Aromatic Flesh

In the eastern corner of Beiping City, nestled amidst the old streets, lay Shi XiaoMan’s residence. The area was once known for its distinction between the affluent East and the noble West, but now the East was adorned with the emerging “East Nobility,” while the grand old Western royal mansions had transformed into centres of learning.

Seated in a luxurious carriage, Gu MingYue and Qian YunSheng admired the city’s historic charm as they journeyed through the wide avenues and meandering narrow alleys. Eventually, the carriage halted in front of a stately mansion, its presence exuding an air of dignity and elegance.

With a gilded brilliance, the characters ‘Shi Mansion’ shone brightly on the entrance plaque, welcoming the visitors. Scarlet couplets adorned the massive doorposts, their profound meanings wishing for eternal peace and prosperity. The couple stepped out of the carriage, gracefully paying the fare and a generous tip to the coachman, while Qian YunSheng stood tall, holding their luggage with a sense of chivalry.

Eager to meet Shi XiaoMan, Gu MingYue approached the immense black door, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she grasped the beast-shaped door ring, a slight tremor of excitement ran through her. And then, as if acknowledging her presence, the heavy doors slowly creaked open, revealing a glimpse of the mysterious world inside.

Behind those doors stood Shi XiaoMan herself, a mix of emotions playing on her face like a symphony of feelings. The anger in her eyes, intertwined with concern, was almost tangible, mirroring Gu MingYue’s own surprise and curiosity.

Their gazes locked in a wordless exchange.

Gu MingYue felt momentarily lost, uncertain of what to say to this aunt that she had ‘met for the first time’, who seemed to exude an air of preparedness, as if she had been anticipating their arrival and patiently waiting at home for their arrival.

Shi XiaoMan donned a stunning deep blue dress adorned with delicate white magnolia patterns and a golden-yellow trim, accentuating the elegance of her flowing sleeves. Draped over her shoulders was a beige jacket adorned with shimmering pearls, a testament to her timeless beauty despite nearing 40. Though her face carried a mix of anger and concern, it couldn’t overshadow her captivating allure.

Qian YunSheng stood not far away, setting down his luggage and hesitating for a moment before regaining his composure. He then approached Gu MingYue and firmly held her hand, squeezing it tightly in his palm.

Looking at the strikingly handsome man before her, Shi XiaoMan crossed her arms, rhythmically tapping the inside of her arm. With a sudden smile, she nodded at Gu MingYue and gestured for them to enter, “Come in.”

Eagerly accepting the invitation, Gu MingYue and Qian YunSheng walked hand in hand, following Shi XiaoMan’s lead as they stepped into the courtyard.

Shi XiaoMan’s residence was grand, consisting of a three-part mansion with a front courtyard adorned with blossoming crabapple and pomegranate trees. Potted plants added to the scenic beauty, despite the season being less than favourable. The bare branches stood their ground, undeterred by the chilly wind. They passed through a connecting corridor, and finally, the main hall revealed itself before their eyes.

The ginkgo trees flanking the main hall had grown tall and strong over the years, with their thick trunks reaching out like proud sentinels towards the sky. The branches formed a dense and verdant canopy, adorned with scattered golden-yellow leaves that gently danced and swirled in the breeze, creating a vibrant tapestry on the blue stone floor below.

In front of the main house, the two goldfish ponds added a touch of tranquillity to the scene. During the summertime, the water lilies would bloom, emitting a delicate and enchanting fragrance, while the graceful koi fish gracefully glided through the water, their shimmering scales reflecting the sunlight like sparkling jewels.

The courtyard was a picturesque haven, seemingly frozen in time. If it weren’t for the presence of a young man in military attire standing beneath the majestic ginkgo tree, and the shimmering ponds nearby, Gu MingYue would have been tempted to explore every nook and cranny of this exquisite northern-style garden.

However, with Qian YunSheng’s hand firmly in hers, Gu MingYue hesitated to leave without bidding a proper farewell to Shi XiaoMan.

“Big sister, leaving without saying goodbye1?”

Beneath the majestic ginkgo tree, Xue XingZe stood tall, his military uniform adding an air of seriousness to his youthful features. As a silver ginkgo leaf gracefully descended onto his shoulder, his warm smile outshone the golden foliage strewn across the ground.

Caught by his captivating presence, Gu MingYue couldn’t help but pause in her tracks, half-turning to catch a glimpse of him. His smile seemed to emit a radiant glow, almost blinding her like the bright autumn leaves.

For a moment, she wondered if the Xue family’s adoption process was based on appearances.

This singular encounter left a vivid impression of Xue XingZe in her mind.

The young man’s hair, a rich jet-black, cascaded with a soft and luxurious sheen, framing his forehead and ears in a stylishly tousled fringe. His facial features exuded a sense of artistic refinement, with sparse but expressive eyebrows and eyes that resembled a serene and contemplative landscape painting. His straight nose and delicate nostrils added to the overall elegance of his appearance, and his flawless, porcelain-like complexion accentuated the smooth, flowing lines of his face. A faint, enigmatic smile played upon his slightly pale, thin lips, as his mesmerizing amber-coloured eyes remained unwavering, fixated on the woman who sought to escape.

The young man embodied a delicate and slender allure, radiating an otherworldly charm that seemed to embody poetic beauty. Yet, intertwined with this aesthetic splendour was an aura of mysterious melancholy and decay, shrouding him in an unsettling enigma.

His unnaturally pale complexion seemed to carry a hint of morbidity, like a dark secret veiled beneath his alluring facade.

The tall, graceful young man approached with a carpet of golden leaves beneath his elegant steps. He stopped right in front of Gu MingYue and gently turned her towards him, looking deeply into her eyes as he asked, “Big sister, did you not want to see me?”

Enjoy~

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