Wolf of the West Chamber

Peering through the slightly ajar door, a gracefully poised lady of diminutive stature sat within a half-concealed wooden tub, her slender figure veiled by the frame, revealing only a portion of her waist and back.

Amidst the rising steam, the lady with coiled raven tresses displayed an immaculate neck and flawless, smooth skin, akin to polished jade. Gently kneading her shoulders, she exposed the smooth and beautiful expanse of her back. Handmaidens flowed in and out, pouring freshly heated water into the tub.

Irresistibly captivating, Lin Wanrong marveled at the Lady Xiao's impeccable skin care. He shifted his gaze away with difficulty, realizing that he had inadvertently intruded upon her bathing chamber.

In haste, Lin Wanrong chanted a four-word reminder to himself, yet his eyes lingered for an eternity. After a fervent internal struggle, he wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, gathered his scattered thoughts, and discreetly moved towards the western chambers.

Considering Lady Xiao resided in the east, the western chambers must belong to the Second Miss.

Navigating to the west, Lin Wanrong found a more serene environment with minimal maidservants. He surmised that this must be the dwelling of the Second Miss.

Grinning mischievously, Lin Wanrong murmured to himself, "Perhaps tonight, we shall enact a scene from 'The Story of the Western Wing.' Without the meddling matchmaker, Red Niang, may she vanish into thin air. Tonight, I am the wolf in the western chambers."

Within the silent chambers, void of any audible disturbances, Lin Wanrong, exercising caution, first peered through a narrow crevice in the window. Amidst flickering candlelight, a petite and slender figure in plain attire sat before an altar, holding a piece of paper. She wore a faint smile, her attention seemingly absorbed in whatever she was perusing.

Surveying the surroundings discreetly, Lin Wanrong advanced through the window with the utmost care. The window creaked softly as he opened it. Given the courtyard's secluded nature, frequented only by the household's maidservants, leaving the door ajar appeared justified. A fortunate convenience, thought Lin Wanrong, allowing him entry.

Inside the room, the Second Miss remained undisturbed, engrossed in her contemplations. Lin Wanrong, on this occasion, exhibited utmost prudence. He first observed through a slender gap in the door. Candlelight danced delicately, casting light upon a petite and slender figure adorned in plain garments, sitting gracefully in front of a shrine. In her hands, she held a drawing, and a faint smile adorned her face.

Left and right, Lin Wanrong looked around, finding no one witnessing his actions. Emboldened, he gently pulled the door, opening it with a whisper. Given the location within Lady Xiao's compound, mainly visited by maidservants, leaving the door slightly ajar seemed reasonable. After entering, Lin Wanrong closed the door carefully.

As he stepped inside, he was met with complete silence. Unsure if the Second Miss was present, Lin Wanrong approached cautiously. Noticing her immersed in her activities, he stood behind her. To his surprise, she held a portrait in her hands. The depicted figure, though decent-looking, wore simple attire and a crooked hat, bearing a mischievous grin. The expression clearly indicated an unsavory character.

"Good heavens! Who painted this, turning me into such an appearance? And it has fallen into Yushuang's hands. This damages my handsome and upright image!" Lin Wanrong fumed silently.

With a sly smile, he spoke, "Second Miss, what are you looking at?"

Startled by a voice near her ear, the Second Miss hastily put away the painting. Flustered, she stammered, "Nothing, nothing."

When she realized the voice belonged to a man and, moreover, someone familiar, she was surprised. Lifting her head, she saw the person from the portrait standing right in front of her.

Xia Yushuang felt a mix of shyness and joy. She whispered, "Lin San, why are you here?"

"I came to see you," Lin Wanrong replied, attempting to hold her hand.

Xia Yushuang, however, withdrew her hand shyly, lowering her head. Blushing, she said, "Sister said that we, as young ladies, should maintain distance from men. We shouldn't let them hold our hands or do whatever they want. She says it's essential to protect our reputation."

Lin Wanrong, frustrated, wiped the imaginary sweat off his forehead. He gathered his scattered thoughts and moved closer to Xia Yushuang. Smirking, he said, "That's for outsiders. Not for me and you – we've been through life and death together. Do we need to keep up appearances?"

Xia Yushuang softly agreed, and Lin Wanrong tried to hold her hand again. She resisted but allowed him this time, her face turning pink.

"Do you think about me during your daytime prayers?" Lin Wanrong asked.

"Yes."

"Do you think about me before going to sleep?"

"Yes."

"Whose words do you prefer – mine or your sister's?"

This question stumped Xia Yushuang. Furrowing her eyebrows, she said, "Lin San, I listen to both of you, okay?"

Lin Wanrong, revealing a wolfish grin, said, "Then, if I want to hold your hand and she doesn't, whose words will you follow?"

Caught in a dilemma, Xia Yushuang knit her brows, whispering, "Lin San, you're being naughty. You've already held my hand. Why ask such questions?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I'm not teasing you. It's just that your sister teaches you strange things. Two days without seeing you, and you've become so reserved. It hurts my heart."

Ignoring Xia Yushuang's teachings, Lin Wanrong boldly held her

 hand. In their intimate proximity, the flickering candlelight cast shadows, creating a romantic atmosphere. Time seemed to stand still as they enjoyed each other's company.

While Lin Wanrong relished the moment, Lady Xiao, who had just finished her bath, noticed a slight disturbance. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes as she swiftly made her way towards the western chambers.

To be continued...