At the doorway, she turned back and waved at Guo Dalu. Her hands were fair and delicate.

  But if a pair of hands were wrapped around your neck, no matter how fair and delicate they were, the feeling wouldn't be pleasant.

  Guo Dalu had no choice but to get up and look at Yan Qi.

  Yan Qi wasn't looking at him.

  He looked at Wang Dong.

  Wang Dong was drinking, his wine cup conveniently shielding his eyes.

  He looked at Lin Taiping.

  Lin Taiping was staring bnkly into space.

  Guo Dalu gritted his teeth and muttered bitterly, “My ancestors must have accumuted great virtue—otherwise, how could I have such wonderful friends like you all?”

  Just then, Mei Runan’s voice called from outside, “What are you mumbling about? Why aren't you coming out?”

  Guo Dalu let out a long sigh and said, “Nothing… I was just talking nonsense.”

  He finally walked out. With his furrowed brows and dejected look, he seemed like a man being dragged to his execution.

  After a long while, Lin Taiping suddenly sighed and said, “I never thought he could be such a faker. He's obviously thrilled on the inside, yet he insists on putting on that miserable face—just looking at him makes me angry.”

  His tone carried a hint of sourness, as if all the wine in his belly had turned to vinegar.

  Wang Dong chuckled, “You′re mistaken about one thing.”

  Lin Taiping asked, “What thing?”

  Wang Dong said, “He doesn't actually like her.”

  Lin Taiping frowned. “He doesn't like her? Are you saying Miss Mei isn't worthy enough for him?"

  Wang Dong replied, “Whether she's worthy enough is one thing, but whether he likes her is another.”

  Lin Taiping pressed on, “And how do you know he doesn’t like her?”

  Wang Dong grinned, “Because he hasn't turned into a fool, nor has he become mute.”

  Lin Taiping blinked, confused.

  Wang Dong knew he wouldn't get it, so he eborated, “A venerable man once said something very true—no matter how clever a man is, if he truly falls for a woman, he'll turn into a blubbering idiot around her, sometimes even unable to speak properly.”

  He gnced at Yan Qi, half-jokingly, and added, “But in front of Miss Mei, he still talks more than anyone else…”

  Yan Qi cut him off coldly, “That′s just because some people are born chatterboxes.”

  Wang Dong smirked and said no more.

  No one liked being called a chatterbox. Normally, no one would consider him as one, but today he seemed different—talking far more than usual.

  Lin Taiping found it odd. Why is he so talkative today? Who is he really saying all these for?

  One thing was certain—Wang Dong never moved his lips without a reason.

  The moonlight was beautiful.

  Perhaps few people ever noticed, but winter moonlight was no less enchanting than spring moonlight. Even in the cold, moonlight could still stir a young girl's heart.

  The full moon hung on the treetops, and beneath the trees stood Mei Runan. The moonlight shone on her face, in her eyes.

  Her eyes were more beautiful than the moonlight.

  Even Guo Dalu had to admit that she was a truly stunning girl—especially her figure. He had rarely, if ever, seen a woman with such a perfect silhouette.

  She looked even more beautiful than when he first saw her. Maybe it was her clothes, maybe it was her smile.

  She was no longer wearing pin garments. A fitted waist and a flowing long skirt accentuated her slender frame, making her even more captivating.

  She was smiling at him again, even sweeter than before.

  Guo Dalu had once most admired her smile, yet now he could barely bring himself to look at it.

  A girl's smile, like her jewelry, perfume, and fine dresses, was just another lure to ensnare men. A wise man would do best not to look at all.

  If Guo Dalu had understood this truth back then, he wouldn't be caught in so much trouble now.

  He sighed inwardly, dragging his feet as he walked over, then suddenly asked, “Is your brother really a heavy drinker?”

  Mei Runan ughed, “Of course not. He hardly drinks at all.”

  Guo Dalu forced a bitter smile. “That makes things even worse.”

  Mei Runan asked, "What's the trouble?"

  Guo Dalu ughed and said, "I originally pnned to get him drunk as soon as we met so that he wouldn't remember what happened yesterday and deliberately cause trouble for me."

  Mei Runan said cheerfully, "If you're afraid he'll trouble you, why not avoid him for a few days? Once his anger subsides, you can meet him again."

  Guo Dalu said, "Aren't you the one eager for me to go see him?"

  Mei Runan's eyes suddenly widened as she stared at him and said, "You think… you think!"

  Then, she suddenly burst into ughter, bending over as she ughed.

  Guo Dalu was stunned, his eyes fixed on her as he mocked, "Not me?"

  Mei Runan ughed so hard she couldn't even speak, only shaking her head repeatedly.

  Guo Dalu couldn't help but ask, "If not me, then who?

  Mei Runan finally managed to catch her breath and said, "It's Yan Qi."

  Guo Dalu excimed, "Yan Qi? The person you fancy is Yan Qi?"

  Mei Runan nodded.

  Only then was Guo Dalu truly stunned.