CHAPTER 025
Su Qingwan gazed intently at Lu Yun'er without blinking, his moist eyes shining like stars, filled with anticipation. The tear mole at the corner of his eye added an unconscious hint of allure, a charm even he hadn't noticed.
When he spoke, Lu Yun'er's body visibly froze for a moment. She stared at him in a daze, and before she knew it, she was caught up in the tender affection and shimmering beauty of his eyes. His captivating phoenix-shaped eyes reflected only her image.
Though he said nothing, his deep gaze was clear and intense, causing Lu Yun'er's heart to race. Her ears quickly turned red and warm, and she felt as though her heart had been scorched by that gaze.
Lu Yun'er was born into a family of educators, with a harmonious household and a good upbringing. She had always been polite and considerate, though she was not purely kind-hearted. Whether in the modern world or here, her innate grace and gentleness were evident in her every action, or rather, the current Lu Yun'er was simply Lu Yun'er.
She had experienced three relationships, all of which she handled with maturity and detachment. Although none lasted more than three months, they were all based on genuine feelings and proper conduct. Furthermore, the original owner of this body, though born into a military family, had been raised in a strict and disciplined environment, receiving an early education from esteemed scholars. She had never spoken frivolously or acted inappropriately.
At this moment, Lu Yun'er's mind was in a haze, her thoughts in disarray. She stammered, "I... I..."
Normally composed and orderly when lecturing, and always calm and gentle with others, today she found herself flustered, her ears burning red. This sight filled Su Qingwan's eyes with a sudden, uncontrollable joy, a gleeful smile curving the long, enchanting corners of his eyes.
This was the first time he had seen Yun'er-jie so flustered!
And it was because of him.
Thinking back to what Xie Nanxi had told him, it seemed every word was true.
Only if he took the initiative, there might be a slim chance for something between him and Yun'er-jie.
Even if that chance was incredibly small, he had to try.
Suddenly, a sharp noise came from outside the room.
"Young Lord, Steward Chen has brought the physician!" Xiaoyuan quickly pushed the door open and entered, a bit anxious.
However, he didn't step behind the screen. Upon entering the room, he immediately sensed the thick, lingering air of intimacy.
Lu Yun'er snapped back to reality, pushing Su Qingwan away the next second. Feeling overwhelmed with panic, she instinctively stepped back, breathing heavily to steady herself.
Su Qingwan, suddenly pushed away, wobbled slightly due to his frail frame. Thankfully, he had something to lean on nearby. His innocent and bewildered expression, coupled with a look of grievance, turned to Lu Yun'er.
Under Su Qingwan's tender gaze, Lu Yun'er realized how easily that pretty face, especially when tearful, could disturb one's mind and heart. His eyes held an innocent charm, clear and bright.
But it was as if they carried an invisible thread, a subtle current, naturally exuding a delicate yet unpretentious allure.
This kind of pure yet enchanting charm was irresistible to any woman.
Lu Yun'er was no exception.
As a normal woman, faced with such tantalizing beauty, it was hard not to lose her composure. Naturally, she had a normal physiological reaction.
His soulful eyes could captivate and enchant without him even realizing it. Compared to a coquettish gaze, this was far more likely to melt one's heart to the core. Lu Yun'er couldn't handle this look, so she averted her gaze, feeling slightly guilty.
"Yun'er-jie, I..." Su Qingwan's watery eyes looked at her, his soft voice carrying a hint of seduction as he tried to approach.
Lu Yun'er hurriedly took a few steps back, regretting not pushing him away sooner without hesitation.
Why did she always lose her composure around him?
All she wanted now was to leave this place. But then she remembered her purpose for coming today. She slowly lowered her gaze, thought for a moment, and said, "Young Lord Su, nothing is more important than your health. Let the physician treat you first. I shall take my leave."
This time, Su Qingwan didn't speak. He knew this matter needed time.
It couldn't be rushed.
Suddenly, the enchanting scene from earlier flashed through his mind, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
Ignoring the reactions behind him, Lu Yun'er, who had already calmed down, caught a glimpse of Xiaoyuan with his head slightly lowered as she passed the screen. Lu Yun'er's eyes flickered slightly, and then she quickly turned and left.
Only then did Xiaoyuan enter behind the screen. He immediately stepped forward to support the young lord, noticing that Su Qingwan's clothing was slightly disheveled and that he seemed lost in thought. Xiaoyuan gently called out, "Young Lord."
Su Qingwan snapped out of his daze, still looking a bit delicate, but his eyes now held a hint of joy. "Help me back to the bed."
Xiaoyuan noticed the change in his master's expression. What exactly had happened between the young lord and Scholar Lu?
Of course, he didn't dare to ask.
However, Xiaoyuan knew exactly what was going on in his heart. As a servant, he was not supposed to eavesdrop on his master's conversations with others, but he was always adept at reading the room. As for what had happened inside, he could more or less guess.
When he first entered, his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of the two hurriedly separating through the screen. However, just a moment earlier, in that swaying bed curtain, the two figures had been tightly embracing each other.
But such a bold move—it must have been the young lord who initiated it, deliberately teasing her.
Ah! What could be done? After all, their young lord had his heart set on Scholar Lu!
Only her, and no one else.
But it was strange, really. There were so few women like Scholar Lu in this world.
Leaving aside the noble ladies from prestigious families, even those with minor official positions often indulged in pleasures, keeping beautiful young men close at hand.
Even those who weren't yet married would at least have one or two bedchamber attendants to satisfy their normal desires.
But Scholar Lu, despite being of marriageable age, had, as far as Xiaoyuan knew, no one in her heart, nor did she frequent brothels or entertainment districts. She seemed more like an ascetic monk with no worldly desires.
Wasn't this excessive in her chastity and self-restraint?
Xiaoyuan thought long and hard, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't understand it. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and his expression gradually turned grim.
He was shocked by the thought that had just crossed his mind, swallowing hard.
Could it be… that Scholar Lu had some sort of problem in that area?
Was she incapable of sexual activity?
Or perhaps… did she have a preference for women?
Otherwise, why would Scholar Lu repeatedly reject the young lord? Xiaoyuan looked at the young lord with a pained expression.
If that were the case… what should be done?
Lu Yun'er had just stepped out of the door when she happened to run into Steward Chen bringing the physician. She greeted them calmly, "Steward Chen."
Seeing Lu Yun'er waiting there, Chen Si couldn't help but feel a bit apologetic. After all, she was a guest of the household and hadn't even been offered a cup of hot tea.
It was both impolite and a poor way to treat a guest.
Just as she was about to instruct another servant to escort Lu Yun'er to the Huanchi Pavilion, her eyes fell on the faint damp stains on Lu Yun'er's front lapel.
Chen Si's expression gradually changed, and she suddenly changed her tone, "Scholar Lu, please wait here for a moment. I'll take the physician to see the young lord first and return shortly."
She needed to confirm something.
Distracted by the earlier events, Lu Yun'er hadn't noticed the wet marks on her lapel. She felt something was off but followed the host's lead, replying, "It's no trouble, please go ahead."
In less than a quarter of an hour, Chen Si returned from the room, her demeanor significantly more subdued. She gave Lu Yun'er a cool glance and said, "Scholar Lu, please follow me."
Her polite and courteous tone now carried a hint of subtle indifference. Lu Yun'er assumed that the steward was concerned about the young lord's health, and that was why her mood had soured.
As an outsider, it wasn't her place to ask too many questions.
By this time, the sky had darkened, with twilight settling in. Stone lanterns along the path to Huanchi Pavilion had been lit, illuminating the entire residence in a radiant glow.
Indeed, it was the home of a wealthy family! It appeared especially grand and elegant in the evening compared to the daytime.
"You seem to have quite the connection with our young lord," Chen Si suddenly spoke, without turning around, maintaining her posture of leading the way.
These words made their way into Lu Yun'er's ears, causing her to furrow her brows slightly.
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