Chapter Three: So What?

In the original novel, the male lead, a servant tasked with miscellaneous duties, accompanied others to Puyue Temple. The female lead, though born to a concubine in the Prime Minister’s household, was deeply cherished by her father. She possessed a lively, adorable nature that outshone even the legitimate daughter, provoking jealousy from the household’s mistress, who sent an assassin to end her life. By chance, the male lead witnessed the attempt; after wounding his right arm, the assassin fled in panic.

Wracked with guilt, the female lead personally bandaged his wound. Upon learning his identity, she showed no disdain whatsoever, even scaling the walls of the Duke Protector’s residence to deliver medicine. As they spent time together, feelings blossomed between them.

Their first meeting took place at Puyue Temple. As protagonists, they naturally drew each other in, regardless of circumstances—their inherent allure was undeniable.

Shen Nanwan only wished to slip by quietly, not altering the original encounter between the main characters, yet hoping to earn favor in the male lead’s eyes.

Determined, she turned to Qingrui and said, “Remember to tell Grandmother that I’m going as well.”

Qingrui sighed. “Very well.”

She opened her mouth, hesitating as if on the verge of voicing something. At last, she could not hold back: “Miss, I feel you’ve changed. You’re like a different person.”

A pang struck Shen Nanwan’s heart, but she maintained an unruffled expression. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” Qingrui nodded. “For instance, that servant earlier—you had him follow you to Shaohua Court for chores. I know you’ve always been kind, and it’s nothing unusual. But you used to care greatly about matters concerning Young Master Jun. Now, you don’t even seem to care about his birthday…”

Shen Nanwan fell silent.

The original Shen had indeed cherished Jun Ci. While the old madam visited Puyue Temple, Shen should have accompanied her, for the old madam loved her most dearly. Yet, the original Shen had refused, all for Jun Ci, so she could personally give him the embroidered pouch she made for his birthday.

Trailing behind Qingrui, Shen Nanwan walked and mused. After a moment, she sighed softly.

“Qingrui, I know you have my best interests at heart. But you must have noticed that Jun Ci never reciprocated my feelings, right? You kept silent because you feared hurting me, since I was so infatuated with him, isn’t that so?”

Qingrui said nothing, but her steps faltered at those words. Shen Nanwan caught this and continued, voice choking slightly: “Jun Ci never liked me. He’s even annoyed by me. I used to chase after him, offering warmth that was never returned, but lately I’ve realized I can never thaw his heart. If that’s so, why should I care so much?”

“I am the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke Protector’s household. My father is the Grand General, beloved by the people. What makes Jun Ci worthy of such devotion? You’ve seen how he treats me. I was foolish before, thinking I could win his affection one day. But now I understand—if he doesn’t like me, he simply doesn’t like me.”

“So I’ve given up on Jun Ci. I’ve always run toward him, but he’s never taken even a single step toward me. I’m exhausted, Qingrui. I want to reclaim myself. From now on, I won’t love Jun Ci anymore.”

She gazed at Qingrui, who had turned around in shock, her tone softening. “You’ve witnessed my sorrow over the years; you understand me, don’t you, Qingrui?”

Qingrui was the one who had spent the most time at the original Shen’s side; she understood her hidden emotions better than anyone.

As expected, Qingrui’s face showed a bittersweet joy, mingling happiness that Shen had finally seen reason with sadness over the wasted years.

She opened her mouth to speak, but her eyes drifted past Shen Nanwan to someone behind her. Her expression tensed, and she gave a discreet signal before bending her knees and bowing. “Young Master Jun.”

Footsteps echoed from behind, steady and deliberate, sending a chill up Shen Nanwan’s spine. An indescribable feeling swept through her body. Slowly, she turned to meet a pair of cold, disdainful eyes.

Jun Ci stood tall and slender, clad in white silk, his black hair framing a face of refined, striking beauty. For a moment, Shen Nanwan was lost in his elegance.

Who knew how much he had overheard…

But what did it matter?

It was but a fleeting moment before she regained composure. She looked at Jun Ci’s faintly furrowed brow, her voice calm and lacking its former warmth. “Is Young Master Jun returning?”

Her address startled Jun Ci; his face darkened as if remembering something. His voice was clear and icy: “Shen Nanwan, what are you up to?”

He curled his lips in mockery, his words devoid of any kindness. “Did you say all that on purpose, knowing I would pass by? I’ve told you before—I don’t like you. No matter what you do, I won’t change. How many times must I repeat myself before you understand?”

“If not for the emperor’s decree, the imperial command I cannot defy, I would never agree to this marriage!”

The original Shen must have heard these words countless times.

Even the soul that had crossed into this body was utterly unsurprised by them.

Shen Nanwan carelessly touched her hair, a scornful smile on her lips. “Young Master Jun, your words are truly amusing.”

The corners of her eyes curved, and the face that had always watched him with caution now bore a mocking expression. Her red lips were curved, a breathtaking beauty that left Jun Ci momentarily stunned.

“I used to like you, willing to hold you above all else. No matter how poorly you treated me, I liked you,” Shen Nanwan lifted her gaze, “but now, I no longer do. In my eyes, you are just like anyone else.”

Her words were followed by a fading smile, her features growing cold inch by inch.

“Where do you get the confidence to think that, after so many rejections, I still can’t let you go? My affection for you was worn away long ago. When I say I don’t like you, I mean it.”

She found it absurd, and no longer wished to speak with Jun Ci. Turning, she signaled to Qingrui, ready to leave. After a few steps, she suddenly recalled something and looked back with a radiant smile.

“Oh, and Young Master Jun, accustomed as you are to being above others, perhaps you’ve forgotten—even your father, Minister of the Household Department, must bow respectfully and address my father as ‘General.’ What makes you think you have the right to cause trouble in the Duke Protector’s residence?”

“I hope you take care of yourself.”

Without another glance, Shen Nanwan walked away.

For the first time, Jun Ci watched her back as she departed.

In the past, whenever he turned, he would always see her smiling eyes fixed on him. Yet each time, he only felt irritation, just as he did now.