Chapter 4

I was still drooping when Brother’s next words made me spring back to life.

“Oh, yes. Count Cheng’en is holding a banquet the day after tomorrow.” Lin Yi smiled at me.

“That Brother Chen you think about so much will be there. You used to trail after him, didn’t you?”

“I’ll take you and Qingwu together.”

My eyes lit up.

Chen Junya!

With his sword-straight brows and star-bright eyes, he was the man countless noble girls in the capital dreamed of.

My mood cleared at once. I leaned conspiratorially toward Lin Qingwu.

“Count Cheng’en’s son is the handsomest dreamboat in the capital! Stay close to me and learn something.”

I straightened my sleeves proudly.

However special she thought she was, surely a gathering like that, and a man like him, would expose her shortcomings.

Then everyone would see who the true jewel of our household was!

Lin Qingwu’s smile deepened a little. “Very well. I’ll stay close.”

As we went back to our rooms, she pointed to the heavy gold and jade on her head.

“I’ll have these brought back to you in a moment.”

Still basking in the prospect of seeing Brother Chen, I waved a grand hand.

“If you like dressing that way, I have plenty more in my storeroom. I’ll send you a few more sets!”

I practically skipped away, happily calculating which dress and which pair of eastern-pearl earrings to wear.

I had to make Lin Qingwu look like a well-fed maid accompanying her young mistress.

Count Cheng’en’s banquet shimmered with silk and fragrant finery.

Arm in arm with Lin Qingwu, I made my way to the flower hall.

Chen Junya, the man I’d been longing to see, stood surrounded by people.

Stars in my eyes, I gave Lin Qingwu a little triumphant sniff.

“See? That’s Count Cheng’en’s son, Chen Junya. You don’t have men that handsome in your village, do you?”

I was so pleased with myself that I completely missed the way Lin Qingwu’s face turned white at the sight of him.

“Wanwan, I don’t feel well. I’ll go home first.”

She tried to pull her arm away. I held on more tightly.

She was frightened! She really was!

I knew it. Anyone who saw Chen Junya would be so dazzled they’d feel hopelessly inferior!

“Oh, we’re here now. See a little of the world! Brother Chen is perfectly amiable. He won’t eat you.”

With my brightest smile, I pushed through the crowd.

“Brother Chen! It’s been so long. Do you still remember Wanwan?”

Surrounded by his admirers, Chen Junya turned at my voice.

When he saw me, he smiled broadly.

“Of course. Brother Lin’s little sister who loves sweet cakes. I might forget anyone else, but never you.”

My brother shook his head ruefully. “You’ll have to forgive her. She’s a mischievous girl.”

“And this is Qingwu, my long-lost sister. She only returned to the family a few days ago.”

“Qingwu, this is Chen—”

“Ah Wu?”

Chen Junya’s easy smile vanished in astonishment the instant he saw Lin Qingwu.

“It really is you? How—how are you here?”

He reached eagerly for her arm. She moved away.

“Why shouldn’t I be here?”

Lin Yi frowned. Though he didn’t understand what was happening, he stepped forward, shielding her behind him.

“Brother Chen, this is your victory banquet. You have many guests. Please see to them. We’ll look around on our own and leave you to it.”

Chen Junya saw the glances turning toward us and plainly realized he’d lost his composure.

“Very well,” he said at last. “Now that you’re in Chang’an, there’s plenty of time. I’ll find an opportunity to explain.”

“There’s no need,” Lin Qingwu said.

“Our household’s gifts have been delivered. I’m unwell, so I’ll take my leave.”