Chapter 10

"It’s hard to believe that Qin Yuxuan, who always seemed so carefree and fond of playing around, actually managed to pass the imperial examination and return with a jinshi..."

"Rumor has it he ranked first in the metropolitan examination, only to be surpassed during the palace examination..."

The young scholars gathered together, some envious, others astonished. Only the teacher remained solemn, shaking his head and sighing, "If he had truly focused and devoted himself to studying, with his talent, it wouldn't have been surprising if he had made it into the top three."

Though Xiao Ye didn’t understand the titles and ranks of the examination system, he knew Qin Yuxuan had done exceptionally well. A faint sense of joy stirred within him, and he meticulously cleaned the house, waiting eagerly, day after day, by the road leading back to the village.

He never caught sight of that person, but he did end up running into a few of Qin Yuxuan’s old friends, gathered in a nearby pavilion drinking and chatting.

He quietly concealed himself, not wanting to be seen by them and risk enduring their teasing again.

But as he passed by, their conversation caught his attention.

"Yuxuan passing the imperial examination this time must have been a huge relief after all these years..."

"Exactly. After his father fell ill and passed away, his family fortune declined. His so-called ‘family friend’ not only refused to help but also broke off the engagement that had been arranged long ago. They said they wouldn’t marry their daughter to him unless he achieved great success. What a betrayal..."

"That’s why Yuxuan left the capital alone and came here. Fortunately, the money his parents left him was enough to live on... I heard that when that wealthy family learned he had passed the examination, they immediately threw a grand banquet and invited him over. Now that he’s entered the official ranks, his rise to power is assured. How could they not try to curry favor with him?"

They all laughed scornfully at the so-called family friend who had abandoned Qin Yuxuan in his time of need. But then one of them asked, "What about the engagement? Is it still on?"

"To secure a stable position in the court, he’ll need the backing of a wealthy family. Even if Yuxuan resents them, he’d be wise to take advantage of the opportunity. Besides, I’ve heard the young lady is stunning—a true beauty. Knowing Yuxuan’s nature, he probably wouldn’t turn her down..."

"Still, in the months before he left, he did seem to settle down a bit. Even when we invited him out for drinks, he’d make excuses. Could he have changed?"

"Probably just for the sake of the fall exam. Now that he’s achieved his goal, it’s no surprise if he’s gone back to his old ways."

Xiao Ye listened in a daze, feeling lost and disoriented. He returned to his true form in a muddle, his body trembling uncontrollably.

So that was why Qin Yuxuan had worked so hard for the examination. And now... was he really going to get married? 

If so, how could he ever return? Why would he?

Those words that once seemed like a promise must have been nothing more than casual remarks. Yet Xiao Ye had foolishly taken them to heart.

He wrapped his arms around himself, tears slipping down his cheeks, leaving his heart hollow and cold.

So... they would never meet again?

He drifted in and out of sleep all day, only to be startled awake by the distant sound of lively drums and gongs.

"He’s back! He’s back! The first huiyuan from our county in so many years..."

"Come on, let’s go see! Yuxuan has really done us proud..."

Yuxuan... Yuxuan!

Xiao Ye’s eyes flew open in shock. But before he could gather his thoughts, the young scholars nearby laughed and said, "I heard he’s brought a beautiful woman back with him. It seems a happy occasion is approaching..."

Xiao Ye froze, his heart sinking like a stone.

Rather than see that person smiling and laughing with someone else, it would be better to stay here and never meet again.

That way, in his heart, Qin Yuxuan would still belong only to him—his smile, his care, his warmth.

Even if it was self-deception, he would cling to these humble memories until the flowers bloomed, until his feelings faded, until he was reborn in another life.

He just didn’t know if, in the next life, there would still be a chance to meet him again.