I was instantly embarrassed. Talking could mean many things, but our talks always ended with him pushing me down and having his way. So I naturally associated our talks with the bed, but this time he meant it literally.
An Jin said helplessly: “Of course, since my lady insists, I can only comply. We’ll talk like this first, then like that… how about it?
I endure… endure… endure no more, no need to endure further.
An Jin let out a painful cry, covering a certain unspeakable place with both hands, his face flushing with a light blush.
I was speechless, exchanging glances with An Jin.
In the end, we entered the room and had a heart-to-heart talk.
I told him how my elder brother might be heading down the path of cut-sleeve love. He seemed unsurprised, merely smiling faintly, “So it was because of this.”
“I feel guilty,” I sighed. “If not for my terrible idea, my brother wouldn’t have lost such a friend. Perhaps—even his first true love.”
“Have you met this Xue Yin?”
I shook my head. “Have you met him? What kind of person is he?”
“Since he’s your brother’s friend, you might as well find an opportunity to meet him,” An Jin’s smile was somewhat mysterious. “Perhaps after meeting him, your questions will be resolved.”
Chapter Nineteen: Miao Yin’s Past
Because my father had served in the Hanlin Academy for over ten years, I easily found Xue Yin through familiar uncles.
He looked young, with rosy lips and delicate features, but his demeanor was cold as frost and seemed unapproachable. Upon seeing me, he frowned, “What brings madam to seek out Xue?”—even his voice was clear and soft.
I smiled at him. “Young Master Xue? I am Xiao Shishu’s second sister.”
“Oh, it’s Madam An.” His reaction was quick, his expression softening. “May I ask what brings you here?”
“It’s about my elder brother’s matter.
He paused slightly, with a hint of something unusual in his expression.
With many ears around in the Hanlin Academy, we went to a tea house nearby. Xue Yin was still somewhat guarded, subtly sizing me up, seemingly trying to guess my intentions. I briefly mentioned my brother’s recent dejected state, and he lowered his head, saying, “What does this have to do with me?”
