At a teahouse, she listened to a truncated opera. The content was so shocking it made her break out in a cold sweat. After a couple sips of tea, she wandered off to a bookshop to browse.
She discovered a few ancient versions of trashy novels about a domineering CEO falling in love, and even a few that were obviously based on Lu Yu. She didn't hesitate to buy them all under the shopkeeper's scrutinizing gaze, hiding her malicious glee.
Back at the mansion, she reheated the lunch dishes, stewed a pot of soup, and set them on the small round table in the inner courtyard. After instructing the servants to stay in their rooms, she went inside to help Lu Yu out.
"So, Lord Lu? Is my service satisfactory?" Qian Xingzhi smiled obsequiously.
Her goal was clear! She didn't covet his person or his position. If Lu Yu was willing to help her solve the three hundred thousand taels, this whole nursing job would be worth it.
Lu Yu didn't respond, seemingly lost in thought.
Qian Xingzhi didn't mind. She served him food and started eating heartily herself.
Lu Yu didn't move for a long time, just staring at her. "Where did you go this afternoon?"
Why did he sound so plaintive? Qian Xingzhi smacked her lips. "Ah… I went to gather intelligence on the enemy for you."
Lu Yu had a 'keep pretending' expression and finally picked up his chopsticks. "Why didn't you stay in the mansion? Going out might be dangerous."
"Where in Shengjing isn't dangerous, Lord—"
"Call me Lu Yu."
She was quickly interrupted. Qian Xingzhi was startled, then said awkwardly, "I was afraid the assassin would chase me here and I'd be a hindrance."
That was pure nonsense. Lu Yu fell silent again.
After eating and drinking, Qian Xingzhi grew restless. "Lu Yu, seeing how hard I worked to save you, can you help me with a small favor? Well, not so small… It's about the three hundred thousand taels the Third Prince asked me for…"
Lord Lu's life was worth more than three hundred thousand taels, Qian Xingzhi silently encouraged herself. Once this hurdle was passed, everything else could be negotiated.
"No."
What a cold and merciless voice! Qian Xingzhi jumped up from her chair, throwing a small tantrum. "That's too disloyal, Lord Lu! Even if you think I have no merit, I have at least put in hard work!"
Lu Yu acted as if he hadn't heard, seemingly taking leave of his senses. "Call me Lu Yu."
Qian Xingzhi laughed helplessly. "That was sarcasm—didn't you catch it? Did you get hit on the head and go stupid?"
He looked up at her, his expression complex and grave. Qian Xingzhi still thought that Lu Yu seemed gentle and modest at first glance, but on closer look, he hid sharp edges everywhere—all depending on his eyes, which betrayed no emotion, soft to the extreme.
But now his eyes were sharp, as if trying to see through her every word and action. Qian Xingzhi was startled, wondering what Lu Yu was up to today.
Suddenly he stood up, his palm trembling slightly. Qian Xingzhi thought he must have pulled at his wound and was shaking from pain.
Tonight was a full moon, without a single star. The courtyard hadn't been carefully decorated or even cleaned; many places were dusty, with piled dead leaves. A place that could by no means be called beautiful.
Under the moonlight, the two stood facing each other—one hugging her chest with a frown, the other standing and shivering.
"I've changed my mind. Leave, Qian Xingzhi."