Overdo

Mulan shook her head, "You're my best friend. I'd be thrilled to see you succeed. How could I be angry with you? It's just that after all these years, I feel weathered and truly don't want to dance anymore. I want to go home and get married."

Hearing this, Susu was both surprised and delighted, quickly asking, "Really? Has Young Master Xu's family agreed? Then I must congratulate you."

Mulan smiled again, though with a hint of worry, "They still refuse, but I'm somewhat confident about Chang Ning." She picked up her coffee and drank it all in one go, setting down the cup and saying, "Let's not talk about this unpleasant matter anymore. Let's go shopping at the department store."

Susu spent half the day shopping with her at the department store until both their legs were sore. Mulan bought many new clothes and shoes, with long and square boxes and paper bags tossed into the back seat of the car. Suddenly remembering, she said, "There's a newly opened, top-tier expensive restaurant. I'll treat you." Susu knew she was upset, but there was nothing she could do to console her, so she simply went along. As they got out of the car at the restaurant entrance, Susu found a parked car on the roadside somewhat familiar but couldn't recall where she had seen it. Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered, they ran into Lei Shaogong coming downstairs. He looked slightly surprised to see her and called out, "Miss Ren."

Mulan was also taken aback to see him and couldn't help glancing at Susu. They heard him say, "Third Young Master is inside—he's been having people search everywhere for you, Miss Ren." Susu hadn't expected him to say such a thing and felt utterly bewildered. Lei Shaogong led them inside, where a waiter pushed open the private room door, revealing a large suite. When Murong Qingyi saw her, he stood up, leaving the others behind, and said, "Oh, they found you?" He added, "I was in meetings until very late last night, so I didn't return. Don't run off like that again—they spent the whole afternoon looking for you."

None of the people at the table had ever heard him explain his whereabouts to a woman, and they were all momentarily stunned. After a pause, someone behind him laughed and said, "Third Young Master, we can all vouch for you. You really were at Shuangqiao for meetings last night and didn't go anywhere else." The others joined in with laughter and casual remarks. Another person chimed in, "Luckily, we spoke up for Third Young Master. This 'Hongmen Banquet' will surely turn into a joyful one now." Susu hadn't anticipated such a misunderstanding and blushed deeply, lowering her head. Murong Qingyi turned and laughed, "Stop talking nonsense here. You're all acting disgracefully for your age." He then took her hand and led her to the table, introducing her to everyone present. Since they were all older seniors, he said to her, "Greet them. This is Uncle Yu, Uncle Li, Uncle Wang, and Uncle Guan." His tone was as if he were speaking to a child, which made all four men stand up abruptly, repeatedly saying, "We dare not." Though he had many girlfriends, he had never introduced one so formally before. On the rare occasions they encountered each other, it was always with tacit understanding. For a moment, the four men were filled with shock and uncertainty. Murong Qingyi paid no attention. Susu, who was naturally quiet, had even less to say in front of strangers. Mulan, who usually loved lively gatherings, fell silent as well. The room was filled only with the laughter and conversation of the others, discussing matters Susu didn't understand.

After the meal, as they walked out, Murong Qingyi, having received a purely Western education in etiquette, took Susu's handbag and casually handed it to an attendant. He asked, "You said you were going shopping at the department store. What did you buy?"Susu said, "I accompanied Mulan there, but I didn't buy anything." Murong Qingyi smiled and said, "Next time you go out, let Xiao Lei know so he can arrange a car for you. If you want to buy anything, just tell the foreign firms to put it on my account." Susu lowered her head without responding. Mulan, being very perceptive, saw they were having an intimate conversation and found an excuse to leave first.

Susu followed him downstairs and hesitated by the car. When the attendant opened the door, she finally mustered her courage and said, "I need to go back." Murong Qingyi replied, "We're heading back now." He naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, making her breathless with panic. Too afraid to voice her thoughts, she had no choice but to get in the car.

Once inside, he didn't let go of her. Gazing at the scenery rapidly receding outside the window, her mind was in turmoil—a tangled mess of thoughts she couldn't grasp, vague and complex enough to frighten her. He had always frightened her, from the very beginning until now, this fear inexplicably deeply rooted.

Upon returning to Duan Mountain, he went to his study to handle official matters, leaving her no choice but to go upstairs. The bedside lamp in the bedroom had an ivory-white gauze shade, casting a milky light that printed on the wall, hazily like honey, sickly sweet. Tonight, there was a beautiful full moon, rising gracefully through the branches of the eastern trees. She watched the moon, round like a bronze mirror, its light hazy as if veiled. Both the lamplight and moonlight seeped hazily into the room, spreading like pervasive mercury, flooding and occupying everything. In the haze, she fell asleep.

The moonlight remained just as lovely, casting a faint glow by the bedside. She turned over drowsily and suddenly jolted awake with a start. In the darkness, she felt him reach out and gently stroke her cheek. Her face instantly burned hot, as if on fire, and she instinctively shrank back. But he grasped her shoulder, not allowing her to escape. The heat of his lips was scorching, and she instinctively tried to resist, but he domineeringly dominated her breath, the force of his kiss nearly suffocating her. She reached out to push him away, but his hand slipped through her loose robe, seeking to remove the barriers between them. Her body went limp, and he tightened his embrace, murmuring softly, "Susu."

A breeze rustled the lace curtains, like ripples stirring on a spring pond.

Ten

At dusk, the wind picked up. Winters in Wuchi weren't cold, but the north wind carried a biting chill. Everyone emerging from the heated rooms felt a sudden shiver as the wind hit them. Then, a rapid tapping of leather shoes echoed down the corridor, and Murong Qingyi couldn't help but smile. Sure enough, the approaching figure beamed, her pace hurried, a flush of pink coloring her fair face. He deliberately slowed his tone and said, "Weiyi, where's your ladylike demeanor? If Mother sees you like this..." Weiyi tossed her head back and laughed, "Third Brother, you're one to talk—the pot calling the kettle black. Is your meeting over?"Murong Qingyi said, "It wasn’t exactly a meeting. Father just remembered a few matters and called us over to ask about them." Weiyi said, "I heard you’ve been promoted again recently. How about treating me to a meal today?" Surrounded by close acquaintances, someone chimed in, "Fourth Young Miss, don’t go easy on Third Young Master—make him splurge!" Having studied abroad for years and being the youngest in the family, she was deeply doted on by everyone. Murong Qingyi, who adored his younger sister the most, simply laughed at her remark. "Who doesn’t know your little tricks? If you have something to say, just say it outright." Weiyi made a playful face and said, "Third Brother, you’re getting sharper—almost like being both inside and outside of everything." As the siblings chatted, the others around them gradually dispersed on their own errands. Only then did Weiyi say, "Today is Minxian’s birthday." Murong Qingyi smiled and replied, "I really have commitments today—Father just assigned me tasks. Go ahead and enjoy the meal yourselves, and put it on my tab." Weiyi tugged at his sleeve and asked, "What kind of excuse is that?" Her large eyes darting mischievously, she added, "Could it be that the rumors outside are true?"

Murong Qingyi said, "Don’t listen to nonsense. What rumors are you talking about?"

Weiyi said, "They say you’re infatuated with a dance hall girl, and she’s incredibly beautiful."

Murong Qingyi said, "That’s absurd. How can you believe such idle gossip? If this reaches Father’s ears, I’ll hold you responsible."

Weiyi pointed a finger at him and said, "That’s a classic case of protesting too much. Are you going today or not? If you don’t, I’ll tell Mother about your affairs."

Murong Qingyi said, "Stop causing trouble. Why are you so insistent on speaking up for Minxian?"

Weiyi exclaimed in surprise, "Last time we had dinner, I noticed something odd between you two. You must have had a quarrel—that’s why I’m trying to help you out."

Murong Qingyi said, "Well, thank you very much, but stay out of my matters with Minxian."

Weiyi said, "Just from your tone, I can tell you’re at fault. Mother was right—you won’t understand how formidable women can be until you’ve been burned once."

Murong Qingyi said, "Look at you—is that any way for an unmarried young lady to talk?"

Weiyi’s lips curved into a smile. "You sound just like Father now. It’s a case of ‘the magistrates are free to burn down houses, while the common people aren’t allowed to light lamps.’"

Murong Qingyi said, "You’re getting more and more outrageous." He turned to leave, but Weiyi asked, "Are you really not going?"

He simply replied, "I have official business."