CHAPTER 019
Su Qingwan lay weakly on the bed. Although he was drowsy, he didn’t want to close his eyes and rest. His beautiful phoenix-shaped eyes, like brilliant stars, were filled with a soft light, and he kept his gaze on Sister Yun'er’s figure without interrupting her.
He knew that stealing a kiss in the carriage was wrong, and that Yun'er Sister’s cold and distant demeanor had made him understand what it meant to be in unbearable pain, to feel as though his heart was being torn apart.
Now that Yun'er Sister had forgiven him, he didn’t want to do anything else that would displease her.
At that moment, a gentle spring breeze blew through the wooden window frame, lifting the hem of Lu Yun’er’s robe and causing it to flutter in the wind. After the wind passed, everything became suddenly quiet.
Lu Yun'er remained still, as if she had been paused, maintaining her silence.
Her thoughts were in turmoil. Having lived through two lifetimes, she had always been decisive when it came to matters of the heart, never dragging things out.
But now, the sudden affection from Su Qingwan, so pure and intense, caught her completely off guard.
To be honest, when she realized that Su Qingwan had stolen a kiss, her surprise was no less than her anger. This audacious behavior was not the conduct of a reputable and chaste young man in a matriarchal world. Moreover, he had clumsily left traces of his inexperience, and immediately after realizing his mistake, he repeatedly apologized to her. None of this was what she had expected.
What’s more, he was the noble Su Qingwan, a young master of high status. Why would he humble himself so much to seek her forgiveness? They had only known each other for a few days; it wasn’t love at first sight, nor was it affection that had grown over time.
So where did this affection come from?
As a young master of such noble birth, though unmarried, there would undoubtedly be many talented and beautiful women vying for his attention in the future.
Moreover, this inexplicable affection might just be a fleeting infatuation for Su Qingwan. Perhaps this novelty would soon wear off, like a summer tide, surging high with mighty waves but eventually receding, leaving everything calm once more.
Or like a brilliant firework, blooming brightly in the sky, only to fall like silent raindrops, brief but dazzling.
Besides, her heart was not in this.
Since Su Qingwan had come to her with genuine feelings, she felt honored to be liked by him. She should respond seriously and not use the methods of adults to unintentionally hurt a pure-hearted young man.
Every emotion of affection, every heartfelt confession, is unique in this world. Su Qingwan should save this affection for someone who would cherish and reciprocate it equally.
After a moment, Lu Yun’er slowly turned around and said, “Su Qingwan, when you’re better, we should have a proper talk.”
“Really?” Su Qingwan, excited, tried to prop himself up from the bed, but his hands were weak, and he almost fell. Still, he looked up at Sister Yun'er with sparkling eyes, unaware of her true thoughts.
Seeing him uncover the quilt, Lu Yun’er frowned and immediately stepped forward, speaking gently, “Lie down first.”
She knew that in this matriarchal world, men were responsible for bearing children, and if they caught a serious cold, it could affect their future fertility. In any case, she felt a sense of responsibility.
As she helped him tuck in the quilt, she said, “Yes, really. But first, you need to recover. Catching a cold is bad for men’s health, and you mustn’t leave any lingering issues. So, you won’t attend classes for now. I’ll talk to Physician Li later about sending you back to Prince Yun’s mansion to recover.”
As Lu Yun’er moved closer, the distance between them shortened, and that familiar cool fragrance wafted towards him again. Su Qingwan’s eyes sparkled, and his cheeks began to heat up. He tried to act calm and obediently nodded, “Mm.”
Although he knew that Sister Yun'er was speaking to him in the capacity of a teacher, her words of concern still made him happy. A warmth flowed from his heart to every part of his body, warming him completely.
Suddenly, Su Qingwan thought of something, and with a slight tilt of his eyes, he asked, “What about the classes I miss?”
Lu Yun’er had already considered this issue. In fact, given his status, he didn’t really need to worry about it. However, she hadn’t expected Su Qingwan to actively think about making up for missed lessons.
Standing beside him, she responded, “Don’t worry. I’ll discuss with the other assistant instructors about arranging for someone to come to your home and tutor you.”
Su Qingwan’s eyes, filled with anticipation, blinked nervously, his thick eyelashes trembling as he cautiously asked, “Will you come, Scholar Lu?”
Hearing this, Lu Yun’er was visibly stunned. She then glanced at him. The little guy had finally started addressing her respectfully. She recalled how the first time at the lotus pond, he had been so rude and had glared at her fiercely. Now, he seemed to have changed a bit.
Su Qingwan lowered his eyes, hiding emotions he couldn’t quite explain. His voice trembled slightly as he stammered, “I—I mean, I still haven’t handed in the 800-word reflection you assigned me at the lotus pond, Scholar Lu.”
Lu Yun’er paused for a moment, her gaze steady as she looked at him. “I won’t be coming, but don’t worry. The assistant instructors are all highly knowledgeable and learned, not inferior to me in any way. They will certainly teach you well. As for the 800-word reflection, you can submit it to me when you’re back in class after you recover.”
This would give him some time to think. His thoughts might change by then, and the conversation would be easier.
Su Qingwan’s expression changed slightly, showing a hint of disappointment, but then he quickly smiled, “Mm.”
Although he felt a bit down, he resolved to protect their fragile bond. He didn’t want to do anything that might make Sister Yun’er unhappy or dislike him.
He never wanted to experience that cold, distant gaze again.
Seeing him agree, Lu Yun’er prepared to leave. “I’m going to find Physician Li now. You should rest well.”
“Mm.” Su Qingwan’s gaze followed her figure as she moved until she disappeared from his sight, and the smile on his lips slowly faded.
Lu Yun’er left the room and found Physician Li to discuss the situation. Then, she returned to Lexin Hall to continue teaching. Just after class, she was “invited” to the Punishment Hall by the supervisor.
The Punishment Hall was where all the mistakes of scholars and staff below the rank of scholar at the Imperial College were corrected. It was likely that someone had seen her carrying Su Qingwan to the infirmary and intended to use the taboo of gender interactions to make things difficult for her.
At the same time, Sheng Qingzi, who had just finished teaching, happened to see Lu Yun’er following the supervisor toward the Punishment Hall. His originally curious expression turned to one of concern, and he tightened his grip on the textbooks in his hands.
Though he outwardly respected her by addressing her as Supervisor, he had silently cursed her many times. Du Hongying was, in reality, a greedy and lustful person who bullied others by flaunting her power. Lu Yun’er would certainly face trouble at the Punishment Hall. His eyes flashed as he quickly turned and left.
Author’s Note:
Every feeling of affection, every heartfelt confession, is unique in this world. Save this affection for someone who will cherish and reciprocate it equally.
Comments
Post a Comment