Chарtеr 7 (2/24)
Gоng Zishаng wаtсhed with a dеерlу еarnest eхрression: "Whаt a pеrfесt gоldеn bоy and jаde girl. I actually feеl а bit sentimеntal. Ноw shоuld I рut it? It's like thе fееling оf а grown сhild no longer nееding to stаy."
Jin Fan: "I think yоu're taking аdvantagе оf thе Вlаdе Мaster."
"Whаt аre уоu tаlking abоut! Althоugh Gоng Ziyu is handsоmе, he's mу brother—that's nоt allowed! Веsidеs, I onlу take advаntаgе of уоu."
Аs shе sроke, Gоng Zishаng plаyfullу poundеd her smаll fists аgаinst Jin Fan's sturdу аrm.
Jin Fаn quiсkened his pаce forward, with Gong Zishаng chasing clоsely bеhind. Thе twо of thеm, bickering and laughing, ran out the gate of the Female Guests Courtyard.
Gong Ziyu thought of something to say as he watched their playful figures retreating: "Elder Sister Zishang has always been outspoken. Please don't mind her. She's a very good person, kind-hearted."
However, Yun Weishan lowered her head, seemingly not hearing him.
Gong Ziyu: "Miss Yun?"
Yun Weishan looked up, offering a slightly flustered smile, and picked up his words: "The young lady has a lovely personality, without any airs. She's close with everyone. I enjoy listening to her talk."
"Then you're done for. Once she latches onto you, you'll have endless trouble in the future."
Yun Weishan lowered her head again, lost in thought.
Under the dim twilight, a deep and long corridor stretched ahead. Gong Yuanzhi led Shangguan Qian to Jue Manor.
Other places had long since lit their lamps, but here was different. Shangguan Qian noticed along the way that the vast courtyard was empty, the corridors beneath the eaves dark and shadowy. It was quiet, secluded, strikingly different from the bustling scenes elsewhere in the House of Gong.
Observing her expression, Gong Yuanzhi seemed to understand her thoughts: "Does it feel like there are very few people?"
Shangguan Qian was surprised: "Young Master Zhi is truly remarkable, able to read minds."
Gong Yuanzhi continued walking forward: "My brother prefers tranquility. Unless summoned, the servants never appear on their own accord. Daily cleaning and maintenance are also scheduled for when my brother is out."
Ahead, tightly shut doors and closed windows revealed not even a sliver of shadow in the rapidly darkening sky.
"Oh, I see... Is Second Master Gong in the main hall? I thought, perhaps—" Shangguan Qian craned her neck to look, about to step forward.
Suddenly, Gong Yuanzhi stepped in front of her, blocking her way.
"In such a hurry?"
Shangguan Qian couldn't help but find it amusing: "Since it's my first time at Jue Manor, it's only proper to pay respects to Second Master Gong first. Basic etiquette should still be observed, shouldn't it?"
Gong Yuanzhi still showed no intention of moving aside: "My brother treats you so well. Worried you might be neglected in the Female Guests Courtyard, he had me bring you back early. I've never seen him care so much about any woman before. Even if you greet him a little later, he won't blame you." His tone carried a hint of displeasure he himself barely noticed.
Shangguan Qian's face flushed slightly: "Second Master Gong's favor fills me with immense gratitude, which makes it all the more important not to neglect propriety. Why are you stopping me, Young Master Zhi?"
"I'm just curious. What charm do you possess that made my brother suddenly decide to become engaged to you?" Gong Yuanzhi narrowed his eyes, half-joking, half-serious. "Beautiful women know how to please, but they also know how to deceive."
"Thank you for the compliment, Young Master Zhi." Shangguan Qian smiled faintly.
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