Chapter 2

Instinctively, I took half a step back among the servants, trying to make myself less noticeable.

Since he had chosen to sell me in this life, I wanted no further entanglement.

He had grown much thinner since we parted. His jaw was sharper, and the old warmth about him had given way to a colder distance.

First, he greeted both ladies with impeccable manners.

Lady Gu assessed him with a pleased smile, then called to her daughter.

“Yi’er, come greet Young Master Shen.”

Gu Qingyi rose gracefully. Every word and gesture displayed the composure of the Grand Secretary’s legitimate daughter.

Lady Shen’s smile became a little more genuine.

Shen Zhiyan bowed in return.

But halfway through, he suddenly paused.

Lady Shen coughed softly.

Only then did he recover, lower his eyes, and properly finish the greeting.

I kept my head rigidly down and stared at the tips of my shoes, terrified he would recognize me.

05

The two ladies exchanged a few more courtesies. Seeing the hour, Lady Gu rose to leave.

Neither Lady Shen nor Shen Zhiyan had recognized me.

At last, I relaxed.

“Yan’er,” his mother said, “see Lady Gu and Miss Gu out for me.”

He obeyed.

I slipped behind the accompanying servants, hoping to leave unnoticed.

Ordinarily, the route from the hall to the gates was straight.

He led us into a corridor instead, past the reception room and rockery, until we stopped beside a flower-covered wall.

A shaded corner beneath it was where I had hidden to cry after cruel remarks in my previous life.

He stood before the wall, looking at something I couldn’t see.

Had he recognized me?

My breath caught.

Fortunately, after a few moments, he looked away without speaking and continued.

My back was drenched in cold sweat.

At the gates, Lady Gu and Gu Qingyi climbed into their carriage.

As usual, I went to stand beside it and wait to follow.

But Shen Zhiyan stood right there.

To reach my place, I had to pass him.

The carriage was about to move. I drew a breath, lowered my head, fixed my eyes ahead, and forced myself past.

As our shoulders passed, someone lightly caught my sleeve.

My heart leaped. I turned instinctively.

Almost at once, those fingertips let go.

Shen Zhiyan looked straight ahead, his face unchanged, as though the touch had nothing to do with him.

I stood frozen, unsure how to react.

Servants and drivers moved about around us. No one noticed.

Recovering myself, I suppressed my alarm and hurried after the carriage.

Its wheels clattered over the blue-gray stone.

I kept close beside it, unable to calm my heartbeat for a long time.

Only one thought remained.

He had certainly recognized me.

But what did it matter?

He had chosen his road. I had mine.

Whether that touch was deliberate or accidental, let everything end here.

I straightened my clothes and sleeve and followed the carriage, step by step.

Behind me, the Shen gates grew farther away.

06

By the time we returned, dusk had fallen.

I helped Gu Qingyi down, then went to unload the things.

Maids and serving boys chatted in small groups. Their voices were low, yet every word reached me.

“I hear Her Ladyship took our mistress to the Shen residence to meet her match.”

“Their eldest son is exceptional. Such a handsome man, and perfect for her.”

“Yes. Equal families. They say the elders have nearly settled everything. This was only a formality.”

“It’s a wonderful marriage. Lord Shen has the emperor’s favor. His son is sure to rise high.”

Holding a chest, I passed them silently.

A small sharp pain pricked my heart.

They were right. Shen Zhiyan had always been outstanding, honorable, and ambitious.

In my previous life, he often told me he wanted to take the imperial examinations, enter court, and work for the people. He would never be like those wastrels who only knew how to flatter their way upward.

But study cost money.

Brushes, ink, paper, inkstones. Tuition and travel.

Everything required silver.