The moonlight fell on the white snow covering the ground, reflecting a bright scene in the courtyard. The cold wind outside the house blows intermittently.
When Shen Qingyao left her courtyard, she didn’t think much about it. Besides casually putting on a cloak, she didn’t even add an extra piece of clothing. Now, being blown by the wind, she realized it was really cold. Thinking about her current health condition, which easily leads to illness with just a gust of wind, she couldn’t help but curse herself : If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned.
It’s awkward to barge in now. Should she go back? Shen Qingyao hesitated, and the person inside the room spoke again. It was a deep and pleasant male voice.
He seemed extremely restrained and controlled, his voice dangerous: “You’re quite bold, daring to plot against the Emperor and Empress Dowager like this. If he finds out that you orchestrated this arranged marriage, do you think he’ll still let us marry?”
Arranged marriage? Plotting? Shen Qingyao was shocked. Did she miss something in the plot??
At this moment, her Elder Sister spoke, not afraid or panicked at all, but rather relaxed and cheerful: “So what if he know? Isn’t there still you to clean up after me?”
“You’re so sure that I will help you clean up?” Xiao Mu’s voice was not as icy as before, but it still sent a shiver down one’s spine.
Shen Qingli countered, “Hmm? Won’t you?” Her voice was soft, making Shen Qingyao almost lose her composure.
The two inside the room fell silent again, with only some faint noises heard. Although it was unlikely, to Shen Qingyao outside the room, it sounded a lot like they were engaging in some indescribable activities. Her face turned completely red, and she hurriedly tried to escape. As she turned around, she bumped into someone behind her.
Shen Qingyao had no idea when someone had stood behind her. Startled, she subconsciously wanted to shout, but her mouth was covered. Then, she smelled a familiar cold fragrance, followed by a familiar voice : “Shh, don’t shout.”
It was Lu Zhao. Shen Qingyao’s heart settled down halfway. Immediately, it surged again. Why was White Moonlight here??
She looked up at him in shock. Lu Zhao pursed his lips, looking at her. His face showed little expression, but his eyes were narrowed mischievously, as if silently asking her, “What are you doing here in the middle of the night?”
…Shen Qingyao’s mouth was still covered, and she blinked in confusion, wondering how the situation had turned out like this.
“System? System?!” What’s going on??
But the system didn’t respond. Can the system also take a break? Shen Qingyao felt a bit desperate.
Then, a sudden realization struck her. Today was the day the news of her Elder Sister’s arranged marriage was announced. Could White Moonlight be here to find her Elder Sister? But Xiao Mu was inside!
Shen Qingyao became alert. She absolutely couldn’t let Lu Zhao go inside! If he went in, it would definitely turn into a chaotic scene! His blackening value would surely increase!!
So, before Lu Zhao could ask, she pulled his hand tightly in hers, preparing to take the initiative : “Why are you here?”
Lu Zhao remained silent for a moment, looking somewhat contemplative as he glanced at his hand firmly held by her. He didn’t know how to explain for a moment.
Seemingly sensing the commotion outside, the fragmented conversation inside abruptly stopped. Shen Qingyao’s body hair stood on end, and her mind was filled with the thought: She must not let the main characters discover that she’s outside!
Without thinking, she interrupted Lu Zhao who was heitating to say something : “Don’t… don’t say anything for now! Let’s go!”
With that, she held onto Lu Zhao with one hand and grabbing her pillow with the other, then she hastily pulled him out of this troublesome place.
Lu Zhao found it somewhat amusing, but seeing the vivid expression on the young girl’s face, he didn’t say much. Being held by Shen Qingyao, he turned to glance at the half-open window behind him, coincidentally meeting Xiao Mu’s gaze. Lu Zhao smiled, but didn’t say anything, pretending not to have noticed, and obediently followed Shen Qingyao away.
“What’s happening outside?” Shen Qingli paused halfway through her words, looking at Xiao Mu. She kept staring outside the window, feeling nervous. Could it be that someone was secretly watching?
Xiao Mu, however, withdrew his gaze indifferently, pulling Shen Qingli back and preventing her from approaching the window: “Nothing, it’s Lu Zhao.”
“Lu Zhao?” Shen Qingli widened her eyes. How could he be here? Thinking that Yaoyao’s courtyard was nearby, she somewhat understood, couldn’t help but smile, but didn’t ask anything more.
On the other side, Shen Qingyao pulled Lu Zhao along with great enthusiasm, not at all resembling someone with a delicate body. She led him all the way to her own courtyard before stopping.
Shen Qingyao didn’t know if she was in a hurry or feeling cold, her little face was red. She suddenly turned around, only to see Lu Zhao still looking calm and unhurried. It was as if it wasn’t late at night under the full moon, and this wasn’t someone else’s home. It seemed like a leisurely stroll in his own backyard, leaving Shen Qingyao stunned. This was truly the state of being unshaken even when Mount Tai collapses!
“Elder Brother Lu Zhao, why are you in my house?” Clueless as she was, the important question had to be asked first!
Lu Zhao raised an eyebrow, moved his hand slightly, and with a hint of a smile, he asked her, “Do you want me to say it like this?”
Shen Qingyao looked down and realized she was still holding onto him tightly. Her face turned red, and she quickly stepped back, releasing her grip. Lu Zhao clicked his tongue, looking at his empty palm as if somewhat regretful.
“Yaoyao thinks, why am I here so late?” Lu Zhao smiled, not answering directly.
Of course, he came to find Elder Sister, otherwise, why else would he be here?!
Shen Qingyao was clear in her mind but dared not say it. Having finally pulled him out, reminding him to go find her Elder Sister again would be stirring up trouble for herself. So, Shen Qingyao hesitated for a moment, and her acting skills started to load. “Elder Brother Lu Zhao, whatever you do, there must be a reason. How could I know… In any case, it can’t be for me.”
Clearly, she was looking forward to him coming for her, but she didn’t dare to say or even think about it. Lu Zhao squinted his eyes, suddenly feeling a bit stuffy. Clearly, she was a little girl who had been raised in the palm of her family’s hand. Why was she so self-deprecating and timid?
Thinking about her long-standing illness since childhood, Lu Zhao softened a bit. He helplessly flicked her forehead. “Yes, I came to find you.”
Why did he sound so unwilling? Shen Qingyao covered her forehead, pouted, and thought that he must be looking for her Elder Sister since he was at his Elder Sister’s courtyard. Lu Zhao probably didn’t want to make things awkward if he said it, so he followed her lead.
So, she cooperatively showed a shallow smile, but then the smile grew bigger and uncontrollable, as if showing the joy of seeing her beloved and didn’t want to be discovered by her beloved, showing shyness and restraint.
Lu Zhao’s expression softened even more. He lowered his head, saw the girl still holding a pillow, raised an eyebrow curiously, and suddenly burst into laughter.
Shen Qingyao also realized how ridiculous and childish her action of carrying a pillow to find her Elder Sister was. Her face blushed instantly. She clenched her fists in embarrassment, wishing she could throw the pillow at Lu Zhao’s handsome face.
“Why are you laughing, Elder Brother Lu Zhao!” Shen Qingyao became anxious. Seeing Lu Zhao still laughing, seemingly unable to stop, she became more embarrassed. Disregarding her carefully crafted image, she stuffed the pillow into Lu Zhao’s arms and turned to leave. As she walked away, she muttered, “What’s so funny!”
Lu Zhao was caught off guard and had a pillow stuffed on him. Subconsciously, he hugged it tightly, and the pillow still carried the fragrance of the young girl. Lu Zhao’s mind was momentarily in a daze, suddenly feeling that Shen Qingyao was much better than before. She was lively and happy, unlike the distant and lifeless appearance he often saw, always frowning and looking unhappy.
He couldn’t resist the urge to get closer to her, to tease her a bit and see more of her lively expressions.
Seeing that Shen Qingyao had really walked away, he hurriedly caught up with her, carrying the pillow and walking beside the young girl. “Yes, yes, I won’t laugh anymore. I’m not laughing at you.”
Lu Zhao’s voice was clear and intentionally softened at this moment. Shen Qingyao’s heart skipped a beat.
Hey, hey, no adding drama on your own!
Shen Qingyao glanced at him and reclaimed her pillow.
“So… why did you come to find me in the middle of the night?” Shen Qingyao stopped walking. She deliberately stopped calling him ‘Elder Brother Lu Zhao’ to make him embarrassed as she was sure that he was looking for her Elder Sister.
“*Cough*.” Lu Zhao coughed, wanting to say he just wanted to see if she was asleep, but he felt that saying so would sound too frivolous and flirtatious. After a moment of contemplation, he realized that regardless of the reason, sneaking into a girl’s courtyard in the middle of the night was already frivolous enough. So, he had to change the subject. “What about you? Why aren’t you sleeping and running around with a pillow?”
“I’m not running around!” Shen Qingyao explained in a low voice. It’s her own home, for heaven’s sake! “I… I thought the moonlight was just right and wanted to find Elder Sister to appreciate the moon! What’s wrong with that?”
“Appreciating the moon while holding a pillow?”
This pillow was becoming an issue! Shen Qingyao pouted, “Well… yes. Is that not allowed?”
Lu Zhao couldn’t help but reach out and poke the little girl’s puffed-up cheek. He chuckled, “Sure, it’s allowed.” He then moved his hand to the top of Shen Qingyao’s head, patting it gently. “I also thought the moonlight was just right and wanted to come find our Yaoyao to appreciate the moon. How about that?”
What an act! Shen Qingyao rolled her eyes inwardly, tilted her head to look at the sky, and saw that half of the moon was obscured by the eaves of the corridor, which moments ago was brightly shining. Now it was hidden behind clouds, and this position provided no visibility. It seemed like even the heavens didn’t want to cooperate with their little play.
However, Lu Zhao seemed to sense that she genuinely wanted to see the moon. Following her gaze, he thought for a moment, then took her hand and led her away. “Come.”
“Where are we going?” Shen Qingyao asked with a puzzled expression as he pulled her into the middle of the courtyard, where a flowering crabapple tree stood. Normally, Shen Qingyao loved sitting under this tree to bask in the sun. This was the first time she had been brought here to appreciate the moon at such a late hour.
Looking up at the sky, Shen Qingyao had to admit that Lu Zhao knew how to choose a spot. Standing here, they could see the clouds churning, the moonlight pouring down, and the shadows of the trees swaying. The crabapple blossoms had not yet opened, but the atmosphere suddenly became charming.
“It’s my first time seeing the moon like this,” Shen Qingyao murmured, speaking just to keep the conversation going. On one hand, she wanted to say a few more words to delay Lu Zhao, and on the other hand, the current atmosphere was indeed too good, making her feel peaceful for the first time since she transmigrated.
Lu Zhao silently smiled, staring at the side of her face with an inexplicable meaning. “I, on the other hand, see it quite often.”
“Brother Lu Zhao, what are you talking about?” Shen Qingyao asked in confusion. She turned her face and met his deep eyes. Suddenly, those eyes contained too many emotions, making it difficult for her to look away.
“Nothing,” Lu Zhao first averted his gaze, his voice carrying a hint of relief and satisfaction. “I mean, the moonlight is beautiful tonight.”
??? What??? Shen Qingyao’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly realized that, as a person from ancient times, Lu Zhao probably didn’t know the meme about ‘the moonlight is beautiful1.’ So, he most likely meant it literally. Shen Qingyao hurriedly looked away, but her heart couldn’t help but race.
Why is he suddenly adding drama again…
Then she saw the blackening value above Lu Zhao’s head slowly, with a *ding* sound, jumping to [10].
Shen Qingyao : …Her heart almost stopped, due to heart attack.
??? Can someone tell her why just looking at the moon can increase the blackening value? And by 3 points all at once!!!
- in Japanese, the phrase 月が綺麗ですね (tsuki ga kirei desu ne, literally means ‘the moonlight is beautiful’ is said to be a subtle way to say ‘I love you’ since ancient times. ↩︎
Is the blackening value love value or posesif value? I think it’s the later because the beginning is zero cause the ml don’t dare to move or show his love to the MC right? Not because he doesn’t love her?