A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 1

24

He had seen Lady Hua's portrait, she was beautiful.

Pingting was surrounded in moonlight, and Chu Beijie just stared, as if he was a little drunk. This man has a really strong presence, even here in the Hua Residence. Although he may be sitting in a chair now, his figure is still far bigger than anyone else. Is he a real man? As Pingting stole another look at him, a tiny, annoying voice flicked across her mind, reminding her of her Master.

"Yes, if I ask him about Master right now, would he answer? The moon is mellow and his expression is rather soft. It probably wouldn't hurt to ask a question or two."

Chu Beijie's determined face bumped Pingting back into reality. "Now way, how could I do that? This isn't just some average man obsessed with love."

Her thoughts had become a scrambled mess and she quickly remembered her real identity. "Maid Pingting, liar Pingting."She felt utterly useless and rotten to the core.She abruptly stood up, not caring about Chu Beijie's gaze, and returned to her own room.

Hiding behind the window she watched Chu Beijie for the whole night again.

The next day Chu Beijie was gone.

But Pingting now hadn't slept for two whole nights, and her coughing had started again. She even had a fever and was very sick.

Lady Hua knew she was sick and ordered her people to find a doctor. She calmly said, "Take your medicine. I'll get someone else to serve me for now, so don't you dare leave this bed today!"

Pingting felt rather light-headed but she knew her health was important. She took Lady Hua's words to heart, taking her medicine and having a good rest.

When she woke up, the sky was already dark.

Lady Hua had just finished eating dinner and had come to check on her. "You really slept for the whole day, I'd say you do look much better too. Your 'Dong Dingnan' came today, but I didn't dare say a word, so I pretended my throat was sore and sent him away."

Pingting answered "Huh" and hurriedly sat up, shaking the bed.

"Don't worry, if he really likes you he will come again."

Pingting was really upset, as she had missed a good chance to find out more about her Master. Time was rapidly passing and she still had no idea when she could get back to the Jing-An Ducal Residence. Most importantly, the longer she stayed at the Hua Residence, the more her heart went wild, as if spiralling out of control.

She felt as if she were in quicksand. It wasn't good to move but it wasn't good to stay still either.

Lady Hua didn't know what she was thinking so she assumed that Pingting was still slightly agonising from her headache. She told her other maids to bring Pingting some food and medicine and then she quietly left.

That night, Chu Beijie came again. He was still standing outside Lady Hua's bedroom, but he was listening intently to his surroundings. The mute maid's figure seemed to circle and circle around him but whenever he tried to grab it, it would disappear. Chu Beijie wasn't very happy with himself, aren't I here to protect my phoenix? He felt disappointed not to be loyal to the person he liked but unfortunately for him, he could just not forget the maid's eyes.

Those shiny pupils that seemed to silently convey a thousand words.

He once again heard footsteps and a happy tune floated in his mind. He turned around eagerly. Suddenly his face darkened, "What's wrong?"

Pingting was taking slow steps, as if she was going to collapse any time. Chu Beijie held out his hand, then grabbed her wrist to steady her.

Her hand was abnormally warm.

"You're sick?" he asked.

Pingting shook her head rapidly, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. She had spent a long time being alone and although Lady Hua, Mrs Hua and Mother Chen had all been worried about her, she had never felt happier listening to the short question this person had just asked her.

Those two words were enough to comfort her.

She gave a small smile and Chu Beijie saw her sad little dimples. That sight captured Chu Beijie's heart. He had completely forgotten about his beloved phoenix. He rushed forward, and collected her in his arms protectively.

"Is that your room?" He asked.

Pingting nodded. She wanted to protest but instead she bit hard on her lip.

Chu Beijie carried her swiftly to her room.

"Go rest. It is very late and you're sick. Doesn't your Lady look after you?" He went into her room and placed Pingting gently on the bed.

He always did what he what he wanted, and cared nothing for gender customs. He clumsily tucked Pingting into bed, before straightening up.