#187: Reunion (1)

She was sitting among the flowers.

Blossoming like a summer lotus, she was at the peak of her beauty—soft pink petals, a faint fragrance, subtly yet unmistakably inviting admiration.

Dewdrops clung to the petals and her delicate collarbone. She lowered her head to wipe them away, revealing the smooth curve of her neck—a sight that beckoned one to leave a mark.

Gradually, the flowers around her disappeared. She reappeared on his bed, half-undressed, her sultry eyes luring him into intimacy. It reminded him of that private room on the third floor of Yi Lou, or even the humble military tent from many years ago during the harsh winter.

His vision swirled with kaleidoscopic images—sometimes he saw the familiar Huaijin Courtyard and Woyu Courtyard, other times an unfamiliar and dilapidated house. The only certainty was her presence, and the increasingly intoxicating scent emanating from beneath her clothing.

He kissed her without restraint, drawing closer to inhale the rich floral fragrance that permeated his soul. She seemed to try pushing him away, but he knew nothing could stop this now. Instead of releasing her, he deepened the kiss and tightened his grip on her wrist.

She had to be his, right now.

He wanted to possess this pink lotus, ensuring it bloomed only for him.

It was a base thought, yet it had taken root in his heart at that moment.

Later, she seemed to cry, but her arms around his neck clung tighter. She whispered something indistinct into his ear, her voice lost to him as his consciousness began to blur. All he could feel was the overwhelming joy of finally being united with her.

For a fleeting moment, he became dazed again. Memories of the past flooded his mind, as enchanting as spring rivers and moonlit flowers. She seemed to call out to him, sometimes “Master,” other times “Second Brother,” her voice bewitching, driving him nearly mad.

He was acutely aware of his descent—plummeting into a dream that was transgressive, absurd, yet exquisitely beautiful. It was as fragile as dew, destined to vanish at the first light of dawn.

Yet, at this moment, it brought him such ecstasy.

Wenwen, you will never know.

How much I love you.

Shen Xiling could no longer recall how everything ended that day.

She had never seen Qi Ying like that—completely consumed by desire, appearing domineering and unyielding. Perhaps it was due to the Five-Stone Powder; his mind was clouded, making him almost unrecognizable. He was... somewhat rough with her. Being inexperienced, she couldn’t endure such intensity, yet he still...

Shen Xiling gently wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, concealing the marks scattered across her body.

She gazed at the man sleeping beside her.

He was asleep, and even in the darkness, she could still make out the outline of his beautiful eyes. Even in slumber, he held her possessively, just as he always had.

Her feelings at that moment were hard to define—perhaps tinged with bitterness, but mostly sweetness.

She hadn’t expected all this to happen now. They still had so much unresolved between them, and their circumstances were uncertain. He probably hadn’t anticipated it either. Such a man of propriety—what would he think upon waking tomorrow and realizing what had transpired?

A mischievous thought suddenly crossed Shen Xiling’s mind, even tinged with a hint of amusement. She couldn’t wait to see his expression when he discovered everything.

She couldn’t help but laugh quietly.

But her smile quickly faded as she remembered his addiction to the Five-Stone Powder.

Yesterday, he thought she had left. In truth, she hadn’t. Though his words had deeply wounded her, she had no intention of leaving him. Ever since their separation five years ago, she had never truly believed they could find happiness together again. She stayed not to rekindle their past affection, but to protect him—to prevent him from touching the Five-Stone Powder again.

When she hid earlier, it was partly to calm her own emotions and partly to avoid provoking him further. By nightfall, she assumed things would have settled down, so she returned. Upon entering the courtyard, she found Qingzhu pacing anxiously outside his door. Seeing her return, he looked both surprised and relieved, as if he hadn’t expected to see her again.

A sense of foreboding overcame her, so she asked Qingzhu what had happened. After much hesitation, he finally revealed that Master Qi had once again used the Five-Stone Powder.

Shen Xiling was furious. Normally courteous to Qingzhu, she lashed out at him then: “You’ve been by his side for so many years. How could you just stand there and watch him use that deadly substance?”

Without waiting for his response, she hurriedly pushed open the door and entered the room.

Before going in, she had resolved not to yield this time. She planned to confront him properly, even threaten him. She decided to tell him that if he touched that substance again, she would follow suit—even prepared to take the powder in front of him. But then... he reached out and pulled her into his arms.

No matter how many years passed or what had transpired between them, her devotion to him remained unchanged. When he embraced her, she felt herself crumbling completely. This man always had a way of unsettling her heart.

He kissed her, caressed her, and carried her onto the bed. His body burned fiercely. His phoenix-like eyes were still beautiful, but no longer serene and profound—they now bore hints of madness, making her feel a strange fear.

She couldn’t help recalling her encounter at the Southeast Villa years ago.

That Yang Dong had also used the Five-Stone Powder. On that stormy night, when she angrily confronted him, he had already taken it. The drug drove him nearly insane, pinning her to the bed and attempting to violate her. If Qi Ying hadn’t arrived in time to save her, it would have become her lifelong nightmare.

And now, Qi Ying was just like Yang Dong back then. She knew his current state was due to the drug’s effects. Even his scent had changed—it was no longer purely the sweet flag she was familiar with and enamored by, but now mingled with the aroma of the Five-Stone Powder.

This frightened her.

Even though his touch ignited her desires, she still resisted inwardly. She couldn’t be sure if he even recognized who she was. If he mistook her for someone else, then...

She tried to push him away, resisting his kisses and caresses. But a man’s strength was beyond her ability to counter. He gripped her wrists tightly, just as he had instinctively done during their intimate moments in the past. The more she resisted, the angrier he seemed to become, eventually tearing open her clothes.

She felt a wave of despair. Yet, at that moment, she heard him murmur hoarsely in her ear:

“Wenwen.”

His voice was strained by desire, yet it was precisely this that seduced her all the more, like drinking a glass of aged wine, drowning her in an endless tide of passion.

...Did he know who she was?

Or, even if his mind was clouded, was she still the person in his thoughts?

Shen Xiling didn’t know. But that single word, “Wenwen,” utterly disarmed her. She could no longer resist his touch or his demands—and even... craved him more.

She responded passionately, wrapping her bare arms tightly around his neck, giving him everything she had while claiming everything of his in return.

So be it.

Regardless of what might happen in the future.

Regardless of whether they could ultimately be together.

Regardless of whether they would regret tonight upon waking.

None of it mattered.

...So be it.

Passion raged.

A night of springtime bliss.

By now, the heat of passion had long faded, and the sky was beginning to lighten. Though Shen Xiling was utterly exhausted, she found herself unable to fall asleep.

She gazed at the man so close to her, feeling his breath and warmth, momentarily mesmerized.

Unable to resist, she extended her fingers to lightly touch him—his jawline, his cheek, the corner of his eye. They were so close, as he had encircled her entirely in his embrace, their breaths intertwining.

Shen Xiling tilted her face slightly upward, slowly leaning closer to place a gentle kiss on his lips. Instantly, a flood of old memories surged into her mind. She recalled how, after the Spring Examination years ago, he had been injured by his father and spent some time recuperating at Fenghe Garden. One night, they slept together, and the next morning, she had secretly kissed him before fleeing in embarrassment. Thinking back now, it still made her smile.

Little did she expect history to repeat itself. This time, her stealthy kiss seemed to rouse him again. Perhaps he was naturally a light sleeper, easily awakened by the slightest sound.

This man... why was he always so tired?

As his eyelashes fluttered and he was about to wake, Shen Xiling instinctively pondered how she should approach him.

She could pretend to be asleep, avoiding any potential awkwardness. She could feign anger, seizing the upper hand and using the opportunity to scold him for using the Five-Stone Powder again. Or she could act indifferent, appearing magnanimous and thereby making their interaction more natural and dignified.

All were perfectly reasonable choices.

She had it all planned out. However, when Qi Ying opened his eyes, she cried.

Looking at him, she wept with utmost sorrow.

At that moment, Shen Xiling didn’t understand why she was crying. Her heart wasn’t filled with grievance—in fact, she secretly rejoiced in discovering his devotion to her. Yet, as he woke, her nose suddenly stung, and tears silently streamed down her face, making her appear utterly pitiful.

Only later did she realize why she had cried.

...She was pouting at him.

At that moment, she understood—he would never send her away again. Their fate was sealed. She could stay by his side forever, and he would always dote on and love her. Thus, she subconsciously grew petulant, knowing that the privileges she once had with him years ago had returned, even more potent than before.

She was eager to begin enjoying them anew.

And the more composed Shen Xiling appeared, the more discomfited Qi Ying felt.

Young Master Qi had always conducted himself with prudence and seriousness, every step of his life meticulously planned. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined facing such a scandalous situation.

...His little girl was shedding silent tears on his bed, and beneath the covers, it was clear she wore nothing. What had they done...?

At that moment, even a child just beginning their studies would have been a hundred times more articulate than Young Master Qi.

He was utterly speechless.