Night.

  The night was as black as ink, like a large dark net quietly falling down, covering the entire area. Outside the window, fine rain fell slantingly, and water accumulated on the eaves flowed down, dripping down to create ripples on the ground.

  Chu Cha wore a red dress, with a dark blue cloak draped over her shoulders. Her raven-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, secured by a single pin at the back of her head. Her eyebrows and eyes were clear and cold, giving off an air of languid elegance.

  She didnt let Chuxia follow her, but instead walked alone with an oil-paper umbrella and a pipa in her arms towards the outside of the courtyard.

  Before he knew it, he had walked to the edge of Shuǐ Yuè Lake.

  All around are excellent trees that stretch towards the sky, and the fine rain patters against the lanterns on either side.

  Its already autumn, and the yellow flowers have fallen from the branches, covering the ground with a blanket of stars.

  Chu Cha threw open the oil-paper umbrella——

  "Cha Cha, the villain is here!"

  After hearing 1213s words, Chu Cha slightly hooked her lips, but the smile at the corner of her mouth was soon suppressed, and a hint of indelible worry appeared between her eyebrows.

  She gently strummed the pipa in her arms, with dense strings and urgent pipes.

  The clear and crisp sound of the zither, on this rainy night, carries a sense of emptiness and etherealness.

  As the pipa music starts, Chu tea also moves lightly with lotus steps, like the old wind of Han Palace flying swallow.

  A red skirt swirls with the dance, its momentum dispersing and gathering with the wind.

  Faintly visible, misty eyebrows, eyes filled with worry, melancholy and affection.

  Lu Shangs eyes narrowed slightly, staring intently at the beautiful girl who was hugging a pipa and dancing barefoot in front of him.

  Although what happened during the day was intentionally suppressed by Prime Minister Zuo, it still spread throughout the upper and lower levels of the Zuo Mansion.

  Its really useless...

  Just because I didnt gain Fathers favor, must I cut my own throat?

  Hes an idiot.

  But isnt it exactly her brainless look that hes after?

  On the other side, a slender willow tree sways gently in the breeze, and a young girl with a beautiful figure dances gracefully. After finishing her dance, she hugs a pipa (a traditional Chinese lute) and walks towards the lake while playing it...

  When the water submerged her head, she closed her eyes as if relieved, and the pipa in her hand also loosened and sank to the bottom of the lake...

  But at this time——

  Her waist was encircled by a pair of strong hands and she was carried towards the shore.

  She struggled desperately, but it was like an ant trying to shake a big tree, and he didnt seem to be affected at all.

  As soon as they reached the shore, Chu Cha turned to him and raised her hand to hit him hard. "Why did you save me!"

  Lu Shang didnt dodge and was hit on the head, which slightly tilted to one side.

  He lightly pursed his lips and touched the tip of his tongue to her injured cheek, then pressed the girl down to the ground.

  Those eyes, which had always been smiling, narrowed slightly, filled with a dangerous aura. The voice, however, was as gentle as ever, "Elder Sister, dont you want to take revenge?"

  Chu Cha wanted to push his hand away but stopped.

  She stood there in a daze, the fine rain falling gently on her wet hair, making her glassy eyes sparkle even brighter, but then dimmed again.

  "Hah, revenge?"

  Lu Shang smiled slightly, then slowly leaned in close to her ear, "Young Miss, I can help you... as long as you let me enter the Chu Family Academy, I guarantee Ill make you the daughter Left Chancellor cares about the most."

  A glint of light flashed in Chu Chas eyes, like the brightest star in the night sky. She tightly grasped Lu Shangs arm, slightly tilting her head, "Is what you said really true?"

  Lu Shang gazed at the white earlobe that had inadvertently touched his lips as the girl tilted her head, and the smile at the corner of his mouth deepened.

  His voice was low and husky, with a deep enticement, "As long as youre willing to listen to what I have to say, Miss."

  ......