Her Waist Was So Slender.
Shen Su felt sticky all over. The weather was already stifling, and after the encounter with the bandits, she had been both frightened and startled. Though she appeared calm and composed on the surface, her undergarments were long soaked with sweat, clinging uncomfortably to her skin.
Traveling with this group of men, she ought to have toned down her beauty to minimize her presence, only then could she ensure her safety. But her face was far too striking and alluring; even if she tried to hide it, it would be impossible.
Since she couldn’t conceal it, she might as well hold her head high and let everyone see her openly.
Especially Qin Yu. She wanted to catch his attention.
Shen Su voiced her desire to bathe, knowing it might come across as somewhat spoiled. Among so many people, who would bother to heat water just for her?
But this was also a test, to gauge Qin Yu’s impression of her and how much he would tolerate.
After all, when they first met at the foot of the mountain, it was he who bent down and reached out, pulling her up from the ground in her disheveled state. His tall, green-clad figure shielded her from the prying eyes of the others as he removed his light outer robe and draped it over her shoulders.
Life in the old mansion hadn’t been easy for Shen Su. Though she had seen many men, their gazes were often murky and covetous. Few had eyes as clear and pure as Qin Yu’s, free of ulterior motives, free of desire.
He had simply done her a small kindness, covering her exposed skin and preserving her dignity as a woman, that thin, fragile layer of self-respect.
Shen Su admitted frankly that in that moment, when she looked up at Qin Yu, who stood half a head taller than her, her heart had skipped a beat. Blushing, she lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes again, and murmured softly, “Thank you.”
Perhaps it had been nothing more than a trivial act of courtesy on his part, born of his upbringing and character. But to Shen Su, it was an immense kindness.
A man like that, it was hard not to be moved.
Shen Su twisted her fingers lightly, waiting for Qin Yu’s response after making her request.
In truth, during this season, even a few steps indoors could make one sweat. Noble young ladies bathed two or three times a day, let alone Shen Su, who had just tumbled down a mountain slope. A bath was all she wanted.
To Qin Yu, her request was as natural as asking for a meal perfectly reasonable, not at all spoiled.
“Please wait a moment, miss,” Qin Yu said, glancing at the dilapidated temple behind him. His voice was calm. “Once we’ve cleared a place to stay, I’ll have someone heat water for you.”
Shen Su hadn’t expected Qin Yu to be so accommodating. She folded her hands at her waist and dipped into a graceful curtsy, her voice soft and sweet, melting straight into the heart. “Thank you, young master.”
The test had succeeded.
Yun Zhi, standing behind Shen Su, nodded and bowed to Qin Yu. “Thank you, young master.”
Qin Yu’s gaze flickered toward Chen San and the others, who seemed eager to strike up a conversation with Shen Su. To divert their attention, he took the initiative to ask, “What is your name, miss?”
The two women addressed each other as sisters, but their appearances were nothing alike.
Shen Su, with her delicate, soft demeanor, clearly looked like a pampered young lady who had never known hardship. The one behind her, clutching a bundle with a wary expression, was likely her maid.
Shen Su lied without hesitation, her lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly, brushing lightly against one’s heart. “This humble one is surnamed Su, given name Qingqing. This is my cousin, Yun Zhi. If you don’t mind, young master, you may call us by our names.”
Qin Yu nodded, as if he hadn’t heard the latter half of her words. “Very well, Miss Su.”
Shen Su, “…”
Had she failed again?
Shen Su couldn’t quite grasp Qin Yu’s intentions, yet she could sense the other’s possessiveness, keeping her close and preventing her from wandering elsewhere.
Shen Su was no delicate flower raised in sheltered seclusion. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to outmaneuver the mountain bandits for so long before seizing the chance to escape with Yun Zhi.
Her peripheral glance caught the disdainful sneers of the men as they looked Qin Yu over, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Qin Yu was using her to draw their resentment.
Did these men not respect this young master?
A lion that couldn’t command the pride yet monopolized the juiciest prey, what awaited it was obvious.
Even Shen Su could see this much. She refused to believe Qin Yu was oblivious.
She lifted her gaze to Qin Yu, whose features blurred the lines between masculine and feminine carrying both a woman’s bold elegance and a youth’s cold sharpness. Truly, a first-class face.
With looks and status like this, Qin Yu must have had chamber maids or the like before.
Shen Su had initially scolded herself for being shameless plotting against someone who had saved her. Though circumstances forced her hand, it still felt underhanded.
But now, sensing the weight of those hostile gazes fixed on Qin Yu behind her, Shen Su’s eyelid twitched. The earlier flickers of intrigue and guilt vanished entirely.
All she could think now was: Qin Yu, you absolute scoundrel! A grown man using a “helpless” woman like me as bait!
This big-tailed wolf!
Cursing inwardly, Shen Su smiled outwardly, her lovely face radiating charm as she played her role as “bait” to perfection.
Just you wait!
This lady will collect her interest!
Qin Yu inexplicably felt Shen Su’s smile grow increasingly dazzling, as if she were unleashing her full allure. Instinctively, Qin Yu leaned back slightly, baffled. ?
Shen Su was like a flamboyant peony in full bloom petals unfurled, branches outstretched utterly enticing.
Had Qin Yu actually been a man, faced with such beauty, she would’ve surely lost control of herself.
A wave of relief washed over Qin Yu. Thank goodness I’m a woman.
She felt absolutely nothing toward the fox-like, bewitching Shen Su.
Both harbored their own schemes and thoughts, yet all was concealed beneath flawless facades, their conversation appearing nothing but congenial.
As Qin Yu and Shen Su chatted with apparent intimacy, Chen San scoffed in the distance, jealousy gnawing at him.
He snorted in displeasure. “Has he even grown all his hair yet? Instead of learning anything useful, all he’s mastered is romantic frivolity. Truly befitting a young master, matches that pretty-boy face of his.”
That woman had been rescued by all of them. Why was she only smiling sweetly at Qin Yu? Would it kill her to spare a few more words for the rest?
Besides, the woman looked like a seductress, her curvaceous figure enough to make any man’s blood run hot.
Among the men present, some were married, others still single and unattached. Seeing Shen Su now, it was hard not to entertain certain thoughts.
The married ones craved excitement; the single ones hoped for an easy catch. Their gazes toward Shen Su were like wolves eyeing a prime cut of meat, itching to take a bite.
But right now, that meat was in Qin Yu’s hands.
Chen San, already resentful of Qin Yu, let his eyes dart around before a smirk curled his lips.
What if the woman Qin Yu fancies falls into my hands first?
Wouldn’t that just humiliate him to death?
“A bath, huh?” Chen San suddenly became enthusiastic. “Alright, miss, you wait here. I’ll go check if there’s a well.”
He called to one of his men, “Lao Wu, take some people to gather dry firewood before the rain starts.”
Lao Wu was ordered around and felt particularly resentful towards Chen San’s bossy attitude. He muttered under his breath, “What a show-off. He’s just got his eye on someone.”
If Chen San wanted to curry favor, he could do it himself, why drag him into it? “Hmm,” Lao Wu responded half-heartedly.
There was a well inside the temple, so they didn’t need to fetch water elsewhere. The nearby woods made firewood easy to find.
The bearded man approached Qin Yu and said, “Young Master, the temple is too dilapidated. We’ve only managed to clear out two rooms that can shelter from wind and rain. One is for you, and the other for the two young ladies. The rest of us will sleep in the main hall tonight.”
He added, “This weather isn’t too cold, so we can manage for one night. Once the rain passes, we’ll continue our journey tomorrow. Does that work for you?”
Qin Yu nodded. “Let’s do that for now.”
Everyone moved the usable luggage and provisions into the main hall while using a broken pot found in the temple to boil water.
Shen Su was lucky enough to find a wooden bucket, though old and decayed, it was still serviceable. She and Yunzhi scrubbed it clean repeatedly, planning to use it for a bath that evening.
As for the men, they simply stood by the well and rinsed themselves with cold water.
As dusk fell, the sky outside grew dark and gloomy, making it hard to tell whether it was late or just the overcast weather. Streaks of silver lightning flashed through the leaden clouds, followed by rumbling thunder. The rain that had been holding off all day finally poured down.
Qin Yu stood in the main hall, gazing at the Bodhisattva on the altar by the dim candlelight. The temple had likely been abandoned for years, every surface was thick with dust, the hall filled with cobwebs and two tattered prayer mats.
The statue of Guanyin enshrined above was also worn and chipped, revealing the clay beneath. Holding a jade vial, she looked down with eyes full of compassion for the mortal world.
Life is fraught with suffering, and even the Bodhisattva is powerless to change it. Faced with humanity, all she can offer is boundless pity and sorrow.
Qin Yu clasped one hand behind her back, staring at the Bodhisattva who couldn’t even protect “herself,” and thought of her own plight and of “Su Qingqing” in her tattered clothes from earlier that day.
She had intended to use “Su Qingqing” to provoke discontent among the group, giving her a legitimate reason to discipline certain members and assert her authority.
But as a woman herself, she knew how crucial chastity was to a woman’s reputation. So while she used her as bait, she wouldn’t actually put her in harm’s way. Afterward, she planned to take “Su Qingqing” to the capital as repayment.
“Wonder if they’ve finished bathing yet,” someone said as the group gathered around the fire in the hall, drinking and chatting. “Women take forever with their baths not like us, just a quick rinse and done.”
“They only had one bundle with them. Wonder if they even have spare clothes to change into after washing.”
“What if they don’t… ahem.” The speaker abruptly cut himself off when Qin Yu’s sharp gaze swept over, not daring to finish the crude joke.
Noticing Qin Yu looking their way, Lao Wu spoke up, “Young Master, there’s still some hot water left in the pot. Would you like to wash up too?”
Qin Yu nodded. “Alright.”
The moment Qin Yu left, the chatter resumed, inevitably circling back to women.
Chen San shot Lao Wu a glare and sneered, “Some people are just too obvious with their bootlicking.”
Lao Wu pretended not to hear. Qin Yu was the rightful heir of the Qin family, what was Chen San even thinking?
In the backyard, Yunzhi stood guard by the door. “Miss, they brought over a blanket, said it’s for covering at night.”
“I think it looks a bit small. I’m not sure if it can fit two people.” Yunzhi frowned with concern.
The stiflingly hot night finally gave way to a breeze.
The cool wind carried the dampness of impending rain, rushing straight into the room. Yunzhi felt a chill and rubbed her arms when suddenly, she heard a “click.” “Oh no, the window blew open.”
Shen Su was mostly submerged in the wooden tub when the old, battered window was forced open by the wind, sending a cool draft across her shoulders and neck.
No matter how Yunzhi tried, she couldn’t close the window. Shen Su, covering her shoulders with her hands, said softly, “The latch must be broken. Find a small piece of wood to wedge it shut.”
“Alright.” The moment Yunzhi let go, the window swung open again in the wind.
“It’s fine. I’m done bathing anyway. I’ll dry off and come out now.” Shen Su reached for the dirty clothes nearby to wipe herself, signaling Yunzhi to find the wood. Yunzhi still needed to bathe later, and they couldn’t keep enduring the draft.
As Shen Su dried herself and prepared to dress, Yunzhi finally left.
The sash that should have been tied properly was instead loosened casually after Shen Su heard Yunzhi’s voice, her red lips pressing lightly together.
The soft fabric draped over her shoulders slid down along her smooth skin, revealing half of her back.
Yunzhi called out loudly, “Young Master Qin, are you heading to the kitchen?”
She raised her voice deliberately to warn Shen Su, Qin Yu was passing by, so she should hurry and dress.
The room had no partitions between inner and outer spaces, just an open layout. Without an oil lamp, the tub had been placed by the window to make use of the faint outdoor light.
Now, with the window blown open, the entire scene inside was visible at a glance.
Yunzhi thought, At least Miss has already put on her clothes.
Qin Yu nodded at Yunzhi and continued walking.
On her way to the kitchen, she passed under the corridor and noticed the wide-open window of “Su Qingqing’s” room. Unable to resist, she glanced inside.
The woman seemed to have just stepped out of the tub, her back to the window. Her damp, jet-black hair was gathered over her left shoulder, revealing skin as pale as fine snow and a slender neck.
The soft pink underrobe had only been slipped onto one arm, so Qin Yu caught a glimpse of her slender waist. Even from behind, the sight stirred a faint itch in her heart.
Perhaps sensing the gaze from outside, Shen Su frowned slightly, pulling the right side of her robe over her shoulder with her left hand as she turned to look back.
Qin Yu’s heart leaped into her throat. Guiltily, she averted her eyes and strode away in haste.
Watching the retreating figure in cyan-green, Shen Su curved her lips into a slow smile and leisurely retied her sash.
Meanwhile, on the corridor, Qin Yu didn’t stop until she was far away.
The cool breeze brushed against her burning face but did nothing to dispel the heat.
Qin Yu was utterly bewildered.
Why the hell was she blushing?!
Though she disguised herself as a man, she was still a woman, the same gender as the other person. So why had her face flushed just from an accidental glimpse of a woman’s back?
Qin Yu’s delicate brows furrowed tightly, her thin lips pressed together. When she locked the door to bathe, she glanced down at her own modest chest, her expression solemn and serious.
Yet all she could think about was:
How does such a slender waist support those full curves?
Doesn’t it hurt her back?