Duft erhebt sich zum Tanz

Kapitel 13

Huan'er's gaze shifted from the sky back to the person before her. Shi Wuji, bathed in the golden halo of the setting sun, looked like a solemn god.

In the 20th century, she was a passionate young woman who entered police academy, believing that right and wrong were irreconcilable and that justice would always prevail. She lost her life saving someone and, through a twist of fate, was transported to an ancient era, becoming a vulnerable woman with a tragic destiny. Before she even understood what was happening, she was already married. Her husband, Shi Wuji, the man she would spend her life with, entangled with for eternity, was so handsome, outstanding, and remarkable. She wanted him to love her! Because she had already secretly given her heart to him. From childhood, she had always treated boys as buddies, growing up surrounded by the opposite sex; she had never truly fallen for anyone. Only his presence made her heart flutter, only his gaze made her heart pound. She wanted to touch the man behind his cold exterior, to connect with his soul, to unleash his passion! Everything about him was something she desperately wanted to understand. She only asked for his wholehearted devotion, for him to have no other wives or concubines, and for him to love only her.

"Why are you crying? You slipped out without a word in the blink of an eye, which is very unruly. You're covered in grass clippings, and you're being so rude. It's not proper for you to be alive," Shi Wuji scolded in a low voice.

Was there a hint of pity in her words? Huan'er's eyes were misty.

"Wuji, tell me, will you change me? Will you restrain me with the three obediences and four virtues, and strictly forbid me from approaching you with strict doctrines? Will I be respectful and aloof to you outside the bedroom? Will I not call you by your name, but only call you Master or Husband? Will you use violence to subdue me when I am unruly? Will you do that, Wuji? Would you want me to do that?" She wrapped her soft arms around his neck, her forehead resting against his.

"No! I won't." The words slipped out without thinking, and Shi Wuji realized he was being misled. Seeing her tears, her vulnerable eyes, he found himself willing to pluck the stars from the sky for her, and if she asked, he would do it, just to see her smile.

Huan'er smiled with relief, wrapping her long hair around his neck. She gently kissed his lips. "Then, let's spend our lives together." She kissed him again. "Accept me, correct me, but don't change me." Good heavens! She loved his scent.

"Huan'er, stop!" Was she trying to drive him crazy? Shi Wuji pulled her away, picked her up, and scolded, "You can't overstep your bounds outside the room."

“But you said…” she protested.

“I know what I’ve said, and I won’t go back on my word. But there’s still a limit. Do you think flirting outdoors is appropriate?” he interrupted her.

Huan'er remained silent, acknowledging his wisdom. This would be a long tug-of-war. If compromise couldn't be reached, then it would come down to who had the stronger methods.

“I don’t think it’s inappropriate for couples to have intimate actions. Don’t you love me kissing you?” She looked directly at him.

"You'll know the answer tonight," he said, his gaze deep and intense. Huan'er's cheeks flushed red, and she avoided his eyes. Was he... implying something? Without giving her a chance to ask, he said:

"Go back inside, it's time to eat." With that, he left.

Huan'er jogged close behind him. But with his height and long legs, how could she keep up? She simply grabbed his arm and let him half-drag her along; he was determined not to leave her behind!

"Huan'er, what are you doing?" Shi Wuji was both annoyed and amused.

"I want to walk with you; I don't want to be left behind." She wouldn't let go.

Seeing her resolute expression, Shi Wuji simply picked her up and strode into the house.

A large round table was set out in the living room, laden with delicacies. Huan'er was surprised to realize how hungry she was. Shi Wuji placed her in the seat to the right of the head of the table; the other three were already seated. As he put her down, he whispered in her ear, "Happy now? Bringing you in here has certainly made you look good."

"I'm hungry." Huan'er pouted, her eyes darting around the delicious dishes on the table.

"We've been waiting for you to start the meal." He turned to the steward. "Tell the kitchen to prepare the dishes." There were already dishes on the table, weren't there? Four small plates of snacks, each with a crystal plate of intensely fragrant lemon juice in front of each person—it was incredibly tempting. In the center of the table was a large lobster; it was quite a feast. Did the kitchen have more dishes yet to serve? What a waste! There were only five people eating.

"Why aren't you eating?" She was starving, but seeing everyone staring at her, she had no intention of picking up her chopsticks.

“It’s a tradition of the Shi family for you to serve the meal,” Shi Wuji said.

"Dinner's served? Great! It's just being the first to pick up food! Is there some special procedure? I've never had this rule at the inn for the past two weeks. But the way they're looking at her is so strange. Isn't the first step to picking up chopsticks? How am I supposed to eat? With my hands? No! I'd better not take any risks," she pleaded with Shi Wuji.

“I don’t know what it means to start a meal, and I don’t want to make a fool of myself. You don’t need to look at me like that.”