Translator – DragonFlower & Tojo
Editor – DragonFlower
Chapter 54
“Diefeng, do we really have to go see it? This is a courtyard that is strictly forbidden to enter when in other peoples’ homes. We definitely should not keep trying to take a peek, it’s not good!” Bai Jingtian was still trying to persuade Wang Diefeng to give up the dangerous idea.
Beside him Wang Junhe also advised, “I heard it was because of Bozhi’s trouble, now both the Zhou brother and sister are grounded! If we continue to make more mistakes like this, wouldn’t it be putting them in an unkind and unjust position?”
Wang Diefeng’s whole mind was occupied by thoughts of the courtyard, as if she was under the influence of a drug. Regardless of what anyone else said, no matter what, she insisted on going her own way.
Even though it was her two close friends who were trying to persuade her, she still ignored it.
“Aiya, you two mother-in-laws, you’re really so annoying! Will you go with me or not? If you don’t go, then I will go alone by myself!” Wang Diefeng had a headache from the two of them nagging her, so she said harsh words to make her attitude clear.
Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe fell silent for a moment, and made eye contact with each other.
If Wang Diefeng really was so stubborn and restless, then of course they, as close friends, couldn’t leave her alone. They were worried that she might do something out of control or encounter some sort of danger.
In addition, it was possible that because of staying abroad for a long time, their thoughts and behavioural habits had been affected to some extent .
In the end, the two of them hesitated for a moment, but were defeated by Wang Diefeng and agreed to go late at night.
Night fell quickly, and there were already cicadas chirping in the trees.
There were red lanterns everywhere, hanging on every walkable road, lighting them up and turning the whole area red.
This red, it was so red that it would make people feel very uncomfortable psychologically.
Zhou Caihua held a lamp in his hand, walking out of the yard.
It was now every evening that he did this.
Because he was still looking within this ancient and closed Zhou residence for the whereabouts of the boy who had given him that startling glimpse.
Over the past few days, he had been unable to think about food and drink, could not sleep, worrying even during the day, so he went out each night and looked everywhere for clues.
He had even planned to bribe the personal maid in Mrs. Zhou’s room, to see if he could get some useful information that would allow him to find that person.
Where exactly?
In these past few days, Zhou Caihua’s mindset had quietly undergone quite a few changes. Initially obsessed with the appearance of that person, it has since evolved into an obsession of relentless pursuit when unable to find him. Zhou Caihua would be willing to build an extravagant castle for that young man, making him his caged bird, a delicate flower in his house, weeping tenderly for him alone–like a morning glory clinging to him, blooming exclusively for him.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Thinking about this, a hint of excitement flashed in Zhou Caihua’s eyes, alongside an unmistakable hint of obsession.
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Wang Diefeng and his group stealthily turned a corner, sneaking towards their destination acting as if they were thieves.
Compared to the brute force approach of Qibo Zhi, who only thought of climbing over the wall and ended up breaking his leg, Wang Diefeng was much smarter.
She directly brought along lock-picking tools.
This lock-picking stuff, she was extremely familiar with it from her time abroad. She had played with it countless times. Just a shabby courtyard, a simple lock— in her eyes, it was child’s play.
Zhou Caihua, who was hiding in the corner and witnessed this scene, raised his eyebrows. Some thoughts flashed through his mind, and he squinted his eyes half in contemplation.
He didn’t plan to call someone to catch the thief because he also wanted to go in and see what exactly was inside.
He had searched the entire Zhou residence in the past few days and this forbidden area was the only place that he hadn’t entered. He vaguely felt that the young man might have been hidden in there by Mrs. Zhou.
Now that someone was paving the way for him, why not take advantage of it?
Wang Diefeng, with lock-picking tools in hand, casually tinkered with them a couple of times, and there was a distinct “click” sound as a result.
A hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and she exchanged a glance with Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe beside her.
The bottom of her eyes couldn’t hide the little pride she wanted to show off, as if saying, ‘See, aren’t I amazing?’
“Let’s go! We’re going in!” Wang Diefeng whispered, her voice slightly upbeat, indicating her excitement.
Wang Diefeng opened the lock, carefully craning her neck to look around. Once she was sure that no one had witnessed their actions, the three of them slowly pushed the door open and entered. They quickly closed the door, pretending not to have done anything unusual.
As soon as they stepped inside, not to mention Wang Diefeng, but Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe also stood still, their faces filled with amazement as they admired the arrangement of the entire courtyard.
This courtyard was very spacious, not at all like a side yard; instead, it seems more like the main courtyard.
In the courtyard, two majestic pine trees welcomed visitors with their lush greenery. There was a rock arrangement resembling three mountains and a pond, surrounded by pink walls and dark tiles. Upon entering, one immediately noticed the winding corridors, pavilions, terraces, bridges, and pavilions—all perfectly present.
The pond was filled with lotus flowers, while the artificial mountain was adorned with various vines and evergreen plants.
Even the walls feature intricate relief designs, giving a sense of the extraordinary nature of this courtyard.
What was most surprising was that, if this was indeed a restricted area as claimed by the old housekeeper, and no one had entered, then why was the environment inside so immaculately clean?
This is completely illogical!
The entire courtyard, however, felt extremely uncomfortable, perhaps due to the intertwining of festive red and somber white colors. It was a bit confusing, making it hard to determine whether there was a celebration or a mourning event going on.
Wang Diefeng appeared very excited, as if she had discovered a great secret. Her eyes gleamed with light as she exclaimed, “Let’s go! Let’s go inside and take a look!”
Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe exchanged a glance and sighed again.
With things having come to this point, since they had all come, let’s see what happens.
Outside the door, Zhou Caihua timed it perfectly behind them. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he quietly walked out from the corner, swiftly approached, peeked through the crack in the door, and then pushed it open to rush inside.
Su Jingyan was bored, staring off into space and muttering to himself, and continuously cursing that annoying man in his mind.
They had agreed that he could go out and have fun at night, but afterward, he was told that he must go out with him.
Of course, if Lu Yichen really took him out, he wouldn’t be so upset. The main reason was that Lu Yichen had gone somewhere tonight, leaving him alone here, guarding an empty room, and he couldn’t go out.
The more he thought about it, the more upset he became.
Humph!
Su Jingyan sat up from the chair, rubbed his waist, and played with a small wooden ornament that the man had somehow obtained from somewhere.
The moon was very round tonight, adorning the sky with a few stars, and the air was pleasant.
Su Jingyan laid on a chair outside the room, in the long corridor.
The corridor was very long, and with the already large courtyard, it turned several corners. Below the corridor was a clear pool of water, filled with many goldfish and a variety of lotus flowers.
All of this was arranged by the man after Su Jingyan arrived, fearing that he might get bored.
In the evening, the man would light up the lanterns of the entire courtyard, afraid that if he wasn’t careful, Su Jingyan might fall into the river.
Su Jingyan looked boredly at the goldfish below the corridor. Even though the man hadn’t been gone for long, he couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
He didn’t take me out!
Angry!
“Look! There’s someone over there!” Wang Diefeng saw a red figure sitting at the end of the corridor from a distance and exclaimed.
Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe looked over together.
Upon hearing this shout, besides the two of them, there was also Su Jingyan sitting there watching the fish.
Hearing someone speak up, Su Jingyan, with his doe-like eyes, blinked, and his long eyelashes trembled.
He was still dressed in a red robe. Most of the clothes that Lu Yichen had prepared for him were all shades of red—bright red, deep red, vintage red, you name it. It was said that the red color complemented his fair skin, making him look very attractive.
Su Jingyan sat motionless in place, with his eyes wide open, watching as the trio approached him.
The three had just walked in, not even covering much distance, and they were completely stunned when they were only a few meters away from Su Jingyan.
They had studied abroad and had encountered numerous beauties from both the East and the West—elegantl French, pure and lovely, sensually spicy, intellectually refined, and more. However, this ethereal beauty before them, seemingly not of this world, was a first!
He was like an otherworldly fairy, but adorned in red, complemented by the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye. Clearly makeup-free, unadorned, yet possessing an irresistible charm.
The three of them stood frozen in place, even forgetting to breathe, just holding their breath.
Su Jingyan remained still, seemingly oblivious, and showed no intention of speaking, quietly observing the unexpected guests before him.
Blushing, Wang Diefeng opened her mouth, still completely stunned in place. Eventually, she was the first to break the silence and took a few steps forward, “H-hello?”
The person before them was just too good-looking, and none of them even thought in the supernatural direction.
Su Jingyan pursed his lips but still didn’t speak.
Wang Diefeng might have startled him with her impulsive actions. She wanted to get closer, grab Su Jingyan’s hand, but before she could do anything, she inexplicably felt pressure, like hitting a spring. Uncontrollably, she tilted backward, falling to the ground with a loud “thud.”
Bai Jingtian and Wang Junhe were startled and quickly went to help her.
Wang Diefeng, in pain, lay on the ground, feeling stars fly around in her head. Her brain was swelling, and the pain in her hands and back contorted her facial features into a grimace.
The charming figure remained seated in place, looking at them innocently, devoid of joy or sorrow.
As soon as Bai Jingtian touched Wang Diefeng’s arm, she screamed loudly, “Ah, it hurts, it hurts so much!”
She looked as if she were on the verge of death.
For a moment, everyone was in chaos, and there was no concern for anything else.
Wang Junhe immediately picked up Wang Diefeng and hurriedly retreated with her in his arms.
They needed to leave quickly now; they couldn’t let anyone discover they had entered, or it would be dangerous!
With Wang Diefeng in such pain, they had to quickly get out and bandage her wounds.
Before leaving, Wang Junhe couldn’t help but turn back and take another look at the beautiful person sitting in place. No matter how he looked at it, it could still amaze him, touching him deeply.
Wang Junhe’s earlobes even turned a faint blushing color.
