The elderly woman adjusted the crease in her elegant black Hanfu dress, made of fine cotton, and admired the way her exquisite hairpin complemented her sophisticated coiffure. Despite her age, she appeared a decade younger. When she saw her companion, she couldn't help but exclaim,
"Who did this to you!?"
"Why? I actually quite like it."
"Ah, I see. You're going for a striking peacock look. The tails are what? Hanging, thin, and stiff?"
Her friend, in contrast, had no accessories or head-dress. Her hair was styled in a brushed-up manner—neither too high nor too low. The long brown strands were coated with a gel, giving them a glossy, stiff appearance that seemed ready toexplode in the air.
It exposed her long jade-like skin on her nape.
What made it hard to determine if the look passed between stunning and unsettling was how the fine woman had styled it to appear as if it might burst into chaos at any moment.
She resembled a peacock poised to unleash its dramatic, killer hairstyle.
"Alright, whatever!" the old lady said, not wanting her companion to take another hour adjusting her hairstyle.
"I actually like you today," the fine woman replied with a sly smile.
She had also tucked away some sort of secret weapon in her hair—a "break in case of emergency" tool.
The old lady rolled her eyes and said, "Is that really necessary?"
"Remember, the rules are clear: no eye contact. Just look cool, and please, please, please…" The old lady paused, her tone heavy with expectation.
The fine woman, waiting for the next instruction, heard the old lady's words. She wrinkled her lips and pouted her pink lips in anticipation.
"Don't get bored and make sure to keep that sweet smile."
The fine woman complied with a smile, and the old lady pinched her cheeks gently.
"This is your last chance—don't ruin it."
A simple palanquin waited outside their house, ready to take them to their destination as instructed by the old lady.
An hour later, they arrived. They stepped out of the palanquin with grace. The fine woman maintained an expressionless demeanor, deliberately avoiding eye contact and waiting for others to approach her.
The two captivating ladies entered one of the most renowned cocktail lounges in the state of Liang. Known for its lively streets and numerous nightclubs, Liang was a hotspot frequented by wealthy and influential bachelors, even after dark.
On certain days, if fortune is on your side, you might even spot a royal indulging in a bit of leisure, hiring a mistress for the night.
The fine woman leaned in and whispered to the old lady, "Are you selling me here? Look at these men around us; none of them fit my ideal."
The old lady replied calmly, "Relax, and just try this drink."
"I don't drink," the fine woman protested.
"Just one glass," the old lady insisted.
Reluctantly, the fine woman took the glass and sipped it slowly. As she finished, her face began to blush.
There's the look, like in a severe crisis, she wanted to shout or even kick the old lady. But in her sheepish, voiceless face, opens her mouth, then used her hands to fan her mouth.
Several eligible bachelors observed this and assumed she was a charming young lady who had overindulged in drink.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
The old lady responded, "It's spirit wine."
"What? Did I just drink spirit?" The fine woman's eyes widened.
The old lady chuckled lightly and clarified, "No, it's whiskey."
"Oh, in that case, I think I'll order more," she said, deciding to order another round.
The old lady, preoccupied with observing the interested parties, failed to notice that none of them approached with any intentions.
Suddenly, a rich, floral fragrance filled the air from a darkened corner.
A distinguished guest arrived in such a grand manner that he slipped into the venue unnoticed by the other patrons. He handed over his VIP pass, and two disguised bodyguards entered first, securing the bar area.
In every corner of the establishment, crossbow snipers were hidden and on standby, while spies discreetly mingled among the guests.
The security team was poised to act at a moment's notice should the location's security be breached.
His arrival was unannounced, and the protocol had been discreetly communicated to the bar's owner.
With a godly visage and fox-like eyes, he cast a disinterested glance at the dim lights and ordered his usual drink.
Meanwhile, the old lady, oblivious to the fine woman beside her, ordered two more rounds. Without hesitation, she downed both glasses one after the other, gulping the contents without a single blink, no cheers, and no chasers to temper the taste.
Finished, she now appeared quite dizzy.
Several eligible noble bachelors, watching the scene unfold, found themselves even more fascinated by the fine woman. One bold individual decided to approach her, drawn by her captivating display.
In a dimly lit tavern, an athletic man wearing a hood made of rough brown sackcloth concealed his cold eyes and thin lips. His expression remained inscrutable, uninvited, and unrestrained as he ordered a single glass of beer.
He did not know the taste was this excellent and addicting before his accident happened.
These are one of his few days, he would want to unwind and associate himself to the easy nights of a simple man. While drinking, he once again looks back to his former ways.
He asked himself.
"How many months I have left before I finally take over…and he hangs the question and drinks again."
Approaching the fine woman "May I introduce myself with this?"
Offers a small, elegant handkerchief.
Still dazed, avoids eye contact.
The Old Lady took the handkerchief.
"Thank you, your grace. We'll let you know our answer in three days."
He nods, then leaves.
Another Nobleman arriving with his own handkerchief.
"Allow me to present this humble token of my admiration."
The fine woman squints at the handkerchief, barely noticing him
While the Old Lady takes the handkerchief, barely suppressing a chuckle
"Thank you. We'll consider it."
A burly man steps forward, surprisingly in his feminine voice said.
"And now, a handkerchief from me!"
The Old Lady raises an eyebrow, amused.
"Well, that's a surprise. Do tell, are you auditioning for a role in a comedy?"
The burly man throws the handkerchief with flair
The Old Lady laughs.
"Oh, how entertaining. I do appreciate the theatrics."
Yet another Nobleman appears with a hairy hand and thick mustache
"Here's my handkerchief. It's the finest you'll ever see."
The Old Lady's eyes widen with mischief
"A fine mustache, too. "A fine mustache, too. I'm not sure if it's the handkerchief or your mustache that's more impressive!"
He grins, unaware of the joke said, "Thank you! I do pride myself on both."
The Old Lady accepts the handkerchief.
"Well, it's been an entertaining evening, hasn't it? We'll be in touch."
The Fine woman finally speaking up.
"I think I've had enough of handkerchiefs for one night. Maybe I'll just stick to the drinks."
Old Lady laughs and replied, "A wise choice. At least we've been well entertained!"
Around the dimly lit corner, two sharp eyes watched the scene unfold with intense curiosity. The VIP guest observed as men moved with a peculiar sense of urgency between two women, creating a chaotic yet oddly organized commotion.
Intrigued, he sent one of his most discreet spies to investigate the unusual situation and report back.
The spy, skilled in the art of subtle observation, slipped into the room and took in the scene. One woman lay sleeping, a gentle snore escaping her lips and a small pool of drool forming on her mouth. The other woman was engaged in lively conversation with the men, who seemed to be eagerly bidding for her attention.
Upon returning, the spy presented his findings with a straight face. "Sir, it appears the men are indeed bidding on a blind date. However, the situation is rather unusual."
The VIP guest, taken aback, asked, "unusual how?"
The spy leaned in and whispered, "They're bidding on the woman who's sleeping and, well, drooling."
The VIP guest's eyes widened in disbelief. "Drooling? Are you sure? Did you confirm this?"
"Absolutely, Lotus Flower," the spy replied with a knowing smile. "It seems there's a rather unique market for a 'sleeping beauty' in this crowd."
The VIP guest couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "I always knew there were some eccentric tastes out there, but this is something else. I guess it's true what they say—beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, even if she's fast asleep."
The VIP's codename is Lotus Flower, and that's what all his spies call him.
Suddenly, the VIP relaxed in his chair. He was struck by a sense of curiosity, wondering, "How is it possible for someone to be so carefree, a woman who is sleeping and…
…oh drooling, accept such many high-end proposals?
He squinted in disbelief—being surprised was a rare event for him. Curiosity wasn't in his vocabulary, but tonight was different. He was determined to figure out who this drooling girl was.
Just then, a gold handkerchief flew through the air.
The spy spotted it and his eyes widened like an owl. He turned to the VIP and asked, "Seriously, Lotus? Is this for real?"
"Are you questioning me or concerned with me?" His eyes are a bit mad. He made it clear, gave a hand signal pointed to the direction of the two women, pouting his lips, some stern face, and the spy to obey.
The spy wears an anxious face, he may have upset the VIP, obeyed.
Like quicksilver, he walked towards the table of the two women.
The old lady now holding twenty handkerchiefs and none of them passed her taste based on their faces and attitudes. Still, she did not mind her companion beside her because she was too busy entertaining and accepting handkerchief proposals. While the fine woman already drooling and sleeping beside her.
The spy, dressed handsomely in a Hanfu (a cleverly disguised outfit), approached the old lady. When he smiled, revealing his toothless grin, the old lady shot him a disdainful look and said, "Whatever it is, it's declined."
The spy glanced at the woman next to her, whose drooling and snoring were growing louder. He then remarked, "Even I can't understand why I have to give you this…" the spy said as he handed over the gold handkerchief.
The old lady was left stunned and speechless, unable to find the words.
After a moment of silence, the spy finally heard her response: "Tell the majesty that this is booked."
That meant all twenty handkerchiefs were immediately discarded, with only the gold handkerchief being accepted.
The old lady left the twenty handkerchiefs on the table, and the noble bachelors, understanding the significance, immediately began scanning every corner of the bar.
Realizing that a VIP must be present and that the nightclub had become a high-stakes location, everyone was on high alert.
Despite the compromised scene, the fine woman continued to sleep peacefully. The old lady, noticing this, called out, "Wake up!"
"We need to leave and we'll be escorted back by the royal guards!" the old lady urged.
"Wait, what?" The fine woman, still groggy and barely awake, mumbled, "Royal guards? I didn't call for them. Why are they here?"
Her voice was sleepy and dull.
"This place is compromised. We need to get out of here," the old lady replied urgently.
Before the bar went on high alert, the VIP had already made his way outside and was riding in the Black Palaquin, drawn by three black horses. The gold handkerchief had just been accepted by the old lady.
The VIP asked the spy, "How did it go?"
"Your Highness, the old lady said, 'Whatever it is, this is declined.'"
The VIP raised his brows and replied,
"Oh, that is first time."
The spy not yet finished said.
"Tell the majesty, this is booked."
A smile crept into the corners of the VIP's eyes as he said,
"Oh, that is not so first time." (Lols)
Hiyah! Hiyah!
The spy urged the horse into a swift run, ensuring the VIP returned to his palace safely.
Meanwhile, the fine woman and the old lady were swiftly escorted by the royal guards, who transported them back to their residence.
The next morning, during her regular store opening hours, the old lady prepared to open her corner store, while the fine woman went to the market to buy fresh ingredients for the day's menu.
Early in the day, the gangster leader arrived to fulfill his third day of penance for his past misdeeds. The old lady noticed him waiting patiently at the side of the store.
At the same time, a familiar man on his rattan-made hat came and pass by the old lady's store and suddenly helped her.
The old lady startled him and said.
"It has been three days and I haven't seen you for a while since you had an encounter with the short scandal where have you been?"
The man, cold and reserved, continued helping the old lady set up the store's chairs and tables. He said, "I passed by here before, but you might not have noticed me. The young boy can tell you."
"Oh, yes, that boy has improved. I think he's learned his lesson," the old lady replied.
The man seemed pleased to hear this, though his expression remained indifferent and cold.
After finishing the setup of the tables and chairs, the man dusted off his clothes, signaling that his job was done. Just as he was about to leave, the fine woman arrived with her baskets full of vegetables.
She shot him a cold glance as she passed by, but he didn't acknowledge her. Instead, he took the baskets from her hands and helped her as if he were a regular helper at their Kowloon noodle house. After assisting her, he adjusted his hat and left without a word.
The kitchen chef, intrigued by the man's actions, watched the scene unfold with curiosity.
The next day, the man arrived early once again and performed his routine. He helped the fine woman with her baskets, but she resisted his assistance. The man insisted, he rolled his faded peasant outfit and took her basket.
As he worked, the fine woman noticed his well-defined muscles and a small tattoo on his left shoulder. He glanced at her with an intense look, as if searching her eyes for something, but then turned away without any further exchange.
He placed his hat on his head, bid goodbye to the old lady, and left.
The fine woman watched him secretly through the small kitchen window as he walked away from their store. Her eyes followed him from his feet to his head, and she couldn't help but think to herself, Perfect and proportionate height, well-sculpted muscles, and those eyes.
She took off her glance and leaned on the wall, and she thinks she is going crazy or might have been familiar with the eyes of the man. She had never been this wanting or got interested in a man's eyes and body until now.
Every time the man appeared before her, his tantalizing eyes stirred emotions she couldn't quite describe. Is she liking him or just wanting him for a rebound out of her broken heart?
One night, the old lady received a mysterious letter delivered by a messenger she didn't recognize. She was taken aback, as the only courier she was familiar with was the man who passed by their Kowloon noodle house every day.
Curiosity sets in, she asked the messenger about the man she was used to seeing.
"I'm not sure where he is," the courier replied, "but I have an important message to deliver."
Unfortunately, the old lady discovered that the courier was not just an ordinary messenger but a representative from the Liang Palace, disguised in his tattered peasant clothes.
Suddenly, she recalled the gold handkerchief and felt a surge of realization. Her excitement grew as she noticed the fragrant envelope adorned with elaborate floral designs—symbols of high importance. As she held the envelope, she couldn't help but imagine the possibility of a royal romance, her mind swirling with the anticipation of what might unfold.
And she was correct: the letter contained a summons, with the owner of the gold handkerchief requesting a blind date to take place the following evening.
The letter also detailed that they would be picked up from their residence by a royal escort.
The old lady began to empty through her closet, filled with beautiful dresses, as tears streamed down her face. Each Hanfu and Imperial gown from her youth evoked a mix of sweet, bitter, and joyful memories. She lovingly caressed them, hoping that by passing one of these exquisite garments to the fine woman, she might help heal a broken heart.
The dresses were made of the finest silk and the highest-grade fabric, adorned with traditional Chinese headdresses and genuine jade accessories. The old lady's eyes, heavy with wrinkles from a life of past glories, hid her deep sadness.
Once a renowned Imperial figure from a prestigious aristocratic family, she was now an outcast of society.
The old lady entered the fine woman's room and woke her up, despite it being late.
A large shadow loomed on the door, causing the fine woman to gasp.
"Waahh!" she cried out, quickly lighting a candle and staring in alarm.
"Are you going to help me or not?" the old lady complained.
A Beast! What duh.?! I can kill you in an instant!
For the first time in her life, the fine woman was stunned. Her hair was disheveled, and goosebumps crept up her arms as fear took hold. She thought there might be a beast at her door and quickly reached for a cold dagger.
The old lady, struggling to enter the room, was met with a sight: a mountain of Imperial dresses, headdresses, and other genuine gold and jade accessories laid out before her.
The fine woman had no choice but to help the old lady bring all her items into her room. She exclaimed, "Did you go to the night market and spend all your savings? What is all this?"
The old lady smiled and replied, "What does it matter if I spent every dime? It's worth it!
Here, try some of these. I used to be the same size when I was younger, so maybe they'll fit."
The old lady was thrilled as the fine woman tried on each outfit, turning the room into an impromptu fashion show. The old lady, once a renowned fashion critic and arbiter, raised her eyebrows, laughed, cried, giggled, screamed, and threw some sarcastic looks while pouting.
The highlight of the evening came when the fine woman emerged in a stunning yellow gold, flowy princess-cut Hanfu dress. The old lady gave her a thumbs-up, clearly approving of the choice.
After the fashion show, the fine woman, still puzzled, asked, "Why are we doing this again?"
"It's for a blind date," the old lady replied.
"Oh, for heaven's sake, I don't want to go back to that nightclub again. The faces there scared me; they all looked like ugly frogs."
"They looked ugly to you because you got drunk and ordered more than you could handle that night," the old lady said with a look of disgust.
The fine woman insisted, "I'd like to call off any blind dates… and the fine woman cut her next phrases…"
The old lady left, still waiting for a response, but none came.
"There are only two reasons I can think of for calling off the date," she said. "Is it because of the courier man, or is it because of a broken heart?"
The fine woman answered straightforwardly, "Neither." A long silence followed.
In truth, she felt that her heart had already chosen someone from the very beginning, and she believed she might have already met this person—perhaps he was even close by.
The old lady, not wanting her to cry tonight, said, "It's better to face death than to keep a broken heart."
"If you refuse tomorrow night, you might as well be dead," she added sternly.
The fine woman suddenly squinted her eyes and asked, "Why would I want to die tomorrow night?"
"Didn't I tell you?" the old lady said. "The winner of the bid that night, out of twenty noble handkerchiefs, became ineligible once the gold handkerchief was accepted. This means that no one from the nobility is entitled to anything except the Royal family member who won the bid."
"Since that night, the Royal family has full rights and entitlements to this blind date. Anyone who is unaware of these rules and attempts to claim what isn't theirs is committing treason against the Royals and the state."
"Oh, I didn't know about those rules. You just told me to fix my hair, dress like a lady, and sit beside you without making eye contact."
The old lady replied, "There are rules and protocols to follow. Since we showed interest in the blind date that night, we have no right to refuse, especially if the interested party is from the Royal family. Do you understand?"
The fine woman's ears exploded when she heard about the subject of rules, protocols andRights.
Suddenly she feels the need to meet this Royal to try to change this custom. She thinks it does not express the freedom to choose and freedom to decline.
The sanctions are too much for just a simple refusal. She thinks this is unfair.
"Alright, set me up. I'll teach him a lesson even if I die doing so."
The fine woman seems determined she took the old lady's beautiful dress and said: "Let's sleep we still have many things to do tomorrow."
The old lady, excited, said, "Just pray that the Royal doesn't request a second meeting after the first one."
The fine woman, who had just thrown herself onto the bed, suddenly looked up and asked, "What happens if there's a second summons?"
"It could mean an engagement," the old lady replied.
"Go away, that won't happen," the fine woman said, hugging a snug pillow and closing her eyes.
The old lady let out a mischievous laugh and said, "You bet!"
The next day, the store was closed, and the old lady went to a nearby beauty salon to book an appointment using the Royal seal from the letter she received.
Meanwhile, the fine woman stayed across from the Kowloon house, as if waiting for someone to appear. At that exact time, a tall, athletic man with a cold, intense gaze stood in front of the store and noticed it was closed.
The fine woman watched him with a sense of longing, captivated by his gloomy eyes. The man approached the neighboring store and asked about the closure before slowly walking away from the Kowloon house.
She felt as if she were losing her breath with every step he took away from her, her heart heavy as she watched him disappear from view.
By this time, the fine woman knows, this is not just a simple feeling.
But she cannot let him show herself today and look into those eyes.
She also believes, she might have met before but not yet sure when, where.
She hid a secret beam inside her heart.
Time slowly ticked, and her eyes followed the back of the man until he was gone out of her sight.
Suddenly, the old lady tapped her shoulder, bringing her back to the present moment.
Connect toChapter 43 Dinner Engagement
Lookback toChapter 39 Breach of Chasm