The river flowed quietly beneath the moonlight, its silver surface smooth as silk. A luxurious wooden boat drifted calmly in the water, adorned with red lanterns that glowed gently, casting warm shadows across the deck.
Inside, a private pavilion had been prepared—elegant silk screens, low lacquered table, fine dishes untouched. Han Rui stood near the railing, his hands clasped behind him, staring at the water.
He turned the moment he heard footsteps.
Liyu stepped in.
Her figure was graceful, her hair loosely pinned, her dress flowing like clouds. But what caught both their eyes at once—their clothes matched perfectly. His robe and her dress shared the same embroidered cloud motif. Even the colors... identical.
For a second, time paused.
Han Rui blinked.
> She looks like she walked straight out of my thoughts.
His lips curled into a rare, soft smile.
> "Liyu… you look beautiful in this dress."
Liyu hesitated. Her cheeks grew warm under the lantern light, but she looked away with a scoff.
> "Why did you call me here?" she asked bluntly.
Han Rui motioned to the table.
> "Sit. Have dinner with me."
> "No. I'm not here to eat." Her arms crossed, voice sharp. "You said in your letter that you wanted to talk. Say what you have to say."
There is a pause.
Then Han Rui sighed and turned to face her completely.
> "Alright. I want to apologize."
"As a man, I shouldn't have said those things to you. Please forgive me."
Liyu stared at him, confused.
> Apologizing? Him? Did he hit his head on something?
> "Are you sick?" she blurted. "Since when did you become so polite?"
Han Rui chuckled faintly.
> "No. Just... trying to do the right thing."
> "Then why do you look disappointed to see me?"
> "I could ask you the same," he replied, gaze unreadable. "You came here looking like someone forced you."
Liyu's voice softened just a little.
> "I'm just… not in a good mood."
But inside, her thoughts were louder.
Because of that kiss, stupid. Because of the way you acted afterward like nothing happened.
Han Rui tilted his head, seeing through her calm facade.
> "You're lying."
She bit her lip. Then quickly changed the subject.
> "I wanted to say sorry too. Please… let our shop go. Don't punish everyone for my actions."
Han Rui watched her quietly for a moment.
Then, to her surprise, he nodded.
> "Alright."
Liyu blinked.
> "Really? Just like that?"
> No threats? No smug smiles? Who are you and what did you do to Han Rui?
But before she could relax, his voice came again:
> "But on one condition."
Her heart sank.
> I knew it."What condition?"
Han Rui's expression didn't waver.
> "Help me get close to Liying."
Liyu's face froze.
> "WHAT?"
Her voice rose. The boat rocked slightly from her sudden movement.
> "Are you joking right now? After everything—you want me to help you chase someone else?!"
> "I have a reason," Han Rui replied calmly. "But I can't tell you yet."
> "Then I'm not doing it."
Han Rui's tone turned cold.
> "Fine. Then leave. And when you do, I'll make sure your shop disappears before morning."
Liyu's steps faltered. Her breath hitched.
She turned back, her voice trembling.
> "You're really the worst."
In one swift motion, she picked up a bottle of rice wine and began to drink—recklessly, without hesitation.
Han Rui didn't move. He watched. Silent.
But when she reached for another, hand trembling, he finally stepped forward.
> "That's enough."
He took the bottle gently from her hand. Her body swayed, unsteady from the wine and emotion.
> "It's late. You should return."
Liyu tried to push him away but stumbled, collapsing lightly against his chest.
Han Rui caught her instinctively.
And for a moment… neither of them spoke.
The lanterns flickered. The river wind whispered. And under the weight of everything unspoken, something between them quietly changed.
He decided to drop her off, but then he paused, frowning as a thought crossed his mind. If Miss Liu sees Liyu like this… she'll be furious. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. I forced her to stay. Now she's my responsibility.
Without another word, he bent down and gently lifted Liyu onto his back. Her arms hung loosely around his shoulders, her breath warm against his neck. Carefully, he carried her to the carriage, set her down, and adjusted the cushions to make her comfortable. She leaned against the side, eyes half-lidded, a faint smile playing on her lips.
As he climbed in and sat across from her, he murmured to himself, voice low and conflicted:
> "I should take Liyu to my place... but if Mom and Dad find out I brought a girl home this late at night, they might literally kick me out…"
Suddenly, Liyu stirred. Her eyes fluttered open with a lazy gleam. She leaned in closer, her voice soft but teasing, lips curved in a sly smile.
> "You're so bad... First you showed interest in Master… then you kissed me... and now you're trying to get close to Liying?"
Han Rui blinked, stunned. His lips parted slightly as he stared at her glowing face, her slightly flushed cheeks, and the playful glint in her gaze. He swallowed hard, mesmerized for a moment.
> "You don't understand anything…" he muttered, trying to look away. "And even if I kissed you, that was just... an accident. You should forget it."
Liyu pouted dramatically, tilting her head.
> "Oh? That was an accident? Then tell me—if you had kids with someone while drunk, would that be an accident too?"
Han Rui frowned. "Yeah, it's easy—" he began, but before he could finish, Liyu leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
His eyes widened. Time seemed to freeze. His hands hovered in the air, uncertain, but the softness of her lips, the heat of the moment—he couldn't push her away.
He finally kissed her back, slowly, deeply. His hand slid behind her head, pulling her closer. Her fingers curled around the edge of his sleeve. Their breaths mingled, hearts racing.
They had both already lost control.
Han Rui's breath grew heavier as he leaned in closer, gently pushing her back against the carriage seat. Her eyes were glazed with intoxication, but they watched him, unafraid, wanting. She couldn't leave now... and the truth was, she didn't want to.
Outside, Zijun sat in front of the carriage reins, eyes forward but ears sharp. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips—he knew exactly what was happening behind the curtain. They had already reached Han Rui's private residence, but he didn't dare interrupt.
Inside, Liyu's voice broke the silence, soft and sleepy.
> "I want to sleep... in a comfortable place."
Han Rui gave a low chuckle, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
> "Okay. But before that—how do you rate my skills?"
Liyu giggled drunkenly, her cheeks flushed.
> "It's good... yeah, you're really good at this…"
Then Han Rui called out through the carriage window, keeping his tone casual:
> "Zijun, how much longer till we reach home?"
Zijun responded with a small cough to hide his grin.
> "Young Master, we've already arrived... I just didn't want to disturb you and Miss Liyu."
Han Rui arched an eyebrow and smirked slightly.
> "Hmph... Alright then."
He turned to Liyu, extending his hand.
> "Let's go inside."
(Back in the carriage, just before things got heated, Liyu had suddenly whispered against his lips):
> "Let's play something."
> "What kind of game?" Han Rui had asked, his fingers brushing her waist.
> "Simple. We take turns giving dares. If someone refuses... they have to drink a whole bottle of wine."
Their laughter, challenges, and clumsy kisses echoed inside the carriage. But from outside, Zijun misunderstood, thinking they were completely lost in pleasure and going too far.
Now inside the house, Han Rui gently carried her to the guest room. He laid her on the bed with care, covering her with a soft blanket. Her fingers clutched the edge of his sleeve.
> "Don't leave me alone…" she murmured, her voice fragile like a child's, her lips trembling.
Han Rui looked down at her tenderly, brushing her hair from her forehead.
> "Cute baby..." he whispered. "But I really can't stay with a girl overnight. Be good, okay?"
He hesitated for a second, then slowly pulled her away, leaving her to rest with a conflicted heart