Thanks to Tian You’s imposing aura, many young women who longed to approach him ultimately dared not draw near. Thus, his walk along the shore remained pleasantly undisturbed.
He continued onward until a massive pleasure boat came into view. Perched atop the grand vessel stood an exquisitely ornate pavilion. Curiosity stirred, Tian You headed toward it—only to catch snippets of conversation from nearby women before he even drew close.
“Isn’t that Young Master Li standing by the shore? Why hasn’t he left at this hour?”
“Right? Ever since Hua Zhaoxue left last night, he’s been waiting there! Still no sign of her!”
“How devoted… Even though Hua Zhaoxue is the only one in Huanan blessed with the Prayer Aura, must she be so heartless?”
“…Um… can I say something? Young Master Li’s standing at the *back* door…”
“…Then why don’t *you* go remind him!”
“I dare not!”
Hua Zhaoxue? Sister Zhaoxue?
Hearing her name repeated, Tian You felt a flicker of curiosity. Yet too shy to approach unfamiliar young women, he hesitated briefly—then let it go.
*Sigh*… “I should just ask Sister Zhaoxue directly. Prying behind her back doesn’t feel right…” Resolved, he pressed on toward the boat.
As he neared, he spotted a refined young gentleman in a long robe gazing dazedly at the vessel, a yellow bead clutched in his hand.
*This must be the Young Master Li they mentioned.*
Tian You’s violet eyes swept over him once—taking in the lovesick expression, recalling the chatter. He hadn’t caught the exact nature of their connection, only assuming they knew each other. Driven by the hope of finding Hua Zhaoxue aboard, he stepped closer.
...
Li Bai shifted his gaze from the boat to the yellow bead in his palm. Carved precisely at its center was the character “Ling.” Conflict flickered deep in his eyes.
“If it weren’t absolutely necessary… I truly wouldn’t pay such a price…”
Just then, an ethereal voice sounded behind him: “Excuse me—are you Young Master Li?”
Startled, Li Bai instinctively tucked the bead away and turned.
He met a pair of violet eyes shimmering like a starry river. Dazed, he shook his head sharply, stepped back, and finally focused on the visitor.
Seeing the youth’s transcendent grace and unfamiliar face, Li Bai cupped his hands respectfully. “You honor me. I am Li Bai. May I ask your business, young master?”
Tian You offered a gentle smile. Though appearing merely a delicate youth, that smile paired with his breathtaking violet eyes left Li Bai momentarily stunned.
“Were you… waiting here for Sister Zhaoxue?”
Hearing the intimate address, Li Bai’s expression stiffened. His tone turned slightly strained: “Yes… May I ask—what is your relationship with Miss Zhaoxue?”
*Relationship?*
Though less than a day had passed, Hua Zhaoxue’s tender care had stirred quiet ripples in his heart…
“Um… She’s sort of like my sister,” Tian You replied, a trace of uncertainty in his voice.
Relief washed over Li Bai. *She’s at the Flower Pavilion—I lacked an excuse to go… This is perfect!* Heart lifting, he kept his tone warm: “What a coincidence. I was heading inside too. I’m somewhat acquainted with your sister. If you don’t mind, allow me to escort you?”
A faint unease flickered in Tian You’s chest—but his goal was the boat. No time to ponder. He gave a slight nod.
...
Inside the Flower Pavilion, Hua Zhaoxue had rightfully claimed the title of Flower Queen after last night’s performance. After tidying lingering matters and with a quiet moment to spare, she sat alone in her specially prepared room, lost in thought.
Though their time together spanned less than a day, Tian You’s face—especially those crystal-clear, breathtaking violet eyes—had etched itself deeply into her heart. Just as she and Nie Wangqing had believed his spirit matched his ethereal beauty, the lone figure beneath the moonlight had shattered that illusion.
“Tian You… just what kind of person *are* you…?”
Unconsciously, fierce curiosity bloomed for this enigmatic youth.
Knock, knock, knock—
“Zhaoxue… Young Master Li is here again. Says he’s bringing congratulatory gifts.” Sister Zhao’s voice carried mild helplessness.
Hua Zhaoxue sighed softly. “Please decline for me, Sister Zhao. Say I’m unwell and cannot receive guests today.”
A pause. Then: “Zhaoxue… forgive my boldness, but he waited outside all night. Isn’t this a bit…?”
She understood. Gentle yet principled, she opened her mouth to reaffirm—
“Oh! Right—he mentioned bringing your *younger brother* today. Wait… do you have other relatives, Zhaoxue?”
Silence.
“Zhaoxue? Zhaoxue?”
*Younger brother?!*
Tian You?!
*How did he come here?!*
Hua Zhaoxue shot up from her chair, her exquisite face flushed with panic.
Though pure in heart, she feared what Tian You might think seeing her here.
*That’s why I rose early—to settle this before he woke!*
Never did she imagine he’d follow.
“What do I do… what do I do?!”
Above all—she could not bear those exquisite violet eyes ever looking at her with even a hint of doubt.
