yuan I sent you today?” Ji Huan asked her.

“Yeah,” she had been curious when she saw it, wondering why she was receiving living expenses twice in a month, “Why did you send me money again?”

Ji Huan said, “Haven’t you always wanted an electric scooter? Go buy one, stop relying on others’ bikes all the time. I see you’re too tired going uphill and downhill from the dorm to the classroom. It’s not good that the school is built on a hill.”

Ji Zhen Tang felt a lump in her throat, wanting to speak but choked up, so she just nodded continuously.

Ji Huan’s company should have had a decent harvest this quarter, and his mood fluctuated with the performance, not determined by her.

In the afternoon, Ji Zhen Tang went to pick up the money and bought an electric scooter in full payment. It was pink and white, fulfilling her girlish heart. The moment she got the scooter, she gave it a name, calling it Pinky.

Her inner child was still alive as she adorned Pinky’s front with cartoon dolls.

Mission accomplished.

Ji Zhen Tang admired her scooter, her mind full of thoughts about her father.

With a bowl of pigeon soup and a little electric donkey, she could buy her happiness, buy her unrequited love.

She must be the easiest person to please in the world.

On Friday.

Ding Jialing arrived on time to pick up Ji Zhen Tang, parking in the designated parking lot indicated by Zhong Yu Bai.

In the summertime, she was dressed simply and cleanly, a white t-shirt paired with jeans, her hair tied in a ponytail. Walking out from the crowd, her unadorned face exuded effortless beauty.

Like a charming little fox born naturally.

Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t spot him and looked around.

“Over here, Miss Ji.” Ding Jialing rolled down the window and greeted her.

Ji Zhen Tang trotted over and waved to him, “Hello, Mr. Ding, nice to see you again.” She got into the car, greeted him politely, and flashed a sweet smile.

“Hello, are you in a good mood today?”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled, “Is it our boss who told you to ask that?”

Ding Jialing felt embarrassed for a moment, still thinking about how to respond.

Ji Zhen Tang continued, “Why didn’t he come?”

“Mr. Zhong is very busy with work, and I’m following him around. I managed to take a break and come out for a stroll.”

Ji Zhen Tang leaned forward cautiously and asked, “What kind of place is this Chen Zhangyuan?”

Ding Jialing said, “Mr. Zhong’s grandmother retired and has been resting here these years.”

Resting her chin on her hand, Ji Zhen Tang lightly exclaimed, “Do I need to see Grandma?”

Ding Jialing smiled and said, “Don’t worry, you won’t see her.”

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of Chenzhang Garden. Ji Zhen Tang stood in front of the reddish-brown gate, admiring the elegant scenery of blue bricks, red tiles, and the flowers, birds, and trees.

Ding Jialing went to knock on the door.

The steward, called Aunt Xu, was an elderly woman. She led them in and handed Ji Zhen Tang a brocade box, saying it contained some chilled cakes.

“This is prepared for you by Mr. Zhong,” Aunt Xu said.

Ji Zhen Tang replied, “Thank you, but I don’t really eat pastries much, it would be a waste for me.”

Aunt Xu smiled slightly, “He said you like them.”

With a touch of emotion, Ji Zhen Tang smiled and took the box. “I do like them.” It tasted like her mom’s!

The garden was large, and they walked for a while.

They were led to a courtyard in the east wing, and Aunt Xu showed her some fabrics in the box. “Here are some fabrics, see if there’s anything you like. You can take them all if you want. They’ve been piled up for years, gifts from guests, all good fabrics that we don’t use here, it’s a pity.”

“Wow, they’re so beautiful, my aunt will definitely like them!” Ji Zhen Tang lightly touched the smooth silk. She didn’t know much about these things, but she could still distinguish between good and bad quality, “Can I really take them?”

Aunt Xu smiled gently and nodded.

Ji Zhen Tang also smiled, “Your boss is so generous.”

“If it’s not good, he wouldn’t ask us to give it away,” Aunt Xu said, “Mr. Zhong is a decent man.”

At this point, a familiar yet somewhat sharp female voice came from outside the courtyard.

“Today is quite rare, there are so many people here, I came to see if there’s anyone worth playing cards with.”

Ji Zhen Tang followed the voice.

As Aunt Xu walked outside, she made a gesture to hush the woman’s voice, trying to ask her to speak softly.

Chi Ying turned her head and, in a disrespectful manner, said, “Why are you shushing me?”

Aunt Xu’s face turned pale.

“Such a familiar face,” Chi Ying glanced at Ji Zhen Tang beside her, and said sarcastically, “How did you find out about this place? Who told you? But Ah Heng usually doesn’t come here. You’re asking the wrong person if you’re looking for favors.”

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t understand, trying to figure out what she meant by asking for favors.

Chi Ying continued to mock, “He’s changing girlfriends frequently, you’re not unaware of that. The Zhong family isn’t as easy to get into as you think. Stop having ulterior motives and consider your own position.”

Ji Zhen Tang: ?

Chi Ying raised her voice slightly, showing some hostess demeanor, “Are you not leaving yet? Are you waiting for me to kick you out?”

The mahjong noises from the west wing were loud, and her voice sounded particularly harsh against this background. Ji Zhen Tang was just about to retort when the syllable “I” barely escaped her lips.

Inside, a lazy and deep male voice intercepted her words:

“Could you please be quiet, Madam Big Shot.”

Ji Zhen Tang stood in the courtyard, listening to the man’s voice, clear and crisp, as he spoke decisively:

“What weight do you carry, for my third brother to invite such an esteemed guest? Is it your turn to instruct?”

Chi Ying was startled, hastily smiling and half-leaning in, “Mr. Chen is here, it’s a rare occasion.”

With a pointed tone, she coldly hummed, “If I remember correctly, this seems to be the Zhong family’s territory.”

“Those with the Zhong surname here, I have always shown respect.” The man referred to as Mr. Chen continued, unhurriedly, “But it seems you don’t bear the Zhong surname either, Mrs. Chi?”

Chi Ying: …

A call from inside: “Aunt Xu.”

Aunt Xu responded, “Here, Mr. Chen.”

“Bring the little one in.”

Hearing this, Aunt Xu led Ji Zhen Tang, bypassing Chi Ying, and entered through the door.

The room was quite large, with a banquet hall outside and a mahjong table inside, the sound of shuffling cards coming from a machine. A screen with ancient charm stood in the middle, dividing the table in half.

As Ji Zhen Tang walked further in, she curiously stole a glance.

The man speaking was sitting behind the screen, wearing a white shirt, black trousers, the collar slightly askew, lounging in a chair with an elegant posture. He looked young, with an elite demeanor, both charismatic and imposing.

The overhead light cast just the right amount of shadow, hiding one side of the man’s figure. His face, illuminated by the light, exuded youthful vigor, his tall and lazy figure displaying a composed demeanor.

Seeing someone enter, Chen Ke raised a pair of handsome peach blossom eyes, meeting Ji Zhen Tang’s gaze.

While Ji Zhen Tang discreetly observed him, Chen Ke also looked at her, casting a glance her way, “Tired of standing?”

Behind the screen, a mahjong table was set up, making the space cramped. He lightly lifted his chin, gesturing towards the sofa beside him.

It meant for her to come and sit next to him.

However, before Ji Zhen Tang could lift her foot, someone else was quicker.

Chi Ying plopped down on the sofa, raising her eyebrows and smiling at her with a hint of provocation, “Here to watch the game, hope I’m not disturbing?”

Ji Zhen Tang: …

She looked at the sofa, now completely occupied, and uncertainly asked the man beside her, “Where should I sit?”

Chen Ke glanced at Chi Ying and without hesitation replied, “Sit on her.”

Chi Ying: “?”

He didn’t bother to look at her expression, instead he said to Ji Zhen Tang, “What are you afraid of? Sit.”

Ji Zhen Tang rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, “Hmm… I’m trying to figure out which leg is better to sit on.”

Chi Ying: …!

She was genuinely afraid that Ji Zhen Tang would sit down, so she quickly got up and muttered, “Not a good person,” before storming off in a huff.

Seeing her leave, one of the players at the table joked, “This madam is quite difficult to serve.”

Chen Ke lazily propped his chin up and glanced at the cards, sneering and mocking, “Thirteen points.”

As he played his cards, he glanced at the girl who had leisurely sat down next to him and asked, “Are you Ji Zhen Tang?”

When she was called out, she straightened up and replied, “Yes, that’s me.”

Chen Ke was straightforward and to the point, without beating around the bush or probing, he asked, “What business does your dad do?”

With her dad being mentioned, she straightened up even more cautiously and replied, “Tea business.”

Chen Ke pondered for a moment, rubbing the cards, and asked, “Planning to sell to which direction?”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “Japan and South Korea, it’s hard to find other routes farther away.”

“How about considering Southeast Asia?”

“Sure, sure,” she smiled and nodded vigorously, “As long as it makes money!”

Seeing her smiling face, Chen Ke couldn’t help but curl his lips slightly. He raised his wrist, glanced at his watch, and asked her, “Can you play mahjong?”

She replied, “A little.”

“Come and replace me.”

“What?” Ji Zhen Tang was stunned, “But my mahjong skills are terrible, what if I lose all the money?”

After one round of cards, Chen Ke got up. He put his hands in his pockets, then took them out, pinched a thick stack of red bills between his fingertips, rolled the money up, slightly bowed, and tucked it into the drawer of the mahjong table.

His movements were smooth and graceful, displaying the demeanor of a chic and generous gentleman – “Even if you lose.”

“…”

So Ji Zhen Tang was pushed into his seat like a duck, while Chen Ke seemed to be in a hurry, saying he had to leave first.

As he left, one of the players at the table couldn’t help but murmur, “This Mr. Chen is really generous, living up to his reputation.”

Another player said, “People are in good spirits when they’re happy. I heard he just got engaged last month.”

In the whispers of their conversation, Ji Zhen Tang counted the money left by Chen Ke. There were probably nearly twenty bills. While counting, a business card suddenly fell out and landed on her leg.

Seeing the words “Yuanlin Group” on the card, she exclaimed in delight.

Luckily, the others were gossiping and didn’t notice her excitement.

Ji Zhen Tang secretly put Chen Ke’s business card into her pocket.

Player A: “Is he engaged to that Miss Zhu? I remember, isn’t the Zhu family engaged to the Liang family since childhood?”

Player B: “For this matter, they even made an enemy out of the Liang family. Have you heard a saying in the market? Give Archimedes a lever, and he can lift the earth. Give Chen Ke a lever, and he can overturn the Liang family’s roof.”

“Deep-seated hatred, irreconcilable.”

“It’s a pity, Liang and Zhu, even their surnames are so compatible. Breaking up the childhood sweethearts. What’s this called? A real-life tragedy.”

As they were chatting, a low, somewhat irritable voice suddenly came from outside – “Liang, your ass.”

“…”

“…”

The table suddenly fell silent.

Chen Ke, who was still smoking in the corridor, looked into the slightly ajar door and raised an eyebrow, “Who’s the real-life tragedy?”

The player quickly knelt down, “It’s me, it’s me!”

Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Ke gave her a cold glance.

“…”

Ji Zhen Tang was almost scared to death and quickly withdrew her smile.

After a while, she stole another glance outside the door, making sure the person had really left, before the atmosphere at the table resumed.

That day, the card game ended quickly. As someone came to clear the scattered cards, a few people left the table and bid farewell.

Only Ji Zhen Tang sat in her seat for a while. The scent of the clear tea in the room was very pleasant. Under the soft light, she took out Chen Ke’s business card again and couldn’t help but smile.

She couldn’t wait to show it to her father right away.

She put away the business card and looked around. She noticed a dice cup on the nearby coffee table.

Opening her teddy bear backpack, she found it filled with various items. Ji Zhen Tang picked them out one by one, and finally, she opened her AirPods, took out an earphone, and dropped it into the dice cup.

The stakes weren’t high in the game, and she lost a bit. There were still many bills left from Chen Ke. When Ji Zhen Tang left, she handed the money to the steward of Chen Zhang Garden.

The garden was large and deep inside. She didn’t have a chance to meet the elders of the Zhong family. Coming out of the courtyard, she quickly crossed the yard to the main gate.

At this moment, she received a call from Zhong Yu Bai.

Mixed with the evening breeze, the man’s calm voice made her ears slightly tingle. He asked, “Any gains?”

Ji Zhen Tang smiled and reported the good news, “I got a business card from Chen Ke.”

He also smiled, “Did you make him remember you?”

“Is it important?”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “He does international business, with a big family and wide connections.”

She smiled embarrassedly, “I don’t know if he remembers me or not. If I meet him again next time… should I call him uncle?”

Guessing that Chen Ke was Zhong Yu Bai’s younger brother, but with different surnames, probably relatives from his mother’s side. However, the other party looked quite young, and she suddenly felt a bit confused about the generations.

Zhong Yu Bai said, “Calling him Mr. Chen is appropriate. He’s only a few years older than Ah Heng.”

She responded sincerely, “Thank you.”

He said gently, “No need to thank me, this is my token of appreciation.”

Zhong Yu Bai was indeed impressive.

In Ji Zhen Tang’s impression, she only mentioned her father’s matter once, and she didn’t emphasize her own needs too much.

With just a few words, he understood clearly what she wanted.

It’s not about the expensive bracelet, it’s about connections.

Under the dim red lanterns of the eaves, she stamped her foot, listening to the wind whispering by her ears. Ji Zhen Tang said, ‘It’s too precious, but there is indeed something I need, so I won’t refuse.’

Zhong Yu Bai teased her with a smile, ‘Chen Ke has a motto: “If one doesn’t act for oneself, heaven and earth will condemn them.” If you learn even half of his ruthlessness, there will be no knots in your heart that can’t be untied.’

She asked, ‘Do you have a life motto?’

After a moment of thought, he told her, ‘Turn big things into small ones, and small things into nothing.’

Ji Zhen Tang smiled, ‘I’ll remember that!’ Then she asked him, ‘Why didn’t I see you today?’

After a moment of silence, Zhong Yu Bai asked, ‘Did you want to see me?’

She hurriedly denied, ‘No, I was just curious. I thought you would be there.’

After a brief pause, he said, ‘Look up.’

Ji Zhen Tang did as she was told.

‘What’s wrong with a lamp? Are you inside?’ After saying this, even she couldn’t help but laugh.

Across the courtyard was the attic of the courtyard. Bamboo was planted all over the yard. She looked up, and besides the dim sky, there were only the red lanterns hanging under the beams.

Zhong Yu Bai asked again, ‘What kind of wind is blowing today?’

Not understanding his intention, she said, ‘Wait a moment, let me assess.’

Ji Zhen Tang looked at the tassels under the palace lanterns. With the evening breeze blowing, the light lanterns swayed lightly.

The wind came from the west, pushing the lanterns eastward.

At the same time, in her blind spot, behind the lanterns, behind the carved window of the attic, stood a person.

The man wore a dark shirt, the collar fluttering in the wind, and his waistline faintly visible under the thin clothes. His face was warm and gentle, elegant and noble.

There was a sense of purity and dignity in his demeanor.

She absentmindedly exclaimed, ‘It’s a west wind.’

Zhong Yu Bai smiled gently, ‘Good evening, Ah Zhen.’

On this intoxicating night, the west wind stirred the heart of the young girl. She inexplicably felt ripples in the depths of her body. Ji Zhen Tang said, ‘Ding Jialing said you have a lot of responsibilities and I thought you wouldn’t come.’

Zhong Yu Bai said, ‘I wasn’t planning to come originally, but I still couldn’t rest assured about you.’

‘What are you worried about with me?’ she asked.

‘What am I worried about with you?’ he repeated her question gently, lowered his gaze, carefully considered for a moment, and said, ‘I’m afraid you won’t get what you want, and I’m afraid any step you take might go wrong.’

She didn’t step forward, so the lantern became a barrier in her line of sight. Only when the wind rose could she briefly collide with the tenderness in his eyes.

As the wind rose and subsided, the man’s deep voice was also carried to her ears by the wind.

Ji Zhen Tang looked at him, feeling her face burning. Changing the subject, she asked, ‘Why didn’t you mention that Mr. Chen was here earlier? I could have prepared in advance.’

‘It’s better this way,’ Zhong Yu Bai said, ‘He doesn’t like smooth ways.’

Ji Zhen Tang thought for a moment and agreed.

Then, they fell into an awkward silence. Her thought of inviting someone else to avoid ambiguity was easily seen through.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t make it difficult for her. Just as he was about to ask if she wanted to stay for dinner, Ji Zhen Tang hurriedly said goodnight, as if she really feared being left behind by him.

–

Late into the night.

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t agree to stay for dinner, and Zhong Yu Bai didn’t insist, so he had someone send her back.

After Ding Jialing finished escorting her back, Zhong Yu Bai was sitting on the second-floor attic, resting lightly. In one corner of the attic, there was a Bodhisattva statue facing Guanyin.

Outside the window, stars and moon shimmered on the water, while the room was filled with rising smoke.

Ding Jialing sounded polite, “Madam, why are you here again? What else is there?”

Chi Ying said, “I dropped something inside, I came to look for it.”

“Come another day, or I’ll send it to you later.”

“Oh, alright, alright, no need to make a fuss.”

—”You! Who do you think you are!”

Amidst the petty and venomous curses and persuasions.

Zhong Yu Bai remained composed, he held a wet towel scented with Buddha’s hand fragrance, gently wiping his fingers, with deliberate movements.

Facing the window, the man looked at the distant mountains and stars outside, his tall figure outlined by the moonlight on the floor, leaving the woman’s voice behind him.

Mrs. Xu glanced over, understanding his gesture, knowing he was cleansing his hands for worshipping Buddha, she hurried to light incense.

—”You lapdog! Collaborator, what right do you have to speak to me? Get Zhong Yu Bai out here!”

After wiping his fingers, Zhong Yu Bai calmly put down the handkerchief, and took the three incense sticks handed to him by Mrs. Xu.

Standing tall in the narrow attic, before the statue of Guanyin, he bowed slightly. Then, he offered the incense, still standing motionless, his expression unchanged as he watched the direction of the incense ashes.

Everything was normal.

After observing the incense, Zhong Yu Bai looked up at the compassionate face of Guanyin.

Half a minute later, he turned to leave, his cuff inadvertently entangled with a string of fine pearls hanging in the corner of the wall. Zhong Yu Bai lowered his gaze, looking at the cuff caught by the pearls.

He exerted a slight force on his wrist to free himself.

Suddenly, the string of beads scattered all over the floor with a clatter.

The voices outside gradually quieted down.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at the beads falling on the ground, his heart skipping a beat, but he merely waved his hand and instructed someone to clean them up.

After a while, Ding Jialing appeared on the attic with a tired face, “Let’s go back, Mr. Zhong, both madams have been sent away.”

Throughout, Zhong Yu Bai didn’t move a muscle, as if he had just watched a play. He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, “Thank you.”

Hearing the wind rising outside, he calmly adjusted the loosened collar of his shirt.

As Zhong Yu Bai prepared to go downstairs, he suddenly remembered something, halted his steps, and turned to the side, “Mrs. Xu.”

“Yes?”

“The invitation to the old lady’s birthday celebration, send one to the Cloth Shop on Rain Lamp Street.”

Mrs. Xu, who was sweeping the floor, straightened up upon hearing him and asked, “Which one?”

As Zhong Yu Bai walked downstairs, he said, “Luotang Pavilion.” 

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