Chapter 63: The Failed Attempt at a Forced Kiss

"What are you rambling about? I told you to sit down, so just do as I say. Judging by your attitude toward that Liu Zhang boy the other day, you don’t seem quite yourself now." Liu Ying tilted her head as she studied her.

At those words, Jin’er’s cheeks flushed for reasons she couldn’t explain.

"You silly girl, why are you blushing? I’m not blaming you. Come on, sit down." Liu Ying, amused, pulled her onto the stool beside her as she spoke.

Jin’er grew even more embarrassed at this and could only bow her head, silently picking up her bowl and chopsticks and eating in small, delicate bites.

Liu Ying watched her awkward manner, trying hard not to laugh, fearing Jin’er would feel even more ill at ease if she did. For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, though they had only spent half a day together, she already felt a strong sense of closeness with this young girl. Perhaps it was because of the shared longing for their deceased mothers that they had bonded so quickly.

Standing nearby, the two servant girls exchanged glances, both puzzled. How could this newcomer receive such special favor, especially since she’d only arrived today? Though full of questions, servants dared not speak out and could only speculate in private later.

For Jin’er, the meal was an uncomfortable affair. Such good treatment had come so suddenly that she felt incredibly anxious.

Afterwards, Liu Ying dragged Jin’er off to stroll through the gardens, and then to the music room to practice the zither.

Once again, Liu Ying took on the air of a little teacher, guiding Jin’er’s hands as she taught her to play. Listening to the melodious notes she coaxed from the strings, Jin’er felt a joy she couldn’t put into words. She learned with great earnestness, and Liu Ying taught with equal seriousness. The two of them, chatting and laughing as they went, seemed more like sisters than mistress and maid.

Outside the door, Liu Zhang poked his head in, watching the two happily practicing together, his heart seething with frustration.

That wretched Liu Ying! She’d gone to their father and asked for Jin’er, and now they were inseparable, leaving him no chance to make his move! Infuriating!

He fumed silently for a long while before finally stalking off in exasperation. Hmph! The harder it was for him, the more determined he became to have his way. Just wait and see!

After dinner, Jin’er accompanied Liu Ying for a stroll in the courtyard, then shared some pastries and a few rounds of chess. Only when Liu Ying was ready for bed did Jin’er finally excuse herself and return to the quarters she shared with Madam Lin.

Originally, Liu Ying had invited her to stay in the Firefly Pavilion, but Jin’er couldn’t bear to part from Madam Lin, and Liu Ying hadn’t insisted. Fortunately, the two places weren’t far apart, so it didn’t take long to get there.

Lying in bed, Liu Ying closed her eyes and replayed the day’s events, a faint smile rising to her lips. Today had been utterly unlike any other—a day full and joyful.

Perhaps, she thought, she had always been lonely before...

Tonight, the moon was bright, so much so that shadows could be seen beneath its glow. Jin’er walked alone along the path, occasionally lifting her head to gaze at the moon.

She remembered that the poison in her body always flared up on the fifteenth of each month. Judging by the moon’s shape, it would be full in a few days—meaning she would soon endure another attack.

She had only four antidote pills left, so she was determined not to use one if it could be avoided.

"Don’t worry. I’ll come and help you every time the poison acts up..." Mo Yan’s words echoed suddenly in her ears, and his handsome, captivating face floated into her mind.

Was he telling the truth? Would he appear at the Imperial Medical Hall again this time? If he had come looking for her these past few days and found her gone, would he ever return?

Even if he did show up at the Medical Hall, would she be able to leave the Liu household to find him?

"Ah—!" Lost in thought, Jin’er was startled when a figure suddenly darted out and blocked her path.

"Finally, I’ve caught you," Liu Zhang said smugly, his round, chubby face creased in a grin, his small eyes nearly vanishing into slits.

"What is it you wish from me, young master?" Jin’er steadied her nerves, took a step back, and replied coolly.

"Must you be so unfriendly?" Liu Zhang frowned at her distant expression.

"I wouldn’t dare," Jin’er replied, lowering her gaze, not even bothering to spare him a glance.

Suddenly, Liu Zhang stepped closer and, lifting her chin with a hand, forced her to look up at him.

"Little girl, I am the second young master of the Liu family, the future heir to all our holdings. Don’t you want to curry favor with me? I can give you whatever you desire." As he spoke, a self-satisfied smirk curled his lips.

Coming from such a young boy, these grown-up words struck Jin’er as utterly ridiculous. He was a head taller than her, but in her eyes, he was still nothing but a brat—a most obnoxious one at that.

Give her anything she wanted? With the way he was now, it was doubtful he’d ever be able to shoulder the family business.

"Hey! What’s that look for? Are you laughing at me?" Liu Zhang caught the fleeting trace of contempt in her eyes and demanded, annoyed.

"I wouldn’t dare. Young master, it’s late. You should return and rest. I’ll take my leave." Jin’er forcefully removed his hand from her chin, offered a slight bow, and turned to go.

"Stop right there!" Enraged and embarrassed, Liu Zhang grabbed her and yanked hard. Jin’er, her legs already weak, was caught off guard and stumbled to the ground.

"What exactly do you want?!" Jin’er glared up at him, her tone filled with annoyance.

"Oho! Angry now, are we?" Liu Zhang crouched down, reaching out to touch her face, only for Jin’er to slap his hand away.

He frowned at his hand, then slowly turned back, biting his lip as he looked at the furious, wary girl. Suddenly, he pinned her arms and lunged, trying to kiss her.

"Ah! Get away! What are you doing?!" Jin’er cried out in terror, struggling desperately, turning her head from side to side to avoid his thick lips, filled with revulsion and fear.

How could he do such a thing? He was only twelve or thirteen—how could he think of doing something like this?

Unbeknownst to Jin’er, Liu Zhang had always been a mischievous child, fond of teasing the prettier servant girls in the household, and was no stranger to scandalous pictures. He was hardly innocent when it came to the ways of men and women.

Just as Liu Zhang was about to press his lips to Jin’er’s, a sudden scream escaped him. He released one hand and clutched his throat.

Seizing the moment, Jin’er pushed him away with all her strength, sending him tumbling to the ground.

—

Dear friends, show some enthusiasm! Even a word or two can give Fox so much motivation to write faster. I truly look forward to your support. Sending a kiss, drifting away~