Chapter 3

After that reckless night, I never went to see Elder Sister.

Because I didn’t know how to face her.

Everyone was keeping what happened between Xie Heng and me from her.

But three days later, Elder Sister sent someone to summon me.

I knew I couldn’t keep avoiding her.

A faint scent of medicine lingered in Elder Sister’s room.

Rounding the screen, I saw someone standing by the bed-tall and graceful, with an extraordinary bearing.

It was Xie Heng.

He glanced at me, and even in his deep, still eyes, a trace of unease flickered.

But it vanished quickly.

“Jinshu, come here.”

Eldest Sister was delighted to see me. Her thin wrist lifted slightly, and I hurried over.

“Elder Sister.”

My voice was hoarse.

She had grown even thinner.

Elder Sister took my hand, her tone half-chiding, half-concerned. “Have you not been sleeping well lately? Look at those dark circles under your eyes.”

Perhaps out of guilt, when she mentioned “not sleeping well,” I suddenly recalled that shameful night and quickly pulled my hand away.

Fortunately, Elder Sister didn’t notice anything amiss.

She tucked a stray lock of my hair behind my ear and asked, “How are things with that gentleman Jiang Songjing?”

“You’re of marriageable age now; you should start thinking about your marriage.”

At the mention of Jiang Songjing, I couldn’t help but pause.

Out of the corner of my eye, Xie Heng seemed to glance at me.

Lowering my gaze, I replied softly, “We’ve parted ways.”

“What happened?”

“It’s nothing,” I said with a faint smile. “It just suddenly felt unsuitable.”

Elder Sister wanted to say more, but Xie Heng spoke up: “She’s still young, after all. It’s normal to have changes of heart.”

He gave me a look, his eyes dark and unreadable.

“There are many men in the army. I’ll keep an eye out for your sister.”

Elder Sister smiled and agreed, asking him to take care of me.

But I turned my head away, not daring to meet his gaze again.