Ruan Ning looked at him questioningly as he opened a mother-of-pearl box and selected a box of crimson rouge. He dabbed some with his pinky, drawing a half-blooming sea crabapple flower on her left hand.
Gu Lianchang examined her hand in the light and smiled coolly, “This rouge color is too fiery. Imperial Consort, do you know what color is most suitable for painting on skin?”
“What color?” Ruan Ning asked.
“A beautiful woman’s blood,” Gu Lianchang said, satisfied with her sudden trembling. “First use the finest lamb’s hair brush to outline the lines, then trace the contours with a silver needle. When pricked, fine blood droplets will seep out, extremely delicate…”
Ruan Ning withdrew her hand, feeling as if the needle had already pierced her, her scalp going numb.
Gu Lianchang laughed, “With skin as beautiful and white as yours, blood color would look even more beautiful, like a red plum blossoming on white snow.”
Later, I’ll slowly seep cinnabar along the needle marks. When finished, the fusion of blood color and cinnabar will create a unique scene.”
“Stop talking, please, stop!” Ruan Ning interrupted him, feeling that he was trying to scare her.
“Imperial Consort, with such beautiful skin, this supervisor can’t wait to draw one or two paintings,” Gu Lianchang continued.
Not a single painting! Ruan Ning trembled and hugged his neck, speaking softly: “Supervisor is the best, please don’t pierce me. I’m timid and afraid of pain. I’ll be in too much pain to sleep.”
She rolled her eyes charmingly: “Supervisor, please.”
Gu Lianchang found her attempt at seduction awkward, yet he blurted out: “Can’t sleep? I’ll sleep with you.”
Both were stunned. Ruan Ning never expected Gu Lianchang to tease her. Although he had seen her body, their interactions felt more transactional. This playful banter was unprecedented.
Gu Lianchang was equally surprised and annoyed. Born into a noble family, he had experienced romantic interactions before becoming a eunuch, altering his mindset. He was dazed—how could he tease her?
Even though she was stunning, his interest was solely in her skin, and he planned to take her life after satisfying his desires. How could he flirt with her?
Feeling angry, he pushed her away, opened the door, and quickly disappeared outside.
