Overdo

Susu felt slightly puzzled and asked, “Why?”

He said, “If you don’t understand, don’t ask. Just don’t pay her any attention.” His deliberate vagueness made Susu think for a moment before she asked, “Is it because of the political situation?”

Murong Qingyi wanted her to misunderstand precisely this way, so he replied, “Just don’t ask, that’s all.” Hearing this, Susu naturally assumed her guess was correct. On such matters, Madam Murong had always taught her not to pry further, so she simply committed it to memory.

A few days later, while having dessert with Mulan outside, Mulan said, “Qilin invited us to go to Northern Cloud. I’ve already agreed—what about you?” Susu shook her head. “I can’t.” Mulan asked, “Isn’t Third Young Master away? Why not go out and have some fun? Staying home alone is so boring.”

Susu said, “I’m used to it.” Mulan remarked, “Look at you—aren’t you afraid of getting sick from boredom? But your complexion has been quite good lately.” Susu replied, “Really? Maybe it’s because I’ve been eating well and have gained a little weight.” Mulan laughed. “With your figure, a gust of wind could carry you away, and you call that gaining weight? I’m the one who’s really put on weight.” Suddenly remembering something, she added, “The day after tomorrow, the Grand Theater is staging The Nutcracker. Let’s go watch it. I heard the new dancers in the troupe are excellent.” Susu was delighted upon hearing this. “Sure, call me then, and we’ll go together.”

On the day of the performance, Mulan called to invite Susu. Only when they met outside the theater did Susu realize Wang Qilin had also been invited. Remembering Murong Qingyi’s words, Susu felt uneasy but, since she was already there, couldn’t very well leave. She had no choice but to enter with the two of them. Fortunately, watching ballet was different from watching opera—it didn’t allow for much conversation—so they quietly focused on the stage. Both she and Mulan were connoisseurs and could see that the new dancers were indeed outstanding. Susu was watching intently when she suddenly heard Wang Qilin whisper, “I heard that back in the day, Third Young Mistress’s performance of The Butterfly Lovers earned even Madam Murong’s admiration.” Before Susu could respond, Mulan laughed and said, “Susu is incredibly talented.” Susu could only smile and reply, “That was many years ago. I couldn’t possibly dance now.” Mulan said, “My joints have long stiffened too. Last time I tried, I could barely lift my leg.”

Susu, worried their conversation might disturb others, didn’t continue. As the fourth act was about to end, she noticed several people in the farthest box turning around, with one even standing up in greeting. Curious, Mulan also turned to look and saw a group of people approaching from the corridor, all in military uniforms. The one leading them was tall and graceful, moving with an air of elegance—it was Murong Qingyi. The audience in the surrounding boxes, all wealthy or influential, naturally recognized him. As he made his way in, many stood up to greet him. Just as the fourth act concluded, Susu was applauding when she turned and saw him entering. Surprised, she stood up and asked, “Why are you here?”Murong Qingyi smiled and said, "When I returned home, you weren't there. They said you'd come here, so I came to pick you up." Wang Qilin's heart was already in turmoil. Murong Qingyi had only come on a whim, never expecting to encounter her here. He hesitated briefly. Knowing countless eyes were watching the scene unfold, he calmly greeted her, "Miss Wang, it's been a while." Then he nodded to Mulan, "Mrs. Zhang, how are you?"

Wang Qilin smiled faintly and said, "Third Young Master and Third Young Mistress are truly devoted. Unable to bear even a moment apart, you've come personally to fetch her."

Susu, who had always been easily embarrassed, murmured softly, "Miss Wang, you jest." Murong Qingyi said, "I haven't had dinner yet." Hearing this, Susu immediately responded, "Then let's head back first." Murong Qingyi took her coat and handbag, casually handing them to the attendant. Susu said to the two women, "My apologies, we must take our leave first." The two naturally offered polite farewells and stood to see them off.

Once in the car, Susu noticed Murong Qingyi's expression wasn't particularly pleasant and whispered, "I didn't know Mulan had invited her too. Please don't be angry." Murong Qingyi smiled slightly, gently patting her hand, and said, "It's fine, I'm not angry." Lei Shaogong then said, "Third Young Master, may I request leave? I have some personal matters to attend to." Murong Qingyi replied, "Go ahead."

They had originally arrived in two cars. Now, Murong Qingyi and his wife took one car and departed first. Lei Shaogong lit a cigarette. The night wind was chilly as he leaned against the car, watching the brightly lit grand theater illuminated by the massive poster. The female lead on the poster was bent in a dance pose, her sheer gauze skirt resembling a half-withered hibiscus flower. Under the lights, she looked utterly captivating. He gazed at the poster, lost in thought. Not far away was the street, where the faint hustle and bustle of the city could be heard, yet it seemed distant. He casually extinguished his cigarette and lit another. Before finishing this one, sure enough, he saw Wang Qilin emerge alone from the theater. Glancing toward the streetlamp, the clear light revealed her face, which held a trace of delight. As she approached, her smile gradually faded, and she asked, "Did he tell you to wait for me here?"

Lei Shaogong said, "Miss Wang, let's talk in the car first."

After Wang Qilin got into the car, she asked again, "What does he have to say? Go ahead." Lei Shaogong replied, "Miss Wang, you're an intelligent person. What good does causing a scene like this do, besides giving others a spectacle?" Wang Qilin smiled and said, "What have I done? I get along very well with your Third Young Mistress. We merely had a meal and watched a play together. Are you afraid I'll devour her?"

Lei Shaogong also smiled and said, "Everyone says Miss Wang is clever, but I think you're acting foolishly this time. You know his temper—if he turns against you, it won't benefit you." Wang Qilin still wore a radiant smile, "Director Lei, be honest with me. Who has he taken a fancy to lately? I know he's never taken this young mistress seriously. Over the past year, I've observed him thoroughly, but I never expected him to distance himself from me. Let me die with clarity, won't you?"Lei Shaogong said, "How would we subordinates know about his affairs?" Wang Qilin glanced over and let out a light laugh. "Look, Director Lei is being evasive again, isn’t he? If you don’t know about his matters, then no one does." Lei Shaogong replied, "If you say so, Miss Wang, there’s nothing I can do. Please do me a small favor—state your conditions outright, so I can report back."

Wang Qilin said, "Don’t rush to report back. What conditions could I possibly have? What kind of person do you take me for? I was merely curious and wanted to see for myself what kind of stunning beauty the Third Young Mistress is. Now that I’ve seen enough, since you’re not keen on me associating with her, I’ll refrain from bothering her in the future. However, quite a few people know about my history with him—I can’t guarantee others won’t talk."

Lei Shaogong said, "Knowing when to advance and when to retreat is the mark of a wise person, Miss Wang."

Wang Qilin smiled charmingly and said, "Wise? I’m foolish, really."

The next day, Lei Shaogong reported to Murong Qingyi, "Miss Wang seems to suspect that you’ve taken a fancy to someone else lately. I think she’s acting out of pique and doesn’t seem inclined to let it go easily. Still, she should understand the stakes involved and won’t act recklessly." Murong Qingyi said, "Then just tell her I have indeed taken a liking to someone else recently, so she’ll stop bothering me." Lei Shaogong chuckled and said, "Even if I tell such a lie, she may not believe it. She insists on speaking with you personally to clear things up." Murong Qingyi replied, "I don’t have time to see her. If she has anything to say, she can tell you. I used to think she was quite understanding, but now she’s becoming clingy." Hearing the regret in his tone, Lei Shaogong comforted him, "Though Miss Wang is difficult, she is, after all, a person of standing and won’t make a spectacle of herself." After a moment’s hesitation, he added, "As for that Mrs. Zhang, she seems to be feigning ignorance. The young mistress is an honest person—I’m afraid she might be taken advantage of."

Murong Qingyi said, "She just enjoys gossiping. I doubt she’d dare say anything in front of Susu. Let her be."

Since he put it that way, when Lei Shaogong received another call from Wang Qilin, he simply said, "The Third Young Master truly can’t spare the time. If you have anything to say, you can tell me." Wang Qilin sighed and said, "I never thought he’d be so heartless, unwilling to even see me once." After a moment’s thought, she said, "Since he’s like this, I’ll let it go. However, I want him to do one thing for me." Hearing that she was willing to state her terms, Lei Shaogong was naturally pleased and said, "Just say what it is, and I’ll relay it to him in full." Wang Qilin said, "For the Qiyu Mountain project, I want him to designate a specific company to handle it." Lei Shaogong hesitated and said, "That’s a matter for the Planning Department. I don’t think it’s appropriate for him to interfere." Wang Qilin sneered, "If you can’t make the decision for him, then go ask him first. To be honest, my request is already letting him off easy. Is he unwilling to even put in a word?" Lei Shaogong merely said, "I’ll consult him and get back to you."