Chapter 5: A Surprise Visit

Chapter 5 is finally here! If you're enjoying the story so far, leaving a comment, rating, or follow really helps and motivates me to keep writing.

(Thanks for the 2, by the way. Made me giggle like an idiot) 💙

I've got a lot of twists and turns planned for the upcoming chapters, also a new important character taking the spotlight—so stay tuned!

A little hint: He may or may not be linked to Huaijin.

As they say... the plot thickens ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The sound of thread and needle slipping through fabric was the only noise in Xiao's quiet room. The afternoon sun filtered through her window, casting a warm glow on her as she sat on her thin mattress, cross-legged, her brows furrowed in concentration as she tried to stitch up the rip in her pants. If it weren't for today's adventure of helping a group of kids rescue a kitten stuck on a tree branch, her pants would be fine now.

"Ouch—" She flinched when she accidentally pricked her finger with the needle. A little too hard, it seemed, as blood began to pool at the tip before running down her finger.

"Crap…"

Xiao quickly wrapped her finger with a piece of fabric she had lying around, putting pressure on the little wound to stop the bleeding. The quietness of her room didn't last long before she heard fast footsteps approaching. Her name was being called urgently.

"Xiao? Xiao!"

It was Madame Ping's voice, the forty-six-year-old owner of the Whispering Fan House. A woman still so beautiful that she could be mistaken for a courtesan herself, and one of the few people who know of Xiao's true identity. Yet, that tone in her voice only meant two things: either something horrific happened, or something very exciting.

"I'm in here!" Xiao called back, setting her ripped pants aside. She looked up from where she was sitting when the older lady opened the door to her room.

"Ah, there you are!"Madame Ping rushed inside, half flushed and flustered.

"What's going on? Something happened?" Xiao asked, a bit worried now as she saw the older lady's face. Did she run up here?

"Young lady, since when did you start bringing men home?" Madame Ping scolded.

"Men…?" Xiao blinked up at her, completely thrown off guard by that comment.

"Yes, men—and a truly handsome one at that. Ah, and now he's requesting to see you—is that what you're always up to when leaving the house? Sneaking out to meet him?" Madame Ping paced around the room. "I knew someday this might happen, you can't keep pretending to be a man all your life—I understand, a woman will inevitably want to experience the feeling of love, blossoming like flowers in the sun—the intimacy a man could—"

"Madame Ping!" Xiao interrupted her before she began to go down a rabbit hole. She could feel the heat creeping up her face at the older woman's words. "What are you even talking about? There's no such man in my life—"

"Then explain to me the nobleman who is specifically asking for you by name."

"Nobleman…?" Xiao was confused. She would never even consider a romantic relationship, long forgotten with the person she once was, let alone reveal to anyone else that she is, in fact, a woman. She thought about who it might be, and she quickly realized that it could only be one person who was foolish enough to show up like this in broad daylight, unannounced and without shame. Her stomach did a flip. How did he find out I was here?

She quickly searched for a set of clothes to put on, as she was currently only in her undergarments: a top that tied behind her neck, leaving her shoulders and back bare, along with a fitted short skirt that did little to conceal her soft curves. Crap—I don't even have time to bind my chest!

"What are you doing? Don't tell me you'll meet your beloved looking like a man!" Madame Ping scolded her once again.

"He's not my beloved!"

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Meanwhile, Huaijin was waiting patiently downstairs. Sat at one of the many tables that would usually be occupied by other noblemen at night. The room was empty and quiet, making him wonder what it usually looked like when the yiji house was open and in full swing. At that moment, he spotted the person he had come to see.

"My lord? What are you doing here?" Xiao walked toward him. His eyes immediately caught the way she was holding the hanfu top by hand, rather than with a fabric sash. She couldn't find a belt…

"Good afternoon, Xiao," he replied with a smile, "looks like I surprised you with my visit?"

"N—No, I'm not surprised," she tried answering calmly, even though, yes, the visit was unexpected. Huaijin just chuckled, noticing the slight nervousness.

"I'm sorry, I got curious and wanted to see if I was right."

Xiao swallowed hard. Her anxiety was gradually increasing. See if he was right? About what? Did he figure out my real identity!?

"You live at the yiji house," he said, amused.

"Ah…" A relief. Or should it—? Xiao narrowed her eyes at him. "Did you follow me home the other day?"

That accusation earned her a laugh from the young man.

"No, not quite. You gave it away yourself."

"Gave it away? How?"

"Oh, multiple things. But just to name a few: During our first meeting, you mentioned that you have a favorite courtesan named Li Yueqi, which suggests that you're around the house often enough to have a favorite. You also said that you live near the Yanhua Market, and most notably, you know exactly what hair oils the courtesans use, even mentioning them being gifts. Quite odd for a young man like you to know about, is it not?" he explained with a smug grin, satisfied with coming to this conclusion.

Xiao was left speechless. She forgot that she even said all this. Much less did she expect him to pick up on the details. So this guy wasn't just annoying, huh? He even remembered the name of 'my favorite courtesan'. She held back a small sigh, tightening her grip on her tunic.

She hasn't been as careful as she thought.

"You guessed right, I suppose," she replied through clenched teeth. "So what now? You'll keep on pestering me? I thought a royal scholar like you would have better things to do."

"You're angry I found out?"

How I would love to wipe that smug smile off his face—

"It's just useless information," Xiao replied.

"Not to me. I told you we'll meet again, you shouldn't be so surprised."

She grumbled under her breath, but before she could kick him out of the house, Madame Ping suddenly chimed in—dramatically. Giving it her best since she thought Huaijin was Xiao's beloved.

"Oh, young lord, I'm deeply sorry for not receiving you properly. Your visit was quite the surprise, and we are still preparing for tonight. I regret falling short." She gently pushed Xiao aside, getting into view. "How about you stay for some tea, young lord?"

Xiao's eyes widened in horror. Staying for tea!?

Huaijin noticed Xiao's big eyes, so he couldn't help but wonder how she would react to him accepting the offer.

"A cup of tea doesn't sound so bad. Thank you, Madame." He flashed her a charming smile, only making Madame Ping more eager to have him.

"Right away, young lord."

Xiao had no option but to sigh… deeply.

A few minutes later, the tea was all finished, served in a beautiful porcelain tea set alongside some sweets. Xiao begrudgingly sat beside Huaijin, her top now finally tied as Madame Ping had found an appropriate fabric sash for her. The older lady poured some tea for Huaijin first, which he thanked her for.

"It's powdered green tea, the most ordered tea at the house," she added.

"I see," Huaijin took a small sip from his teacup when Madame Ping settled down next to them, mindful of gathering the wide sleeve of his robe when he lifted it. Both Xiao and Madame Ping noticed how well-mannered he was.

"You made it nicely," he added, his voice as smooth as butter, making the older woman chuckle softly.

"So? What exactly was it about this rascal right here that drew you in to visit?" Madame Ping asked, making Xiao almost choke on her tea.

"Well, we met twice before, and he had helped me at the market a few days ago. I guess it's his uniqueness that made me curious. I've met a few people, but no one quite like him," Huaijin replied with a small smile.

"Him…?" Madame Ping inquired, confused as she still believed this nobleman was Xiao's lover—who knew of her real identity. Luckily, Xiao picked up on it quickly, tugging at Madame Ping's dress beneath the table to warn her. She almost blew her cover.

"Ah—yes, of course." Madame Ping laughed in an attempt to diffuse the situation caused by her mistake. "Right, Xiao is quite the character. Quite stubborn and clumsy."

I wanted her to keep my cover, not outright insult me—

"Is that so?" Huaijin chuckled.

"Oh, yes. He's like a cat falling on its feet. Always hurts himself but never breaks a bone. A miracle, really," She replied, also taking a sip from her teacup.

Huaijin glanced toward Xiao, who was focused on maintaining eye contact with the wall. Like a cat falling on its feet? Certainly. He's seen it with his own eyes—the way she fell from the plum tree, yet ended up with only a few scratches on her hands.

"You must be quite lucky then."

"More or less…" Xiao stuffed her cheeks with a mooncake so that she wouldn't have to talk, earning a soft chuckle from Huaijin.

"I see he's therefore lacking in manners." He picked up a napkin from the table and gently wiped the red bean paste filling from the corner of Xiao's mouth. She flinched in surprise but quickly snatched the napkin from him, cleaning her mouth herself while hoping that her cheeks wouldn't turn rosy. Now what was that for!?

The conversation between him and Madame Ping flowed as Xiao just sat between them, hoping that Huaijin would just get up and leave quicker. He told her about how he is a royal scholar, and of course, the older lady was all ears as she loved listening to rich, handsome men.

"By the way, how did a young man like you end up living at a yiji house?" Huaijin turned to Xiao. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Long story short, Madame Ping was kind enough to help out a lost child," she replied with a short answer that only left him with more questions.

"You were lost as a child? How come?"

Xiao put down her cup of tea. A question that she didn't want to answer. So she lied.

"I ran away. Simple as that. Just young and stupid."

Huaijin felt that wasn't the whole truth, but he didn't push for more. If Xiao ran away as a child… does he even know where his family is?

"I see. At least you've been taken care of by someone kind. It must have been quite scary wandering around alone."

"Hm…" Xiao ate another sweet treat instead of answering further.

"Yes," Madame Ping replied, not wanting to go into much detail. "He was quite relieved when he found some guidance. I took him in as I couldn't just let a young child wander around dangerously. He's been under my care for so long that it feels like he is my own son."

"Now you're just getting sappy," Xiao replied, casually teasing Madame Ping.

"What? So I'm not allowed to reminisce? Truly, you were much cuter as a child. I miss the days when you didn't complain about me pinning your short hair into pigtails." The older lady's mouth curved downward in a soft sulk.

"We don't talk about those times…" Xiao remembered those days, feeling embarrassed now.

Huaijin chuckled softly at the image of Xiao wearing pigtails, beginning to understand her a little better. At first glance, she seemed like a reckless young boy who didn't care much about anything. But upon closer look, Xiao was something else entirely—sharp in mind, a unique character with a past not yet his to uncover. Far too intriguing for Huaijin to simply forget.

"Are you staying for the night, young lord?" Madame Ping asked, curious to know if he would stay for the courtesans.

"Ah, no, unfortunately, I'd have to head back to the palace soon. Besides, I'm not interested in being entertained by courtesans anyway."

"Oh, what a shame. You're quite the handsome young man; it would be a blessing to see your face more often."

Huaijin laughed at the compliment.

"Why, thank you. I'll make sure to visit more."

Visit more? Xiao's biggest nightmare.

"Right, before you go, let me pack up some of these pastries for you. Xiao, would you be so kind?"

"Sure." Xiao stood up from her seat, ready to help Madame Ping.

"Oh, you don't have to," Huaijin replied, only to be interrupted.

"No, no, it would be shameful of me to let you leave empty-handed." Madame Ping wouldn't be deterred as she moved to the back of the house, where the kitchen was.

"You better accept those, or else you'll get on her bad side…" Xiao warned Huaijin before she followed Madame Ping into the kitchen.

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"There," Xiao handed him the sweets, wrapped in silk fabric, when she saw him out. They stood in the front yard of the house, the sun already setting and casting an orange hue across the sky.

"Thank you." Huaijin reached out to accept the gift.

"By the way." Xiao glanced up at him, now slightly curious. "Did you make that medicine you needed the myrrh for?"

"Ah, right," he replied. "I did."

"Did it come out the way you wanted it?"

"Well… yes. But, I didn't quite expect it to taste so bitter." He remembered how excited he was to try out this wondrous elixir that promised eternal vitality, only for him to spit it out the moment it touched his poor tongue. Xiao tilted her head to the side.

"You threw it away." It was more of a statement than a question. And Huaijin couldn't help but feel called out.

"Hmph. What a wasteful scholar," she mocked, folding her arms.

"Come on, it's impossible to down—"

"Like I said, a waste."

"I mean, it did work."

"But you spat it out—"

He hesitated. "With dignity."

Xiao shook her head with a scoff and turned back toward the house, ready to get back inside.

"Maybe next time, add some honey to it. You seemingly still have the taste buds of a child."

Huaijin couldn't help but huff in amusement at her unbelievably witty comeback, wondering how someone's bitter insults could somehow sound so sweet.