Chapter Seventy-Six: The Entire Blossoming Courtyard Belongs to Me

Perhaps it was because he didn't dare to face the truth, or perhaps he was running from the things he had done to Shen Nanyuan in the past. He had never truly considered why just the sight of her made his heart ache unbearably. Why the simple sound of her calling him "Young Master Jun" left him with a bitter emptiness. Why, upon seeing that her eyes no longer held him, it felt as if a blade had slashed deep into him, leaving him breathless from the pain.

Now, he understood.

He understood completely.

Jun Ci suddenly found it hard to breathe.

Liu Yuli’s voice drifted over, no longer carrying its previous nonchalance. He studied Jun Ci’s ashen face and spoke gently, “You’ve fallen for Miss Shen, haven’t you?”

That was why, whenever anything concerning the Shen family's young lady was mentioned, Jun Ci’s expression changed. That was why, during the Lantern Festival, he had followed her so closely. And now, upon hearing she was hurt, he couldn’t sit still, desperate to know how she was.

Liu Yuli pressed his lips together. “But what use is regret now?”

Back when their engagement was first broken, he had known Jun Ci would inevitably regret it; and now, seeing him like this, it was exactly as he had expected.

Miss Shen had stayed by his side for years, her heart and eyes filled only with him, wholeheartedly devoted. No matter how cold or impatient Jun Ci’s attitude was, she had always remained cautious and gentle, never once causing a scene. She was like a bright sun, shining down on him. He had taken it for granted, and now, with the sun gone, regret and anguish consumed him.

At first, Liu Yuli had wanted only to see if his suspicions would prove true. But now, seeing Jun Ci’s wretched state, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“Miss Shen has already made her choice. Even if you regret it, it’s too late. You failed to realize the truth when she loved you the most. Now that she’s moved on and left you, she will never return. As your friend, let me offer you this advice: you’d best let go, or you’ll only sink deeper into this misery.”

Jun Ci suddenly looked up, his eyes tinged with red, startling Liu Yuli.

“How am I supposed to let go?” His face was as pale as paper, and even his voice trembled. “I can’t.”

The more he saw Shen Nanyuan, the greater the pain in his heart—an agony that felt like dying. He could not help but murmur softly, “Will she ever love me again? Will she forgive me?”

Jun Ci’s vulnerability unsettled Liu Yuli. He ought to offer comfort, but found himself unable to utter any hollow words.

“She will not, Jun Ci.”

Liu Yuli continued, his voice low, “Her affection for you was worn away by your indifference long ago—deep down, you know it too. Otherwise, she would not have left so resolutely.”

“I should comfort you, but if I don’t speak plainly, you’ll never see the truth. Miss Shen has lost all hope in you. No matter what you do now, she will not turn back. Your regret has come far too late.”

Each word landed heavily on Jun Ci’s heart, leaving his vision blurred.

“Yes, it’s too late,” Jun Ci murmured, voice scarcely above a whisper. “Much too late.”

—

Shen Nanyuan sneezed inexplicably. At that very moment, a cloak was draped gently over her shoulders.

Xiao Yan lowered his eyes and spoke softly, “Miss, let’s return inside. The wind is picking up.”

Listlessly, Shen Nanyuan watched the koi in the pond and sighed. Lately, she could neither eat well nor keep her spirits up.

The injury itself was nothing; the worst part was being forbidden from eating so many things.

She pursed her lips and looked up, her dewy eyes shining pitifully.

“Xiao Yan,” Shen Nanyuan blinked, “I’ve always treated you well, haven’t I?”

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.

“Uncle Li keeps such a close watch that I can’t get into the kitchen. Can you help me sneak out a bit of the chili paste? Just a little—I’ll add a tiny amount to my food, not much at all. That way, I might be able to eat more. Look, I’ve gotten so thin lately.”

She pinched her own cheek, her eyes bright with expectation. “Will you?”

Xiao Yan glanced at her hopeful expression and couldn’t help but smile softly, charmed by her cuteness. Yet, just as Shen Nanyuan thought she’d succeeded, he shook his head. “No.”

Shen Nanyuan was speechless.

Then why was he smiling so happily?

She huffed and turned away, cheeks puffed with indignation. “Fine, forget it.”

She snorted and continued, “I remember someone—when he was injured, found his food tasteless, and I went to great lengths to rinse a little of my own food for him. Now that I’m in trouble, there’s no one to help me.”

She spread her hands in resignation. “Such is the world these days.”

As she spoke, she shot Xiao Yan a sidelong glance. There was no need to say who she meant.

Xiao Yan suppressed a laugh. “You’re right, Miss. Such is the world these days.”

Shen Nanyuan was momentarily at a loss for words.

Fine, then.

She stood up, disgruntled, and walked back inside. Xiao Yan followed her, only to see her suddenly halt mid-step and look back at him with a pitiful gaze.

“Really? You really won’t help?”

She looked so forlorn that Xiao Yan almost agreed. But he averted his eyes and shook his head. “No.”

Shen Nanyuan’s shoulders slumped. “Alright, then.”

How disappointing.

She sighed as she entered the room, meaning to pick up a storybook. Then she remembered Xiao Yan was still there, and, catching his figure out of the corner of her eye, she walked over to the divan and sat down, resting her chin in her hand as a sly glint appeared in her eyes.

That night, when all was quiet, the Shaohua Courtyard was enveloped in silence. Shen Nanyuan pressed her ear to the door for a long while before carefully pushing it open. She glanced about and started toward the kitchen.

In the end, she still had to rely on herself.

From the shadows, Xiao Yan watched, unsurprised, as Shen Nanyuan slipped out. She had no idea she’d already been discovered. She crept to the kitchen and slipped inside. Xiao Yan strolled after her unhurriedly, watching as she rummaged about before grabbing what she wanted from the table. She turned, shifty-eyed, only to bump headlong into Xiao Yan.

Shen Nanyuan yelped and backed away, instinctively hiding the item behind her back as she forced a laugh. “What are you doing here?”

“And why are you here, Miss?” he replied.

“This entire courtyard is mine,” she declared, growing bolder with each word, chin raised proudly. “I can go wherever I like.”

Xiao Yan nodded calmly, a smile playing at his lips. “And what’s that in your hand, Miss?”

Shen Nanyuan’s grip tightened slightly under his gaze. She mustered her most imperious young lady’s air. “None of your business.”