Chapter 3

Dong Muxun vaguely recalled an ancient verse: "Delicate hands emerge from the silk, white wrists roll up the light gauze, pearl rings adorn the slender wrists—" It turns out to be true

Taking the crystal cup he handed over, she noticed it contained a delicate blush reminiscent of jade. "When did you return?" she inquired. In just a few years, he had completely shed the childishness of his youth. He raised the wine glass, took a slight sip, and elegantly gazed at her as he replied, "I just arrived yesterday, from the ship down at Haichuan."

It is indeed Dong Muxun, who has spent several years studying abroad! When he was a child, he would come to the residence with his father and always run to find her. She smiled gently, and the dimples at the corners of her mouth appeared: "Long time no see!"

The reserved hall was undoubtedly the most luxurious, with music flowing throughout. As soon as she entered, Dong Zhen came forward: "My young lady, why have you only just arrived? Don’t you see that someone has been waiting with eager anticipation?" Dong Zhen was the daughter of Dong Dequan, an old general from the Northern Army. Although they were of similar age and could not be said to share a deep sisterly bond, they had maintained a good relationship through their interactions.

He bought several toys again. As they left, he helped her carry the things she had purchased. She shyly stuck out her tongue and said, "Brother Dong, I really appreciate your help." She seemed much more at ease than she had been earlier at the Sheraton. She was also willing to talk to him, unlike before. Dong Muxun finally felt a bit of the childhood nostalgia returning. Although they could not be described as childhood sweethearts or innocent playmates, they had known each other since they were young.

There were not many pedestrians on the street, yet it was still bustling. Dong Muxun said as he walked, "I brought you a gift from France. I will deliver it to your residence tomorrow. The most famous item there is perfume, and I have brought some for you. Also, a lace parasol—" Just then, he noticed her stop in her tracks, captivated by a pair of earrings in the display window. Upon closer inspection, he saw that they were quite ordinary diamonds, but the design was rather unique, composed of small, scattered diamonds arranged in the shape of stars. Also, a lace parasol—" He saw her stop in her tracks, captivated by a pair of earrings in the display window. Upon closer inspection, he saw that they were quite ordinary diamonds, but the design was rather unique, composed of small, scattered diamonds arranged in the shape of stars.

After receiving the fur coat presented by the attendant, he gentlemanly helped her put it on: "Let us go." It was precisely three o'clock in the afternoon; although the sun was not particularly warm, it still hung high in the sky. Dong Muxun opened the car door and invited her to get in. She declined, saying: "I would like to stroll around a bit before returning."

Jingqi put down her cup, stood up, and with a hint of apology said to Dong Muxun: "Brother Dong, I’m sorry. I have to leave first; I’m feeling a bit unwell." Dong Muxun was slightly taken aback and came to his senses: "Are you unwell? I’ll take you back."

She was looking up at him and said, "My sister-in-law loves plain things the most. She doesn't really like to go out." The commander's wife, he naturally knew, was the daughter of Commander Jiang from Jiangnan. It was heard that Young Master Helian had favored her for a while. However, after she gave birth to a son, she lost his favor instead. From Jingqi's tone, it seemed that she was quite fond of this sister-in-law

The wind howls outside, causing the windows to shake from time to time. As it is early spring, there have been several snowfalls. Looking out through the glass window, everything is covered in white, dazzlingly bright under the sunlight

Dong Muxun nodded. The Northern Region has been under the control of Helian Jingfeng for several years now, making it inappropriate to discuss the commander’s merits or faults. He shifted the topic and said, "This time I returned, my father asked me to help in the military. He said it is a crucial time for personnel in the Northern Army—" Just as Dong Zhen finished her dance, she came over and playfully interrupted him, saying, "Brother, don’t talk about such nonsense. We girls can’t go to the front lines. Jingqi would find it annoying. Come on, go and dance a piece."

Jingqi moved gently in step with him, and under the light, he could only see her lowered eyelids, casting two faint shadows on her jade-like face. Like two small fans, they gently fanned in the heart. He had known since childhood that she was a beauty in the making, but he never expected that after just a few short years of not seeing her, she had blossomed into such perfection.

She can choose anything, but she cannot choose her origins, cannot choose her birth and parents, and naturally, this includes her elder brother. She gave him everything, yet he resolutely told her not to meet again.

He pointed to the earrings and said, "Do you like this pair?" She seemed to be in deep thought, suddenly raising her head, a flicker of emotion appearing in her eyes, and shook her head several times: "No, I don't like it!" He smiled and said, "If you liked it, I would just buy it. I just think it's too ordinary." She turned her head, remained silent, tugged at her shawl, and said, "Let's go check out the store selling imported goods up ahead." Her steps were hurried, as if someone were chasing her.

"I heard from my sister that you are studying at Anyang University. Why, are you not considering studying abroad? I always thought you would go abroad," he asked casually. The mention of Anyang University felt like a needle pricking her heart, and that familiar pain spread once again. She pinched her palm, feeling a slight sting, which made her feel a bit better. Gazing into the distance, she paused for a moment before looking up: "Studying abroad? My elder brother would never agree to that." Helian Jingfeng has only one younger sister, whom he has always cherished deeply.

The car came to a stop in front of the Sheraton, and as the attendant opened the door, a cold breeze rushed in. She adjusted her fur shawl and slowly got out of the car. Some distinguished young men and ladies from the northern regions often gathered at the Sheraton. Dong Zhen particularly enjoyed such gatherings and had called several times over the past few days to invite her to join.

Dong Muxun chuckled in silence and said, "Why are you still so mischievous like when you were a child?" She recalled that she had always considered herself to be quite well-behaved as a child, wondering where she had ever been mischievous. With a slight frown, she replied, "Really?"

There are many people, yet it is not crowded. The music is beautiful, but not noisy. She touched her forehead; isn't this quite good? It was precisely because it was too quiet in the residence that people felt uneasy, which is why she agreed to come out with Dong Zhen. But why does she still feel uncomfortable? Even more so than being alone! What can she do to rid herself of this feeling?

After being drenched in rain for half a day, I have indeed fallen ill. The doctor said I have caught a cold, but neither traditional Chinese medicine nor Western medicine seems to be effective. As time drags on, spring is already approaching.

She shook her head and declined, saying, "No need." Dong Muxun, concerned yet subtly teasing, replied, "How can that be? If your elder brother finds out that you are unwell and I did not take you home, he would surely skin me alive! You must know, he will be my superior in the future!"

She is not only not mischievous, but also has a very kind heart. Once, he caught a dragonfly to show her, but she refused to pay him any attention. It was only after he released the dragonfly that she was willing to talk to him

"Who are you talking about?" A deep male voice sounded. Dong Zhen slightly raised her head, smiling charmingly: "You came here without being invited!" What caught the eye was a very handsome face, smiling gently: "Jing Qi, long time no see!"

She held the cup, gently swaying it in her hand, the crimson liquid casting a faint reflection on her delicate, creamy-white fingers, resembling the blossoms of begonia in summer, with her fingertips glistening with a warm, jade-like glow, both enchanting and exquisite

He gently held her hand, and the scene of being both angry and anxious seemed to be right before his eyes—his eyes stung, as if tears were about to fall again. He no longer wanted her, simply because she was Helian Jingfeng's sister, the sister of the governor of the northern region

He has already left her. She understands him, even though it has only been a little over a year, but she knows that once he has spoken and made a decision, everything has already become a foregone conclusion. What can she do? She has already pleaded with him in tears, weeping uncontrollably.

Upon arriving at the store that sells imported goods, she was in high spirits, selecting several elegant wool shawls. After trying on several, she appeared quite pleased and even smiled as she asked him if they looked good. With a charming smile, she looked naturally beautiful.

It was also on a snowy day like this last year when the two of them gathered around the stove to roast sweet potatoes. The charcoal in the stove crackled and emitted heat, wafting around, warming their hearts. She was playful, fully aware that he only allowed her to use her mouth and not her hands. Yet, taking advantage of his inattention, she secretly turned the sweet potatoes on the iron grill, resulting in several of her fingers getting burned red on the spot

She slightly raised her hand, her fingertips round and smooth, and the redness and swelling from that day had left no trace. Yet his gentle licking, that soft and moist sensation, seemed to linger. She suddenly shuddered all over, pulling herself out of her thoughts, unable to think of him any longer. As long as she did not think of him, the pain of her heart being pulled away would diminish significantly

Soft music began to play gently, as Dong Muxun took the wine glass from her hand and handed it to the attendant. With an elegant gesture, embodying the demeanor of a British gentleman, he, dressed in a black tailcoat, gracefully invited her: "Jingqi, please!"