His expression became strange. After hesitating, he revealed the truth. He wasn’t actually a cut-sleeve. That day at Linglong House, he had been dragged in while drunk and only stayed briefly before leaving, coincidentally being seen by me. He wanted to explain but saw that I wasn’t heartbroken and seemed somewhat relieved. He realized I didn’t truly care for him and left disappointedly.
I was very surprised.
After Duan Chang left with his wife and child, I remained in shock. I had thought he betrayed me, but I realized I had dissolved our marriage fate. While I couldn’t say I felt regret, I gained some insight: sometimes men need to feel loved more than women, and if they lose this feeling, they might choose to leave. Would An Jin be the same?
I lowered my head, pondering this question, unaware that An Jin was standing nearby, his brow furrowed.
Chapter Eight: No Way to Take a Concubine
An Jin placed the noodles in front of me. Having stood in the wind for a long time, his lips were slightly pale, and his usually impeccable hair was disheveled. I came to my senses and hurriedly pulled him to sit down. When I touched his skin, its coolness made me instinctively withdraw.
“Are you very cold?” I cupped his hands in mine, breathing warmth onto them. He had queued to buy food for me, so warming his hands felt like a fair exchange. “This spring seems especially cold. It looks like we’ll have a cool summer.”
His expression softened slightly. He took chopsticks from the holder and casually asked, “That person just now—”
“Duan Gongzi,” I replied, seeing his normal expression. “My father’s supervisor’s son.”
“I know.”
Duan Xiushen’s second son, Duan Chang, is a twenty-five-year-old fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Justice, currently married.
I couldn’t tell if it was my imagination, but he seemed to emphasize “married” strongly.
I admired his ability to assess a person’s background, rank, and marital status at a glance. He is truly worthy of his position as Vice Minister of the Personnel Department, overseeing the employment and assessment of Qi State officials.
He appeared embarrassed by my direct admiration, turning his gaze away. “I just…”
