They choose a restaurant with a view of the river. ZhenYu urged that they should go to the second floor, which had more privacy, but LiQin insisted that it was too expensive and decline his offer. "If you are going upstairs, then you will be going alone," stated LiQin to ZhenYu.

ZhenYu gave up and pick a table at the side of the river. It was at the back and was furthest from the entrance. The half-opened door panels served a wonderful cover, and the place was perfect as well as a hiding place from those thugs because the spot was also a blind spot from the entrance of the restaurant.

They sat at the opposite end of the table and the waiter came over and took the cloth that was on his shoulder and began wiping the table while asking them what they wanted to order when they had settled down comfortably.

"Dear customers, what would you like today?"

"What do you recommend?" inquired ZhenYu.

"Our shop, Emerald Restaurant is most famous for its braised fish, three cups wine chicken and fried spicy pork strip."

ZhenYu was about to order just the pork and a few buns when suddenly LiQin said, "I want everything you had just recommended and another two bottles of wine."

"Thank you for your patronage, dear customers. Your dishes shall be served shortly," replied the waiter and he flipped the tablecloth back onto his shoulder and shouted the order to the kitchen.

Suddenly, they both become quiet and there was no conversation between them. The little incident that had happened was still affecting them. Now they were very aware of each other. But at least, there was a veil that was hiding LiQin's face; ZhenYu had nothing to cover his own.

He doesn't know where he was supposed to look. His eyes were darting from left and to right, trying to avoid staring straight at the girl in front of him. Underneath the veil she was granted freedom. LiQin was free to inspect him without any reservation. "Does he have double personality?" thought LiQin to herself. "Why is my heart beating so fast, just now?"

Maybe she was sitting still for a long time and it made him worried. "Perhaps she was still frightened by the things that had happened," thought ZhenYu. To distract her attention, he looked towards the river and said, "The evening glow on the river is beautiful, right?"

The girl's head turned towards the river. He waited for her to say something, or at least to give him something to talk about but the girl stayed quiet. "Did I fail?" thought ZhenYu. When he was about to give up and thought of spending the time together quietly, the girl spoke, "It is really beautiful, how the apricot colour of the sun reflects on the water."

"Apricot?" said ZhenYu. "Yes, like the colour of apricot. I like to use fruits to express colours. For example, I would describe the beautiful lips of a lady to the colour of the pomegranate. The persimmon resembles the colour of autumn with a tinge of lychees and barberry (YangMei or Chinese strawberry)."

"It is very fascinating how you view things," said ZhenYu, charmed by her words.

"How about that guy sitting there, how would you describe him?" asked ZhenYu as he pointed towards the plump man who was sitting at a table near to the wall.

LiQin turnaround to look at the man that ZhenYu had marked. "He looked just like plum," laughed LiQin. "Then how about that girl over there?"

"She looked like pear see how she has a bigger bottom," said LiQin. And laughter echoes throughout the restaurant as ZhenYu continued to ask her questions and she replied with fervour and views with a delightful twist.

Talking with such passion had made them both forget that they were hungry however as soon as they saw the waiter carrying their dishes over, piping hot steam coming out from the hot dishes, the smell wafting through the air and reaching their noses, it tingled and made them realized how hungry they were.

The waiter placed the restaurant's famous dishes and laid them out in middle of the table while the steaming hot buns was set at the corner of the table.

Their eyes sparkled and the only concern they had now was to enjoy the food arranged in front of them.

However, no matter how hungry LiQin was, she still needed to be polite. As a guest, she must wait for a signal from ZhenYu before she started eating.

She almost bore a hole at the dishes as she looked at them. She had always wanted to try them after hearing the maids whispering about it and now it is within her grasp, but she can't have them yet. It was a torture like putting a cup of water in front of a thirsty person but never allowing the person to drink it.

The smell of the chicken has started to make her drool, the fish was covered with such a thick sauce and the vegetables around it were so colourful and pleasing to the eyes, and the pork with chilli flakes was so fascinating. She wanted to eat them already, but she persevered, for ZhenYu to start first as it was the courteous thing to do to wait for the host or the one who was paying to eat first.

ZhenYu picked up his chopsticks and said, "QiKuai (Raise your chopsticks)."

"I must act politely. Politely," thought LiQin. Even with such an intense hunger, she gently took the chopsticks on the table and took a piece of fish from the table. She had to lift the veil slightly to eat it.

"It tastes wonderful," thought LiQin when she savoured the taste in her mouth.

"Here, has some wine," said LiQin suddenly getting thirsty, and she poured him some into his cup and then some for herself.

LiQin hold her cup up which quickly followed by ZhenYu. Their cups clinked and LiQin cried out, "Cheers." ZhenYu sulkily drink a sip from his cup. "Hey, that is not drinking. You have to gulp it all down in one mouthful," said LiQin and she demonstrated it which he could not see but she forced him to drink it like that anyway.

The food and wine were disappearing quickly while they ate and chatted unendingly throughout the dinner. Without having to pretend to be someone else LiQin was having a blast talking with him and ZhenYu who did not know that she was LiQin was free of guilt and his nervousness, was comfortable to express his self.

"I like evenings, there are somehow, nostalgic and warm but at the same time sad as well. And..."

"The colour of it which resembles the colour of peaches," continued ZhenYu. "I am getting affected by you. I am starting to express myself through fruits as well." And they both laughed.

"Here drink up," said LiQin and she poured him glass after glass.

They continued drinking through the night even after all the food was eaten. LiQin and ZhenYu clunk their cups together high up in the air and LiQin taught him how to play finger guessing games which ZhenYu kept losing. He was drink nonstop that night.

When they finally grew tired of the games, ZhenYu looked out at the scenery of the small river, the calm waters reflecting the buildings on both sides of the river. It might have been the alcohol, he suddenly started talking about his problems to her, "JinGe, I do not know why, but I feel that you and I are very connected like you would understand like 'snap' what I am trying so hard to convey."

LiQin was silent, unable to reply to his sudden confession.

"I had just been recently married," continued ZhenYu.

"You do not love her?" asked LiQin, although she already knew his answer. "You do not love me," thought LiQin. "Quickly say it so my heart will be at peace. So, I won't hope anymore."

Even though, LiQin had been repetitively saying that she had hated ZhenYu in front of Madam Wong or Xiao Tao, small part of her heart, still treated him as her husband, someone who she will be faithful for her whole life, which can't seem to hate him and still clung to the hope that someday that he would come to love her or at least treated her with respect.

"Say the words," thought LiQin. Her heart was racing for his answer.

"I..."

"Answer me," LiQin's heart seems to say.

"I..."

"Declare it," her heart screams out to him.

"I love her so much that I think I had hurt her," said ZhenYu finally.

The moment LiQin heard those words, her hand weakens, no, not just her hand, but her whole body became paralyzed like a shot of lightning just went through her body and she dropped the wine cup in her hand. "He loves me," the thought was stuck in her head and kept repeating itself.

"Are you alright?" asked ZhenYu who was surprised that the girl suddenly dropped her cup.

"No, nothing I am fine," replied LiQin and she quickly bent down next to the floor and began picking up the broken shards.

ZhenYu joined her and they cleaned up swiftly. They placed the shards on the table and a waiter came to take them away. 

LiQin stared at ZhenYu and asked, "Why?"

At first, ZhenYu could not understand what she was asking about.

Before he could remember the words, he had spoken just now, his mind went blank for a while before continuing again. Looking into the distance, he said "My wife, she was beautiful. There was this sweet twinkle when she laughed. I fell in love," he started. "She used to have a lover. I did not know at that time when I asked for her hand in marriage and her father accepted it gladly. Later, after she was married to me, that I knew that due to my selfish reason her lover died."

"But it was not your fault," blurted out LiQin which surprised ZhenYu. "Umm, I mean that she must have known that it was not your fault." LiQin was getting flustered, "I, no, I mean your wife must had forgiven you."

ZhenYu smiled at her, even though he can't see her, he could feel the sincerity behind the veil.

"The conclusion is that I think you are over thinking things," said LiQin finally. "Maybe she had already forgiven you. Had you ever talked to her? Never, I presumed."

"But she hates me. She never talks to me."

"That was because you always looked angry and that time when I had just woken up you were so rude," thought LiQin to herself.

"No 'buts' listen to me and talk to her. Be brave. You haven't even taken the first step. How could she follow. The first thing you should do is to try to smile more at her."

"Do I seem unfriendly?"

"Maybe...Anyway just smile."

"Doesn't it look strange, when I suddenly look at her and smile?"

"No, it would not. I promise."

For an instance, ZhenYu finally understood, the problem was him and not his wife. He should have more courage and talk with her, at least then he would know what she was thinking and then figured out the next step and not just waiting for something to happen.

"I am so clueless," he thought and gave out a hearty laugh. "Let me treat you. Let's empty the store's wine and forget our silly worries."

"If you are paying, then I will glad to accompany you," said LiQin. "But first, I must get myself a new cup."

ZhenYu called out to the waiter and requested him to bring the girl another cup.

They began drinking again until midnight and the store's owner kicked them out. However, still drunk they walked and walked along the lantern lighted streets void of people. They sat on the ledge of the bridge and LiQin saw the flute that was dangling down his waist and she seized it from him.

"Do you even know how to play it?" teased ZhenYu.

"I was called a Flutist of the East," a name she made up for herself on the spot as she placed the flute to her mouth and gently started playing. Beautiful music starts flowing out of the small instrument.

Against the rising moon, the lady played an enchanting tune, stirring the young man's heart as he caught glimpses of her face under her veil her rosy lips, her round little nose and her eyes which shine with great vigour and tenacity. "Each part of her face looked familiar, yet she seems so foreign at the same time," thought ZhenYu.

When she finished playing, he clapped both his hands loudly and LiQin gave a slight bow, but still drunk her balance was off and she almost fell. However, just at the right moment ZhenYu who was only half-drunk dashed forward towards her.

He was still quick on his toes and was able to catch her. ZhenYu's heart was beating so fast it was just like the time he saw his first love, his wife.

"Hey, you are very heavy. JinGe stand up," said ZhenYu embarrassingly looking away. But LiQin had already passed out. "JinGe," called ZhenYu repetitively.

As a sensible and intelligent man, ZhenYu would have thought to let her stay in an inn while he himself ride back home, but currently all logical thoughts had escaped from him and ZhenYu decided and felt that he had no choice but to carry her home with him.

Carefully, he positioned behind his back and lifted her arms, so they hang around his shoulders and he squatted slightly, trying to reach her knees. When he finally did, he slowly rose, but he failed every time because her hands kept dropping off from his shoulder. After struggling a few times, finally he was able to carry her on his back.

Ghost

Stars came out and the quiet moon gently shines it light over the small path where the young master walked carrying his newly acquaintance on his broad back.

"You are so heavy," said ZhenYu panting as they travelled back home one step at a time. And then LiQin began mumbling. "Sleep talking," thought ZhenYu. "I like snow... They made me forget... Mother... Father... Do not go away. Do not leave me," said LiQin sobbing. ZhenYu was about to say something in response, but then suddenly a heavy rain began pouring from the darkened sky.

He ran with her on his back until he saw a rundown pavilion. "It's the one near my house," thought ZhenYu when he arrived and inspected the place. He poked around and found out that all the wood around the place were all rotten and hollow therefore, resolved to set her down, tenderly on the floor instead. And he himself took a seat beside her.

His mind was sobering up from the wine they had before. He began thinking back on the day's past events he could tell that the lady was energetic, cheerful, and kind and a little tomboyish as well.

He could not help smiling recollecting how that the girl had no manners at all, how she would drag him into a fight with a group of thugs, how she would grab onto his hand without thinking about ethics and morale, and how they could drink wine like brothers until late at night and even got kicked out by the store owner.

There were a lot of first times for him today. And how his heart was beating so fast and how long has it been that he had smiled and laughed and chatted without worrying about so many things. And while he sat there quietly, he had a good look of the lady he met.

From her speech, she sounded like a lady, but her actions told him otherwise, they were unrefined. And the thing that was most curious to him was her veil. Even when they were running away from the thugs or when they were drinking in the store, she never pulled off her veil. He really wanted to lift them away to see her face clearly.

All of a sudden, unconsciously, his hand extended towards her veil, slowly, closing in on the almost transparent curtain.

When suddenly, someone came running towards them in a raincoat made with straw and a lantern in his right and an umbrella in his left hand, who was calling out his name. "Young Master Zhen! Young Master Zhen! Where are you?" yelled the voice. As the figure approaches ZhenYu realised that it was his servant Old Man Kang's son YongKang.

By his showing up here, he swiftly hides his hand as he realised that they weren't alone anymore and furthermore, he also remembered that the girl might have her own reasons as to cover her face up and he shouldn't be disrespectful and privy to it. It would prove to be very rude and discourteous, improper as well. Hastily, he stood up from his seat and went towards the entrance and began calling out to his servant, "YongKang come here. We are here."

Hearing his cry and recognizing his voice, YongKang quickly went over to the old pavilion. "Young Master, I am glad you are fine. My father and I were so worried about you when you did not come home after midnight. And the weather started to rain as well," said YongKang as he was flashing the lantern up and down to take a good look at the young master when he caught the sight of a girl sitting behind them.

It must be the legendary ghost of the forest. The one who everyone whispers, the ghost that was actually a maiden who was abandoned by her lover and kill herself in the middle of the night. She was heard to lure men during the night and charmed her way into their hearts and then later sucks out their soul. LiQin's veil was blown by the wind and her red lips were seen by YongKang. "The ghost is smiling at me," thought YongKang.

"Mas...ter... do not look behind... you," said YongKang as he trembled and tried to turn away from the scene. "The... re... is... a ghost. Young Master let us lea... ve quietly be... be... fore the ghost takes notice of us." After he said that, YongKang began inching away.

ZhenYu was annoyed with his cowardly servant. "That is not a ghost," said ZhenYu calmly. "Shush quiet, Master. My father told me if the ghost hasn't seen us then, we still have a chance to get away so Master you should listen to me and follow me."

ZhenYu went back to LiQin and carried her on her back once more. Next, he stood behind YongKang who was walking slowly away with a speed slower than a tortoise and placed LiQin's hand on his shoulder.

"Mas... ter... is... that you?" and he turned around and gave out a loud scream. The ghost of the girl was already clinging to his master's back and now she is after him.

After screaming his heart out which took around twenty seconds, he calmed down and realized that the girl was no ghost but a real-life girl.

"Master, who is this girl?" asked YongKang finally. 

"I do not know. I only knew her name," answered ZhenYu plainly.

"Then what is her name?"

"JinGe."

"Oh. And why is she wearing a veil?"

"Never mind that. Let's get going. It's getting colder," ordered ZhenYu. He was getting frustrated because even he did not know the answer to his question.

"Follow me, Young Master."

Both of them set off again as YongKang shielded ZhenYu and the girl on his back and carried the lantern shining their path in the dark forest as the heavy rain relentlessly poured over their heads.

After an hour, there were finally able to reach home. They entered through the back door as it is the nearest entrance to the house. Before they even entered the house, the wise old man was already at the kitchen door, waiting with towels and warm tea ready to serve them as if he knew that they would come through there instead of the main entrance. And the place nearest and warmest to the back door was the kitchen; therefore, he was sitting there the whole time waiting for their return.

"Father!" cried YongKang when he opened the door so that the Young Master could enter into the house. The moment Old Man Kang saw them coming, he quickly opened the umbrella that was beside him and went towards the Young Master. "Young Master. I had everything prepared. Go to the kitchen," he told the Young Master. ZhenYu followed his instructions and moved towards the kitchen. Old Man Kang could not even shield ZhenYu as he hurriedly headed to the kitchen and that was when he saw the girl that the Young Master was carrying on his back.

Everything was in his calculation but what he did not count into and expect the arrival of another guest.

"Young Master, who is this girl?" asked Old Man Kang when the Young Master had put the lady down in a chair and he himself had taken a seat next to her beside the kitchen fire.

"JinGe, I met her in town," said ZhenYu who was beginning to feel the fatigue from carrying LiQin home and the alcohol that he drank before. "Put her into one the guest bedroom. No one will take off her veil," and then he looked at Old Man Kang and said "Take care of her" just before he fell asleep.

Old Man Kang was still confused but he did what he was told. He went outside of the kitchen to find people to carry out the master's order. The first person he saw was YongKang who came rushing after he closed the door and took of his raincoat. "Father," said YongKang when he saw his father. "YongKang, help the Young Master change into some dry clothes and put a warmer in his room," said Old Man Kang to his son. "Yes, father," answered the boy and he went into the kitchen and took the Young Master back to his room.

"I better go report to the mistress and call some of her maids to take care of the lady," thought Old Man Kang and he departed to the East Wing.

West Wing Guest Room

"The madam has slept. Just let me know what is it that you needed. I will report to the madam tomorrow," offered Madam Wong when the old man came looking for her.

Old Man Kang told her about the unexpected guest.

"Do you think? It's our new mistress?" asked Madam Wong at the old man. "I doubt it. The young master he is not a playboy. I think he is loyal to the mistress," replied Old Man Kang.

"I trust your words. You have known him longer. Let's settle the guest," said the woman as they left and complete the task that the master had given.

"I leave her with you then," said Old Man Kang after he helped Madam Wong carried the girl to the west wing guest room. He left the room shortly after and went back to his own quarters to take a rest after a long day.

In the room, Madam Wong took out the clothes that were already in the wooden chest right beside the bed. The guest room was seldom used so the room is often used as storage so there were already clothes available in the room. She patted the clothes because there were full of dust as she took them out from the chest. "Next time I better come with Little Peach to clean up this room. The items are full of dust," thought Madam Wong.

After she placed the clothes on the table, she went to the girl and started helping her change. She started off with the outer robe first. That was easier because the ribbon that was securing the upper garment were starting to unravel. Carefully, without lifting the veil, she continued, but suddenly the girl started stretching and was resisting the woman's hands. Struggling Madam Wong accidently knocked off the veil, "Oh no," thought Madam Wong. She quickly went to pick it up, however surprise overcame her when she saw the face of the owner of the veil. 

It was her Miss, LiQin.

Madam Wong's mind was running here and there as she looked upon the girl who is now sleeping comfortably on the pillow in the bed. The girl had a similar mole right under her left eye just like the lady and then Madam Wong checked her arm for a scar that was on her arm when a dog bit her when she was a little girl; it was present as well. The girl was no doubt was her miss.

"LiQin," called Madam Wong repetitively to the girl trying to wake her up while patting her face lightly.

"Hmm, Madam Wong?" said LiQin drowsily.

"My girl, where have you been? And why are you being carried back to the house by the Master?" asked Madam Wong. LiQin wanted to tell Madam Wong but she can't remember anything and grunted. Her head was still muddled, and Madam Wong sees her like that knew that she was feeling unwell. "It can wait. Let's get you back to your room first," said Madam Wong to LiQin.

"Wear this so we would not get caught," told Madam Wong to LiQin. She obediently followed her instructions and put on the veil and staggered off the bed.

With some help from Madam Wong, she arrived safely in front of her room. Xiao Tao hurried to the door when Madam Wong called out to her. And both of them set the lady down on her bed after they changed her into some dry clothes. Xiao Tao wanted to ask Madam Wong about LiQin but did not dare when she saw the angry face Madam Wong had on her face. She left the room when Madam Wong told her to rest while Madam Wong accompanied LiQin in her room until daybreak.

Next Day

Morning came as the sun rises from the east, and birds began chirping. Today Xiao Tao was on breakfast duty, so LiQin was left all alone with Madam Wong. While Madam Wong helped, the lady got dressed as usual, she was also lecturing her at the same time.

"You are already a woman not and not a girl anymore," nagged Madam Wong as she styled the lady's hair.

"Sorry," replied LiQin.

"You are not a child anymore. You can't do anything irresponsibly. It might hurt your reputation."

"I know."

"If you know then do not do it again."

"Yes."

"I will tell Old Man Kang that the girl that the Master had brought back home with left already when I went to check up on her. You are not aware of the events that happened last night. All you heard was that the Master was drunk and came home late and you were in bed worried sick about him. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Ask him about his wellbeing later when you are having breakfast with him."

LiQin did not replied, and Madam Wong tugged on one the strands of her hair. "Oww," said LiQin. "I will," replied LiQin and Madam Wong stopped the tugging.

Madam Wong followed the Mistress to the dining hall after she was ready. They walked along the corridors until they arrived along the corridor to the dining room. LiQin was looking at the ground as she walked and accidently bumped into ZhenYu who was just as absent minded as she is. They were thinking about last night incident.

"Oh, sorry," said the both of them together in unison.

As quickly as their eyes met, ZhenYu and LiQin looked away shyly in the same speed and when they tried to enter into the dining room, they bumped once more. They quickly backed off from the door and looked at each other saying, "Sorry" at the same time. Both tried to let the other enter first, but ZhenYu being a gentleman insisted LiQin to enter first. The girl who could not decline the offer any more as Madam Wong began coughing again, signaling to her mistress. LiQin entered into the room. They sat on the opposite side of each other.

Seeing their masters had entered into the room, the servants lead by Xiao Tao took out two bowls of white porridge, one for the Master and the other for the Mistress and a few small side dishes and placed them all around the table. When that was done, the servants left, leaving only Old Man Kang, Madam Wong, the Master and the Mistress alone in the dining room. There were eating silently when Madam Wong gave out a cough, giving a signal to LiQin to talk with the Master.

However, before LiQin could speak, ZhenYu started, "It seems the weather is quite abnormal lately. It is warm and hot and then a shower late at night." He looked over at the Madam Wong, and said to her, "You need to take care."

"Yes," replied the old woman.

His eyes trailed over to LiQin. "Umm... you need to take care as well."

LiQin nodded. Silence followed as she took a spoonful of porridge.

Madam Wong tried again, and cough again. LiQin was slightly startled by her signal but cleared her throat and begin, "I heard from Madam Wong that you came home drunk last night."

She never had a problem before 'talking to him', or rather it was because she never had and wanted to talk to him, but after yesterday's encounter she suddenly felt shy around him. Her voice was slightly shaky.

"Yes," replied ZhenYu who tried to smile at LiQin.

"He is listening to JinGe," thought LiQin. "It is so funny seeing his smile right now. It seems he really is not accustomed to smiling at me."

There was a long silent until ZhenYu started the conversation again, "First step," thought ZhenYu.

"How are you? I heard you were sick last night" The exact words that Old Man Kang taught him to say.

Earlier in their room, ZhenYu was rehearsing with Old Man Kang what to say in front of his wife. Old Man Kang was scolding him of the way he was treating his wife was too harsh, especially what he said when the Mistress first woke up from her coma three months ago, and he should be more compassionate towards her. And also, the incident last night would have made any woman angry if they knew. Luckily, everyone had agreed to kept it a secret.

"I am fine," replied LiQin.

The flow of the conversation stopped again, and it was Old Man Kang turn to cough. ZhenYu knew the cough was for him, but he could not say anything, and the breakfast ended. It was the best he could do right now.

They both went their own way; LiQin went to the garden to look at the flowers while ZhenYu went to the office to discuss things with his father.

At the garden

Madam Wong was following the Mistress closely she would not leave her side even when she went to the privy. It was suffocating for LiQin but she understood her actions. It was her fault, so she deserved this kind of punishment, but in her mind, she was glad that she went out yesterday. He was different compared to what she had thought initially. "I used to think that he was as cold and ill-mannered and arrogant, most of the time disagreeable. Now that I had spent some time with him, I found him to be kind, clumsy and humble."

At the office

"Young Master Zhen. Young Master Zhen," as someone called him. It was his secretary. "You need to look at these papers," he told him.

"Yes. I will finish reading them and report it to my father later. You may leave. I will call you when there is something I do not understand," he told his secretary.

ZhenYu could not concentrate on work; his mind was filled with thoughts about the strange girl he met yesterday. What does she look like? Where did she come from? When did she leave? Why she did not leave any message for him? There were so many questions that he wanted answers, and it was frustrating because all he knew about her was her name and she had an aunt living in the town but he never did get to meet the aunt as well. She was just so mysterious; she might not even be a human. She might be a fox who transforms into a human to trick humans. If it was true, then the fox had succeeded. He was completely charmed by her. "Arrggh," said ZhenYu beginning to think that he was getting crazy as well.

In the evening when everything was done, ZhenYu went to his father's office and reported his progress and the tasks on hand that needed his father's approval.

"That's all father," said ZhenYu when he finally finished.

His father, who was listening attentively while busily looking at the paperwork on his desk, nodded.

He looked from his papers and then towards ZhenYu's little brother, ZhenAn, "How about ZhenAn, do you have anything extraordinary to report?"

"No, father," replied ZhenAn. "That's all for today. Go home everyone."

With the lord's permission, everyone in the office left the room, but just before ZhenYu was able to leave the room the Lord called out to him. "ZhenYu, I have something to tell you stay back."

Finally, the last of the officer left, and the pair of father and son was alone; ZhenYu's father stretched and walked away from his desk and towards ZhenYu. He patted his back, "Great job today. You explained everything with such detail and precision." ZhenYu was proud that his stepfather had praised him, but he tried to be humbly to it and said, "It is part of my job."

His father knew his son's characteristics very well; the boy likes to hide his feelings, whether he was happy, sad or angry. Even when he was young, he never threw any tantrum when his little brother had broken his favourite toy or had shown any selfishness like the other little children who demanded little trinkets or trips from their father or mother. That was also he was the one he was most worried about in all of his children because if there was any problem, he encountered he would never tell him just like how he had to hear about his cold treatment to his wife through rumours.

"How is the preparation of the trip to the neighbouring city of XinYe?"

"I had let Old Man Kang taken care of it."

"When are, you are leaving?"

"In two weeks', time."

"Be careful and take care. The new city lord of that city might be planning something up their sleeves. There was a lot of trouble brewing in that place. I heard assassinations are happening everywhere and spies planted in every corner of the city. It is not a peaceful place to be."

"Yes, father."

"Let's stop this seriousness. Let's have a little bit of father and son time," said his father and he patted his back again. "It's been a long time since you last visited the house. Come over later and have dinner with the rest of the family. I heard that Xiao Ping misses you very much."

ZhenYu smiled gratefully at his father's offer, "I am glad to come."

"And do not forget to bring your wife as well. I know she is a beauty, but you mustn't hide her from the world."

"Yes, father," replied ZhenYu politely on the surface, but in his mind, he was already trying very hard to think of a way to ask his wife to accompany him.

ZhenYu's Mansion

Back at ZhenYu's mansion, LiQin was already waiting at the front gate for her husband's arrival as usual. She greeted him when he entered. The usual routine would be that ZhenYu would quickly rush into the house and headed towards his study after acknowledging her greeting.

However, today ZhenYu took her hand and they both headed for the study. "I am becoming bolder," thought ZhenYu to himself. The others maid and butlers stood there dumbfounded by the scene that has just transpired. Old Man Kang and Madam Wong, who was watching, were delighted by it.

"At last, there is some progress between them," thought Madam Wong while Old Man Kang was thinking, "The Master has finally made his first move."

When they arrived in the study, ZhenYu dragged LiQin into the middle of the room. Standing there dumbly, holding her hands and looking away. LiQin wanted to laugh at his craziness, maybe she had infected him when she was JinGe, but she held on trying to be serious. As their hands were touching each other, LiQin was able to feel his sweaty palms.

"Drat, I am sweating bullets," thought ZhenYu.

"Ha-ha, he is sweating so much," thought LiQin.

"Got to think of something to say," looking left and right.

"He is getting too nervous," as LiQin studied his face.

"What to say? What to say?" as ZhenYu contemplated.

"Must not laugh," thought LiQin when she saw a piece of leaf stuck in his hair.

Finally, ZhenYu began, "LiQin"

"Yes," said LiQin trying very hard, to not sound funny or too babyish.

"Umm, would you mind coming to the main house... and eating dinner... with my family?" said ZhenYu. "Yay! I have finally said it," he thought.

"Yes," replied LiQin. "Oh, that was the matter" thought LiQin a little disappointed.

For a long time, both of them stood still in the room. It took some time for ZhenYu to realize that he was still holding on to her hands, which was why LiQin hadn't left yet; and he immediately let go of them and began furiously wiping the sweat off his hands behind his back against his shirt while LiQin smiled sweetly at him, "Then I will go prepare myself," said LiQin before excusing herself and headed towards the door.

When she opened it, at the side of the door was Xiao Tao and YongKang who were trying to look busy cleaning and Madam Wong, who was inspecting the windowpanes while Old Man Kang was giving instructions to his son. They were grinning slightly. And there were other servants too trying to sweep the floor. They looked away when she stared at them.

LiQin knew there were all eavesdropping on their conversation and she walked away along the corridor and turned around, "Come Xiao Tao and Madam Wong, I need your help to get dressed."

"Yes Mistress. Coming," cried Xiao Tao, followed by Madam Wong.

Lord Zhen's Mansion

Using a horse carriage, they arrived shortly and were greeted by the ZhenYu's family when they entered into the living room. ZhenYu's adopted family comprised of Lord Zhen, Mistress Zhen, ZhenAn and ZhenPing, ZhenYu's little sister. They were all sincerely happy to see them. The brothers were hugging each other while his mother approached her.

"My, what a fine lady you are," complimented her mother-in-law.

"You over complimented me, mother," said LiQin humbly. And then, ZhenPing who was only four came rushing towards LiQin and arms outstretch trying to get LiQin to carry her. Before she could, ZhenYu came over and lifted her up. "You do not love your brother anymore," said ZhenYu to her little sister teasingly. "Big Brother!" cried the little girl, delighted to see her brother.

"Let's talk later, let's have dinner first. You must be starving," said their mother. "ZhenAn, call your father. He is in his study," said Mistress Zhen to his son.

Walking in front Mistress Zhen led the way to the dining room, followed by LiQin who walking hand in hand with Xiao Ping who was telling her all sorts of stories, "I saw a frog today. It was so scary." And sometimes they would whisper into each other's ears.

"And... and there was one time when my AnGeGe (Brother An) got me a handful of flowers. "Sister-in-law, I love daffodil," whispered ZhenPing. And LiQin whispered back, "Do not call me Sister-in-law?"

"Why?" asked ZhenPing.

LiQin whispered into her ear, "Do I look old?"

"No," said ZhenPing.

And LiQin whispered again, "Then when there was not any around, call me LiQin JieJie, promise?"

"Promise."

ZhenYu was following quietly behind smiling even though he doesn't know what they were talking about.

When everyone arrived, the parents sat in seats that were facing the door, ZhenYu sat next to his father followed by LiQin who quickly joined him and then it was ZhenPing who made a lot of fuss to sit beside LiQin and last ZhenAn who sat next to his mother. They called out to their parents,"

"Qi kuai. Qi kuai (Raise your chopsticks)," said Lord Zhen and everyone started to eat.

Everyone was laughing while eating as ZhenPing was still having difficulties holding the chopsticks. Everything she tried to pick up, didn't land in her bowl and it gave everyone a good laugh. ZhenYu wanted to pick some food for LiQin, but he did not know what to choose. He realized that he does not know what LiQin liked. LiQin who sat next to him, noticed that he was looking intently at the dishes and catching glimpses of her whenever she picked out something from the plates.

"He is counting," thought LiQin. She purposely picked out everything on the table evenly so she could not figure out what she liked most. ZhenYu was at his wits end and he picked every single thing and placed it into her bowl. "Son are you trying to fatten up your wife?" teased his stepmother. Everyone laughed at him, but LiQin quietly ate everything.

When only empty plates were left on the table and their bowls were clear. The family went outside to the garden.

It was a cloudless night as the night breeze blew them all away, so everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful moon and the cooling breeze in the garden.

While ZhenYu and ZhenAn were teaching their little sister how to make a paper lantern, Lord Zhen sat next to LiQin who was sitting on a bench away from the group.

"Father," said LiQin when she saw him.

"I saw what you did," said Lord Zhen.

"What do you mean?"

"I am old, but I still have sharp eyes like those of the eagles. I saw you teasing him."

"Sorry father... I did not mean to," said LiQin.

"Do not be sorry. I like the way you are teasing him. Teasing is also another form of communication between couples," said Lord Zhen heartily. LiQin blushed at the mention of 'couple'.

"You really do like him. I am glad."

Mistress Zhen appeared offering tea and desserts to both of them. "Mother, you should call me to help you," said LiQin. "It's okay; I can still do these simple chores. Anyway, there were already a lot of servants here to help around the house. Just sit here and spent some time with this old head. He liked to chat so much that I am scared of him." And they both gave out a little laughter Mistress Zhen then went towards the children and wiped off the sweat that was gathering on Xiao Ping's forehead. Looking at Mistress Zhen suddenly, imagined herself having children with ZhenYu and doing the same thing her mother-in-law is doing, taking care of her husband, raising their children and hand in hand growing old together. "I would really like that," thought LiQin.

"Daughter come, let us go over there and have some desserts. I feel hungry again looking at those dainty things," said Lord Zhen.

"Yes, father," replied LiQin.

They joined in and again everyone was sitting around a stone table that was in the garden. LiQin hold onto to her husband's arm before he sat down and together, they both walked towards Lord Zhen and Mistress Zhen. "We still haven't presented tea to you after our wedding," said LiQin. They both kneeled down the ground and LiQin gave a cup of tea to ZhenYu who presented it to his stepparents, followed suit by LiQin. Lord Zhen who seldom cries not even on their wedding day, tears up a little bit.

Again, there are all alone in the horse carriage on the way back to their own home. ZhenYu tried to pretend to be asleep so LiQin would not feel too awkward being alone with him in the carriage.

LiQin knew he was just pretending because his fake sleeping was full of flaws as his eyes kept moving but she talked anyway knowing that she would hear him. "I lost all my memories from the day I was child until the day I was married off and living here."

ZhenYu was shocked hearing the confession but he kept pretending to be asleep. LiQin continued, "I might be upset before from what I heard from Madam Wong about the death of my lover but..." there was a short pause before LiQin continued, "I do not remember his face or how he was. The memories that I had made with him does not even exist anymore in my mind. It as if I am a blank sheet of paper. I do not feel sad or anything. At first, I thought you hated me, so I hated you too but after today, I have a different view."

"Although, it did not start today but the day when you meet JinGe," thought LiQin.

Anyway, what I wanted to say is that let's start over and have a happy life together. Let's try again," said LiQin. ZhenYu did not say anything but slowly he moved his hand towards LiQin's hands and held onto it until they reached home. ZhenYu only let go of her hand when the carriage stopped in front of the gate, and he stretched his hands as though he only woken up. They left the carriage and went back to each of their respective bedrooms.

LiQin's Room

"How did it go?" asked Madam Wong, who didn't join her as she was feeling slightly under the weather. Yet worried as she was, when they reached home, she was the first one to greet her.

Now back inside their room, with her old wrinkle hands, she combed her lady's hair while Xiao Tao was folding the clothes she was wearing just now and putting them back into the closet.

"It was nice," said LiQin happily. "Everyone in the family treats us nicely. There was not any jealousy or prejudice. Xiao Ping, ZhenYu's little sister was so cute it as if I have a little cute sister that I have never had."

"But you already have a lot of sisters."

"Oh yes, I remembered you telling me that I have two... umm three... how many sisters do I have Madam Wong?" asked LiQin.

"You have three sisters, although none is as young as five years old right now. You have three younger ones who are presently sixteen, fourteen and eleven; and a brother who is eight. Your memories haven't recovered yet?" asked Madam Wong. "No," answered LiQin.

LiQin took the old woman's hand, "You have to take care of yourself too. Don't worry much about me. I am doing well. My relationship with the master is getting better every day," comforted the young woman at the old servant. Madam Wong smiled, and patter her head, "Good child."

"I better not tell her about my lapses or else she will be following me day and night for the rest of my life or maybe until my memories recovered anyway it is better for me to keep it a secret," thought LiQin.

"Maybe just maybe I will be happy from now on," as she looked upon the moon that was hanging outside her room, while recollecting the events just now.