Li Wei was clear about Mo Shufen's ill intentions, yet, she made the decision to head straight into Mo Shufen's trap that awaited for her presence. Li Wei was a reasonable person but she couldn't help herself. She was a rash person before, but she became thoughtful and calm as she aged. However, she had her bottom line that should never be touched. When it came to her loved ones, she was never able to resist acting with her heart. Especially not Khan Bojing, and especially not with this current situation. Perhaps it was this undying loyalty that blinded her onto a path of destruction.
Instead of going to the Mo's residence, Li Wei targeted the heart of the city. Mo Shufen wanted to play a game of hide and seek, but too bad Li Wei could see right through. Seeing that Mo Shufen came to ask Li Wei about her father's trip, this already hinted that in front of Master Mo, Mo Shufen still didn't dare to overstep her boundaries. She would never dare to set up a play pen in her own house in which there was a risk of her father being a witness. Such a woman like Mo Shufen was a beginner, Li Wei already played these foolish games for years in her pursuit of Hua Xifeng. After all, she wasn't a villainess for no reason.
Li Wei entered the Cherry Teahouse and just as she expected, Mo Shufen was seated on the second floor at a table beside the balcony that overlooked down to the main floor. The Cherry Teahouse was a famous place for good gossip, news, and tea. Moreover, the food were affordable and the location was right in the center. On a sunny afternoon like today, the restaurant was bustling with customers. All the tables have been filled and some customers even lined up out the doors just for a chance to dine here.
Mo Shufen was unaware of Li Wei's presence and sat in her chair with satisfaction. She smiled happily, remembering Li Wei's pained face. "Yan Ruo and Li Zhilan, I'm happy today. Let this meal be my treat!"
"Mo Shufen, you have good news to share?" Yan Ruo asked, wondering on why Mo Shufen was being so nice.
"You'll see later!" Mo Shufen smirked. She didn't want to ruin the show for her friends. Soon, they would find out.
Across from Mo Shufen was Li Zhilan, who sat quietly and haven't spoken yet. She didn't know what Mo Shufen was planning, but she could guess it wouldn't be anything good.
From the main floor, Li Wei watched Mo Shufen and her group of friends. They were really fitting as friends-- all arrogant, spoiled, and not to Li Wei's liking. Furthermore, they all had the same target. Li Wei suddenly felt glad like never before that she no longer wanted to pursue Hua Xifeng. The fight for the crown prince was already crazy, with just the three of them.
If she was to expose the friendship between the three woman, Li Wei could read each woman's intentions. Both Mo Shufen and Li Zhilan were from reputable families. They grew up attending the same events and being around each other's so naturally, they became familiar and built a sense of friendship. Too bad, they were both in love with the same man. Li Zhilan was the lucky one and had caught the attention of Hua Xifeng. They were even engaged. Other women would back out, but not Mo Shufen. A woman like her would back stab her friend to steal the man. Yan Ruo, on the other hand, was also from a wealthy family but she didn't have a strong backing. She was also the least ambitious on becoming a part of the royal family. One could say, her friendship with Mo Shufen and Li Zhilan stemmed from Madam Yan, who's ambitions would one day destroy her very own daughter.
Li Wei wasn't scared of her reputation being ruined. Even before, she allowed herself to be called all types of names while trying to make Hua Xifeng fall in love with her. Honestly, she was similar to Mo Shufen. Li Wei was shameless and cruel, scheming time after time to no end. The only difference was, she never pretended in front of Li Zhilan. She stated clearly her feelings for Hua Xifeng. She was the type that liked to be straightforward with no pretense or sugar coating.
Her goal today was just to confirm that Khan Bojing was safe and sound. She took steps towards the stairs and almost reached it when someone tugged on her hand and she was forcibly pushed into the embrace of a man. Li Wei tried to pull her head away, to see the face of the man, but her face was only pushed tighter against the man's chest.
"Shhh, be good."
The man's voice was low and warm, laced with a hint of concern. Li Wei immediately knew who it was and stopped resisting. Her heartbeat pounded strongly in her ears. She could feel her cheeks warming up as her lips spread into a happy smile, all her worries disappeared immediately.
She must not miss this golden opportunity. Her shameless arms encircled around his waist and she took in his scent, only responding simply, "En."
From the second floor of the teahouse, Mo Shufen looked down onto the main floor, but couldn't find Li Wei anywhere. It seemed she had guessed Li Wei wrongly. Li Wei didn't come to find her. A feeling of disappointment shot at her heart and she gulped the cup of wine in her hand to cover the feeling of emptiness within.
~~~~~~
Li Wei walked behind Khan Bojing as he led her through the crowd. Every now and then, she would glance up to avoid bumping into others, but her eyes stared at his hand all the other times. His hand held onto her own tightly, as if he was afraid to lose her among the others. Today, his hair was hidden underneath a big hat and he had on blue robes. His steps were fast, but also at a pace she could keep up with. His hand was larger than hers, its warmth cradling against her skin. She was so focused on trying to remember his presence, in case she wouldn't see him again for a long time, that she didn't realized he had come to a stop and bumped into his back.
"Can't you take better care of yourself?" Khan Bojing's lips pursed together tightly and he sighed in anger. He was concerned for her well being, but could only let out his worries as lectures. If he wasn't standing there, would she have fallen into the river?
Li Wei smiled and agreed easily, "En. I'll pay more attention to my surroundings from now on."
"Good, good." He looked up at the willow tree above their heads. "Keep your words."
Such an easy promise. She nodded eagerly. "En, I'll take care of myself. Yebai, take care of yourself too."
Khan Bojing gazed fondly at Li Wei when she called him intimately. No one other than his parents have ever called him this name. Li Wei and him couldn't be considered as being close. They weren't much more than strangers, but when he heard his name coming from her smiling lips, his heart fluttered. A thought suddenly came to his mind that he wouldn't mind it if she only called him like this from now on. "It's getting late, let me take you home."