I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "But what exactly happened?" I asked, leaning closer to Xianlian, my eyes practically sparkling with anticipation.
Xianlian rolled his eyes dramatically and sighed. "Do I really have to tell you everything from the beginning? Yu , you can be such a handful sometimes."
"Come on, don't tease me like that!" I protested, tugging lightly at his sleeve. "I need to know! I'm curious about everyone and everything. You can't just leave me hanging like this!"
He smirked, clearly enjoying the power he had over the situation. "Alright, alright. Fine. But don't blame me if it gets too long or dramatic,"
I eagerly leaned forward, my curiosity getting the better of me. I had to know.
"Well, it was a pact between sects," Xianlian began. "The Crimson Blaze Sect gave Lin Yuhai away to your Xinfu, who is an extremely powerful figure in the sect. And because your Xinfu is so influential, he arranged for Lin Yuhai to be married to Yu Gege."
"Yu Gege... always had eyes for Lin Yuhai, didn't he?" I asked, the pieces starting to fall into place.
Xianlian nodded. "Exactly. But, well, Lin Yuhai never liked him in that way. He found Yu Gege immature and irresponsible. Meanwhile, Lin Yuhai was the opposite—responsible, soft-spoken, and mature for his age. It was quite a mismatch in the beginning."
I frowned. "But if it was an arranged marriage, didn't Lin Yuhai have a choice?"
"Technically, yes. But after the pact between the elders of the sects, Lin Yuhai had little say in the matter," Xianlian explained. "He agreed to the marriage because of the sect's pressure, but he wasn't happy about it. And even after they were married, he locked himself away in his library, barely speaking to anyone, including Yu Gege."
I gasped. "That's... sad. So Yu Gege kept trying to win him over?"
"Yes," Xianlian confirmed. "Yu Gege really tried everything he could, but Lin Yuhai wouldn't open up. On their wedding night, the Tianquan Sect was attacked, and you might remember this—there was chaos. Black bandits attacked, and it was a dangerous situation. Yu Gege, too immature to take responsibility, was drunk and partying with his friends. But you... you came and saved Lin Yuhai that night. It was bad—Yu Gege even got punished with ten whips for being so irresponsible."
I felt a deep sense of anger and sadness for both of them. "That sounds horrible. And now they're still stuck in this... awkward marriage?"
Xianlian sighed again. "Yes, exactly. They're living together but don't really know each other. There's no warmth between them. No understanding. Lin Yuhai barely speaks, barely smiles, and Yu Gege is still trying to win him over, but it's been years. It's a painful situation. And no one knows if they'll ever be able to change it."
as i looked the at door from which lin Yuhai left such a good person went through shit like that world never changes hurting the good ones always
Lin Yuhai had always been known for his graceful composure, even in the most chaotic of moments. Yet today, as the preparation for the grand feast reached its peak, he was moving so quickly, laden with a basket of fragrant pink blooms, that even his careful steps betrayed him. The floor of the storeroom was slick with a spill he hadn't noticed, and before he could react, his foot slipped.
The basket flew from his grasp, flowers cascading like a soft, colorful rain. He braced himself for the inevitable fall—until a strong hand caught him firmly by the waist.
The world seemed to slow as he spun in the unexpected embrace, his breath hitching. When he looked up, his wide eyes met the intense, unwavering gaze of Yu Zhenfeng, Yu Hengtian's older brother and Lin Yuhai's husband.
Zhenfeng's grip tightened as their momentum carried them into the mountain of pink blooms scattered across the floor. They landed amidst the soft petals, their fall cushioned, but the closeness of their bodies was inescapable. Lin Yuhai lay frozen beneath Zhenfeng.
For a moment, neither spoke. Zhenfeng's gaze bore into Yuhai's, sharp and unreadable, but his touch was gentle, steadying. Lin Yuhai's heart raced—not from the fall, but from the intensity of Zhenfeng's presence.
"You should be more careful," Zhenfeng finally said, his voice deep and low, carrying a note of reprimand softened by concern.
Lin Yuhai's cheeks flushed as he looked away, trying to pull himself free from the compromising position. "I—I didn't notice the floor was wet," he murmured,
Zhenfeng didn't let go immediately. Instead, his hand lingered on Yuhai's waist, his thumb brushing against the fabric of his robes as if to ensure he was truly unhurt.
"You're always pushing yourself too hard," Zhenfeng said, his tone softer now. "Even a day like this doesn't mean you have to bear everything alone."
Lin Yuhai blinked, his chest tightening. It was rare for Zhenfeng to speak so directly to him.
"I—" Lin Yuhai began, but the words caught in his throat as Zhenfeng leaned slightly closer, brushing a stray petal from his hair.
"Let me help you next time," Zhenfeng said,
Before he could respond, Zhenfeng stood, offering his hand to help him up. Lin Yuhai hesitated for a heartbeat before taking it, his hand trembling slightly in Zhenfeng's firm grasp.
As they stood amidst the sea of pink flowers, Lin Yuhai looked up at Zhenfeng,
As Lin Yuhai hurriedly left the room, his robes fluttering behind him, Yu Zhenfeng stood motionless amidst the scattered pink blooms. His outstretched hand lingered in the air before he let it fall, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
"Indeed," he murmured to himself, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Yu Hengtian's return must be bringing fortune my way. Perhaps my luck is finally turning."
He glanced around the room, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Shun Yi," he called out, his voice calm but commanding. "You can stop hiding now. Come out."
From behind a stack of crates, Shun Yi hesitated before stepping forward, his head lowered and his hands trembling slightly. "L-Lord Yu," he stammered. "How did you know I was here? Please, don't tell your brother—I didn't mean any harm. I'm just his loyal servant. Truly!"
Zhenfeng's gaze remained fixed on him, unwavering and piercing
Zhenfeng let out another chuckle, his demeanor turning almost amused.
"I'll let you go this time," he said, taking a deliberate step forward, causing Shun Yi to flinch. "Only because you've been loyal to my brother for so long. But hear me well—if you intend to meddle in matters that don't concern you, you'd best think twice. I don't take kindly to spies, even if they serve my brother."
Shun Yi nodded quickly, bowing deeply. "Y-Yes, my lord. I understand."
"Good," Zhenfeng replied, his tone cold yet laced with satisfaction. "Now leave. And be fast about it."
Without another word, Shun Yi turned on his heel and hurried out of the room.
he mused to himself, brushing a stray petal from his sleeve. "What an interesting day this has turned out to be."
He glanced around the room once more, his thoughts lingering on Lin Yuhai's flustered retreat. "One step at a time," he muttered under his breath,
"The gap between us won't remain forever."
(The flowers are not colorless; their hues create their own brilliance. What are three years worth? I am willing to offer you my entire life.)
With that, he turned and strode out of the room, his figure disappearing into the corridors of the bustling estate.