Chapter Forty-One: Troubled by Love

The flickering lights cast shadows in the private room of the Flower Pavilion, where Ying Xi and Zhu Wolong were still merrily exchanging cups, while Lu Hehuan sat idly nearby, pouring herself a drink out of boredom.

Suddenly, the madam burst in, flustered and breathless. “Something’s happened! Something’s wrong!”

Zhu Wolong shot her a fierce glare. “What’s wrong?”

“All this shouting—ruining my mood for drinking!” Ying Xi chided her angrily.

Lu Hehuan interjected, “Did something happen? Is there trouble?”

The madam shook her head and turned to Ying Xi. “Inspector Ying, that Miss Liu has stormed in, claiming she’s here to catch a cheater. She’s already on her way up.”

Ying Xi groaned with impatience. “Liu Rushuang is such a nuisance, never letting go like a lingering spirit.”

Zhu Wolong seized the opportunity to tease, “Looks like you’ve gotten yourself into romantic trouble, Inspector.”

Ying Xi sighed, “It’s complicated, Boss Zhu. Please, keep this to yourself.”

“Of course—same goes for you,” Zhu Wolong replied, meaning Ying Xi should also keep quiet about Zhu’s own escapades from Bao Rong.

Ying Xi nodded. “I’ll take my leave.”

Seeing this, the madam hurried forward. “Inspector, follow me through the back door—quickly!”

“Go, now.” Ying Xi pulled Lu Hehuan along behind the madam. Just as they stepped out, they heard Liu Rushuang’s furious voice from the hall, “Which shameless woman dares drink with Brother Xi? I’ll sew her mouth shut!”

Ying Xi startled, whispering urgently to the madam, “Faster, faster…”

The two followed the madam downstairs and out the side door. Night deepened, and the back alley of the Melody Pavilion was silent. Ying Xi, dragging Lu Hehuan, ran a short distance, glancing back to see Liu Rushuang hadn’t followed. At last, they stopped.

“Finally dodged a disaster,” Ying Xi exhaled in relief.

“A disaster?” Lu Hehuan asked, puzzled. “What’s there to fear? Miss Liu isn’t a tiger.”

“You don’t know how fierce Liu Rushuang can be. Once, I was caught by her at the Paramount. She caused such a scene there, then spent three days and nights crying outside my dorm—her wails were worse than wolves howling. I was terrified. If she finds me tonight, it’ll never end,” Ying Xi said, rubbing his beard with relief.

Lu Hehuan smiled, “She acts that way because she loves you.”

“Forget it.” Ying Xi waved her hand, grinning mischievously at Lu Hehuan. “With you around, her affection isn’t needed.”

Lu Hehuan flushed with embarrassment and turned to leave, “Don’t talk nonsense. It’s late, let’s get back to the dorm.”

Ying Xi followed, still wearing a sly smile.

Inside the Melody Pavilion, Liu Rushuang stormed into Zhu Wolong’s room with Bai Yulou in tow, finding Zhu Wolong surrounded by flamboyant women, drinking. Liu Rushuang scanned the room, even checking beneath the table, but found no sign of Ying Xi. She was perplexed.

“Where’s Brother Xi?” Liu Rushuang directed her question at Zhu Wolong.

“He hasn’t been here,” Zhu Wolong answered, feigning calm.

“Not been here?” Liu Rushuang didn’t believe him, staring intently.

Zhu Wolong’s eyes darted nervously as he nodded.

Liu Rushuang scrutinized Zhu Wolong for a long moment; he grew uneasy under her gaze.

Suddenly, Liu Rushuang remembered something. “Boss Zhu, why are you here? Aren’t you interested in Bao Rong?”

Zhu Wolong hesitated, then forced a laugh. “Just relaxing, Miss Liu. Please don’t tell Miss Bao.”

Liu Rushuang snorted coldly. “I sympathize with Bao Rong; how could I help you hide this?”

“Miss Liu, I won’t come here again, please have mercy and don’t tell her. I beg you,” Zhu Wolong pleaded.

Liu Rushuang’s smile turned icy. “Fine, I won’t tell Bao Rong.”

“Thank you, Miss Liu.” Zhu Wolong breathed a sigh of relief.

But Liu Rushuang’s face suddenly darkened; her smile vanished, eyes blazing. “Hmph! Don’t be so sure. Not only will I tell Bao Rong, I’ll drag you to see her! Bai Bai, take him to the Bao family!”

Zhu Wolong panicked, flustered. Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou hauled him away.

Under the lamplight, Bao Rong was reading in her room, while Bao Kang paced restlessly nearby.

“Rong, just listen to me for once. Boss Zhu is a rare, talented young man. If you miss him, you’ll regret it for life.”

Bao Rong put down her book, weary. “Brother, I really don’t suit Boss Zhu.”

“How so?” Bao Kang pressed.

“Our interests differ, we have nothing to talk about. If we forced it, we’d only be miserable, with no happiness at all.”

“Boss Zhu is devoted to you; he’ll accommodate your interests and chat about your favorite topics.”

“Brother, people don’t change their nature. Boss Zhu’s heart isn’t with me—he’s enchanted by the Flower Pavilion.”

“He only went last time because work was stressful, just to unwind. It was only that once.” Bao Kang, knowing Bao Rong minded Zhu Wolong’s wandering heart, promised earnestly, “Boss Zhu assured me there won’t be a next time.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“I do!”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Ignoring Bao Kang, Bao Rong went to open it. There stood Liu Rushuang, gripping a disheveled Zhu Wolong.

Bao Kang followed, startled to see Zhu Wolong. “Boss Zhu? What happened?”

“Boss Zhu was drinking with a crowd of women at the Flower Pavilion. I caught him and brought him here, Bao Rong, he’s yours to deal with,” Liu Rushuang declared, beating Zhu Wolong to the explanation.

Zhu Wolong kept his gaze low, stealing a glance at Bao Kang, blinking pleadingly for help.

Bao Kang was embarrassed; he’d just promised Bao Rong that Zhu Wolong wouldn’t go to such places again, only for Zhu Wolong to do so.

Liu Rushuang, still angry, turned to Bai Yulou. “Bai Bai, let’s go.”

Bai Yulou followed Liu Rushuang away.

Bao Rong looked from Zhu Wolong to Bao Kang, shaking her head in annoyance. “Wasn’t last time supposed to be the last?”

Zhu Wolong and Bao Kang both looked awkward, unable to speak.

Meanwhile, Lu Xiang opened the courtyard gate a crack, peeking at the Bao family while covering his mouth to stifle a gleeful laugh.

In the yard, Lin Zhi walked over curiously. “What are you doing?”

Lu Xiang suppressed his laughter. “Watching the drama.”

Lin Zhi moved closer, confused. “What drama?”

“Bao Kang wants his sister to marry up, aiming for Boss Zhu, the golden bachelor. But Boss Zhu is addicted to the Flower Pavilion and just got caught!” Lu Xiang whispered.

Lin Zhi peeked through the crack and spotted Zhu Wolong at the Bao family’s door, nearly pushing the gate open. Lu Xiang quickly closed it, and Lin Zhi pressed her ear to the door.

“This time Bao Kang’s plans are completely ruined,” Lu Xiang said, ear to the door, making sarcastic remarks.

The pair eavesdropped, outside came Bao Kang’s voice.

At the Bao family’s door, Zhu Wolong stood with his head bowed before Bao Rong and Bao Kang.

“Let’s go inside and talk,” Bao Kang said, worried about airing dirty laundry.

Bao Rong’s face was cold. “No need, it’s late and inconvenient.”

“Rong, don’t be too harsh. In Old Zha, what man doesn’t visit the Flower Pavilion? It’s just a place to relax, nothing serious,” Bao Kang tried to smooth things over.

“Yes, yes, Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi were there too,” Zhu Wolong quickly agreed.

Bao Rong froze, glaring at Zhu Wolong. “Hehuan would never go to such a place.”

“It’s true. I was chatting and drinking with Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi, even discussing women’s high heels,” Zhu Wolong blurted.

Lu Xiang and Lin Zhi, eavesdropping, heard Zhu Wolong claim that Lu Hehuan had gone to the Flower Pavilion. Lu Xiang’s expression turned cold, and Lin Zhi flew into a rage.

“That scoundrel Zhu Wolong, slandering my son! He must want to die!” Lin Zhi stormed into the house, Lu Xiang hurried after her.

Lin Zhi rushed into the kitchen, grabbing a cleaver.

“What are you doing!” Lu Xiang shouted.

“I’m going to chop up Zhu Wolong!” Lin Zhi was furious.

Lu Xiang quickly grabbed her. “Are you crazy? You think everyone in Old Zha fears you? He’s a famous real estate tycoon—not someone you want to offend.”

“I don’t care what he is, slandering my son is unacceptable.”

Lu Xiang frowned, “You’re tough, but let me tell you—if you touch him, tomorrow he could have us thrown out of our home.”

“He can do that?” Lin Zhi was a little scared.

Lu Xiang took the opportunity to snatch the cleaver. “I let you bully me, but you think you can bully anyone?”

Lin Zhi fell silent, embarrassed.

Late at night, the police dormitory returned to its peaceful routine, the halls quiet once more. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi returned to their room. Ying Xi took some peanuts from the cupboard, half reclining on the bed, tossing them into his mouth and grumbling.

“Didn’t even get to enjoy drinking before that wretched Liu Rushuang ruined it.”

Lu Hehuan hung her coat in the wardrobe, comforting Ying Xi, “Actually, Miss Liu is quite nice—pretty, passionate, and her father is the richest man in Old Zha. I think she suits you well.”

“Bao Rong is nice too—gentle, well-read, understanding, and her brother is the police chief. She suits you even better,” Ying Xi teased back.

“Don’t talk nonsense. I’ve always seen Rong as a sister,” Lu Hehuan’s face grew serious.

“Liu Rushuang is my nemesis—our stars just don’t align,” Ying Xi replied gruffly.

Lu Hehuan saw Ying Xi’s anger and sat opposite him, puzzled. “I just don’t get it. You like women like Li Yingying, but not Miss Liu?”

Ying Xi didn’t answer, his gaze evasive.

“Is there some reason?” Lu Hehuan probed.

“What reason? Just that our families don’t match,” Ying Xi brushed it off.

Lu Hehuan paused, suddenly thinking of Ling Yan.

Bamboo groves at dusk, the Suzhou River cloaked in the silhouettes of autumn’s returning geese.

A young Ling Yan walked briskly ahead, with Lu Hehuan following.

“Ling Yan, wait for me, Ling Yan…” Lu Hehuan called as he walked.

Ling Yan ignored him, continuing forward. Lu Hehuan caught up, grabbing her hand.

“Let go. Our families don’t match, we shouldn’t keep entangling ourselves,” Ling Yan wept.

“No,” Lu Hehuan held her hand tightly.

“What’s the point? It only adds pain for both of us.”

“Letting go would cause pain for both. If I hold your hand, only my father suffers,” Lu Hehuan joked.

“You…” Ling Yan, angry, was coaxed into a smile. “You rogue.”

Seeing her anger abate, Lu Hehuan pulled her gently into his embrace. “As long as I can be with you, I’ll do anything.”

Ling Yan leaned her head against his chest, tears streaming. “Hehuan, let’s give up.”

“Why give up? My parents gave me life, but I have the right to choose who to spend it with,” Lu Hehuan said passionately.

“But I don’t want to be the wedge between you and your father,” Ling Yan replied, troubled.

Lu Hehuan stroked her head, doting. “Silly girl, there’s no wedge between father and son. It’s all temporary. If we get through this, everything will work out.”

“Hehuan…” Ling Yan started to speak, but Lu Hehuan interrupted.

He looked at her with unwavering eyes. “Ling Yan, just promise me one thing—don’t give up. Hold my hand, stride forward. Whatever obstacles we face, don’t let go.”

Ling Yan looked at him and finally nodded. Lu Hehuan grinned with joy.

Their shadows nestled together on the mirrored surface of the Suzhou River; the evening breeze stirred ripples in the water, their clothes fluttering, the moon drifting away like the vanished dust of the world. Ling Yan’s radiant smile seemed to stretch like the lifeline in Lu Hehuan’s palm, weaving through every year and every day.

Lu Hehuan’s eyes glimmered with unshed tears. Ying Xi pretended not to see, putting the peanuts away. “Ah, don’t torment yourself. Matters of the heart shouldn’t be taken too seriously, or everyone ends up hurt.”

Lu Hehuan sighed, quietly swallowing his tears. “We shouldn’t torment ourselves, but feelings should be treated seriously.”

Ying Xi took off his jacket and lay down, stretching out. “Fool, the more serious you are, the deeper you’ll be hurt.”

Lu Hehuan lay beside him, silent.

Ying Xi grinned smugly. “See, I keep my distance from Liu Rushuang—to avoid trouble.”

“Now we can’t keep our distance—we need her help finding clues,” Lu Hehuan smiled, bringing the conversation back.

“No other way?”

Lu Hehuan’s face grew stern. “What do you think? Do you have Liu Rushuang’s knack for finding gossip?”

Ying Xi was speechless, rolling his eyes and turning over to sleep.

In the Bao family’s living room, Bao Kang sat across from Bao Rong, deep in thought.

“Brother, what do you want to talk about?” Bao Rong yawned, urging him on.

Bao Kang sighed, his tone serious. “Rong, after all these years at the police station, I’ve seen all kinds. Most wealthy men are bloated and unkempt, yet even they have wives and concubines. Boss Zhu is the finest young man I’ve met. Though he frequents the Flower Pavilion, I know men well—I believe he’s sincere toward you.”

“A breeze is not as constant as the moon, and the moon does not follow the wind. Even if Boss Zhu is the moon, I am but a breeze—there will never be an outcome,” Bao Rong insisted.

Bao Kang pressed, “Tell me honestly—is it because of Lu Hehuan that you refuse Boss Zhu?”

Bao Rong paused, frowning lightly. “Brother, feelings must be mutual. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I’m tired, I’m going to sleep. You should rest too.”

“Rong…” Bao Kang tried to say more.

Bao Rong ignored him, returning to her room.

Bao Kang sighed in frustration.

The night was crisp and cold. Liu Rushuang walked by the Suzhou River, wiping away tears. Bai Yulou followed silently behind.

“Sister Shuang, if the moon insists on shining on the ditch, you might as well stop being sad,” Bai Yulou consoled softly.

Liu Rushuang angrily picked up a stone and hurled it into the river. “I just can’t understand—why does Brother Xi treat me this way? Am I truly inferior to those women of the Flower Pavilion?”

Bai Yulou raised his fingers, affecting worldly wisdom. “Sometimes men aren’t drawn to women for their qualities, but whether they suit his mood. Maybe you just don’t suit Inspector Ying’s mood.”

“How do I not suit his mood?” Liu Rushuang turned, annoyed.

Bai Yulou studied her. “Look, those women at the Pavilion were all curvy and voluptuous. You’re flat in front and back, nothing to compete with them…”

“What did you say?” Liu Rushuang interrupted, seething.

Bai Yulou, oblivious to her anger, continued, “Also, those women were gentle and alluring, walking with grace. Sister Shuang, you’re rough, loud, always shouting…”

“Is this the shouting you mean?” Liu Rushuang roared.

Bai Yulou, still uncomprehending, replied, “Yes, just like that.”

Liu Rushuang could take no more. She stepped up to Bai Yulou, “Let me show you rough!” With that, she kicked him into the river and walked away alone.

“Sister Shuang, help… help…” Bai Yulou flailed in the water.

Liu Rushuang ignored him, striding ahead.

After a moment, Bai Yulou realized the water was shallow. He stood, the river barely reaching his knees, and scrambled onto the bank, hurrying after Liu Rushuang.