Translator:Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor:Nyoi-Bo Studio

Xue Xinrans voice was clear and sweet; it cleaved through the noise and general hubbub to reverberate loudly throughout the room.

As soon as Xue Xinran finished her sentence, Gu Nianzhi had the distinct impression that the room was suddenly dead silent.

But, it was probably just her imagination, since a second later the clinking of glasses had resumed, mingled with the beeping of the karaoke machine as Guo Huining fiddled with it.

Mrs. Cui, who was sitting on Gu Nianzhis other side, gave her a gentle, teasing push as she cheerfully said, I want to know too! Little Gu, do you have a boyfriend? If you arent seeing anyone, I have a number of young, handsome studs to introduce to you! She winked.

Apparently all the cultured ladies from distinguished families were fond of match-making, Gu Nianzhi realized. She did not know whether to laugh or cry at this; did she really seem so young and desperate? She stammered out, flustered, W-What? A boyfriend? Um

She remembered when Mei Xiawen had tried to date her in college: Huo Shaoheng had calmly and sensibly told her that he did not care who she went out with.

At that time though, she had not understood why her heart had sank like a rock at his words. She understood now, but she would never be able to tell anyone about it. And, it did not matter what he felt about itshe knew she would never be able to love another.

Tell us! Dont be shy now. Xue Xinran nudged her arm in a teasing manner. You already graduated from college, right? Its totally normal for you to have a boyfriend. But dont feel pressured, you dont have to tell us if you dont want to.

Gu Nianzhi took a deep breath, and straightened up. There was a faint blush on her face as she slowly said, Idont have a boyfriend.

Great! Xue Xinran snapped her fingers. Wheres your phone? Ill give you my younger brothers number, he

Xue Xinran did not get to finish. Gu Nianzhi interrupted her with a smile: But, I have someone I like.

She had been careful to keep her voice low; nevertheless, unknown to her, her remark passed through the gaps in the screen and reached Huo Shaohengs ears, who was sitting just behind it.

His hand momentarily stilled in the middle of clinking glasses with Bai Tianqun and Hong Ziqi, but he quickly recovered and downed his drink.

Bravo! Huo Shao, you can still drink like a fish! Actually, noyoure an even better drinker now! Xue Jingjiang laughed heartily as he filled Huo Shaohengs cup once more.

You have someone you like? Mrs. Cuis interest had been piqued. But you said that you dont have a boyfriend. Are you saying its a secret crush?

A secret crush? Is that still a thing? Guo Huining, who was sitting on the karaoke stage, turned to smile at Gu Nianzhi. If you like someone, tell him. I dont think anyone would ever say no to a girl like you.

Gu Nianzhi smiled, but said nothing. She regretted having revealed so much of herself to these womenshe barely knew them!

It was none of their business who she was dating, or even who she liked. However, she just couldnt resist the desire to confide in her heart, and so had taken the opportunity to talk about her feelings for Huo Shaoheng.

But, just as she had expected, he had not shown any reaction, at all.

He evidently did not care about who she did or did not like.

Gu Nianzhi smiled as she brusquely got up and asked Mrs. Cui, Wheres the bathroom? Ill be back in a minute.

Mrs. Cui and Xue Xinran exchanged a look: they knew they had upset Gu Nianzhi by being too nosy and pushy.

Come with me, Ill show you the way. Go out, take a leftits at the end of the corridor. Mrs. Cui stood up and extended a hand to Gu Nianzhi.

Gu Nianzhi quickly said, Thats okay, Mrs. Cui. You stay and sing a few songs with the others, I can look for it on my own. The place isnt that big. She laughed lightly at their worried looks and said, Ill be fine, Im not a child. With that, she turned and left.

Mrs. Cui looked after her. It was clear that Gu Nianzhi did not want anyone to follow her, and it seemed perfectly safe to let her wander the place alone: it was still early, the sun was still out, and Xue Jingjiang, who owned the place, would never let anything happen to Huo Shaohengs family. Satisfied that Gu Nianzhi would be fine on her own, Mrs. Cui let her go without following her, and began to look through the karaoke song catalog with Xue Xinran and Guo Huining.

Just then, Huo Shaoheng stood from his chair and said to his four companions: Take your time drinking. Im going out for a smoke. He went out.

Xue Jingjiang and the rest of the men were light-headed from all the drinking; Huo Shaoheng had drunk them all under the table. They saw Huo Shaoheng get up to leave, and could only wave vaguely in his general direction in reply. They were already seeing double, but they were too happily intoxicated to stop from pouring themselves another round.

Gu Nianzhi walked out of the private room, alone, and found the ladies bathroom. She went in and adjusted her hair and clothes in front of the mirror. When she was done, she exited the bathroom and made her way to the terrace to get some fresh air.

The private room had been too warm for her. She was wearing a high-neck cashmere sweater and sheer black tights; she could practically feel the sweat waiting to break out from under her skin.

She arrived at a terrace, and saw that it was an open-air terrace that was protected from the elements by a retractable glass ceiling in the winter. When the glass ceiling was down, the terrace was transformed into a greenhouse, warm enough for the large and verdant plants inside to flourish. There was an artificial stream somewhere; there was a soft, persistent sound of running water in the background. The winter sun shone through the transparent ceiling, warming the air to a comfortable temperature.

Gu Nianzhi looked around. She spotted a stone bench beneath a banana tree, and walked over to it. She sat down, got out her phone, and unlocked it as she wondered who she should call.

Mrs. Cui and her companions had stoked Gu Nianzhis desire to confide in someone, and she was now feeling restless and frustrated. She was dying to ask someone whether her feelings were appropriate.

Gu Nianzhi opened her list of contacts on her phone, and scrolled down the long list. She found Little Temptresss profile picture, and tapped on it.

It was noon. Gu Nianzhi was pretty sure Little Temptress was either having lunch or taking a nap.

The phone had only begun to ring when Little Temptress answered it. She had been just about to take a nap.

Nianzhi, is that you? Where are you now? Little Temptress asked anxiously. Are you all right?

Gu Nianzhis former roommates had received a Christmas greeting from her on Christmas night, but they had not heard from her since.

Little Temptress, Lady Cao, and Green Tea Fang had all been worried about her.

Gu Nianzhi smiled. Im fine. Im eating out with a few friends right now.

Oh, Im just glad youre okay. Little Temptress let out a sigh of relief. Please dont run off without telling us againyou really gave the three of us a fright the other day.

I wont do that again. Gu Nianzhi was sure she would never react that way againshe was a lot stronger now, mentally. She switched her phone to her other hand as she asked in a hushed voice, Is this a good time to talk?

Little Temptress nodded. Im in my bedroom, all alone. I was going to take a nap, but if you want to chat, Im up for it. Ive been sleeping most of the holidays away, and it showsIve gotten fat.

Gu Nianzhi imagined Little Temptress letting herself go, and could not resist laughing out loud. I wanted to talk to you. Im feeling really annoyed and frustrated right now

Is this about Mei Xiawen? Little Temptress was immediately wide awake. She sat up and leaned against her pillow. Do you want me to avenge you? Just say the word.

Gu Nianzhi quickly shook her head. No, of course not. Why would this be about him? Ill be honest with you, Little TemptressI was never in love with him.

She knew now what it meant to be in love with someone.

Well, if you dont like him, what are you all upset about? Little Temptress was perplexed. She had found her iPad and unlocked it, fully intending to watch a TV show on it as she chatted with Gu Nianzhi.

Gu Nianzhi stammered for a moment, before finally saying in a hushed voice: I-I have someone else that I like

What?! Really?! Who is it? Tell me! Little Temptress sat up in excitement. She tossed her iPad away onto the bed beside her. Lets see if hes worthy of you.

You dont know him.

Yeah, Ill never know him if you dont tell me who it is. Little Temptress snorted. Come on, tell me! Im warning you, young ladyyou cant just say something like that and leave me hanging! Thats, like, a criminal offense!

Gu Nianzhi was silent for a moment. She finally said, Im in love with someone, but he will never love me.

Everything about herher identity, status, background, and current relationship to himpresented an insurmountable obstacle to her love.

Little Temptress was speechless. She checked the number displayed on her phone, before returning the phone to her ear. I am talking to Gu Nianzhi, yes? Are you serious? Why would anyone turn down a girl like you?! What, is he blind or something?

Shhh, lower your voice! She had not been using the loudspeaker feature on her phone, but Gu Nianzhi was almost certain everybody in her immediate vicinity must have heard Little Temptress. She quickly covered her phone with her free hand. Dont talk so loud.

Okay, okay, Ill lower my voice. Little Temptress paused. Why are you so sure he doesnt like you? Have you already confessed your feelings to him?

Of course not. Gu Nianzhi felt her blood rush to her faceshe did not have the courage for something like that!

I see. Nianzhi, secretly crushing on somebodywho would have thought? Little Temptress laughed as she teased her. She sobered up however, and said, Still, I think you should let him know that you like him.

I dont want to, Gu Nianzhi said automatically. Im afraid itll ruin everything I have with him. I may not even get to stay friends with him once I tell him.

If he rejected her, she would die of embarrassment. There was no way she would be able to hang around him and pretend nothing had happened, after that.

Well, how about this thenseduce him. Little Temptress waved her arm. Ill teach you a few of my best seduction moves. He wont be able to resist you!