Chapter 37: The Young Leopard Stirs

The “Wandering Song Pavilion” was utterly empty. Beigong Qiyi arched a slender brow and turned to the maid at the door, asking, “Where is the Master?” The young and pretty maid stole a glance at the tall, graceful youth, her cheeks flushing as she answered softly, “Reporting to the Young Master, the Master has gone to the main hall.” Her full lips pressed together, Beigong Qiyi nodded. “Who has arrived?” The maid bowed, shaking her head. “Huazhe does not know.”

A long, fair hand lifted the young girl’s pointed chin, revealing a fresh, untouched face. Her skin was pale and delicate, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, lips soft and pink, her bright eyes lowered, long lashes fluttering—truly beauty untouched by artifice, pure as water-lilies emerging from clear springs.

Beigong Qiyi stroked the smooth skin beneath his fingers, a faint smile on his lips. “When the flower blooms, it must be plucked; do not wait until it withers and you’re left with bare branches. ‘Huazhe’—that’s a fine name.” Huazhe looked up at him in a daze, her pretty face coloring deeper. Beigong Qiyi met her shining eyes and laughed quietly, “Would you like to follow me?”

The youth’s jade-like features and upright bearing, those black eyes sparkling like the finest crystal—Huazhe saw the gentle smile at his lips and nodded, slow and deliberate. Beigong Qiyi’s lips curved in amusement. He’d always been one to make use of all available resources, maximizing every advantage. Besides, for a girl chosen as Beigong Juechen’s maid, she was unlikely to be simple.

Huazhe gazed longingly at the youth’s proud retreating figure, affection lingering in her bright eyes. The first time she had seen him was at his birthday banquet; then, he was the exalted Young Master of Lichang Manor, and she, merely a servant pouring tea. From her very first glimpse, she had been awestruck.

From that moment, she had schemed and struggled to climb higher, just to be a little closer to him. Though a twist of fate assigned her to Beigong Juechen’s service, the thought of more chances to see him left her overjoyed and unwilling to look back. She had never expected to catch his eye so soon, but since she had decided to belong to him, she clenched her delicate hands and vowed, I will do everything I can to help you.

Lichang Manor rarely received guests, so the main hall was always cold and deserted. From the courtyard, Beigong Qiyi could already see two figures inside. The man in a dark green robe seated at the head was unmistakably Beigong Juechen. At his side, a man in white—Beigong Qiyi narrowed his eyes, swept his sleeves, and entered.

“Master Fu, it’s been a long time.” Beigong Qiyi smiled at the man in white. As ever, Fu Zhi’s expression was cool and aloof. He merely nodded, his greeting flat: “Young Master.”

“What brings you here?” Beigong Juechen asked, looking at the youth. Beigong Qiyi took a seat opposite Fu Zhi, smiling, “The weather seemed pleasant, so I thought to invite you out, Brother. I didn’t expect Master Fu to visit.” Beigong Juechen nodded, then fixed his gaze on Fu Zhi, raising an eyebrow. “After all these years, you haven’t changed a bit—still that dead man’s face.”

Fu Zhi’s sharp brows moved minutely. He regarded Beigong Juechen and replied slowly, “I was born this way.” Beigong Juechen shook his head, somewhat bored. “What brings you here today?”

Fu Zhi said nothing, but drew a brown wooden box from his sleeve. Rising, he presented it to Beigong Qiyi. “I was unable to attend your birthday, Young Master, so I’ve come to deliver my gift.” Beigong Qiyi blinked, accepting the box with a smile. “Master Fu, you’re too kind.” Fu Zhi returned to his seat, shaking his head. “It is my duty.”

Watching their exchange, Beigong Juechen felt as though a young leopard was talking to a block of wood—it was truly amusing. He couldn’t help but smile.

Fu Zhi withdrew his gaze, his lowered lashes hiding the ripple in his usually cold eyes. Beigong Qiyi’s hand paused as he opened the box. He shot Fu Zhi a sidelong glance, lips pressed thin, then raised his brows at the item nestled inside. “Half a tiger bone—this is a rare treasure. I thank you, Master Fu.”

Beigong Juechen glanced lazily at the tiger bone in the youth’s hand. “Weren’t you going out for a walk?” Tucking the box away, Beigong Qiyi nodded and smiled, “Master Fu, would you care to join us?” Fu Zhi shook his head, eyes downcast. “No, I have other matters to attend to.”

It was late autumn, and all around, people wore thick clothing. Yet Beigong Qiyi, in a light ochre robe, stood tall and striking, his good looks impossible to ignore. Many young ladies stole glances at him, their eyes filled with longing.

Standing before the Jade Pavilion, Beigong Qiyi ignored the fluttering, passionate gazes cast his way. After a moment, another tall figure emerged from within—at the sight of him, the icy mask on Beigong Qiyi’s face melted into a gentle smile, setting the hearts of the watching ladies aflutter and stirring envy. They craned their necks, eager to see what kind of man could make the youth wear such an expression.

When the newcomer stepped fully into view, those same ladies drew sharp breaths of admiration. Dressed in a dark green robe trimmed with black fur and gold thread, his bearing handsome and commanding, he rivaled the youth’s beauty without yielding an inch.

Beigong Juechen tossed a red brocade box to Beigong Qiyi. The youth caught it deftly and asked with a laugh, “Brother, another gift for me?” Beigong Juechen shot him a sidelong look, raising a brow. “Don’t you like jade? I happened upon a piece of red jade recently, so I’m giving it to you—to make up for last time’s hunt.”

Beigong Qiyi opened the box to reveal a piece of red jade, its surface a mottled brownish-red enclosing a core of bright crimson. Flawlessly polished and of excellent quality, it was a rare gem indeed. Yet Beigong Qiyi closed the lid and handed the box back.

“What, you don’t like it?” Beigong Juechen asked. The youth shook his head, lips pressed tight. “It’s beautiful, and I do like it. But you said I could tell you what I wanted when I was ready. Why insist on deciding for me now?”

Beigong Juechen laughed softly, pushing the box back into his arms. “You certainly know how to bargain. Well, let this jade be my gift to you.” Beigong Qiyi’s eyes lit up as he put the box away with a smile. “Thank you, Brother.” Beigong Juechen rapped his knuckles on the youth’s head. “Come on, let’s go.”

Both men were strikingly handsome and elegant, walking together like figures from a painting. The young ladies, their hearts stirred, only dared to watch in secret, none bold enough to intrude upon such beauty.

It was mealtime, and the Source of Flavors restaurant was bustling—only a few seats remained upstairs. As the patrons ate, the floorboards quivered and two tall figures appeared. The one in yellow, a cinnabar dot at his brow, was breathtakingly beautiful; the one behind, in dark green, bore a resemblance but was more severe and imposing.

They glanced around, then headed straight for the private room that Source of Flavors never offered to ordinary guests. Those with untoward thoughts quickly lowered their heads and ate in silence; that private room was not for just anyone.

No sooner had the two settled in than a stream of exquisite dishes arrived, filling the room with a medley of aromas. Beigong Juechen frowned. Seeing this, Beigong Qiyi rose to open the window, letting a cool breeze in and dispersing the overwhelming scent.

He returned to his seat with a faint smile. “The food may be delicious, but when so many dishes are mixed together, the smell is hardly appetizing.” Beigong Juechen poured wine for the youth with unhurried grace. “Indeed.”

Beigong Qiyi raised his cup, but his gaze was fixed on the hand holding the wine pot. The pot was flawless white jade, yet the man’s hand was paler still, blue veins threading beneath the skin. That hand, fairer than any woman’s, looked strong and unyielding. Beigong Qiyi’s dark eyes flickered; before he realized it, he had grasped the man’s hand.

Beigong Juechen’s hand trembled, though the wine poured steadily, not a drop spilled. Beigong Qiyi stiffened, then, without a word, released him—only to take the wine pot instead. “How can I let Brother pour for me?” Beigong Juechen shot him a glance, smiling faintly as he downed his cup.

Beigong Qiyi obediently filled his cup, then set the pot down. His expression remained calm, but beneath the table, his right hand—having just touched the man’s—rested in his lap, fingers absently caressing his palm. So, that hand, so seemingly unyielding, was soft after all...

After their meal, the two left the restaurant. Beigong Qiyi glanced at the sky. “Brother, shall we go boating on the lake?” Beigong Juechen lowered his eyes, considering a moment before nodding indifferently. He had agreed to accompany the youth out today simply because he’d been cooped up too long; whatever they did was of little consequence.

Though it was late autumn, the lake’s allure was undiminished. The sky had yet to darken; few pleasure boats dotted the waters, while the pavilions and gardens along the shore bustled with guests, music and laughter drifting on the air. Beigong Qiyi and Beigong Juechen walked side by side along the bank, surrounded by the scent of powder and the tinkle of bells—a languorous, decadent atmosphere.

“Didn’t you want to go boating? Don’t tell me you mean to just walk around the lake?” Beigong Juechen stopped before a painted barge, teasing. Beigong Qiyi played with his newly-bought fan and smiled, “It’s still early—let’s stroll a while longer and enjoy the breeze.”

Right on cue, a cool gust blew, tossing Beigong Juechen’s hair across his cheek. Beigong Qiyi burst out laughing. Beigong Juechen fixed him with a cold glare. “Laugh again, and I’ll feed you to the fish.” Beigong Qiyi stifled his laughter, watching the boats gathering on the lake. He shook his head, “Brother, the fish in this lake wouldn’t dare eat me.”

Beigong Juechen snorted. “True—I’ve never seen a fish eat a leopard.” Beigong Qiyi turned to look at him. By now, dusk was falling, and lanterns glimmered along the shore, their light making the youth’s eyes shine like cold stars. Gazing intently at the man, he asked softly, “Brother, do you think I’m like a leopard?”

Even under the youth’s burning gaze, Beigong Juechen’s expression didn’t change. He met his eyes, replying coolly, “Only a pity that you’re still just a cub.” Beigong Qiyi smiled slowly, lips curving as he looked out at the lantern-lit boats. “Now, the time is right.”

Languid music and the sound of strings and flutes drifted over the lake.

Even if he was only a young leopard now, one day, when he was grown, he would bare his fangs and consume the prize he had coveted for so long, bit by bit.

Author’s note: Ah, ladies who bought VIP chapters, won’t you leave a trace and let this author recognize you? Or has a police officer snuck in among you—oh no! Waving my little whip~