Chapter 7 007 The One in My Heart

Chapter 7 007 The Beloved

Qin Mansion.

Qin Yan and his stepmother Madam Yang sat at the seats of honor. The tea in their cups had turned cold, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths. A maid took the cold tea away and brought in a fresh pot of hot tea.

Silence filled the room, a stifling atmosphere that refused to lift. Madam Yang blew on the tea, took a small sip, then turned her head to glance at him.

Her tone was unfriendly as she said, "The Qiao family is utterly improper. To come up with such a terrible idea—I doubt the Qiao girl is any better. If it weren't for your agreement back then, I would never have agreed to such a match with a family like theirs. I think we should call off this engagement."

Madam Yang finished speaking and, receiving no response, tilted her head, in a strained, sharp voice she asked, "DaLang, what do you say?"

Qiao Zhuofan had just left after gently laying out his idea—a very bold one: a bride swap. The Qiao family’s second daughter would take her elder sister’s place and marry into the Marquis’s household. The engagement would remain the same, just a different person.

Qiao Zhuofan really thought it was that simple. Although they were sisters and both surnamed Qiao, Qiao Wanyue was a stepdaughter, and the entire capital knew it. Now he wanted her to marry into the Qin family—was he betting that Qin Yan wouldn’t make a scene?

He really had put a lot of effort into trying to latch onto the powerful Marquis family.

Qin Yan’s expression remained blank. He pictured the bright, lively young girl—lively and exuberant, her disposition anything but calm, full of life. She didn’t fit into this lifeless mansion at all, like a bird in a cage losing the freedom it loves.

She must have agreed to Qiao Zhuofan’s proposal; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to him. A faint sneer curled at the corners of his lips. He thought bitterly: she had to agree. Knowing Qiao Zhuofan, he wouldn’t let her refuse.

Qin Yan sighed softly, his voice cold and hard. "I’ll handle this. You don’t need to worry, Mother."

Madam Yang’s expression shifted at his words. That meant he was actually considering it. No—she’d be the first to say no.

"I have met the eldest Miss Qiao. She is somewhat arrogant and looks down on others. As for the second Miss, she rarely appears at banquets. I hear she is beautiful, quiet, and proper."

Madam Yang sighed. "It’s just that her background is lacking. DaLang, don’t be foolish. The elders of our clan will never agree. Let your mother pick you a proper wife from a good family. After all, our Qin family is a prominent household. There are plenty of girls lining up to marry you."

Her words were true, but Qin Yan had no such intentions, nor had he made up his mind. He must have been confused today—when Qiao Zhuofan made the proposal, he hadn’t refused outright. Instead, he hesitated and asked for a few days to think it over.

Qin Yan rose to leave. "Mother, give me a few days."

"DaLang, are you actually considering it? Absolutely not."

The tea had gone cold again and was undrinkable. Qin Yan ignored her. He walked straight out. Just as he was about to step over the threshold, Madam Yang spoke again. "You haven’t taken a liking to that girl, have you? When did you ever see her?"

"You’re overthinking things, Mother."

Qin Yan turned back, his tone cold. "Marriage is no joke. I will consider it carefully."

He kept saying he needed time, but Madam Yang pressed him, annoying him.

Before Madam Yang could speak again, the man’s long legs strode over the threshold and he left.

-

At the Qiao residence at this time, Qiao Zhuofan returned crestfallen—it was clear things hadn’t gone well. Madam Wang saw this and didn’t say or ask anything, not wanting to add to his troubles. But inwardly, she breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed, as Wanyue had said, that Qin Yan hadn’t agreed.

Thank goodness, thank goodness the Marquis was a sensible man.

She went about her business as usual, as if nothing had happened. Qiao Zhuofan watched her act as if everything was fine and let out a deep sigh, but said nothing to her.

While Qiao Zhuofan racked his brains over how to convince Qin Yan, the one at the center of it all—Qiao Wanyue—was just relaxing, writing a letter to Lin Susu in her room, asking when she would take her to that wonderful place she was so excited about.

After finishing the letter, she had Hongmei deliver it. Hongmei was quick—she was back in an hour, bringing a letter from Lin Susu. Qiao Wanyue jumped down from the chaise lounge in delight, not even bothering to put on her shoes.

"Hurry, hurry, give it to me." She snatched the letter and tore it open. "Let’s see what Susu wrote."

Hongmei glanced down at her bare feet and laughed. "Miss, don’t rush. The letter won’t run away. You’ll catch a cold without your shoes."

Zhu Qing, standing nearby, chimed in, "That’s right. What’s the rush? You weren’t even in a hurry when it came to getting married."

She and Hongmei exchanged a glance and covered their mouths to hide their laughter.

Qiao Wanyue turned around, her round eyes glaring at them. "Oh, so you’re gossiping about me behind my back? Just wait, I’ll deal with you."

The young girl had a sharp tongue but not a malicious bone in her body—she was usually the gentlest and most considerate. The two weren’t afraid of her, knowing she was joking.

"Yes, yes, you’re so fierce. We’re scared."

"Then hurry up and bring some snacks. I’m starving."

Zhu Qing nodded and said she would, then turned to head to the kitchen.

The young girl lay on her stomach reading the letter, her legs in the air, her skirt pooling down, revealing slender, straight calves—well-proportioned and fair—swinging up and down with a youthful playfulness and ease.

"Susu says she’ll take me the day after tomorrow."

After reading the letter, she sat up, folded the letter neatly, and put it back in the envelope, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She could go out and have fun again. Her family didn’t stop her from going out, but she knew Madam Wang would ask about it when she got back. She’d deal with that later.

She waved Hongmei over and said, "Hongmei, go find me a set of men’s clothing. Be careful. Don’t let anyone find out."

"Why do you need men’s clothes?" Hongmei asked, puzzled.

She put a finger to her lips, signaling secrecy, and whispered so only the two of them could hear, "I need them to go out."

In her letter, Susu had said she needed to wear men’s clothes when they went out the day after tomorrow. She’d get them ready now and put them on after leaving the Qiao residence.

"Where am I supposed to find them?"

"Borrow a set from one of the servants," she suggested.

But Hongmei shook her head. "Their clothes are all too big, and who knows if they’re clean. What if you get a rash from wearing them?"

That was a good point. She hadn’t thought of that. The young girl bit her lip, thought for a moment, then said, "Then go buy a set. Go now."

"I’ll go right away."

She was afraid the servant might tell Madam Wang and cause trouble, so she added, "Use the back gate. There won’t be as many people."

"I understand."

-

The weather turned in the evening—a cold wind blew, and soon it poured rain that lasted all night. The next morning was much cooler, the air fresh, but the sun didn’t come out.

Qiao Wanyue couldn’t help but worry. She hoped it would be nice weather on the day she went out. This was her first time going out in men’s clothes, and she was so excited she couldn’t sleep, wishing time would pass faster.

Finally, the day arrived. After breakfast, Qiao Wanyue left the house. She had arranged to meet Lin Susu at Tianxiang Tower, and from there, they would go to the place Susu had mentioned.

A quarter of an hour later, Qiao Wanyue arrived at Tianxiang Tower. Lin Susu had booked a private room on the second floor, and she went straight up. Lin Susu hadn’t arrived yet, so Qiao Wanyue ordered some food and started eating while she waited.

Halfway through her meal, Lin Susu arrived. She came in and hugged her first, laughing. "I’m a bit late. It’s my treat today."

"It had better be your treat." Qiao Wanyue pointed at the table. "I’ve already eaten some. It’s all on you."

"Fine, fine."

Lin Susu leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Did you bring the things?"

"Yes. Shall I change now?"

The two spoke in very low voices, inaudible even to the maids beside them.

"It's still early. Let's play a while first; that place doesn't open until afternoon."

Hearing Lin Susu say this, she grew more and more curious and couldn't wait. However, it doesn't open until afternoon—what kind of place is that, so mysterious?

Afternoon it is, then. That's soon enough.

They chatted and ate, the atmosphere lively, their clear laughter echoing around the room. Neither noticed the sound of the next room's door opening and closing; they were immersed in laughter, with no mind for anything else.

In the adjacent room, Zhang Shigong chuckled at the wall opposite. "Which family's lady is next door? Is she unaware that walls have ears? How long has she been laughing?"

Qin Yan raised his cup and blew on it to cool it. "Sounds familiar."

Zhang Shigong leaned in. "Familiar? You know her, perhaps? Could she be your sweetheart?"

Qin Yan, not taking the banter seriously, simply smiled back. "I don't have any sweetheart. I can't compete with Zhang Shigong in romantic pursuits."

It was rare for him to joke like that—he seemed less stiff and serious. Zhang Shigong was pleased.

"If you wanted to be a playboy, it wouldn't be hard. I'll take you tonight."

The man across from him shook his head with a smile, uninterested. After finishing this cup of tea, he planned to head home. Zhang Shigong sighed in resignation. *Oh well, every time we go out, it's just tea. Nothing else interests him. Qin Yan is a dull man,* he thought.

After a moment of silence, another burst of female voices and laughter came from next door.

"Yueyue, honey, are you dressed?"

Another voice replied, "Su Su, honey, I'm done. Look."

Qin Yan's hand, which had been raised, paused, then slowly lowered. He had a pretty good idea who was next door.

Qiao Wanyue, once dressed, couldn't help asking, "Su Su, where are we going? Tell me first."

It was already afternoon, and that place was open, so there was no harm in telling her.

"Feiyun Manor. Heard of it?"

"No. What kind of place?"

Lin Susu lowered her voice. Though Qin Yan couldn't hear, he knew exactly what Feiyun Manor was.

Feiyun Manor was not a manor but an arena for beast fights—man against beast, man against man, a mixed crowd. It was a rough place, with frequent injuries and deaths, chaotic in every way. Few noble ladies ever went there; no wonder they had to change into men's clothes.

Qin Yan frowned slightly, his fingers resting on the table, his fingertip unconsciously rubbing the surface. After a long moment, he spoke, "To Feiyun Manor."

Zhang Shigong, who had been about to leave, froze, then glanced at the wall opposite and smiled knowingly. *So it's a girl he knows. I have to see which family she's from.*

The two girls, now in men's attire, felt thoroughly uncomfortable—tugging at their sleeves, adjusting their collars, and fidgeting as they arrived outside Feiyun Manor. The spacious gateway was packed with carriages; it seemed many nobles of Shengjing enjoyed this place.

-

Or rather, they enjoyed the thrill and novelty.

Qiao Wanyue was here to see the world. Neither she nor Su Su had ever been there, and they wanted to take a look. They hesitated at the entrance for a moment before summoning their courage and stepping inside.

In their men's clothes, they looked like two handsome young gentlemen—the kind that was easy on the eyes and easy to fool.

Qiao Wanyue whispered, "Where should we watch?"

The first floor was crowded, people pressed against the railings. The second floor had private compartments offering a better, farther and clearer view. Qiao Wanyue wanted to go to the second floor.

"Let's go to the second floor."

Lin Susu nodded. "Okay, second floor it is."

But as soon as they reached the stairs, they were stopped. A towering guard blocked their path, speaking gruffly, "Second floor is full. You can't go up."

Qiao Wanyue stamped her foot. "Fine, we won't go up. No need to be so rude!"

"Exactly. Let's go."

They had no choice but to watch from below. The pent-up frustration vanished instantly the moment they saw two burly men step into the arena.