Later in the afternoon, as Pu Xiaotang was organizing her things for the next day’s performance, Situ Nan brought in a box. Although Fang Junyi was extremely busy, he always paid attention to Pu Xiaotang’s interests. Whenever he encountered something interesting or novel, he would seek it out to cheer her up. He knew her tastes well, choosing not the expensive and cumbersome but rather the unique and tasteful small items, which were often priceless but not easily available for purchase. Fang Junyi wouldn’t usually make a big fuss, but his care for her was like a gentle stream, neither overwhelming nor imposing, showing his thoughtfulness and affection.
Seeing the square box, Pu Xiaotang wondered what it could be. Situ Nan laughed, “He said if you’re not too tired, let me arrange for someone to take you somewhere. Of course, if you don’t want to go, that’s fine too.” Pu Xiaotang opened the box to find a qipao, a pair of high heels, a snow-white rabbit fur shawl, and a handbag. Without hesitation, she nodded, “I’ll go.” Situ Nan hesitated, then asked, “Aren’t you going to ask where we’re going?” Pu Xiaotang smiled and raised her face, “Why ask? Young Master Junyi wouldn’t sell me off, would he?” Situ Nan sighed in admiration, recalling how Fang Junyi had instructed him, “She won’t be as fussy as you. She knows I wouldn’t sell her.”
After changing, Pu Xiaotang emerged, and Situ Nan was momentarily stunned. He had seen many people, but none could wear a qipao as beautifully as she did. The qipao was the color of peach blossoms in March, vibrant yet not vulgar, elegant yet not too plain, with silver threads woven into the fabric that shimmered in the light, creating a dazzling effect. But what was even more beautiful was Pu Xiaotang herself, her face like white jade, her brows naturally arched, her lips naturally red, her teeth bright, and her eyes clear, outshining the flowers. Situ Nan couldn’t help but murmur in admiration, “Truly, ‘her beauty needs no adornment.'”
Polly helped her get dressed and stepped back to admire her, nodding, “Beautiful indeed, but something seems missing.” Suddenly, she clapped her hands, “I know, the final touch of jewelry!” Pu Xiaotang waved her hand dismissively, “I don’t like wearing those.” “That won’t do, let me think which piece of mine would suit you.” Polly, ignoring her protests, pondered, “This qipao is too ‘vivid,’ gold and silver won’t do, jade might not match well, and coral or ivory isn’t precious enough.” After much deliberation, she was sweating, walking in circles with Pu Xiaotang’s handbag in hand. Suddenly, Polly stopped, a strange smile spreading across her face, “I’m really impressed. If I guessed right, Young Master Junyi, you’re my idol from now on!” She walked over to the table, reached into the handbag, and pulled out a jade bracelet and a pair of earrings. The earrings were large, perfectly round white pearls that complemented Pu Xiaotang’s short hair, their soft glow highlighting her natural beauty. The jade bracelet, with its deep, clear color like still water, matched the vibrant qipao perfectly, creating a harmonious contrast of pink and green.
Situ Nan arranged for a car to take Pu Xiaotang to the destination, a private mansion in the city, heavily guarded with a line of black sedans parked by the wall. Although Pu Xiaotang wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about cars, she could tell these were rare models, with perhaps no more than three in the entire country. With newfound courage, she walked confidently through the gate. A guard, seeing her, was about to question her, but someone quickly ran over, whispered something in his ear, and both guards bowed slightly, “Miss Pu, we apologize for the delay. Please, come in!” Pu Xiaokao smiled and stepped directly through the iron gate, turning around the rockery in front of her, she couldn’t help but pause. She hadn’t expected the courtyard to be a hidden gem; the entrance was narrow, but the inside was vast, with fountains, flower beds, pavilions, and the chirping of birds and cicadas, exuding an ancient charm, as if she had stepped into the Grand View Garden from “Dream of the Red Chamber.” A young maid, about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in white with a long braid, smiled at her and said, “Miss Fu, please follow me.” Fu Xiaotang followed her through several turns, walking for about a hundred meters, before they reached an elegant three-story main building exuding an air of nobility. Outside the corridor and courtyard, Fang Junxie stood with his hands in his pockets, his eyes full of affection as he watched her approach. As she walked closer, he softly said, “You look beautiful.” Pu Xiaokao, feeling a bit embarrassed, adjusted her qipao and nodded, “It really is beautiful.” Fang Junxie leaned in close to her ear and whispered affectionately, “I wasn’t talking about the clothes.” Fu Xiaotang blushed. Fang Junxie’s lips curled up slightly, feigning ignorance, then naturally took her hand and led her inside.
The living room was bright and spacious, decorated in an antique yet refined style, showcasing the owner’s exquisite taste in subtle details. As it was dinner time, a giant round table was set in the center, adorned with a dazzling array of dishes. Around the table sat a dozen or so people, both old and young, all dressed elegantly and with a noble bearing. Fang Junxie, ignoring everyone else, led Fu Xiaotang to the elderly man at the head of the table, “Uncle, this is Xiaotang.” The silver-haired, yet spirited old man looked up, squinting to examine Fu Xiaotang for a few seconds. Initially a bit uneasy, Fu Xiaotang felt reassured by Fang Junxie’s warm, comforting hand squeeze. She nodded slightly, “Uncle, nice to meet you.” The old man’s stern face broke into a smile, “Her eyes are clear, she’s a good child.” He then glanced dismissively at Fang Junxie, “Too good for you, boy.” Laughter filled the room.
A woman in her thirties, well-dressed and charming, called out, “Fourth Sister, get bowls and chopsticks for the second young master and Miss Fu.” The old man smiled, “Take a seat, Xiaotang, make yourself at home. Ah Zun, take good care of her!” Fu Xiaotang vaguely thought: So, his name is Ah Zun. She stole a glance at Fang Junxie, who was also looking at her, and they exchanged a smile before taking their seats and starting the meal.
Throughout the dinner, there was casual chatter about family matters and conversations that Fu Xiaotang didn’t fully understand. Everyone was very warm towards her, giving her the illusion that she wasn’t a newcomer but rather an integral part of the group. Fang Junxie did most of the talking, as if they hadn’t seen each other in a while. He talked with this person and then that one, hardly eating, but whenever Fu Xiaotang’s gaze lingered on a dish for more than three seconds, Fang Junxie would immediately pick some up with his chopsticks and place it in her bowl, all while continuing his conversation without missing a beat. Fu Xiaotang tested this several times, each time finding it amusing. Once, she fixed her gaze on a plate, and without looking, Fang Junxie picked up what turned out to be a decorative radish flower. Seeing Fu Xiaotang’s amused and sweet expression, he couldn’t help but tap her head lightly, scolding softly, “Naughty!”
