"What will it take for you to stay?"
"Wasn't it agreed—ten nights?" She lifted the glass of milk and sipped slowly. "Why, at the crucial moment, do you choose to break your word?"
"Because I am captivated by your body; indulging in it is intoxicating."
Gu Lili's cheeks flushed scarlet. "Then go find someone else to play with. Given your status, appearance, and power, any woman you desire would come willingly—countless women would throw themselves at your feet."
"I only want you. Just tell me—what terms will convince you to continue sharing my bed?"
A surge of anger rose within her. What did he take her for? Did he truly believe that after a few nights together, she was a woman to be trifled with?
"Only if you marry me!"
Her words hung heavy in the air, silencing everything.
"What?"
Their eyes locked once more, and she repeated herself firmly, "Unless you marry me, no amount of money will persuade me to lie with you again. Your status doesn't mean I am beneath you. I believe we are equals. If you wish to continue, then grant me the title. If you cannot, then go find someone else."
He pressed his lips together, silent for nearly a minute before responding, "Fine."
She never expected him to agree; the chopsticks slipped from her trembling hand onto the table with a sharp clatter. "You agreed?"
"Wasn't it your condition that you'd stay only if you had a title? I'll give you that."
"I wasn't joking."
"I never joke about marriage."
Gu Lili picked up her chopsticks and began to eat, speaking between bites. "Very well. Let me explain my situation. I am an orphan—no father, no mother. My master, who raised me, recently passed away. Most importantly, I can see unclean things. Can you accept that?"
"Unclean things?"
"Dead people."
His expression changed visibly. Unfazed, Gu Lili continued, "I knew you wouldn't accept it easily. My master was the same; when she was young, she concealed this secret when she married and bore a son—only to be cast out by her husband and mother-in-law. I will always disclose this before marriage. If you can accept it, then we marry; if not, let us not waste each other's time."
"I don't reject it, only shocked and incredulous. I'm an atheist; I do not believe souls exist."
"If you wish, I can show you another side of the world anytime." Gu Lili smiled softly. "I am neither deceitful nor frivolous. There is nothing in this world that you cannot conceive—only things you dare not imagine. So, what say you? Shall we marry?"
Long Yubei gazed at her, his eyes fathomless.
"What?!" Long's mother sprang to her feet, aghast, staring at her son without a care that Gu Lili was present. "Yubei, have you lost your mind?!"
"I am not mad," he replied coldly. "I am formally informing you all—I am getting married."
"To an orphan who sees ghosts, and in a flash marriage?!" Long's mother was so furious her words stumbled, pointing accusingly at Gu Lili. "Do you realize women like her bring misfortune to their husbands? The late Mrs. Gu, who could also see unclean things, died soon after marrying. Her mother-in-law and husband, in fury, banished her to the mountains. They say such women, heavy with yin energy, live short lives. Are you truly out of options, that you insist on marrying her?"
"That was my master you're speaking of," Gu Lili interjected calmly. "Her death was not due to her ability to see unclean things—she passed away from long-standing sorrow and illness."