“Is it really over?” Qingdai looked puzzled. What just happened? Gu Huaishou was fuming—so much so that she nearly wanted to kick Zhang Tingyu out and chop him into pieces. “I just tried to see what he was thinking. I apologized for making them wait too long, but that Second Young Master Zhang responded so…

Unlike her elder sister, Gu Yaofang, Gu Huaixiu was naturally mischievous and spirited. Perhaps it was this vibrant personality, combined with her sharp tongue and easy charm, that had made her a particular favorite of Gu Zhenguan. As a result, he indulged her freely. Since her antics had never led to any serious trouble, she…

In the third month of the year, it was customary to see hordes of people strolling about, reveling in the warmth of spring. However, by the time Gu Huaixiu, supported by her maid Qingdai, arrived at the teahouse, dusk had already settled. The once-bustling streets had emptied, and the teahouse stood quietly deserted. “The master…