Li Xin wondered if he had truly mistaken Ai Li for an accomplice in the ongoing investigation. But then again, her tears might have been a ploy—to make him feel pity and return the jade pendant. He realized her act had made him lower his guard, which shouldn't have happened. Perhaps it was all a trap.
As the guests began leaving the party, it became clear the event was drawing to a close. Master and Madame Zhang saw off the final guests—Ai Li's family. Madame Zhang warmly suggested they visit more often, as they would soon become family. Madame Huang agreed enthusiastically, and Ai Li smiled as though she were genuinely excited by the idea.
Li Xin's sister was delighted at the thought of finally having a sister-in-law. She clung to Ai Li's arm and cheerfully expressed how excited she was to see her again. Ai Li returned the sentiment, saying she also looked forward to spending time with her future in-laws and didn't want to appear rude.
Days later, Ai Li's mother told her that she had arranged a meeting with Li Xin. The meeting would take place at a restaurant, booked by both their mothers. Ai Li tried to decline, but to avoid another long lecture, she agreed.
Ai Li arrived and headed to the second floor. Upon opening the door, she saw that Li Xin wasn't there. Her maid, Rouxi, suggested she take a seat first. Soon, a waiter entered with a message: Young Master Li Xin might be running late. He assured Ai Li that if she needed anything, she could speak to the manager, then politely exited and closed the door behind him.
Ai Li sighed. For their first meeting after the engagement party, she hadn't expected to be the one left waiting. To pass the time, she stepped onto the balcony and took in the view.
After a while, there was a knock. She perked up, expecting Li Xin—but it was just the waiters bringing in food. Ai Li asked when Young Master Zhang would arrive, but the waiter simply replied that he did not know.
Hungry and tired of waiting, Ai Li decided to eat. She reasoned that if she waited any longer, the food would get cold. Rouxi gently advised her lady to wait, but knowing Ai Li wouldn't listen, she gave in.
Ai Li then insisted Rouxi eat with her. Though hesitant—thinking it improper due to her status—Rouxi eventually gave in after Ai Li pulled her down beside her. Ai Li told her not to be so hard on herself.
Once the meal was over, Ai Li called for the manager and requested brush, paper, and ink. After a discussion, the manager agreed to a favor Ai Li asked of him, and she left the restaurant.
Not long after, Li Xin finally arrived. He walked in to find the table set with food—and was suddenly flanked by two women clinging to his arms. Shocked, he froze. One woman caressed him suggestively while the other attempted to feed him.
Fed up, Li Xin pushed them away. The women fell to their knees, frightened by his furious expression. He ordered his bodyguard to call the manager.
When the manager arrived, he dismissed the two women and handed Li Xin a note, saying it would explain everything.
Li Xin unfolded the note. It read:
"Oh, do you like my gift? Was it entertaining?
You know, it's quite rude to arrive late—especially when a woman, namely me, was the one kept waiting.
If you're offended by my gift, so be it.
But you'll hear the whispers soon enough:
that a nobleman made a lady wait while he enjoyed the company of other women."
Li Xin crumpled the note in his fist and forced a smile.
Bo Xin, standing nearby, chuckled.
Li Xin turned to him. "Do I deserve this gift?"
Bo Xin didn't answer—he just nodded.
He sighed. "Master, you made a lady wait for hours. Of course she's angry."
Li Xin looked at the note again, then composed himself. He told Bo Xin to keep an eye on Ai Li—and to buy some gifts a young lady might like and send them to the Hua Mansion.
Rouxi was the first to hear of the gift and immediately reported it to Ai Li.
"Sending me gifts after standing me up for hours? Trying to make me the villain?" Ai Li scoffed.
She ordered the servants to send the gift back to the Zhang mansion.
Later, a knock came at the Zhang mansion's gate. A servant presented the returned gift. Madame Zhang happened upon it and asked what had happened. The servant explained.
Madame Zhang went straight to her son.
"Why did you make Ai Li wait?" she asked, disappointment in her voice.
"She's not even interested in this engagement. Why should I be obligated to meet her?" Li Xin replied coldly.
Madame Zhang took his hands. "So you stood her up because of that?"
She told him that instead of sending gifts, he should apologize to Ai Li in person. Li Xin remained silent.
She left. Li Xin pulled out Ai Li's jade pendant and stared at it, deep in thought.
He glanced down at his wrist, lost in thought. The memory of Ai Li pleading to cancel their engagement replayed in his mind—again and again—as if it were urging him to reconsider his stance on their marriage.
The next day...
Ai Li and Rouxi strolled through the bustling market, browsing through shelves upon shelves of books in various bookshops. Ai Li wore a head veil to keep her identity hidden from the public eye.
"Welcome, Miss. Is there a particular book you're looking for?" the owner of one shop asked politely.
Ai Li leaned toward Rouxi and whispered something.
Rouxi stepped forward, about to speak. "Give my lady books about engag—"
Before she could finish, Ai Li grabbed Rouxi's wrist and coughed, cutting her off. "Oh, I meant—my lady is interested in romance novels."
The owner nodded with a smile and signaled to the clerks to begin searching.
At the counter...
"May I ask, Miss," the owner said, placing a stack of books on the table, "why are you buying so many romance novels?"
Ai Li said nothing. She simply looked down, avoiding his gaze. Her silence hung in the air.
The owner chuckled softly, as if he understood. He didn't press further.
On the way home, inside the carriage, Rouxi leaned in and spoke in a hushed voice.
"My lady, someone has been following us since we left the house. Should we report this to Master?"
Ai Li, unfazed, calmly replied, "There's no need. I already know who's spying on us."
Rouxi tilted her head in confusion.
Ai Li let out an exasperated sigh. "We're not even married yet, and he's already bold enough to have me followed."
Rouxi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "It's... Young Master Zhang? The general?!"