Chapter Forty

“How did you know?” The man in white—Feng Qingquan—asked in delight, unable to contain his excitement. He rushed forward, seized Yingyue’s small hand, and shook it energetically. “That’s right! My family has passed down the art of Sichuan opera face-changing for generations. And in my generation, I am the most accomplished of all.”

Yingyue was utterly taken aback; no words could describe her feelings at that moment. She had no idea how to react or what expression to wear.

Feng Qingquan noticed Yingyue’s stunned and slightly frightened face. He quickly released her hands, coughed awkwardly, and ran his palms over his face, forcing himself to look serious once more.

“My lady, I apologize for my impropriety.”

Yingyue was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Goodness, she really must have traveled through time. This man, with his clean-cut looks and clear, pure voice, had such a peculiar personality. One moment he spoke like an ancient scholar, the next he was the picture of formality. Was she in the middle of a period drama? Was he the comic, old-fashioned scholar in the play?

Imitating Feng Qingquan, Yingyue lifted her hands to her cheeks, forcing herself to change her expression and not look so foolish.

With hands lowered and a gentle smile on her lips, she asked with the utmost grace, “May I ask, Mr. Feng, how did I come to be here?”

“Oh, I picked you up, of course!” he replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Yingyue’s face twitched involuntarily. She told herself to stay calm. Must endure.

Her smile remained warm and ladylike. “Then, could you tell me where you found me?”

Yingyue felt anxious, for despite her efforts these past days, she couldn’t remember how she had ended up here. All she recalled was falling asleep—a sleep that lasted a little too long.

“Oh, I found you in the underground parking lot of a hotel.”

“How did you come across me there?”

“Well, I was about to drive home and accidentally bumped into a few people. When I got out to take a look, you were the only one lying on the ground.”

Yingyue’s lips twitched again. Was her fate truly so wretched? Lying on the ground, all alone?

She pondered Feng Qingquan’s words, her expression growing serious. So, someone must have tried to kidnap her, but by sheer coincidence, Feng Qingquan had happened upon the scene and “picked her up.”

But wasn’t his luck a bit too extraordinary? The kidnappers had simply dumped her there and left?

Yingyue lifted her gaze, giving Feng Qingquan a strange look, watching him until he shivered and uneasily asked, “Is there something on my face?”

Yingyue smiled sweetly at him, making Feng Qingquan self-consciously touch his smooth, clean face. He muttered, “Did I not blend in my sunscreen this morning?”

Yingyue’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. She felt she was on the verge of facial paralysis.

Getting no reply from Yingyue, and finding nothing odd on his face, Feng Qingquan turned away and rummaged in his coat pocket, finally producing a small mirror to inspect himself closely.

Yingyue watched him, her expression frozen.

She spoke stiffly, “Um, Mr. Feng, if there’s nothing else, I’d like to rest now.”

Feng Qingquan quickly turned, pocketing the mirror. “Don’t call me Mr. Feng, that’s too formal. Just call me Qingquan.”

“Uh, all right, Qing—quan.” Though, honestly, we’re not that close, are we? “Well then, Qingquan, I’d like to rest now. Could you leave me alone?”

“But—” Feng Qingquan wanted to say more, but seeing the clear look of annoyance on Yingyue’s face, he realized she didn’t wish to talk further. Rubbing his nose in dejection, he left the room.

——Author’s Note——

Why do people read but not add my story to their favorites? If you’ve read this, please tell me why you’re not saving it—Juzi is terribly troubled! At least give me some feedback!