Love at First Sight, Chapter 25: Accepting the Consequences

Liu Jiu returned carrying the gold, only to find the group inside gathered around the table, each with a solemn expression. He dared neither to enter nor to speak, utterly at a loss as to what had happened. He muttered inwardly, “This is it, I’m doomed. I’ll surely be scolded by Master today. I’d better not cause any more trouble.” With that, he quietly slipped out again, cradling the gold in his arms.

Zun You and the other two were engrossed in their card game, none willing to lose, each vying for the landlord position in turns. Tong’er and Liu Yi watched from the side, equally absorbed; whenever someone played a poor card, they both felt the urge to help, but in the end, dared not utter a word, left to fret silently.

Kang Qi had won three rounds, while Wen Yueqing and Zun You were tied five to five. “Well, the final round is upon us—are you afraid?” Zun You teased Wen Yueqing with a mischievous grin, provoking her deliberately.

“Afraid? Impossible. The word doesn’t even exist in my vocabulary.” Wen Yueqing lifted her chin, refusing to yield.

Zun You leaned closer, his brows dancing as he whispered, “Don’t forget, whoever loses must agree to do one thing.”

“Of course I remember. No one’s allowed to cheat,” Wen Yueqing declared loudly.

“Good! As long as you keep your word. Kang Qi, deal the cards.” Zun You settled back into his seat.

Kang Qi swallowed, face grave as he dealt. At that moment, he was the most anxious of all. No matter which team he was on, he absolutely couldn’t play the wrong card; if they lost, the blame would surely fall squarely on him. The game had lost all its charm—he was just there to play along and deal.

As Zun You examined his hand, joy spread across his face; if he called landlord, victory would be certain. He stole a glance at Wen Yueqing, who was equally elated—it seemed she too held a good hand.

“Landlord!” Wen Yueqing called eagerly.

“Pass,” Kang Qi replied, wishing only for the game to end quickly. The last round was finally here, and his release was near.

Zun You studied his cards, paused a few seconds, then said, “Pass.”

As expected, Zun You let Wen Yueqing win at every turn. At last, Wen Yueqing triumphed.

“Haha, I won! Isn’t that impressive?” she laughed, shaking her head in delight.

“Remarkable, truly remarkable. Miss Wen plays excellently,” Kang Qi offered, noticing that even His Highness was smiling.

“A bet’s a bet. Tell me, what do you want me to do?”

Zun You’s lips curled upward; he wanted to help Wen Yueqing with something, and he would not refuse, no matter what it was.

“Let me think…” Wen Yueqing’s eyes sparkled as she deliberately leaned closer to Zun You, beaming. “Your Highness, take me out of the manor today.”

“Out of the manor? Where do you want to go?” Zun You actually leaned back, startled.

“Just promise me first. Let’s go out and have some fun, shall we?” Wen Yueqing looked at him with eager anticipation.

“Alright,” Zun You agreed, knowing she’d been longing to go out. It was just a little outing—why not?

“Wonderful! Liu Yi, could you fetch me a set of smaller men’s clothing?” Wen Yueqing rose and addressed Liu Yi.

Liu Yi hesitated, glancing at Zun You instead.

“Go ahead, bring her a new everyday outfit,” Zun You said, standing to return to his room as well—he too needed to change.

Wen Yueqing donned a scallion-green set of men’s attire, her hair tied high. She looked every bit the radiant young gentleman; though not tall, she stood straight, holding a folding fan in hand, exuding the air of a refined scholar.

Zun You took in her appearance with a smile, joking, “What a handsome young lad. Whose family might you be from, sir?”

“I am Wen Qing, may the young master accompany me?” Wen Yueqing bowed with exaggerated formality.

Zun You burst out laughing, making a gesture, “Brother Wen, after you.”

“After you.” The two walked out side by side.

They enjoyed themselves immensely; Kang Qi and Liu Yi exchanged a glance—two performers meeting their match.

As they strolled through the bustling marketplace, Wen Yueqing was like an untamed colt, marveling at everything she saw. Ever since her arrival in this world, it was her first time out shopping.

She and Zun You walked ahead, Kang Qi and Liu Yi following from a distance, deliberately keeping back so as not to intrude.

“Liu Yi, what do you think of His Highness’s attitude toward Miss Wen?” Kang Qi nudged him.

“No need to ask; have you ever seen His Highness so close to anyone?” Liu Yi replied, eyes fixed on the pair.

“Then why doesn’t His Highness just accept her? Why make her a maid?” Kang Qi had long wondered, but never found the chance to ask.

Liu Yi adopted a mysterious air, “That’s something you don’t understand. It’s called cultivating feelings—it’s a matter of romance.”

“Huh? If you like someone, you like them. What’s with all the fuss?” Kang Qi was baffled.

“You don’t get it. You need to learn more.” Liu Yi raised his brows, looking as though he saw through everything.

“Your Highness, look at that!” Wen Yueqing pointed to a clay figurine stall.

Zun You drew her close and whispered, “Don’t call me ‘Your Highness’ outside.”

“Oh, then what should I call you?” Wen Yueqing whispered back.

“I’ll allow you to use my name—call me Young Master You,” Zun You said after a moment’s thought. Few had the privilege to address him so directly.

“Alright, then you can call me Young Master Zuo. Haha, how about that?” Wen Yueqing covered her mouth with her fan, giggling.

“Nonsense. Don’t talk if you don’t understand.” Zun You was both amused and exasperated.

“Isn’t Young Master Zuo just perfect? We match so well—it sounds so familiar,” Wen Yueqing felt quite proud of her naming skills.

Zun You shook his head; just for that word ‘match,’ he relented. “Fine, fine, you’re Young Master Zuo, alright?”

“Hehe, let’s go look!” Wen Yueqing ran off to the stall.

The clay artisan, a man of about forty, wearing a straw hat, was absorbed in crafting a tiger.

Wen Yueqing watched quietly as he worked. In no time, a lifelike tiger was complete.

“Uncle, your craftsmanship is amazing,” she exclaimed.

Having seen modern machine-made products, this handmade artistry astounded her.

“If you like, I can make one for you as well,” the man offered.

“Great, please make one in my likeness,” Wen Yueqing said, satisfied with her disguise and wanting a keepsake.

Just then, Zun You wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Uncle, make a clay figure of the two of us.”

The artisan looked them over. “Alright, please wait a moment.”

He took two lumps of clay, observed them closely, and soon finished. The two figures, arms around each other’s shoulders, looked every bit like close brothers; their features were just like theirs, even more accurate than a drawing.

“Haha, look how lifelike they are!” Wen Yueqing happily handed one to Zun You.

Zun You treasured it, wrapping the clay figure carefully and tucking it into his chest.