Chapter 160: Young Master He Xing

Several days after Wen Xing was rescued and brought back to the Liu residence, someone, through various channels, entrusted a message to Chang Kang, expressing a desire to meet him. The identity of the messenger was left undisclosed; they only said that their purpose would be clear upon meeting.

Chang Kang had been too busy to meet Wen Xing during those days. Ten days later, when Wen Xing’s condition had stabilized, Chang Kang reestablished contact with the messenger and arranged to meet in a side chamber of the Qiongjiang estate.

At the hour of the snake, Chang Kang sat restlessly in the left side chamber, nervously fiddling with his wine cup when a voice called from outside, “Guest, please come in.”

The curtain was lifted, and a young man entered.

Chang Kang fixed his gaze upon him.

He did not recognize this man. A thought crossed his mind: if this stranger knew him, then why? What business did he have with him?

With curiosity, he scrutinized the visitor.

The young man appeared no older than twenty, slender and delicate, with a striking, refined appearance. Compared to Chang Kang, who was trained in martial arts, the youth stood straight like an acacia tree but moved with the grace of willow branches, exuding a faint aura of melancholy.

His attire was a simple cloth robe without ornamentation, yet it did not diminish his elegance.

Who exactly was this extraordinary figure?

Chang Kang’s doubts were soon dispelled.

The young man bowed deeply and straightforwardly asked, “May I ask if you are Brother Xiao Shun?”

Chang Kang nodded.

“My name is He Shaoxing, a servant of the Fang household.”

The words “Fang household” made Chang Kang’s eyes flare with anger. His teeth clenched audibly, and his fists clenched so tightly that if not restrained, he might have struck the man.

“Brother Xiao Shun, I have urgent business with you,” He Shaoxing said hurriedly.

Not knowing why Chang Kang was so enraged, He Shaoxing pressed on. Many days had passed since the incident, and he truly did not know whom else to seek for help. He could not ignore the urgency and thus ignored Chang Kang’s attitude.

Chang Kang finally regained some composure and suppressed his emotions. He asked confusedly, “We have never met before. Why do you seek me?”

“It concerns Wen Xing.”

“Xiao Xing?”

“Yes. Wen Xing disappeared from the Fang household. I inquired among some folks, but no one would reveal the reason. Eventually, a close friend discreetly informed me that Wen Xing was beaten and sold off. I have no old friends or relatives in Wucheng, and dare not trust anyone from the Fang household. Remembering that Wen Xing once mentioned having fellow townsfolk working at the Liu residence, and that she often spoke of a Brother Xiao Shun, I took the liberty of seeking you out and arranged this meeting.”

Seeing the unsettled expression on Chang Kang’s face, He Shaoxing remained silent for a moment, mistakenly believing Chang Kang did not care about Wen Xing’s fate. In a moment of urgency, he stepped forward and grasped Chang Kang’s hands.

He continued, “Since Wen Xing calls you Brother Xiao Shun, it’s clear you two were close. I have an impertinent request and hope you, Brother Xiao Shun, will consider our past ties and go find Wen Xing, bringing her back.”

Realizing his impertinence, he quickly released Chang Kang’s hands, drew a pouch from his waist, and placed it in Chang Kang’s palm. “This contains some silver coins for your travel expenses, and inside is a silver note worth one thousand taels, which should be enough to redeem Wen Xing.”

Chang Kang weighed the pouch coldly and said, “If you have the means, why don’t you go look for her yourself?”

“I... sigh, I’m afraid you’ll find it laughable, Brother Xiao Shun, but I’m not free to come and go as I please. Meeting you was already a risk. Brother Xiao Shun, I beg you earnestly. I cannot stay out any longer—excuse me.”

“Wait.”

Chang Kang returned the pouch to the somewhat stunned He Shaoxing and continued, his face still cold, “I do not need your silver, nor your pleading. Wen Xing’s matter is between her and me. Be on your way—I won’t escort you.”

Watching He Shaoxing leave dejectedly, Chang Kang was puzzled by the fierce anger that had welled within him. By all rights, He Shaoxing had done his utmost for Wen Xing, even entrusting a large sum of money to a stranger for help in finding her.

Such a gesture would normally inspire gratitude, yet Chang Kang felt deeply unsettled.

Uneasy beyond measure.

With these conflicting emotions, Chang Kang returned to the mansion and entered the plum courtyard. There, under the plum tree in the west corner, he found the young girl squinting in the sunlight. Strands of her fine hair curved gently against her delicate face, making her small features appear even more fragile, fragile enough to stir one’s heart with pity and tenderness.

“Xiao Xing,” Chang Kang whispered softly.

Wen Xing, who had been resting with her eyes closed, startled open them. When she recognized Chang Kang, her face blossomed like a flower, radiant and bright. She smiled and hurried toward him.

Her eyes were wide, filled with complete trust as she gazed at him.

“I...” Chang Kang suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He scratched his head awkwardly and smiled.

When Liu Qin returned to the courtyard, she saw the two young figures seated beneath the flowering tree, gazing silently at one another. Their eyes spoke volumes without a single word.

She recalled her own youthful years in a past life, when she too harbored such innocent, tender feelings. But then, there was no young man beside her, no such enduring, heartfelt exchange.

Wen Xing was truly fortunate.

Not wishing to disturb this peaceful, beautiful moment, Liu Qin quietly departed with Cui Yu.

Inside the courtyard, Chang Kang and Wen Xing were unaware of Liu Qin’s coming and going. After much hesitation between speaking and silence, Chang Kang finally recounted the meeting with He Shaoxing.

He watched Wen Xing’s eyes anxiously.

Hearing the name “He Shaoxing” did not stir any reaction in Wen Xing, which somewhat eased Chang Kang’s mind.

Unexpectedly, Wen Xing rose, retrieved paper and brush, and wrote three characters: “I will meet him,” causing Chang Kang’s heart to leap.

“Why?” he asked.

Wen Xing shook her head and wrote again: “I will ask him.”

“Do you have questions? I can go for you.”

“No.”

“Xiao Xing, you’re hiding something from me.”

She hastily shook her head again, pointed to her own head, and wrote once more: “I will meet.”

Her literacy was limited; she could not write a full sentence, but Chang Kang understood. Her shaking her head and pointing to her head meant she herself was uncertain.

Chang Kang nodded in agreement.

Two days later, in a secluded courtyard in the northern city—bought by Liu Qin as a discreet annex, marking the first property of the Xiao family—Chang Kang introduced Wen Xing to He Shaoxing.

The moment He Shaoxing saw Wen Xing, he could hardly believe his eyes. Casting aside all his usual graceful demeanor, he rushed forward, gripping Wen Xing’s hands tightly, tears brimming in his eyes, his voice trembling with emotion: “Wen Xing, it’s wonderful—you're safe.”

Chang Kang stepped forward with a frown, intending to pry He Shaoxing’s hands apart, but Wen Xing calmly withdrew her hands, a faint smile playing upon her lips.

He Shaoxing, overwhelmed with emotion, failed to notice Wen Xing’s aloofness. Instead, he turned to Chang Kang with a deep bow, expressing gratitude: “I am deeply thankful to Brother Xiao Shun for helping find Wen Xing. I can never repay your kindness. If ever you have need, I would risk life and death without hesitation.”

Chang Kang’s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a frosty coldness. If not for Wen Xing’s questions, he would have sent this man away at once.

His voice was sharp and colder still: “Bringing Wen Xing back is a matter between her and me. No thanks from outsiders are needed.”

The word “outsiders” finally caused He Shaoxing to realize something. He looked searchingly between the two.

The three looked at one another. Silence fell over the room.

The shadows of the trees brushed past the window, carrying the chill of autumn, tinting the silk curtains a deep green.

(To be continued.)