Chapter 24: Fragrance Under the Dim Moon (2)

Chapter 24: Scent Beneath the Waning Moon (2)

She couldn't help but glance at the man on the floor, clutching his wrist and groaning in pain.

He Yuqin’s shot had been perfectly precise, grazing the wrist bone where the man gripped his gun—just enough to disarm him without being fatal, leaving only a minor wound.

"Ah, Fu Ying, don’t run!" The girl’s mother tried to hold her back but failed, watching with an amused smile as her daughter dashed toward He Yuqin.

He Yuqin struck the man unconscious with the butt of his gun, then gently smoothed Fu Ying’s bangs with his fingers before lifting his gaze to Lan Yunzhen. She was slightly bent forward, elbows propped on the glass counter, her shoulders trembling faintly from uneven breaths.

She seemed even thinner than she had been on the steamship. The pearl-white satin of her dress clung to her back as she bent, tracing the elegant curve of her spine.

Lan Yunzhen calmed her breathing and straightened her collar, only to notice the light beside her dimmed—He Yuqin had stepped closer.

"Were you hurt?" he asked quietly.

She shook her head slightly, eyes downcast, before lifting them to meet his. "What brings you here?"

"Accompanying my younger sister to buy clothes," he replied simply.

She suddenly felt a faint sting on her right arm. When she brushed her other hand over it, she realized she had scraped her skin at some point, small drops of blood seeping through.

She subtly covered the wound.

"I only came to pick up my dress spontaneously tonight. I didn’t expect such danger."

He Yuqin’s gaze lingered on the hidden wound. "I heard about last night," he said gravely.

She had saved a foreign inspector whom many believed deserved death—no doubt sparking public outrage. But as a doctor, her actions had been impartial, simply doing her duty.

Feng Zhenpa, holding her daughter Fu Ying by the shoulders, studied the two with keen curiosity.

The young lady before her was exquisitely beautiful—porcelain teeth, rosebud lips, eyes like painted strokes, a beauty that seemed heaven-sent. Paired with their family’s second son, they made a perfectly matched pair, a true match of talent and grace.

Watching the way He Yuqin gazed at her, Feng Zhenpa quietly drew her own conclusions. She bent down to whisper something into Fu Ying’s ear.

After listening, Fu Ying looked up at her mother with a mischievous grin.

"Go on," Feng Zhenpa urged softly.

By the counter, He Yuqin was still focused on Lan Yunzhen.

"Your actions were above reproach, both professionally and personally. But some people, confused and misguided, may direct their anger at you. You must be careful in the coming days."

Lan Yunzhen smiled. "I’ve heard that many times already. And I knew the consequences before I even entered surgery last night."

Certain things in life are worth doing, even when the outcome is clear.

"You understand without me having to explain," she said.

He Yuqin gave a quiet chuckle.

Fu Ying, having slipped free from Feng Zhenpa’s hold, now squeezed between them, looking up at Lan Yunzhen with bright eyes. "Celestial sister, are you my brother’s good friend? Fu Ying wants to play with you too!"

Lan Yunzhen looked down in surprise at the little girl before meeting He Yuqin’s eyes.

Their eyes met briefly before he crouched down, patting Fu Ying’s head gently. "The sister was just startled by that criminal. She needs to go home and rest."

Fu Ying pouted, her rosy cheeks scrunched in confusion. "But that’s why she should play with me! Then she’ll forget all about the unpleasant experience!"

Lan Yunzhen bent down with a soft smile. "Why did you call me that earlier?"

Fu Ying pursed her lips in thought before beaming. "Mama asked if I wanted the celestial sister to come home with Second Brother! And I think fairies should look as pretty as you!"

The words took everyone by surprise—especially Lan Yunzhen, who stopped abruptly, her hand still hovering near Fu Ying’s cheek. The tips of her ears flushed pink, uncertain whether to withdraw or not.

He Yuqin, equally unprepared, quickly looked away.

Feng Zhenpa stepped forward with a laugh, bending to tweak Fu Ying’s cheek affectionately. "When did I say it like that?"

Fu Ying opened her mouth to protest, but Feng Zhenpa covered it with a hand, smiling apologetically at Lan Yunzhen. "Children often misunderstand. Please don’t mind her."

Lan Yunzhen chuckled, looking down at Fu Ying’s bright, curious eyes. "Not at all. She’s adorable—I could never dislike her."

Feng Zhenpa smiled again, glancing between He Yuqin and Lan Yunzhen. "You and Yuqin are friends, aren’t you? Since you’re hurt, why not come back with us to have it treated?"

Lan Yunzhen politely declined. "I’ve already troubled the young general enough today. I wouldn’t want to trouble you further."

"Second Brother won’t mind! He’s a true gentleman!"

Fu Ying pried her mother’s hand away and grabbed Lan Yunzhen’s fingers, swinging their joined hands gently. "Celestial sister, please come with us! Fu Ying likes you!"

"Where did you learn that word? Do you even know what ‘gentleman’ means?" Feng Zhenpa teased.

Fu Ying cocked her head. "A gentleman helps when a sister needs it!"

Feng Zhenpa laughed before turning back to Lan Yunzhen. "You really should get that wound treated. It would be unfortunate if it scarred."

With the little one still holding her hands insistently, Lan Yunzhen glanced at He Yuqin. Seeing his brief nod, she relented.

She pulled him aside and whispered, "What about your gun?"

It hadn’t been silenced, and in the International Settlement, gunfire was bound to draw the Concession Police. She worried it might cause trouble for him.

He Yuqin shook his head. "It’s fine. The man who held you had a gun."

She understood, but to be safe, she borrowed the shop’s telephone to call the Concession Police. The man she’d saved last night was their foreign commander—they’d take her word seriously.

"...Yes, an accidental gunshot. Thankfully, no one was hurt... Yes, thank you."

Hanging up, she turned to He Yuqin. "That should keep you out of it."

"Thank you," he said.

Lan Yunzhen smiled. "For what? You protected me. I wouldn’t let you face danger because of it."

At the shop’s entrance, Fu Ying, hand in hand with Feng Zhenpa, called for her to join them in the car.

Lan Yunzhen gave He Yuqin a small smile. "I’ve imposed enough today."

-

Old General He Long had once purchased a residence in Shanghai’s French Concession, which now served as a secure retreat for He Yuqin.

In the living room, Lan Yunzhen sat on the sofa while Feng Zhenpa tended to her wound with antiseptic cotton.

Fu Ying, hugging an embroidered cushion, leaned in to watch. "Mama, since Second Brother saved the sister, does that make him the hero rescuing the beauty?"

Feng Zhenpa's hand suddenly paused in its motion as she turned to look at her daughter with a smile. "What would a child like you understand? First thing when we get home, wash your hands, okay?"

Fu Ying sang out a playful, drawn-out "Ohh—" then hopped off the sofa and ran to the washroom.

Feng Zhenpa shook her head lightly with a chuckle and continued tending to Lan Yunzhen's wound. "Miss Lan, are you a doctor at Anji Hospital?"

"Yes, I studied cardiology in school and became a doctor after graduating. Madam Feng, you can just call me Yun Zhen."

"Yun Zhen..."

Feng Zhenpa stopped her movements, murmuring the name before smiling to herself. "My name shares a character with yours in pronunciation, but I’m nowhere near as talented or well-mannered as you. I’m afraid I’ve probably lowered the bar for this name."

"I never had much schooling—I only remember how to write my own name... Here, this is the character 'Zhen.'" She took Lan Yunzhen's hand and traced the strokes on her palm with her fingertip.

Lan Yunzhen tilted her head to observe the writing and spoke gently, "Names are bestowed by one’s parents. Every name carries the hopes and blessings of one’s family, regardless of elegance or simplicity. The 'Zhen' in Madam Feng’s name likely means 'treasure' or 'cherish.' It seems your parents must have loved you dearly."

Feng Zhenpa beamed at her words. "Miss Lan, you’ve got a silver tongue. You truly know how to make me happy."

Lan Yunzhen smiled faintly as well, though her mind wandered.

Her own name had been changed so many times it was scarcely her own anymore.

She sighed to herself and glanced toward the washroom, where He Yuqin was lifting Fu Ying high to help her wash her little hands.

The two were grinning ear to ear—He Yuqin clearly adored his much younger sister.

Feng Zhenpa noticed her gaze and smiled knowingly. "Miss Lan, you’re so beautiful and charming. I imagine you must have plenty of admirers. Are you seeing anyone special now?"

He Yuqin set Fu Ying down, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she bounded over, eager. "Who does she like? I want to hear too!"

Feng Zhenpa caught her daughter as she threw herself into her arms. "We’re asking the sister about someone she likes. No interrupting grown-ups, sweetheart, alright?"

But Fu Ying turned to Lan Yunzhen in confusion. "Sister Yun Zhen, don’t you like Second Brother anymore?"

The question plunged the spacious living room into silence so deep one could hear a pin drop.

No one reacted immediately. Fu Ying frowned and pressed on, "If Sister Yun Zhen likes someone else, what will happen to my Second Brother?"

The air turned abruptly awkward.

Feng Zhenpa lowered her head to hide a smile, clearing her throat as if to dispel the awkward silence. She coughed, trying to break the tension.

Lan Yunzhen froze for a heartbeat at the innocent question before recovering with a gentle smile. "Fu Ying, your Second Brother and I are just good friends. There’s nothing more to it."

Fu Ying seemed to only partly get it. "So Sister Yun Zhen doesn’t like Second Brother, and Second Brother doesn’t like Sister Yun Zhen, right?"

"..."

This question was... a bit of a landmine.

As Lan Yunzhen pondered how to respond, footsteps approached.

He Yuqin strode over, bent down, and swept Fu Ying into his arms. "It’s bedtime. The dolls by your bed are waiting for you to tuck them in..."

He carried her upstairs, and though Lan Yunzhen might not have noticed, Feng Zhenpa saw every detail—

Second Brother’s ears were burning red. How could he not like Miss Lan?

Hiding a knowing smile, she opened the medicine box on the table, took out a bandage, and gently applied it to Lan Yunzhen’s scraped arm. "Children say the darndest things. Don’t take it to heart."

"Not at all," Lan Yunzhen replied with a smile.

Her gaze inadvertently fell on a medicine bottle in the box. "Is that medicine for asthma?"

"This one?" Feng Zhenpa tossed the waste into the bin by her feet and followed her gaze, picking up the bottle. "Fu Ying has asthma—it’s congenital. I blame myself for her weak constitution. But how did you recognize this medicine at a glance?"

Lan Yunzhen studied the bottle again. "My eldest uncle has asthma. I’ve cared for him during severe episodes, so I’m familiar with some treatments."

"I see," Feng Zhenpa sighed. "Asthma isn’t life-threatening, but it’s no small matter either. It’s a hassle to manage. Fu Ying has tried so many medications, but she still hasn’t improved much and needs careful attention."

She smiled at Lan Yunzhen. "As a mother, I’ve developed patience for this illness. But for you, as a niece, to care for your uncle so diligently—that’s truly filial devotion."

The grandfather clock in the living room chimed solemnly. Feng Zhenpa glanced upstairs. "Fu Ying gets restless before bed. I’ll go check on her. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Of course," Lan Yunzhen nodded.

Outside, the sky had darkened ominously, heavy with the promise of rain. As Lan Yunzhen stood by the stained-glass window, droplets began to streak down the panes, blurring the world beyond.

On the windowsill sat a pot of moon-white tuberoses, their fragrance intensifying as dusk fell—hence their name.

Now, as night deepened, their scent grew richer and more intoxicating.

Upstairs, Fu Ying had been coaxed to sleep by Feng Zhenpa.

When He Yuqin descended quietly, his gaze darted to the sofa, only to find it empty.

He reached the ground floor, the sound of rain whispering outside, and glimpsed a figure by the far window.

Lan Yunzhen lifted her hand, her slender fingers tracing the delicate petals of the tuberose. Her expression remained serene, her downcast eyes thoughtful.

To He Yuqin, the scene resembled a Jiangnan watercolor.

She must have caught the sound of his steps, for she turned her head and her smile warmed when she saw him. "Fu Ying’s asleep?"

He Yuqin nodded. "Standing here—are you admiring the rain or the flowers?"

"Neither."

Lan Yunzhen tilted against the wall with its gilded floral paper. "I was waiting for you to come down."