Chapter 4: Love at First Sight

The young woman bowed to her benefactor, saying, "I have not yet properly expressed my gratitude to you that day; please allow me to pay my respects with a bow." Lou Mingchun, her face flushed with shyness, stood up and gracefully performed another bow.

Hahaha, indeed, people rely on their attire just as horses rely on their saddles. Come, come, everyone, this is the little hero He Liuhun who saved my nephew!" After saying this, General Yang introduced Gao Huan and everyone present.

"Young Master, have you finished your bath? Would you like me to assist you with changing your clothes?" said the maid outside the door. "The master, madam, and young lady, along with several other guests, are waiting for you in the front hall"

Damn it, do you dare to mock me?" Gao Huan said, his face flushed with anger.

Suddenly feeling gloomy again: "But I miss my mother, I don't know how she is doing now. I'm not by her side, who is taking care of her? My father passed away from cancer when I was six years old, and it has always been my mother who has raised me with great hardship... But how can I go back now? I can't even clearly remember how I got here..." Thinking of this, Gao Huan let out a deep sigh. I can't even clearly remember how I got here..." Thinking of this, Gao Huan let out a deep sigh.

"Hello, look at what you said, who in this entire city does not know the tall Master Gao who heroically saved the beauty at the South Gate!" After saying this, the guests in the hall who were dining all burst into laughter

Luo Mingchun was dressed in plain attire, with a hint of light powder on her face. Her bright, white teeth shone when she smiled, revealing two deep dimples. She was indeed the type that Gao Huan favored, as he was particularly fond of long-haired beauties with an artistic temperament

How do you know me? Gao Huan asked in confusion

That night, he got completely drunk at Yang Jun's residence. Gao Huan actually had a low tolerance for alcohol; having just entered society, he had not yet had the chance to learn about Chinese drinking culture and modern social interactions before he was inexplicably transported to the Northern and Southern Dynasties. However, he enjoyed Yang Jun's generosity, liked the feeling of being accompanied by beautiful women, and relished the dizzying sensation that followed after drinking strong liquor.

After a great deal of effort and in a flurry, he managed to put on his clothes and new boots. Gao Huan hurried to open the door, only to find the maid at the entrance staring blankly at him, utterly mesmerized.

"Commander, you mentioned that this young lady is looking for you; could it be that there is some good news?" A soldier nearby approached to join the conversation, inquiring with curiosity.

"Young Master Gao, I have come to seek your assistance with a rather unwelcome request. I wonder if you might be willing to oblige?" Lou Mingchun said, her face slightly flushed, as she lowered her head and spoke softly.

Yang Jun also found a martial arts instructor for Gao Huan, who immediately noticed that our protagonist's martial arts skills were lacking. However, as a modern individual, Gao Huan had no understanding of the practice of martial arts, so he merely learned some flashy techniques for self-defense. He did not endure any hardships. Fortunately, Yang Yu, who taught him martial arts, did not impose strict requirements; during practice, he would often turn a blind eye.

The young lady said, "Please join me at the Zui Xian Lou at noon, as I have something I would like to ask for your assistance with." After the maid finished speaking, she turned around and said, "I've delivered the message, so I shall take my leave now!" She pouted and left in a huff.

At the very least, it can be stated that Gao Huan, who grew up in a single-parent family, deeply yearns for the warmth of a family. Even though his stepfather indulges in drinking, gambling, and other vices without contributing to the household, he still chooses to live with him. The influence of filial piety and the longing for paternal love compel Gao Huan to act in this manner

"My uncle has already said that as long as you agree, arrangements for the trip can be made immediately." Upon hearing that Gao Huan had agreed, Lou Mingchun's eyes lit up, but she quickly lowered her head, blushing, and said softly, "Please do not misunderstand, my father heard from my uncle about this incident and mentioned in his letter that he must meet you in person to express his gratitude for your timely assistance in saving me." After saying this, her ears turned completely red, as young girls often harbor tender feelings.

After the formalities were observed and the host and guest were seated, with tea served, Gao Huan then said: "I wonder what matters the young lady has in seeking me"

As everyone noticed Gao Huan's arrival, they all stopped to watch. In particular, Miss Lou was also staring blankly at this savior of mine.

The young lady has matters to attend to, but she says it is no trouble; as long as it is something that can be of use to me, Gao Huan, you and I need not stand on ceremony, but it is indeed no trouble. Gao Huan also spoke frankly; when a beautiful woman takes the initiative to seek your help, who among you, esteemed audience, could refuse, right? Moreover, she is a wealthy second-generation beauty with a family background.

"Hey, beautiful!" Gao Huan waved his hand in front of her eyes and said, "What are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and lead the way! Although this young master is indeed handsome and charming..."

"Young Master, it is my young lady who has sent me to find you." The maid said this with great displeasure, pouting her lips.

Gao Huan looked at himself in the mirror, with flowing long hair, a handsome face, fair skin, and strikingly spirited eyes, and suddenly felt a bit reluctant to return. The person in the mirror now appeared even more handsome than his original self, with a tall stature, a strong physique, and good looks. Although he did not resemble his former self, he felt a surge of excitement within. This sudden sensation of having exchanged identities and bodies felt somewhat like a rebirth, a thrilling experience. The person in the mirror now appeared even more handsome than his original self, with a tall stature, a strong physique, and good looks. Although he did not resemble his former self, he felt a surge of excitement within. This sudden sensation of having exchanged identities and bodies felt somewhat like a rebirth, a thrilling experience.

I have told you several times, please do not call me "Young Master" when there is nothing going on; I am not a Young Master at all. Gao Huan said impatiently, turning around to see that it was the little maid who was a gift for recharging from Lou Mingchun's side. That beautiful maid came to find me: "Oh, it's you. Why aren't you at home properly serving your esteemed young lady? What are you doing wandering around the city gate?"

Ah, I'm almost ready, I'll be out soon, don't come in, I'm almost done. Gao Huan, startled back to reality, quickly grabbed the new clothes draped over the hanger. As he put them on, Gao Huan cursed inwardly: What a piece of junk, I still can't figure out how to wear it, so many buttons, it's hard to manage and it's wasting time.

As soon as the door curtain was lifted and one entered, they saw Lou Mingchun rise to greet Gao Hetushu Huan. Standing beside her was the maid Hongyu (the one received as a gift for topping up the phone bill)

This is my cousin Yang Yu, who is currently serving in the military as the commander of the Shuo Ding Army." A middle-aged man dressed in a gray round-collared robe stood up and cupped his hands in greeting, and Gao Huan promptly returned the gesture.

Due to this unexpected rescue, Gao Huan gained a lot, being appointed by Yang Jun as the military supervisor of the southern gate of Huaishuo City, which essentially made him a minor military leader overseeing twelve soldiers. Gao Huan did not understand the military ranks of this period, but he was very happy to hold a public office, as being a civil servant in the future modern society would be a matter of great honor

"Ah, your young lady is looking for me? What is it about?" Gao Huan was somewhat taken aback. Ever since the last banquet, he had not seen Lou Mingchun again, and he thought that this beautiful young lady had forgotten about him. He reasoned with himself that, after all, what kind of handsome and charming men had a young lady from a prominent family not encountered? I, a mere nobody, have neither background nor wealth; how could she possibly take an interest in me? Truly, it was a case of misplaced affection!

On this day, as usual, Gao Huan was on patrol at the south gate, when a maid approached gracefully and said, "I have met Young Master Gao!"

The maid blushed, lowering her head shyly as she led the way forward: "Young master, please follow me."

"Go, go, go, just do what you need to do, why are you asking so many unnecessary questions?" Gao Huan felt quite pleased in his heart, but pretended to be very impatient as he shouted.

This is the esteemed Lord Wang, a military officer of the academy! An elderly man in a green robe stood up and cupped his hands in salute, to which Gao Huan quickly returned the gesture, saying: "I have met Lord Wang."

I have met Young Master Gao". Lou Mingchun performed a graceful bow

This is my nephew Lou Zhaojun, whose courtesy name is Mingchun. "Having said that, he pulled Lou Mingchun over and said: 'Chun'er, quickly pay your respects to your benefactor.'

This is my aide, Mr. Sima, the military advisor in the yamen. A middle-aged man, appearing to be in his thirties or forties, stood up and said, "I am Sima Ziru, pleased to meet you!"

According to the situation mentioned by General Yang earlier, I can only stay here for now to think of other ways and see if I can leave here for Handan smoothly; we will discuss it then.

Upon arriving at the Zui Xian Lou, the attendant hurriedly approached and said: "Oh, Master Gao, you have arrived. Please, follow me to the private room upstairs"

I rely on! Yang Yu is busy with official duties, while I am just idly bored, right? Gao Huan felt a bit displeased in his heart, but still said, "As for escorting the young lady, I have no objections, but I wonder if General Yang would agree to it"

Time has swiftly passed, and more than half a month has gone by. Gao Huan's parents and younger brother have also moved from their rural village to Huai Shuo City to reunite with him. (Well, our protagonist is indeed very caring; even unfamiliar family members deserve a helping hand, as blessings should be shared)

In ancient times, there were indeed many elaborate formalities; even eating and using the restroom had certain rules and etiquette, let alone the everyday interactions with others. Gao Huan's rash approach to assist was truly a breach of etiquette

Oh dear sir, how could I dare? Please, allow me to take you to the private room on the second floor, where someone has been waiting for you for quite some time

"Ahem, if that is the case, shall I really take a trip?" Gao Huan felt secretly pleased; it was always a good thing to receive the favor of a beauty. Moreover, he could go to Pingcheng and conveniently search for his sister, whom he had never met. Who knows, there might be a chance to climb the ranks of the Minister's residence. Matters like this are hard to predict.

It was nearly noon, and Gao Huan hurried home to take a shower and change into new clothes (the outfit gifted by the Yang family during his last visit). He made a good effort to dress up, as he wanted to leave a deep impression on the beautiful young lady this time.

Ah, the girl is leaving so soon, goodbye! Gao Huan felt a surge of delight in his heart; what does it mean that she took the initiative to ask me out? There might be a chance.

As soon as Gao Huan entered the main hall, he felt a warm current rushing towards him. The living room was brightly lit, far superior to my shabby hut in the countryside, at least it was warm. A group of dignitaries and nobles dressed in splendid attire were chatting over tea, while a table nearby was occupied by ladies and young women engaged in private conversations.

I am unworthy of such praise; my actions on that day were driven by loyalty, as it should be. Gao Huan extended his hand, feigning an intention to assist. Lou Mingchun lifted her delicate, fair face, her pair of watery, large eyes meeting Gao Huan's gaze, leaving him momentarily stunned: what a stunning beauty from ancient times, as beautiful as the figures in museum exhibitions! Lou Mingchun also blushed and quickly lowered her head, appearing overwhelmed with shyness.

"Quickly, quickly, help me." Gao Huan, having learned from the previous experience, hurriedly pretended to step forward to assist.

These ladies are the wives of the esteemed gentlemen present. The women all rose to pay their respects. Gao Huan was just about to step forward to assist Miss Lou when he suddenly recalled what the maid who handled the phone bill had said: "Men and women should not engage in physical contact; young master, please maintain your dignity." Startled, he quickly withdrew his hand and repeatedly bowed, saying: "I have the honor of meeting all the esteemed ladies and young ladies."

Gradually adapting to the rhythms of ancient life, Gao Huan slowly became less eager to return to modern society. Although he missed his mother dearly, he did not know how he could go back. Perhaps he would truly have to die of old age in this era of warlord fragmentation, thus ending his meager existence

"Last time, I was kidnapped by robbers on my way to my uncle's house. Fortunately, you came to my rescue, and I didn't have the chance to properly thank you in person." After saying this, she stood up and made a bow, continuing, "As winter is approaching, I have been staying at my uncle's house for almost a month. My father sent a message the other day, instructing me to return home immediately. Originally, my uncle arranged for General Yang Yu to escort me, but I thought to myself that General Yang Yu is busy with official duties, and if he were to leave the military camp for half a month, it might cause some inconvenience. Therefore, I recommended you to my uncle as my escort to return to Pingcheng. I wonder what your thoughts are on this?" After saying this, she blinked her small eyes and stared at Gao Huan.