Chapter 7: Luo Shaoxuan’s Past

The man standing before her was extremely tall and slender, dressed in a light green long robe with a gauzy fabric that draped elegantly. On his robe hung a single piece of exquisite ink-black jade. His dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, with only the front strands tied back using a silver thread. A few loose strands fluttered in the breeze across his forehead. His phoenix eyes, like autumn waters, gazed at her with deep affection.

Although his face was partially veiled, Si Qingyu recognized him instantly as Luo Shaoxuan.

The two stood facing each other, yet neither spoke a word. One gazed with tender affection, while the other remained cold and aloof.

Si Qingyu still remembered that they were once inseparable friends who shared everything. He was her first friend in this world, just as the rumors described him – intelligent, stunningly beautiful, and a noble young master. Countless people sought his friendship, and innumerable women adored him.

Although she had no romantic feelings for him, they indeed got along exceptionally well. If it weren’t for that incident… perhaps they would still be close friends.

Seeing the affectionate look in his eyes, Si Qingyu finally broke the silence. “Why have you come here?” Why did he still seek her out?

A hint of hurt flickered in Luo Shaoxuan’s phoenix eyes. His long lashes drooped slightly, and his voice was soft and magnetic, as gentle as jade. “I’ve been searching for you for so long. Why did you move your clinic without telling me?” He gently bit his lower lip, seeming to be aggrieved.

“Why? Do you really not know?” Si Qingyu turned her head, avoiding his gaze.

Luo Shaoxuan looked up at her profile, entranced. Of course, he knew she was still angry. It didn’t matter; he could wait until she turned back to him.

“I know you’re still upset about that incident, but it’s because I love you so much, Ziliang.” He raised his hand, wanting to caress the face he had longed for day and night, the face that had cost him his appetite.

Si Qingyu took a step back, evading his hand. She couldn’t bring herself to look at his sorrowful eyes, fearing her resolve might waver.

“Love? Hah, it’s just an excuse to satisfy your own desires,” Si Qingyu said coldly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“No! That’s not true! I’ve always been sincere towards you. Can’t you see that?” Luo Shaoxuan’s eyes glistened with tears. How could she say such a thing? Although he had schemed against her, it was because he loved her. How could she doubt his feelings?

His voice seemed filled with despair and anguish, stirring Si Qingyu’s emotions. She turned to face him and saw tears sliding down his cheeks, his eyes filled with sorrow.

Unable to resist, Si Qingyu reached out and gently wiped away the tears from his face.

Luo Shaoxuan’s tear-stained face looked slightly stunned, then overwhelmed with joy. He nuzzled his cheek against her hand, his eyes brimming with affection.

As Si Qingyu looked at him, she recalled their first encounter. At that time, she had not yet opened her clinic, and they had met by chance on the riverbank. He was only fifteen then, and she was just eighteen.

Her adoptive mother had recently passed away, and she was deeply saddened. Luo Shaoxuan happened to be on a pleasure boat, and they gazed at each other from across the river. He took the initiative to approach her and offer comfort. Later, he told her that when he saw her standing under the willow tree, the sorrow she carried made it seem as if she were the only person left in the world, compelling him to approach her and bring her happiness.

From that moment on, they became close friends, both unconcerned with societal norms. They often drank tea, chatted, and painted together. Sometimes, Si Qingyu would even discuss her medical knowledge with him. It was he who later encouraged her to open a clinic.

Si Qingyu had always cherished this friendship. Yes, it was just friendship.

Until one day, Luo Shaoxuan told her, “I’m seventeen now, and my mother is already arranging my marriage.”

Indeed, men came of age at fifteen, married at sixteen, and at seventeen, it was indeed time to discuss marriage.

Then he told her, “Mother wants me to marry the legitimate daughter of the Hou family.”

Ah, her. Si Qingyu had heard of this woman – gentle, refined, well-read, and a reliable spouse.

Later on, the way he looked at her became increasingly overt, and his behavior grew more intimate. It made her feel slightly uncomfortable, but she paid it no mind, thinking he was just reluctant to part.

One day, he came to her courtyard with tea leaves he had prepared, offering to brew her a pot of fine tea. Of course, she was delighted.

However, when she raised the teacup, she clearly detected an unusual scent in the tea. With her years of medical training, how could she not recognize it? He had actually laced the tea with an aphrodisiac!

It seemed he had anticipated that she might not drink it, so he lifted his cup and drank it without hesitation.

He knew, he knew she wouldn’t leave him be. The drug took effect swiftly and intensely. Soon, his beautiful face flushed red, beads of sweat forming on his skin. He gazed at her with a hazy look, calling out her name.

Si Qingyu, with her typically calm demeanor, was genuinely infuriated by his actions, her chest heaving with anger. She thought he had truly gone mad.

However, he had guessed correctly. She indeed couldn’t leave him unattended. By then, it was too late to concoct an antidote. She held him as he lay on the floor, her face darkening. She quickened her hand movements, listening to him incessantly moan her name, her expression growing even more grim.

Since that incident, she had ceased all contact with him, rejecting him at every turn, no matter how much he pleaded. Later, she simply moved her clinic back to her hometown.

Yet, unexpectedly, he had still managed to find her.