Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 24

That single glance from Wei Hanyu had already lodged itself deep inside Qin Mu’s heart. Perhaps… she really did like Wei Hanyu. How much? She could not say. But even the faintest trace of concern in her eyes, even a casual word of care, was enough to make Qin Mu’s happiness linger for a long time.

Then Wei Hanyu’s hand lifted to her face. Qin Mu’s heart thundered in her chest, the sound pounding in her ears like rolling thunder. With a flick of her fingertip, Wei Hanyu brushed away a droplet of rain clinging to her brow. She smiled faintly and said,

“Walk slower. There’s no need to rush. If the dishes grow cold, I’ll simply have them reheated.”

“Mm.” Qin Mu lowered her head, nodding awkwardly, relief washing over her. So, Wei Hanyu had merely thought she was dizzy from hunger.

Neither spoke again as they walked together through the rain. Qin Mu tilted the umbrella more and more toward Wei Hanyu, determined that not a single drop should touch her robes. Someone so beautiful should never be soiled by dirty rainwater.

When they returned to Biyue Pavilion, Yin’er had already prepared everything. The dishes had been heated again and again, the servants dismissed, until at last the food was ready and waiting. With everyone else gone, the vast pavilion belonged to Wei Hanyu and Qin Mu alone.

Qin Mu should have been delighted by such rare solitude, yet unease tugged at her heart. She feared that if Wei Hanyu discovered her feelings, she would reject her just as coldly as she had spurned Lu Xu. If even a man like him was cast aside, how much less chance did she, a woman, have?

“Weren’t you hungry? Why don’t you eat?” Wei Hanyu asked, noticing her staring absentmindedly at the food.

Snapping out of it, Qin Mu grabbed her chopsticks and began to eat. Having grown up in the mountains, her manners at the table were far from refined. The dishes vanished quickly, swept away like leaves in a storm.

“Next time, don’t wait so long. It isn’t good for the body,” Wei Hanyu said, brows slightly furrowed.

Qin Mu nodded quickly, warmed by her care.

“Before I forget,” Wei Hanyu said as she ladled soup for her, “there are two people you must avoid in the palace.”

Qin Mu listened intently.

“One is my younger brother, Wei Yanhán—you’ve already met him.”

Qin Mu obediently nodded. She knew Wei Hanyu only spoke for her own good. And having once crossed blades with Wei Yanhán, she knew all too well what sort of man he was: dangerous and relentless.

“The other,” Wei Hanyu continued, her brows knitting tighter, her eyes flashing with loathing, “is my father’s consort, Su Wanying.”

At the name, Qin Mu nearly choked. She froze, as if struck still by a pressure point.

Wei Hanyu noticed her odd reaction. “You’ve met her?” she asked coolly.

Qin Mu flushed scarlet and nodded. Her eyes flickered nervously. She recalled Yue’er’s warning: if Wei Hanyu learned what had happened between her and Su Wanying, she would surely be furious. And indeed, just hearing her name was enough to chill Wei Hanyu’s expression.

“Sister Hanyu…” Qin Mu set down her chopsticks and edged her stool closer, terrified she might lose her affection. If Wei Hanyu cast her aside, where could she go? Her money was gone; the only path left would be back to Huangming Mountain, where she would never see Wei Hanyu again. Better to die here than to live like that.

“It’s nothing,” Wei Hanyu said at last, softening as she caught sight of Qin Mu’s wide, misty eyes—like a stray puppy desperate not to be abandoned. A faint smile touched her lips. “Just keep your distance from her. That woman is cunning, and she and I have history. Best to stay wary.”

Qin Mu nodded fiercely, relief flooding her chest. She resolved to recognize Su Wanying’s footsteps from miles away—and avoid her at all costs.

After Qin Mu finished eating and moved to clear the table, Wei Hanyu stopped her. “Go rest. Yin’er will take care of it tomorrow.”

Qin Mu nodded but lingered, reluctant to part. Living under the same roof with Wei Hanyu was a blessing, but their moments together always felt too brief.

Later, after bathing, Qin Mu lay in bed, tossing restlessly, unable to sleep. Her hair was still damp. A thought struck her—her eyes lit up. Grabbing a towel, she slipped toward Wei Hanyu’s chamber.

“Sister Hanyu,” she called softly outside the closed doors. There was no answer. She hesitated, debating whether to knock, when a cold voice spoke behind her.

“What are you doing?”

She spun around. Wei Hanyu stood there, robe draped loosely over her shoulders, fresh from her bath, fragrance mingling with a trace of lingering steam.

“My hair… I didn’t dry it.” Qin Mu pursed her lips, gazing up with earnest, bright eyes, playing every ounce of innocent charm she had.

Wei Hanyu frowned, silent. She pushed open the door, leaving only her back to Qin Mu. For a moment, Qin Mu’s heart sank. She almost turned to leave—until Wei Hanyu’s soft voice drifted back.

“Come in.”

Joy nearly lifted Qin Mu off her feet. She followed her inside, the familiar fragrance making her drowsy already. Without waiting to be told, she settled down. The moment Wei Hanyu sat beside her, Qin Mu nestled her head into her lap, inhaling deeply.

“What are you doing?” Wei Hanyu stiffened, her voice laced with protest.

Qin Mu tilted her face upward, all wide-eyed innocence. Wei Hanyu sighed, helpless, and took the towel from her, gently drying her hair.

“You smell so nice, Sister Hanyu,” Qin Mu murmured, eyes half-closed in bliss. She couldn’t stop herself. Wei Hanyu said nothing, continuing her patient work.

“Sister Hanyu… can I sleep with you?”

“Why?” Wei Hanyu froze, her voice cool again.

“I can’t sleep alone. Last night, when I was with you, I slept so well.” Qin Mu’s dark eyes gleamed with unhidden plea. Wei Hanyu pressed her lips together, neither agreeing nor refusing. Qin Mu took that as permission.

Once her hair was dry, Qin Mu scampered straight into the large bed, slipping beneath the covers and tucking herself in neatly.

When the candle was blown out, the room filled with the faint fragrance of Wei Hanyu’s presence. Qin Mu inhaled deeply, unable to contain her excitement. Sleep was the last thing on her mind. Inch by inch, she shifted closer, until she finally dared to slip an arm around Wei Hanyu’s waist. Soft, warm, intoxicating—she never wanted to let go.

“If you move again, I’ll send you back to the side chamber,” Wei Hanyu warned, voice cold but tinged with a softness that belied her words. The faintly sultry note made Qin Mu’s heart race even faster.