Chapter 2

My show of innocence fooled Wang Yun. Believing I understood nothing, he let me follow Wang Xi everywhere. That gave me my chance—the chance to lure Wang Xi in.

I used every trick I knew to bring such an upright gentleman to his knees before me.

He spent most of his time in the study, so I was forever slipping in, using lessons in reading and writing as an excuse to stay near him.

I deliberately wrote ugly, crooked characters. Unable to bear it, Wang Xi guided my hand himself.

He had come first in all three levels of the imperial examinations, and it showed. His forceful brushstrokes gave the characters life, each one full of strength and integrity.

“You’re so clever, Brother.”

“Concentrate.” He tapped the back of my hand. His pale lips moved softly; his voice was low and rough.

“Your hands are so cold.” Instead of listening, I hooked my little finger around one of his long, fair fingers.

Startled, he withdrew his hand.

I caught it again at once. “I’ll warm it for you.”

“There’s no need.” His gaze darkened. He was still trying to resist me.

“Do you hate me, Brother?” My eyes reddened as sudden hurt filled my face.

He rubbed his brow and sighed. “No.” Helplessly, he let me have my way.

“Whenever you’re cold, I’ll warm you.” I spoke softly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his expression soften.

Wang Xi was always restrained and proper, but he was a man, and men had feelings and desires.

One stormy day, soaked to the skin, I knocked at his door. “Brother, let me shelter from the rain.”

When he opened it, his gaze faltered for a moment. Only a moment, but that was enough. He was a gentleman, after all.

“Brother, I’m afraid of thunder.”

His prominent Adam’s apple moved. Without a word, he stepped aside to let me in.

He gave me a clean, loose robe, still unable to look directly at me. “Change out of those wet clothes.”

I changed on one side of the screen. Rain poured outside. His tall, straight figure cast a shadow across the screen, and I reached out to trace its outline gently, waiting in silence.

A tremendous thunderclap crashed overhead.

I pushed the screen over and threw myself into Wang Xi’s arms, trembling. “Brother, I’m scared.”

“Yaoyao, let go first.” He dared not look at me. His voice was so hoarse.

I glanced down. His arms hung rigidly at his sides, as though he had no idea where to put them.

A cold gust whistled through the window and blew out the candle.

The room went dark. Rain drowned every sound outside.

I pressed against his chest. His heart beat like a drum, his normally cool body growing hot.

Slowly, I laid my hands over his and slipped my fingers between his.

“Brother, let me stay tonight. Please?”

The thunder and lightning outside conspired with me to set the trap.

I tilted my face up to Wang Xi. Blue-violet lightning scattered glimmers over his finely drawn features.

His eyes were closed, his long lashes trembling like butterfly wings.

Restraint. Endurance. That was all I could read in his face.

In the end, the propriety and honor taught in his sage’s books prevailed.

Though I had clearly stirred his desire, Wang Xi pushed me away.

“Yaoyao, I’ll take you back to your room.”