“Zhi Zhi, don’t force yourself. I’ll go and come back soon.”
After saying that, Fu Shiyue turned and left.
Watching his back, Xue Zhi took a deep breath and silently made up her mind. In her previous life, she had seen countless grand scenes—this little matter was nothing to her.
Back in the capital in her past life, many noble ladies had affairs with their household stewards, coachmen, and even monks. There were also women who used all kinds of means to get what they wanted—poisoning, pretending to be innocent, acting weak and pitiful, scheming… she had seen it all.
Even some officials and eunuchs dared to have relations with imperial consorts—so bold they wouldn’t even have enough heads to lose.
When she was bored in the past, these scandals were her favorite entertainment. Only such things could stir her emotions.
Compared to them, what she was doing now was nothing at all—not even worth a fingertip.
The more she thought, the more convinced she became.
She hadn’t forced Fu Shiyue into anything, nor had she deliberately seduced him. She was merely taking advantage of the fact that he already liked her and quickly drawing closer to him—that was all.
After mentally convincing herself, Xue Zhi settled her thoughts.
Not long after, Fu Shiyue returned after changing clothes. He brought in a reclining chair and a blanket. After arranging everything, he said, “It’s late. Go to sleep.”
“I’ll stay here tonight. You can rest peacefully.”
Xue Zhi hadn’t expected him to be so considerate.
A man usually couldn’t control himself around a woman he liked—so why was Fu Shiyue acting like this?
Or… was she not attractive enough to him?
But didn’t he like her?
Xue Zhi tested him carefully. “Brother Shiyue, the chair might be uncomfortable. Why don’t you sleep on the bed instead?”
“No need.”
“But—”
“There’s nothing to but. Sleep.”
Helpless, Xue Zhi lay down and turned her back to him.
Even though there was a man in the room and it was raining outside, she felt unusually safe. Gradually, she fell asleep.
An oil lamp burned in the room, something Fu Shiyue had lit so she wouldn’t be afraid.
Under the dim yellow light, Xue Zhi unknowingly turned over. Fu Shiyue looked at her gentle face and couldn’t help but smile, his expression soft and indulgent.
It felt like the Zhi Zhi he had once lost… had returned.
The next morning, when he heard the rooster crowing from a neighboring house, Fu Shiyue slowly woke up.
The first thing he saw was Xue Zhi. Startled, he sat up abruptly, then quickly calmed himself after remembering what had happened last night. He picked up the blanket, moved quietly out of the room, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Xue Zhi woke up later, smelling food. She looked around and saw no sign of Fu Shiyue—only the empty reclining chair. If not for it, she might have thought last night was just a dream.
She got dressed and stepped out, only to meet Fu Shiyue’s eyes.
He had finished cooking and was about to call her, but hesitated at the door, not wanting to wake her.
There was a brief, awkward silence.
Xue Zhi spoke first. “Brother Shiyue, why didn’t you wake me for cooking?”
“It’s the same whoever does it,” he replied, coughing lightly. “The meal is ready. Come eat.”
“You’re troubling yourself again,” Xue Zhi said softly. “Ever since you saved me, I feel like I’ve been relying on you. I haven’t even repaid you for the room, and now you’re cooking for me and taking care of me…”
“I really don’t know how to repay you.”
She stepped closer to him. “Brother Shiyue, do you like anything? Or is there anything you want to do? Tell me anything—I can help you. I may not promise everything, but I’ll try my best.”
“I don’t have anything I particularly like, nor anything I want to do,” Fu Shiyue said. “Don’t think about this. We’re neighbors, and you call me brother. It’s only right I help you.”
He actually did have someone he liked.
Fu Shiyue had once had a dark thought.
He knew Xue Zhi was currently isolated and vulnerable—any warmth given to her now would feel like saving her in the snow. Like now.
If he said he liked her, she would likely agree to anything he asked.
But that wasn’t what he wanted.
He liked her—but he wanted her to willingly like him back.
Forcing it would not only go against his principles, it would also hurt her.
Hearing this, Xue Zhi’s pupils contracted.
Normal?
Where was that normal?
How could people help each other for no reason?
If Fu Shiyue didn’t like her, why would he help her?
Last night she had already tested him. She thought men were drawn to women’s looks or bodies—but Fu Shiyue hadn’t crossed any boundaries at all.
Then… what exactly did he want from her?
She hesitated. “Brother Shiyue, you—”
Before she could finish, he quickly changed the subject. “Alright, stop talking about this. Eat first.”
Just as they were about to eat, a loud laugh came from outside the courtyard.
“Is anyone home? Anyone there?”
A woman’s loud, excited voice came as she walked in.
When she saw Fu Shiyue and Xue Zhi eating together, she paused in surprise. “Oh? Even Scholar Fu is here?”
Both of them frowned at the same time.
Because the woman standing before them was the most famous matchmaker in the surrounding ten villages.
Xue Zhi: Not again… I haven’t even picked this peach yet—someone’s already trying to take it?
Fu Shiyue: Did I arrive too late again?