Chapter 42: Bewitching

There weren’t many people dining; the restaurant environment was quiet. Accompanied by soothing music, Zhao Chiyun’s voice was so soft that Gan Xun couldn’t detect her emotions.

Gan Xun didn’t reply to her right away. Instead, she looked over with a complex gaze that Zhao Chiyun couldn’t read. Zhao Chiyun thought she was being picky again, disliking her choice of words.

So she repeated herself. “But I have connections.”

The steak had been pre-cut, but the pieces were still large for Zhao Chiyun. She didn’t need any guidance. Imitating Gan Xun, she quickly learned to elegantly slice the meat into bite-sized pieces.

It was her first time eating Western food, though she had seen these dishes in Gan Xun’s recipe books.

She also took a liking to the music in the restaurant. She had almost forgotten that banquets should be accompanied by the sound of strings.

“You don’t like me knowing other people.”

Gan Xun voiced this conclusion.

Though she knew Zhao Chiyun’s dislike might stem only from a disruption to their temporarily stable life—not wanting Gan Xun to spend her energy on other people and matters—

Gan Xun was utterly infatuated with her current feelings.

She knew, to some extent, that Zhao Chiyun’s words carried a hint of possessiveness.

Whether it was a county princess’s possession over a commoner, or something that naturally arose from their intimate time together, Gan Xun could accept either.

Because she felt the same. When she got messages from former colleagues indirectly prying about Zhao Chiyun, unpleasant thoughts had stirred in her too.

So she had never mentioned it to Zhao Chiyun.

Zhao Chiyun neither confirmed nor denied it, instead sidestepping. “The most important thing is, I know you don’t like it.”

Zhao Chiyun didn’t elaborate on her own displeasure, because the matter was simple: she naturally wouldn’t like Gan Xun having entanglements with others—especially men.

She said, “Mr. Gan implied you should stay home to tend to your husband and teach your children. There’s no respect or concern in his words. How could you be happy hearing that? You were all smiles, putting on an act for me.”

She pierced through the false smile on Gan Xun’s face.

Being seen through usually didn’t feel good, but strangely, Gan Xun didn’t feel offended. It was as if someone had tossed a piece of driftwood into raging rapids, letting her catch her breath.

Gan Xun still smiled, but it was a smile of relief, no longer trying to hide her emotions.

“You’re right. He never really cared about me anyway. He just got some wires crossed and thought of his daughter when he spotted a decent man.”

The more Zhao Chiyun heard, the unhappier she got. “Aren’t you always saying we’re feudal and stubborn, while your side is so enlightened? I don’t see it. I hate him. I should have left him some of my calligraphy just now.”

Gan Xun felt helpless. “I admit, the stubborn old-school types haven’t died out here yet.”

“But that was satisfying. I saw jealousy and embarrassment on his face. On one hand, he loved being flattered by someone like you. On the other, he felt your writing was too good—he couldn’t compare.”

“He’s not worthy to compare. Seeing this County Princess’s calligraphy was his good fortune.”

“Exactly. What is he anyway? County Princess, eat in peace. Don’t think about those irrelevant people.”

Gan Xun’s smile deepened as she coaxed her good-naturedly.

“You seem used to Western food. Good that you like it. Did your time know about the West? Persia?”

Zhao Chiyun nodded. “Your motherland.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Gan Xun pointed to her eyes. “This bit of bloodline was diluted ages ago.”

After meeting Gan Hua, Zhao Chiyun offered her subjective opinion. “Your mother must have been very beautiful.”

“I’ve never met her. They say she was a fling my dad had when he was young and foolish, resulting in me. He wasn’t happy about it. Later, he married twice, but neither wife liked me, this piece of baggage.”

Gan Xun spoke of these things as if they were someone else’s story, without much emotion. She asked Zhao Chiyun, “Your mother must have been a kingdom-toppling beauty, right?”

One second earlier, Zhao Chiyun had been feeling sorry for her; now her face lit up with pride. “My Imperial Mother Consort was famously beautiful in Mirror Country. Everyone knew.”

“Then she must have enchanted your Father King to death. Between you, your sister, and your brother, who resembles her most?”

“Naturally, me.”

Zhao Chiyun knew no humility on this point.

Gan Xun held back a laugh—not out of disbelief, but because it was just too adorable.

She recalled the first time Zhao Chiyun looked in a mirror here and praised herself for her “radiant glances.”

Seeing Gan Xun stifling a laugh, Zhao Chiyun felt a touch displeased. “You don’t believe me again?”

“I do. I really do.”

Unable to hold back, Gan Xun confessed honestly. “You’ve got me completely enchanted too.”

Zhao Chiyun fell silent for a beat, then said nothing more. She lowered her head and quietly took a sip of water.

Gan Xun said, “You’re blushing.”

Zhao Chiyun replied, “You’ve enchanted me this much—can’t I be shy?”

Now it was Gan Xun’s turn to choke.

After the meal, Zhao Chiyun asked her, “So, are you going to meet that person?”

Gan Xun said, “If you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

Sure, brushing him off with a meal would be easiest, but she’d figure out another way to handle Gan Hua.

“But since you already agreed, why not meet him.”

Zhao Chiyun wasn’t sure if she just hated Gan Hua, but not this “decent man” she’d never met.

“Maybe you’ll find he suits you quite well.”

Gan Xun laughed at that, softly but firmly. “No, I won’t.”

Zhao Chiyun looked at her.

She said, “I told you, I won’t get married. A blind date like this, aimed at marriage—going means just eating a meal. How could I meet someone who suits me?”

Zhao Chiyun asked again, “Why don’t you want to get married?”

“It’s good like this now.”

She gazed at Zhao Chiyun, swallowing the more forthright words in her heart—and the confession nearly spilling from her lips.

Restraining herself, she said, “Whether I’m on my own or with you, it’s better than marriage. Of course I won’t choose it.”

Zhao Chiyun’s eyes sparkled as she smiled and praised, “A wise one.”

They didn’t rush home. They strolled nearby, entered a supermarket, and bought some daily necessities and snacks.

Gan Xun pushed the cart, watching as Zhao Chiyun put down the items she wanted. The faint shadow in her peripheral vision vanished completely.

Ever since Zhao Chiyun cut her hair, she washed it at home. But for her, washing her own hair was as difficult as learning English from scratch, so she always needed Gan Xun’s help.

After her evening bath, she opened the bathroom door and called out to Gan Xun. “Help me wash my hair.”

Gan Xun came out of the bedroom and entered the steamy bathroom. Freshly bathed, Zhao Chiyun was hot all over. Gan Xun grabbed her forearm. “Little ice block straight from the air-conditioned room.”

“You’re going to melt me.”

Washing her hair was tricky—mainly because Gan Xun wasn’t used to helping someone else.

If she washed slowly, she worried Zhao Chiyun would tilt her head down too much and get shampoo in her eyes.

If too fast, she feared it wouldn’t be rinsed thoroughly—Zhao Chiyun’s hair was just too thick.

She bent over until her waist ached and her back was soaked with sweat before finally cleaning it thoroughly. Then she toweled Zhao Chiyun’s hair dry.

“Come here. I’ll blow-dry it.”

Zhao Chiyun dragged over a stool and sat in front of the full-length mirror, admiring the live view of Gan Xun serving her.

Gan Xun lacked patience for blow-drying hair and found it boring, but she had no choice.

Previously, when she’d told Zhao Chiyun to do it herself, Zhao Chiyun said her arms got tired and she couldn’t lift them.

“You’ve enjoyed all the luxuries of Fu Capital.”

Gan Xun could only say that.

Once her hair was fluffy and dry—with just a bit of dampness at the ends—Gan Xun turned off the dizzying whine of the blow dryer and combed Zhao Chiyun’s hair again.

Then she bent down, looked at the person in the mirror, and said, “Miss Zhao, are you satisfied with this service?”

Zhao Chiyun saw Gan Xun’s chin nearly resting on her shoulder and smiled. “Acceptable.”

Gan Xun stopped looking in the mirror and gazed at her directly, joking, “Any tip?”

Penniless, Zhao Chiyun nodded and pecked her on the cheek.

Gan Xun felt all her efforts had been worth it.

Exploitative classes really knew how to bewitch people.

Before bed, Gan Xun and Zhao Chiyun watched some pet videos online together. Right then, Zi Han Mama sent a heartwarming parent-child moment with her kitty.

Zhao Chiyun loved it, watching the twenty-second video three times. Then she told Gan Xun it looked like someone was at Cui Can’s house.

“Huh? Who?”

Gan Xun found the idea chilling at first.

Zhao Chiyun dragged the video to the one-third mark. “Look, there are two pairs of slippers on the bedroom floor. Same style, brand new. They weren’t there last time we visited.”

Impressed, Gan Xun asked, “What exactly did you do back in Mirror Country? You’re no idle noble.”

Zhao Chiyun nodded primly. “I was acquainted with the Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

“No wonder. Must have rubbed off on you. A natural detective.”

Though the praise pleased her, Zhao Chiyun downplayed it. “Anyone not blind could spot it.”

Gan Xun wasn’t one to hold back. She screenshot the slippers, circled them, and sent it to Cui Can.

[Quite a few shoes.]

Cui Can: [Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah]

Gan Xun earnestly translated for the baffled Zhao Chiyun. “She admits it. She has a new flame, they’ve already slept together, she’s embarrassed to be caught, and hopes we keep it secret.”

Zhao Chiyun reluctantly accepted it. “Like us.”

Gan Xun wanted to say this sleep was not that sleep, but it was too risqué. Never mind—saying it would be too suggestive.

A little later, Gan Xun rolled over, propped herself by Zhao Chiyun’s pillow, and shared two updates.

The good news: Gan Hua had nearly prepared the materials. In a couple days, they could go handle it.

The bad news: Gan Hua refused to budge. He insisted Gan Xun have a meal with him.

His reason: Gan Xun agreeing then backing out showed no respect, just using him.

He was furious, warning her to consider the consequences.

Gan Xun didn’t mention that part to Zhao Chiyun, instead relaying calmly, “Looks like he really likes that guy. Afraid I’ll miss out.”

Zhao Chiyun, lying on her side, poked and prodded Gan Xun’s back with her hand, feigning generosity. “Then go see. Just how great is this man?”

Gan Xun laughed and dodged. “That tickles.”

Zhao Chiyun stopped moving but didn’t withdraw her hand. Her palm rested flat on Gan Xun’s shoulder blade, feeling the heat radiating from her.

Gan Xun cautiously asked, “What kind of man would you consider good?”

“I know little of them, and understand even less.”

“How could that be? The man you liked before in Mirror Country must have been exceptional. Tell me more about him.”

Gan Xun probed slyly.

To make Zhao Chiyun more inclined to open up, she scooted closer, practically pressing her ear to Zhao Chiyun’s mouth.

Zhao Chiyun exhaled, gently blowing away a strand of hair in front of Gan Xun’s eyes.

After a brief moment of thought, she suppressed a smile, leaned forward slightly, and bumped noses with Gan Xun.

“When did I ever say the person I liked in Mirror Country was a man?”

Gan Xun blanked out for an instant.

It was like being told crows were colorful—completely overturning her worldview.

But she quickly remembered: Zhao Chiyun could be mischievous. Not long ago, she’d startled her with something similar.

The rhetorical question trick, stirring up emotions, then acting nonchalant.

So Gan Xun brushed it off. “If not a man, then a woman, huh.”

Zhao Chiyun looked at her calmly. The hand on her shoulder blade slid down to her waist and tightened slowly, drawing her into a loose embrace.

She lightly kissed Gan Xun’s lips and said softly, “Exactly—a woman.”