A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated 1

30

As she rolled away, Chu Beijie narrowed his eyes, realising that he'd fallen for her trap. "You tricked me," he said in a dangerous voice.

"Beautiful women come flocking to Duke at the wave of your hand, why does Duke want a lowly maid like me?"

"I can choose any woman I want, so why can't I choose a maid from my very own residence?" Chu Beijie smiled angelically and pointed beside him, "Come here."

Pingting was really scared, and even now she refused to budge. However amidst her pale stricken self, she managed to stifle a laugh, "It's easy to have Hong, but Duke will have to bet with me first. If Duke wins, Hong is willing to do anything Duke wants." She had often made bets with her Master and she already knew what she would bet on in a split second.

"Bet?" Chu Beijie pretended to think deeply for a moment, then laughed heartily, "We don't need to bet on anything as you're mine already, aren't you?" Pingting fell silent, clearly unimpressed. Surprisingly, Chu Beijie added, "But I don't want you now. Get better first." He gave her a meaningful look and quickly left the little room.

This time, Pingting was the one who was confused.

After a while, when his back view had disappeared, she came back to her senses. "Geez, such a difficult person to deal with. He uses his retreats to advance further, playing hard to get. Girls' feelings just dance in the palm of his hand." Despite her dark thoughts, she suddenly blushed a bright red as she gazed upon the setting sun outside her window.

Pingting had spent the last three days resting but she was clearly distracted.

The flowers outside were in full bloom, and they were an extremely enchanting red. However, Pingting's eyes flickered past them, her eyes resting on the lush green leaves.

Chu Beijie hadn't visited her in the last three days.

"It's fine if you don't come..."

She had spent the last three days worrying, afraid of Chu Beijie visiting her again but afraid of him forgetting her little room too. "What kind of command is 'get better first'?" She continued to think and blushed a light pink, as if there was a cute kitten playing with her heart. Mother Zhang even said, "Miss Hong, you seem much better, for you cheeks are pink and tender."

That afternoon, Chu Moran entered her room, passing on Chu Beijie's words. "No appetite, so make a few dishes and take them to Duke's room."

Cook? Pingting bit her lip, slowly heading for the kitchen.

Chu Beijie was in a good mood today. He waited for three days when usually, as the Duke of Zhen-Bei, he'd get whatever he wanted immediately. He was looking forward to getting along with his cute and intelligent maid.

Hong wasn't pretty, but was interesting enough to deserve his effort and time. Thinking of her and their moments together made him smile a little. Their meeting was sort of destiny as well; for after all, he was a Duke and she was just a lowly maid.

"Besides, she had already suffered from her sickness for ages, God's punishment was enough for her", he thought to convince himself.

Chu Beijie didn't usually forgive people yet he easily forgave this talented girl. It was a fine day. He was planning to eat some of Hong's cuisine, listen to her play the qin, and then seduce her with his charms.

These cheesy thoughts were in his mind, in contrast to the usual killing scenes, all because of a girl who wasn't even pretty.

That is, until after taking a sip of Pingting's soup. His smile had instantly dropped, disappearing completely.

Pingting eagerly studied his reaction.

"My Master never eats anything I make."

Chu Beijie's expression was extremely odd when he nodded. "Your master is very clever, isn't he?" He hesitated before saying honestly, "This soup is disgusting."

Pingting had actually been very worried but seeing his usually-composed, handsome face so distorted was amusing enough to make her smile, dimples showing.

Chu Beijie sighed, "Now I really know why they say those who know the best recipes can't always cook well."

Pingting nodded in agreement, "Likewise. Those who know battle tactics can't always fight in a war themselves."

Her comment really suited Chu Beijie's style. He slapped his hand down on his knee in response, chuckling. "Well said! Well said!" He laughed again but suddenly stopped and stared at Pingting with wide eyes, "Have you fully recovered yet?"

His voice was husky, full of affection. She could feel his ego again and nervously, she took a step back.

It would've been better if she hadn't moved, for Chu Beijie moved even faster. He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, hugging her waist.