Chapter 24: A Direct Confession

Lu Yuner knew that she had been invited to Yun Qinwang’s mansion today, and from Manager Chen’s words, it was clear that Yun Qinwang already knew everything. Although she had been fortunate enough to meet her twice, there had been little interaction, and she knew little about her character.

However, Yun Qinwang was the one who had helped the current Emperor ascend to the throne. This person’s thoughts and methods must be unfathomable.

Whether she was asked to drink or even to marry the young master Su, she had no choice.

In today’s world, who could resist the word “power”? Lu Yuner inwardly smiled bitterly, quickly suppressing the displeasure and helplessness in her heart.

Lu Yuner’s words dispelled the doubts in Chen Si’s mind, but they caused a flicker of unease in Su Qingwan’s eyes, his heart filled with indescribable panic.

Talking about the wine was nothing but bringing up the incident of the stolen kiss that day. Although elder sister Yuner had forgiven him, thinking about it now, maybe elder sister Yuner had pitied him, sympathized with him, and accepted his apology out of helplessness.

Thinking of this, Su Qingwan lowered his head even more, his face turning extremely pale, his heart pounding like a drum, accompanied by trembling.

Suddenly, a dizzying sensation like the world spinning rushed over him, and his frail body began to sway slightly. Lu Yuner, standing behind him, noticed the anomaly and instinctively caught him as he was about to fall.

At the same time, Chen Si and Xiao Yuan cried out in alarm: “Young Master Su!”

Su Qingwan collapsed into Lu Yuner’s arms, smelling that familiar cold fragrance again. His guilt deepened, and he slightly lowered his gaze, not daring to look at Lu Yuner. Feeling dizzy, he tried to get up: “It’s nothing, I…” Before he could finish speaking, he fell again, and Lu Yuner had to catch him once more.

Seeing the young master’s pale face and apparent discomfort, Chen Si said anxiously, “Please, Doctor Lu, take the young master back to Qinghua Garden first. I’ll go fetch the physician.” With that, she hurriedly left.

“Ah! This might be…” Lu Yuner looked at the departing figure, not finishing her sentence.

Xiao Yuan furrowed his brow, raising his voice in urgency: “Doctor Lu, please come with me quickly. The young master’s health has just improved, we can’t risk any mishap.”

Lu Yuner lifted Su Qingwan in her arms and followed Xiao Yuan to Qinghua Garden, with the surrounding servants’ eyes brightening at the sight.

Entering Qinghua Garden and stepping into the room, a faint, pleasant sweet fragrance wafted over. Lu Yuner walked past the purple sandalwood screen carved with peony patterns. The room was clean and tidy, with low-hanging gauze curtains, and everything arranged as befitting a young man’s bedroom, cozy and exquisite.

She gently placed Su Qingwan on the soft couch. After all, this was an unmarried man’s bedroom, and she turned, preparing to leave.

Su Qingwan saw this and quickly grabbed Lu Yuner’s sleeve. “Elder sister Yuner, wait!”

Lu Yuner frowned, turned back, and asked, “Young Master Su, what is it?”

Xiao Yuan, seeing the situation, immediately retreated and closed the door.

Lu Yuner, realizing that they were now alone in the room, said in a deep voice, “Young Master Su, if you have something to discuss with me, let’s talk tomorrow. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Elder sister Yuner, please don’t go.”

Su Qingwan immediately got up to chase after her, but his legs were weak and powerless. He hadn’t taken more than a few steps before he fell. Lu Yuner heard the “thud” behind her and, unable to ignore it, turned to look. She saw him somewhat awkwardly supporting his thin, frail body. Her gaze moved to his gaunt, pale face, inexplicably stirring a sense of pity.

Lu Yuner sighed lightly. In the end, her soft-heartedness prevailed, and she walked over to help him up.

But Su Qingwan suddenly found strength from somewhere and took the opportunity to hug Lu Yuner’s waist, clinging to her like an octopus, as if afraid she would leave.

This action inexplicably added a hint of ambiguity to the surrounding atmosphere.

Su Qingwan’s arms encircled her waist, and even through a layer of clothing, they could feel each other’s body heat. Lu Yuner was visibly stunned for a moment, and in the next second, her face showed displeasure as she removed his hands. “Young Master Su, don’t fool around. Let go of your hands quickly.”

“No!” Su Qingwan still held on tightly, refusing to let go. He even snuggled closer into her embrace, his tone soft and tender, limp and weak, full of a wheedling flavor.

“You…” Before Lu Yuner could finish speaking, her gaze crashed into those misty eyes. Such a close, direct look made Lu Yuner’s heart skip a beat. His eyes were clear, containing a burning light, and that tear mole became increasingly heart-stirring.

“I know that elder sister Yuner only forgave me back then because you pitied me when I was sick, right?!” Su Qingwan said, lowering his eyelashes dejectedly and biting his lip.

Hearing this, Lu Yuner suddenly felt a bit confused. Hadn’t this matter already been settled? Why bring it up again?

Was this why he asked her to stay?

Lu Yuner felt it necessary to explain clearly once again, reiterating, “I always mean what I say, and every word comes from my heart, including accepting your apology.”

“Really?” Su Qingwan shyly raised his watery eyes to meet Lu Yuner’s gaze, water droplets clinging to his long eyelashes. He continued, “But… my feelings for elder sister Yuner are also sincere.”

Lu Yuner was stunned. Su Qingwan’s words still surprised her. She had thought these past few days would have changed him, that his enthusiasm would have waned, but nothing had changed at all.

Lu Yuner patiently advised, “Young Master Su, you’re still young and don’t understand matters of love between men and women. Besides, this liking might just be a passing fancy for you. Perhaps this novelty will soon fade. Moreover, I’m just an ordinary woman. With your noble status, there will surely be many talented and beautiful women for you to choose from in the future. There’s no need to miss out on a good marriage because of me. I’m not worthy of Young Master Su’s affection.”

At these words, Su Qingwan visibly fell silent. Lu Yuner thought her words had enlightened Su Qingwan and said seriously, “Alright, Young Master Su, please let go of your hands, otherwise I’ll…”

“I won’t let go!” Su Qingwan’s embracing arms tightened involuntarily. He slowly moved closer to Lu Yuner, his gaze burning and unrestrained as he looked at her. “Whether you’re worthy or not isn’t for elder sister Yuner to decide. Besides, elder sister Yuner hasn’t even tried with me, how do you know you’re not my perfect match?”

At this moment, they were quite close to each other, their warm breaths making both parties feel their cheeks heating up.

Su Qingwan gazed at Lu Yuner’s eyes unblinkingly, full of emotion, and Lu Yuner couldn’t help but look back at him. They could see each other’s reflections in each other’s eyes, the ambiguous atmosphere making their hearts race increasingly faster.

Su Qingwan was naturally very handsome, born with the makings of a beauty. Whether in the present or in modern times, he would definitely be the male version of a “femme fatale”.

“Young Master Su, you…” Lu Yuner was momentarily at a loss for words. Although her heart was racing, she tried to maintain outward calm, unconsciously averting her gaze which betrayed a hint of fluster.

She had actually… been charmed by this little one.

Su Qingwan caught this subtle expression, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. His long-suppressed restraint had also reached its limit. His tone carried a hint of pleading as he said in a hoarse, bewitching voice, “Elder sister Yuner, won’t you give it a try with me?”