Moonlight washed over the Qin Clan's back garden like powdered silver, soft and luminous. Plum blossoms trembled gently in the night breeze, scattering petals across stone paths that had seen far calmer emotions than those stirring now.
Feng Rou walked slowly beneath the flowering branches, her steps unhurried, her posture composed—at least outwardly. Her robes fluttered with each breath she took, though the breaths themselves felt shallow, unsettled.
She told herself she had come out for air.
In truth, she was retreating.
Her hand rose to her chest, fingers resting lightly over her heart.
Why does it beat so fast… just because he smiled?
She frowned faintly, as if scolding herself.
This is absurd. I am Feng Rou of the Feng Clan. A mother. A cultivator. A woman who has endured empires rising and falling.
Her jaw tightened.
I should not be feeling this.
Yet no matter how firmly she tried to suppress it, the warmth lingered—quiet, persistent, and dangerous. It was nothing like the cold chains of obligation she had once endured under the Mad Emperor's shadow. That had been fear. Control. Survival.
This was different.
Gentle. Uninvited. Alive.
She inhaled sharply and shook her head.
"What is wrong with me…"
A voice drifted out from the shadows, calm and amused.
"Good question."
Feng Rou startled, whirling around. "Yuan Ai?!"
Leaning casually against the trunk of a plum tree stood Yuan Ai, her golden hair catching the moonlight like molten gold. Her arms were crossed, lips curved into a knowing smirk—the kind worn by someone who had already seen the answer and was enjoying the confusion.
"You looked like you were fleeing a battlefield," Yuan Ai said lightly. "I thought either a demon possessed you… or a younger man did."
Feng Rou's face flushed instantly. "D-Don't tease me like that!"
"I'm not teasing," Yuan Ai replied smoothly. "I'm analyzing."
Her expression remained calm, but inside—
Analyzing? No. I'm suffering. I can see it in her eyes.
That look. That hesitation. That ridiculous softness.
She's falling. Just like I did.
Yuan Ai clicked her tongue inwardly.
That brat Qin Su… he's a calamity. A walking disaster specifically designed for mature women.
Feng Rou forced herself to regain composure. "Qin Su is merely polite," she said carefully. "Handsome, perhaps. Talented, certainly. Charming… maybe slightly."
"'Slightly'?" Yuan Ai coughed. "Rou-jie, you're already halfway gone."
Feng Rou covered her face with both hands. "I don't understand what's happening to me…"
Yuan Ai sighed and placed a hand on her shoulder—half comforting, half exasperated.
"I'll tell you exactly what's happening," she said gravely. "That boy carries a curse."
Feng Rou blinked. "A… curse?"
"Yes," Yuan Ai nodded solemnly. "A charm curse. You look at him once, you blush. Twice, your thoughts wander. Three times, you—"
"Stop!" Feng Rou squeaked.
Inside Yuan Ai's head, the panic continued.
What Yin-devouring technique is he cultivating?
Why are mature beauties his natural prey?
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
"This is troublesome," Yuan Ai muttered.
Feng Rou looked alarmed. "For me?"
"For all of us."
Then Yuan Ai paused.
Her gaze drifted slowly over Feng Rou's elegant figure—refined posture, noble bearing, soft curves balanced by strength and dignity.
Tch. She rivals even me.
A dangerous thought surfaced.
If Qin Su wants her…
A wicked smirk curved Yuan Ai's lips.
"…why shouldn't I enjoy the chaos too?"
Feng Rou tilted her head. "Hmm?"
"Nothing!" Yuan Ai said quickly, waving a hand.
But her thoughts spiraled.
He already has two fiancées… and me.
So why not add Feng Rou?
…Wait.
WHAT am I thinking?!
She froze mid-step.
Have I finally gone insane?
Is his curse spreading?!
She lightly slapped her cheeks, snapping herself back.
Feng Rou stared. "Are you… all right?"
"No," Yuan Ai muttered darkly. "I am absolutely not."
Unexpectedly, Feng Rou laughed—a soft, mature sound like wind chimes stirred by night air.
"You're very strange, Yuan Ai."
"You have no idea," Yuan Ai whispered.
After a moment, Feng Rou turned away, steadying herself. "Still… do you truly think I'm falling for him?"
Yuan Ai answered without hesitation. "Yes."
Feng Rou stiffened. "How can you be so certain?"
"You have the same symptoms I did."
"…Symptoms?"
"Your pupils dilate when he walks by."
Feng Rou gasped. "W-What?!"
"You fidget with your sleeve when he speaks to you."
Feng Rou immediately released her sleeve.
"And," Yuan Ai added calmly, "you get jealous when other women look at him."
Feng Rou's breath caught.
"…I do not."
Yuan Ai's gaze sharpened. "Then why did your aura fluctuate this afternoon when Rei held his arm?"
Silence.
Feng Rou froze completely.
Yuan Ai crossed her arms with satisfaction. "See? Deep infection."
Feng Rou buried her face in her hands.
Inside her mind, thoughts tumbled uncontrollably.
This is madness… but he is kind. He is strong. He saved Lian'er.
And when he looks at me… my heart refuses to calm.
Yuan Ai watched her, sighing.
She's falling even faster than I did.
That man is too dangerous. Too charming.
…Too addictive.
She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "If you did fall for him," she said softly, "I wouldn't blame you."
Feng Rou recoiled. "D-Don't say such things!"
"I'm just being practical," Yuan Ai shrugged. "If two fiancées can exist… why not three mature women?"
Feng Rou nearly fainted.
"What kind of outrageous thought is that?!"
"The realistic kind."
Inside Yuan Ai's head, chaos erupted.
STOP TALKING.
WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!
She shook her head vigorously.
Feng Rou stared, worried. "…Are you sure you're all right?"
"Absolutely not."
Yuan Ai leaned closer, voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.
"Listen carefully, Rou-jie," she said gravely. "Once Qin Su truly decides to pursue you… you won't escape."
Feng Rou's eyes widened. "Why not?"
"Because he overwhelms you," Yuan Ai replied.
"In… what way?"
Yuan Ai hesitated, cheeks warming despite herself. "His presence. His confidence. The way he looks at you. The way he settles into your heart without permission."
She nodded solemnly. "Once he gets close… your legs weaken and your thoughts scatter."
"Yuan Ai!" Feng Rou exclaimed.
"Spiritually!" Yuan Ai waved her hands. "Emotionally! Mentally!"
Her inner voice screamed.
If she ever experiences him when he's serious… she's doomed.
I barely survived.
I didn't even really survive.
She sighed, looking at Feng Rou with pity.
This poor woman… she has no idea what's coming.
Feng Rou clutched her chest, heart racing.
Is this… truly love?
Yuan Ai patted her back. "It's too late."
"Too late for what?!"
"For resisting him."
Feng Rou froze.
"And," Yuan Ai whispered softly, "you'll understand everything once he gets serious."
Somewhere in the Qin Clan—
Qin Su sneezed.
And two mature women silently realized…
their peaceful days were numbered.