After arriving at the estate, Gu Zhan learned that Liu San was already at the cuju field. He did not get out of the carriage and directly ordered Pingliang to drive there.
On the field, several young men dressed in tight-fitting training outfits were playing cuju. They were divided into two teams, each with a goalpost at either end. The leather-wrapped ball was passed back and forth beneath their feet. Excited shouts and frustrated groans occasionally rang out. Their backs were already soaked with sweat, yet their faces were filled with smiles.
When Gu Zhan arrived, he saw exactly this scene. Looking at their expressions, he could not help but curl his lips. These were people who truly loved cuju.
Liu San’s attendant spotted Gu Zhan and quickly reported to his master. Liu San turned around and saw Gu Zhan standing at the edge of the field.
Slightly surprised by Gu Zhan’s sudden visit, Liu San walked over with a smile.
“Second Young Master’s presence truly brightens this humble place.”
Perhaps due to frequent participation in cuju, Liu San was not as pale as Gu Zhan. Instead, his skin had a healthy bronze tone.
Gu Zhan withdrew his gaze. “I heard Zizhan has formed a cuju team, so I became curious and came to take a look.”
Liu San, named Kang, courtesy name Zizhan.
Just then, Wen Yunyue, who had arrived half a step behind Gu Zhan, stepped down from the carriage.
Seeing her, Liu Kang raised a brow. “We have known each other for so long, yet this is the first time Second Young Master has brought a woman. This must be Miss Wen?”
The news of Gu Zhan and Wen Yunyue’s engagement had long spread throughout the capital.
Wen Yunyue smiled softly. “It is indeed me.”
As she spoke, she subtly moved a step closer to Gu Zhan.
Gu Zhan stiffened. He forced himself to suppress the urge to move away. As a man, he could not act afraid of a woman. That would be too embarrassing.
Liu Kang’s eyes flickered. He pretended to sigh dramatically. “The two of you look so affectionate. Are you deliberately trying to torment a lonely man like me?”
Liu Kang was only twenty. The Duchess of Liu was already arranging a marriage for him. Because of his poor reputation, finding a suitable match was not easy.
However, he was still unmarried but already had concubines and maidservants in his household.
In noble families, young men were generally not allowed to touch women before coming of age. After reaching adulthood, however, it was common for families to arrange maidservants to teach them about intimacy.
Gu Lin’s current concubine Yuruic was originally a maid in the Old Royal Consort’s service.
Normally, Gu Zhan would also have such arrangements after coming of age.
These were standard practices among aristocratic families. Wen Yunyue understood this, so she simply smiled without responding to Liu Kang’s remark.
Gu Zhan had no intention of marrying Wen Yunyue at all. In his mind, he was no different from Liu Kang, so he naturally had no interest in comforting him.
As a result, Liu Kang’s words were met with silence.
Liu Kang, thick-skinned as ever, did not feel awkward. He smoothly changed the topic.
“Second Young Master is interested in my cuju team?”
At the mention of cuju, Gu Zhan’s interest immediately rose. Ignoring the subtle contact with Wen Yunyue, he said, “Yes. Zizhan, are you interested in playing a match with me?”
From the moment he arrived, Gu Zhan had been itching to play.
Liu Kang was surprised. “Second Young Master knows cuju?”
They had known each other for a long time, but Liu Kang had never heard of this before.
Gu Zhan smiled. “Whether I know or not, we will find out once we try.”
Liu Kang nodded. “As you wish.”
He knew he could not afford to offend Gu Zhan. Whether he was skilled or not, if Gu Zhan wanted to play, he had to accompany him.
“However, for cuju, Second Young Master’s clothing is not suitable.”
Gu Zhan’s robe would hinder his movement.
“That is simple. Zizhan can just lend me one of your team uniforms.”
Liu Kang immediately sent someone to fetch the clothing.
Seeing this, Wen Yunyue’s eyes flickered. As far as she knew, Gu Zhan was very particular about clothing and only wore garments made of fine materials.
Yet his behavior was repeatedly breaking her understanding of him. This only made her more certain that something must have happened to Gu Zhan.
Not only Wen Yunyue, Zhang Liu and Pingliang were also surprised. They had assumed only his personality had changed, but now even his habits seemed different.
Was a nightmare really that powerful?
They silently wondered, but did not dare to ask.
Gu Zhan, in his excitement, had already forgotten the original Gu Zhan’s habits.
Liu Kang, however, had not known much about those habits and only felt that Gu Zhan had changed. Compared to before, he no longer carried that oppressive arrogance.
In the past, interacting with Gu Zhan required Liu Kang to constantly remind himself of his father’s warning not to offend him. Otherwise, Gu Zhan’s attitude alone would have made him want to punch him.
But today, regardless of skill, Gu Zhan’s demeanor was far more pleasant.
Wen Yunyue and the others’ thoughts aside, Gu Zhan had already changed into new clothes.
It was the first time Wen Yunyue saw him in black. The tight, narrow-sleeved outfit made him look clean and sharp.
Seeing her looking at him, Gu Zhan felt slightly uncomfortable. “What is it?”
Wen Yunyue smiled gently and untied the plain ribbon from her hair. Her long hair fell down instantly.
She walked behind Gu Zhan, rising slightly on her toes, and used the ribbon to tie up his hair so it would not fall loosely.
“If you are playing cuju, it is not suitable to have your hair down,” she said.
After finishing, she walked around to face him again.
Gu Zhan let her actions continue the entire time. His mind was filled with how stunning she had looked just now. Only when she spoke did he come back to his senses and awkwardly say, “Thank you,” before quickly running onto the field.
As he ran, he touched his suddenly accelerated heartbeat. Was it because he had not played for too long and was too excited?
Liu Kang also changed into his outfit. He wore white, belonging to the opposing team.
Since his team had only recently formed, they did not have enough members for two full squads, so they decided to play a single-goal version of cuju.
In this format, teams do not directly compete simultaneously. Instead, they take turns attacking, and the team with more goals wins.
Before the match began, both sides faced each other.
Liu Kang smiled. “Second Young Master, don’t be angry if you lose later.”
Gu Zhan replied calmly, “Naturally. On the field, everything depends on skill.”
Soon, the match began. Gu Zhan took the role of primary striker.
Those on the field knew they were merely accompanying him. Regardless of performance, their task was simply to assist.
Liu Kang said, “Guest first.”
Gu Zhan did not refuse. “Very well.”
After several passes among his teammates, the ball was finally sent to Gu Zhan. He controlled it, steadied it, then looked toward the center goal.
His gaze sharpened. He struck the ball hard.
Everyone’s attention followed it.
Bang!
The ball hit the side board near the goal instead of going in.
Liu Kang’s team cheered immediately. Gu Zhan’s teammates hesitated, unsure whether they should comfort him. Given his status, they were too intimidated to speak.
Gu Zhan spoke first. “Sorry, I did not perform well.”
The others widened their eyes, then quickly shook their heads.
“It is not your fault, Second Young Master.”
“Yes, everyone misses sometimes.”
“You already did very well.”
They spoke one after another, all trying to excuse him. In their eyes, it was already remarkable that someone of his status would even apologize.
Gu Zhan smiled. “Then let us work hard together next time.”
“Alright!”
They responded loudly.
Wen Yunyue could not hear their conversation, but she could tell from their expressions that they were getting along well.
“It seems Second Young Master really likes cuju,” she said casually.
Zhang Liu quickly replied, “Second Young Master used to only watch matches. This is his first time playing.”
Wen Yunyue seemed thoughtful.
On the field, the match continued. Liu Kang performed well and scored the first goal.
“Second Young Master, I yield.”
His expression carried some pride.
Gu Zhan’s competitive spirit was stirred. “It has only just begun. Anything can happen.”
However, his words were quickly proven wrong. He failed to score the second attempt.
Neither did Liu Kang.
Gu Zhan was not discouraged. He was gradually getting into rhythm.
On the next round, the ball returned to him. He kept juggling it, eyes fixed on the goal. At a precise moment, he kicked the ball upward, jumped, and struck it mid-air.
The ball flew directly toward the goal.
Everyone held their breath.
The ball passed through the goal.
He scored.
For a moment, the field fell silent, then erupted in cheers.
Zhang Liu shouted loudly. Wen Yunyue also seemed to smile faintly.
Liu Kang was surprised. He had not expected Gu Zhan to actually have some skill.
“Second Young Master is impressive,” he praised.
Gu Zhan modestly replied, “Zizhan flatters me.”
With his first goal scored, their team finally had hope.