My Life Is More Complicated Than You Imagine

Everything around her was spinning.

The sky was spinning, the earth was spinning, and every flower, grass, and tree within sight was spinning. She felt dizzy, the colorful lights shimmering under the crystal chandelier like a kaleidoscope.

Through the haziness, she seemed to catch a glimpse of a figure in purple. The mask, so perfect it could evoke the wrath of gods and men alike, had a small tear formed by the suppressed laughter of the person beneath it. It felt as far away as the horizon, yet somehow seemed close enough to touch.

Xian Yue squinted her eyes, just allowing a narrow slit of vision. The wine jug in her hand had yet to be set down; she waved it around, but there was nothing except the damp air.

"So it was just an illusion."

She shook the wine bottle in her hand, sniffled slightly, and muttered to herself before letting out a soft laugh toward the bright moon in the night sky.

Lan Yixuan watched Xian Yue's state and realized she was truly drunk. Earlier, at the banquet, she hadn't drunk much because Bai Zhanfeng had been holding her back. A single cup of strong wine would have left her only three-tenths drunk. If she looked like this now, he wondered whether she had hung those four burly men in mid-air or if they had tied her up and taken her to the Wang family manor.

At night, a subtle fragrance wafted through the air—not the pungent scent of incense in the courtyard but a delicate aroma, reminiscent of ink orchids, which was quite pleasant.

"You're drunk."

Lan Yixuan sat beside Xian Yue, looking down at her flushed cheeks. His voice, once rigid and unfamiliar, softened and deepened with tenderness.

"What do you know? A drink can dispel a thousand sorrows."

Xian Yue opened her eyes, glancing up at Lan Yixuan above her. Her delicate brows knitted together, and she pouted, presenting a picture of melancholy. However, at the moment when others might feel sympathy for her, she let out an undignified burp.

"When will you ever act like a woman?"

Her skin, smooth and translucent like white jade, flushed with a rosy hue due to her inebriation. The vermilion between her brows resembled flowers blooming in the darkness. Her hair shone brightly, becoming even more radiant, as if it might bleed, exuding a captivating charm. Her features were delicate and exquisite, and she radiated a clean and ethereal aura. The night breeze caressed her hair, which danced like satin in the wind, brushing against her cheek and partially obscuring her beautifully crafted features. Such a woman might not be stunning, but she was unforgettable.

"I am a woman!"

Xian Yue declared loudly.

Lan Yixuan reached out, his fingers slender and pale as jade, gently brushing aside the hair that clung to Xian Yue's face. "Is there anything in this world that troubles you?"

His fingers were cool, like warm jade soaked in water, carrying a refreshing fragrance that strangely felt warm and comforting.

"I want him to be free of illness and pain, to live a long life, and to stay by my side forever."

Lan Yixuan's hand suddenly froze, his gaze burning as he looked at Xian Yue.

Feeling that piercing gaze, Xian Yue opened her eyes abruptly. The man before her was relaxed and composed, exuding an air of nobility. In an instant, the realization struck her, and she became alarmed. She shook off Lan Yixuan's hand and hurriedly attempted to rise.

This was not Li Hua Zhai, where only friendly and gentle little creatures roamed. At least this one before her was undoubtedly a big bad wolf in sheep's clothing.

She had only meant to push Lan Yixuan's hand away to sit up, but she underestimated her strength. The hand holding the wine jug accidentally struck Lan Yixuan's forehead. He hadn't expected her to be so guarded against him, even in her drunken state. If she was this defensive, would she have acted the same way around anyone else?

Xian Yue looked at the purple bruise on Lan Yixuan's forehead, which was entirely at odds with his dignified demeanor. She was first taken aback, then pointed at him and burst into laughter.

Throwing away the wine bottle, she used her hands to push against the eaves to sit up, eager to mock him. However, her right hand accidentally brushed against the smooth, round wine bottle. The interior of Ying Jiang Lou was designed with exquisite blue tiles for a luxurious feel, in contrast to the wooden roofs of Li Hua Zhai. These tiles were polished and smooth, set at a 45-degree angle, and as Xian Yue's body rolled over the bottle, she lost her balance and began to tumble down.

Given Xian Yue's skills, even when intoxicated, getting back up wouldn't be a problem. Lan Yixuan would naturally not intervene, but when he saw the jug fall to the ground with a loud crash, Xian Yue remained unmoved.

With a leap, Lan Yixuan floated above Xian Yue and, just as she was about to hit the ground, he caught her around the waist, cradling her against his chest.

"Hehe."

As Xian Yue landed, she looked up at Lan Yixuan, her eyes hazy from drink. Pointing at him, she suddenly laughed. "Lan Yixuan, I didn't expect you to actually intervene!"

Lan Yixuan gazed at her, her expression a mix of mockery and amusement, and frowned slightly, feeling a bit vexed.

With her skills, she could have landed safely even if she fell.

"Lan Yixuan, I didn't know you cared about me so much!"

Xian Yue teased, pointing at Lan Yixuan's flushed face with a laugh.

"Let's go back."

Lan Yixuan cast her a glance and turned to leave.

"Lan Gongzi."

Xian Yue called out and chased after him. When Lan Yixuan stopped and turned, she rushed into him, colliding against his chest.

"Are you angry?"

Then, realizing it was an odd thought, she quickly corrected herself; Lan Yixuan was not someone who could be easily angered. Clearly, even in her drunken state, Xian Yue's thoughts were still functioning: "I'm not angry. Why are you?"

She pushed Lan Yixuan away and glared at him, but her gaze was so hazy and mesmerizing that it lost any threat. Her soft, plump lips curled slightly, enticing him even more.

Lan Yixuan quietly regarded the drunken Xian Yue, his posture radiating patience as if he were indulging a spoiled child.

"You knew all along that the Third Prince would bring a group of women, didn't you? You're using me as a shield."

Xian Yue pointed at Lan Yixuan, exuding confidence. When she saw he didn't respond, she snorted and turned her head away. As she brushed past him, she deliberately bumped into him, lifting her chin triumphantly as she strode ahead.

"Are you angry?"

That low voice carried a subtle hint of delight.

Xian Yue turned around and scoffed again, pointing at Lan Yixuan as she gazed up at the moon in the sky. "Would you feel happy being used by someone?"

"If that person truly has the ability, then I would gladly accept it."

He spoke as if he genuinely wished to find someone who could utilize him, which made Xian Yue turn her head in a huff. "Just like Bai Daxia, a self-important fool."

"At the Pan City Conference, I will help you."

Lan Yixuan stepped closer to Xian Yue and suddenly grasped her fingers.

"Really?"

Her intoxicated eyes suddenly brightened, reflecting all the starlight above. Fearing that Lan Yixuan might change his mind, she grasped the hand he was holding with her other hand and burst into laughter. The smile she wore had a hint of flattery. "Lan Yixuan, I always said you're the best person I've ever met."

Then, she seemed to think of something suddenly. "Lan Yixuan, won't you get angry?"

Her bottom line was her brother, but what about Lan Yixuan? He had a serious obsession with cleanliness and was very particular about his image. Why, then, did he remain indifferent to everything she did?

Lan Yixuan allowed her to hold his hand tightly while her clear, intoxicating eyes excitedly gazed at him. He withdrew his hand and leaned closer to Xian Yue's ear. "My life is more complicated than you can imagine."

His voice was warm and rich, like polished jade, with a slight heat that brushed against Xian Yue's ear. Each word was like the gentle plucking of silk strings, low and enchanting, intoxicating her with every syllable.

Xian Yue turned to look at him, her expression evasive, yet somehow it seemed to hold the answer.