Storytelling

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Today, the sun was brilliant, its rays spilling down in abundance, filtering through layers of foliage and casting scattered spots of light upon the ground. Yu Ziqi and Ning Qian sat together beneath the shade of a tree. At that moment, she was listening to the story of a boy’s coming of age.

“Master, what happened to the boy afterward?” Just as the tale reached a crucial point, Yu Ziqi stopped speaking. Unable to contain herself, Ning Qian asked.

“The boy, of course, grew up gradually. Those memories of weakness—crying secretly in corners, being mocked by others, clumsy and alone—those are his past. He buried his fragile self and all those memories deep within the recesses of his heart. From then on, the little boy disappeared, replaced by a man without a heart.”

“Without a heart?”

“Yes, a man without a heart. Can you guess what kind of life he lived each day?”

“A fate worse than death.” Though she had never experienced such things, a simple shift in perspective was enough to imagine the man’s feelings.

Yu Ziqi raised his hand and gently touched the top of Ning Qian’s head. If someone had seen them then, they might have thought it resembled a person stroking their beloved pet. “My dear, you are right. For someone who has lost his heart, life is indeed worse than death. But fortunately, he was destined to encounter someone who would help him.”

“A benefactor? Did that man’s fate turn around?”

“It was an earth-shattering reversal. On one occasion, while out on business, the man encountered bandits. He thought death was certain, but fate would not let him perish. His benefactor appeared. Because of that person, he discovered the meaning of survival and realized he still had a reason to live. From then on, he changed dramatically. Though to others he still appeared as the same unremarkable man, in truth, he was no longer who he had been.”

Ning Qian sighed softly. “They say fate toys with people—this must be what they mean. But the important thing is that he found the true meaning of life. I believe his future will be more brilliant. Really, who doesn’t encounter setbacks? But should we stop living because of them? To be born at all is a stroke of fate. We’re here but a few decades; happiness and suffering are both part of living. Since we can choose, why not choose to live happily?”

Yu Ziqi laughed quietly, his arm around Ning Qian drawing her closer, fierce light flashing in his eyes from time to time. “My dear, if the boy in that story had met you sooner, he might have found a different opportunity altogether.”

Ning Qian lifted her head in his embrace. “But it’s only a story, isn’t it?”

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“Yes, you’re right. Just a story. That man was too foolish, far too foolish.”

“By the way, Master, you still haven’t told me how you came by this house.” Ning Qian was not someone easily distracted. Though the story had moved her, she knew that nothing was more important than this matter now.

Yu Ziqi was silent for a long time, unable to find the right words. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to tell her, but rather he didn’t know where to begin. The matter was complicated, and besides, some things were not yet ready for her to know.

While he pondered, Ning Qian did not interrupt, confident that he would eventually tell her. Otherwise, he would not have shared such a story just now.

Perhaps he had finally made up his mind, for Yu Ziqi cleared his throat and said, “Actually, this house was built with my own money.”

Ning Qian hurriedly pushed him away, startled. “Master, what did you say? Your own money? But… how could that be?”

“I know it’s hard to believe, because no one else knows about it. Though Father still won’t let the three of us brothers handle the business, I started some small ventures of my own long ago. In recent years, I’ve saved quite a bit.”

Ning Qian frowned slightly and pursed her lips. She would not believe him so easily. Small ventures? What kind of small business could earn enough to buy such a grand estate? No fool would believe that.

“What’s wrong? You don’t believe me?”

“Um, Master, it’s just that this estate is so large—surely it cost a great deal?” Though she didn’t say it outright, her meaning was clear: she just couldn’t believe him.

“So, you still don’t believe me. Rest assured, the money was acquired honestly. For now, I don’t wish others to know about my business. My dear, I hope this can be our secret.”

“Yes, I won’t tell anyone.” Ning Qian understood the gravity of the situation. Who knew if there was any hidden trouble? If things went awry and brought disaster, it would be most unfortunate.

“Yes, though I haven’t done anything improper, for now I don’t wish others to know.”

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“Master, don’t worry. I’m not one to gossip.” After all, this involved her own secrets—she wasn’t about to reveal her own affairs without reason.

“I trust you, or I wouldn’t have told you. By the way, my dear, I want to apologize.”

“Master, I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

Yu Ziqi released Ning Qian and helped her to her feet. “That day, I was overtaken by emotion. A man should never raise his hand against a woman. It’s just that the painting meant so much to me, and seeing it nearly destroyed by fire made me act in desperation. My dear, I know you still hold some resentment. I won’t force you to forgive me now—let time prove everything.”

Hearing these words, Ning Qian was at a loss for how to respond. Nothing she could say felt quite right.

Yu Ziqi smiled gently. “I won’t pressure you. You’ve been married into the Yu family for some time now and should have some understanding of the situation here. Though I am the third young master, I am not as well-off as I seem. For the future, you and I must work together as a couple.”

Ning Qian thought to herself, What is he up to? Work together? Why hasn’t he said this before? Could something have happened recently to change his mind?

Thinking back, it did seem possible, for Yu Ziqi had been acting strangely these past few days—excessively attentive and kind, almost unreal.

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