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The autumn wind was supposed to gradually cool at night, yet Tang Wan felt it blowing against her, making her restless.
Walking side by side with Jiang Jinsang, no matter how much they tried to maintain distance, their arms and elbows would inevitably brush against each other.
"Today, I heard from Grandpa Tang that you went out to meet a partner at the studio. Is there a new job?" His voice was as usual, cold and restrained.
"Yes, but Grandpa's health is unstable, and with the weather getting colder, I'm even more worried about him. I'm afraid I won't be able to work with peace of mind." As the saying goes, it's hard for old folks to endure winter, and as children, extra care is definitely necessary.
"You're very filial..." His voice paused for two seconds before he added,
"It's truly commendable."
Jiang Family members silently looked to the heavens,
Was he just a step away from adding, "I really like that"?
Tang Wan's heart trembled slightly, but her voice revealed no particular emotion. "These are things that should be done, the duties of a child, nothing commendable."
The main hall was not far from the East Courtyard, and within a few words, they had arrived.
"Fifth Master, your room's bathroom has been checked today; there should be no problem. You can rest well tonight. So...good night." Tang Wan said with a smile.
"Good night." Jiang Jinsang said no more.
**
Tang Wan returned to her room and checked emails sent by work partners.
About the Qing dynasty drama mentioned during the day, the cast was considered the pinnacle of all palace dramas in recent years, with all main actors being top-tier. Even the supporting roles could stand alone.
The luxurious lineup naturally demanded more excellence in costume and props.
The more such work arose, the less Tang Wan dared to take it lightly, too much pressure. But with such a top-tier configuration, she was certainly tempted. The contract mentioned many requirements for the Cyan Feather headpiece, which she quickly reviewed, planning to study more thoroughly after her bath.
After taking a shower, she ran to the study to get some reference books; Qing dynasty dramas are based on history. Understanding the life and paths of each concubine helps design headpieces according to age.
It was then she realized she had left her book in Jiang Jinsang's room.
Her interest in work was aroused, and she didn't want it to be interrupted. Hesitant, she sent Jiang Jinsang a message:
[Fifth Master, are you asleep?]
His room was actually still lit.
But the message seemed to sink into the sea. It was quite late, and she didn't feel comfortable knocking on the door, so she patiently waited.
About ten minutes later, he returned the call, "I'm not asleep. I was just showering earlier. What's up?"
"I left my book in your room."
At this moment, Jiang Jinsang's hair tips were still dripping water. He glanced at the stack of Qing history books on the bedside table. "Hmm, they're here. Do you need me to bring them to you?"
"It's quite chilly outside, and you've just showered. I'll come instead." It's embarrassing to ask someone to deliver a book directly.
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
After ending the call, Jiang Jinsang glanced at the people in the room, clearly implying:
Move quickly, get on with your business!
"Fifth Master, we should also get to sleep. Call us if you need anything."
"Hehe—yeah, really tired!" They were indeed exhausted, having gotten up at dawn to help him with flowers in the courtyard.
Jiang Jinsang's gaze was faint. "You've been with me for quite some time and know my rules…"
More doing, less looking, less listening, less gossiping.
This was a disguised warning not to spread certain matters outside.
They nodded ruefully and quickly walked out.
Finishing the day's work, they huddled in a corner of the courtyard, lighting a cigarette.
"So damn shameless, went to Miss Tang's room yesterday, today brings her into his bedroom."
"Earlier, when I got a call asking about his health, I didn't dare say a word, just going 'hmm' and 'uh-huh' to everything."
"Came to annul the engagement, but went to someone's house to flirt. Have you ever seen such bold moves? Earlier, he even said, even if this Miss Tang wanted to marry, she could only be his sister-in-law?"
"Doesn't that fit with that saying? 'Good fun is being with your sister-in-law?'"
They looked at the one who spoke, and one of them stuffed his half-smoked cigarette directly into his mouth. If someone heard this, they'd all be sent to plant trees in the desert.
...
They crouched in the corner smoking, watching Tang Wan go out, hesitating before she finally knocked on the door. Seeing her enter the room, an inexplicable feeling like a lamb entering the tiger's den arose.
Beijing was abuzz with talks of their master's intelligence bordering on the supernatural, not a word exaggerated, and this demon was not one to be trifled with.
**
After Tang Wan knocked, a single phrase came from inside: "Come in."
She pushed the door straight in, Jiang Jinsang just having finished his shower, wearing a light gray set of loungewear, simple, yet suiting him. Her book was placed by his hand.
"Fifth Master, I came to get my book."
He suddenly said out of nowhere, "The wind at night is a bit cold."
Tang Wan planned to grab her book and leave within ten seconds. But when she entered, she hadn't bothered to close the door.
Hearing his words reminded her of the doctor's morning advice to keep warm, so she turned to close the door.
Jiang Family members originally crouched in the corner, ready to sneak a peek through the open door, felt two words flash in their mind:
Crap!
What are they doing! Why close the door!
Once Tang Wan shut the door, she went to get her things. The book was handed to her by Jiang Jinsang in person. Both of them were quite close at that moment.
"Going out without wearing a few more layers?" His words were casual, as if chatting idly, yet each word dripped with a sense of flirtatiousness, burrowing into one's heart.
"Just showered, still feeling a bit hot."
Now close enough, Tang Wan could clearly sense the heat radiating off him.
The light casting behind him left half his body shrouded in shadow, abstinent yet lazy, full of temptation.
But at this angle, Tang Wan slightly tilted her face up, light casting down on her face, her brow bones, eyelashes, the brightness of her eyes…
Every inch was vividly clear, and upon a closer look, seemed as if etched into one's heart.
The surroundings felt quiet, only their light breaths audible.
Both, having just bathed, breathed softly…
Yet warmth surged.
Holding the book, he moved closer, not touching her, yet his breath brushed against her face, catching her off guard as their gazes met.
"You seem nervous each time you see me. Do those people with me frighten you?"
"No." Tang Wan laughed lightly, not fearing those people at all.
"Rest assured, they've all gone back to rest. Here, it's just…"
"The two of us."
The breath was calm, yet hot and restless.
Tang Wan's heart pounded like a drum, uncertain of what to say next, when Jiang Jinsang spoke again, "Do you like Qing history?"
"Not really, but my work lately involves it, so I'm just browsing."
"Matters from the Qianlong Period? Actually, for some things, just reading official history isn't useful. After all, what makes it into official history is what those in power think fit for posterity to see…"
"I know, that's why I'm preparing to find some other materials."
"Which aspect are you interested in? I might be able to recommend some."
"..."
Jiang Family's men, outside in the courtyard, were squatting and starting to place bets: [When will Miss Tang come out?]
Just getting a book, some betted on one minute, others on ten tops, but an hour passed. Damn, the moon was high in the sky, and she still hadn't come out?
*
It was almost midnight when Tang Wan finally returned to her room hugging the book.
The next morning, Jiang Family noticed Jiang Jinsang was just getting up, on the phone, seemingly with family. Due to his health, he usually woke at five or six since sleep wasn't great, so today waking late was rare.
"...I'm fine, just got up, maybe my voice is a bit hoarse." Another reason was that he had a bit to drink last night.
"Just got up?"
"Chatting went a bit late last night."
Jiang Family's members: Chatting? You two, single man and woman alone until late, just chatting? You think anyone would believe you?
Someone, acting as the elder brother, frowned slightly, not knowing it was Tang Wan he chatted with, only voicing doubts over his suspect.
"Was it that kid clinging to you?"
Jiang Jinsang smiled without admitting or denying, "I'll go freshen up. The Tang Family is having breakfast soon. It wouldn't be right to keep them waiting."
Then, someone just blocked by Jiang Jinsang found himself inexplicably targeted by his elder brother. Thoroughly infuriated, he stomped around yelling, "I was blocked by him on the phone, how could I harass him!"
But the elder brother merely coldly stated, "If you weren't harassing him, would he block you?"
Logic was tight!
"..." The anger rendered the man speechless.
No doubt, these brothers had venom!
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