Chapter 66

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the weather was quite clear, and the bright sunlight felt warm and comfortable. Zhang Weixin got up early in the morning, hurriedly washed up, and then asked for leave from his roommate, Wang Xiaojun, saying he was going to Liangxiang City with the trade group to purchase supplies.

Theoretically, as committee members, they were peers, and Zhang Weixin did not need Wang Xiaojun's approval to go into the city. However, after their long talk in Feilong Fort, Zhang Weixin had started to consciously promote Wang Xiaojun as the supreme leader. Therefore, his daily actions naturally had to align with this propaganda, setting an example for others.

Although Wang Xiaojun was not particularly enthusiastic about Zhang Weixin's so-called "support action," since he had already agreed to be the chief leader, he could only let it be. So when this good friend and close comrade came to ask for leave, he not only agreed but also suggested that Wang Feng accompany him to provide additional security.

Zhang Weixin, however, did not want Wang Feng as a bodyguard. He claimed that since he was going into the city with the trade group, there would be security personnel with them, so there was no need for extra protection. Adding Wang Feng at the last minute would make it seem too special. Besides, according to Zhang Weixin's plan, Wang Feng should eventually take on a leadership role in the security group, and always playing the role of a bodyguard would not be good for his development.

Wang Xiaojun did not bother to argue with Zhang Weixin about his convoluted reasoning and let him go. Zhang Weixin's slightly evasive expression also suggested that his purpose for going into the city was not as simple as he claimed. It was certainly not just to check on the house in the city, as he had said. After some thought, and considering that it was the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, Wang Xiaojun finally figured out the reason.

He patted Zhang Weixin on the shoulder with a mischievous smile and teased him, "Old Zhang, Old Zhang, I didn't know you were such a smooth liar. I don't think you're interested in the house in the city. You're actually interested in that beautiful and delicate Miss Yang. If I remember correctly, you and Miss Yang agreed to meet at the Huatian Tower every fifth day of the month. You've been busy and haven't been able to keep your appointments. Now that you have some free time, you're eager to meet Miss Yang. Just say you're going on a date, instead of making up some story about checking on the house. Admit it, am I right?"

Zhang Weixin's face turned red when his little trick was exposed, but he refused to admit it. He insisted that he was going into the city for official business and, ignoring Wang Xiaojun's teasing, rushed out of the room to find Fan Wucheng and You Yuan, who were also preparing to go into the city.

As the New Year approached, the streets of Liangxiang City were bustling with people buying New Year's goods. Fan Wucheng, You Yuan, and the others moved with the crowd, occasionally stopping to shop at various stores. Zhang Weixin, however, immediately said he wanted to separate from them and go to the newly purchased house alone. At first, he insisted on not taking any security personnel, but Xu Shaoran, who was responsible for this mission's security, would not agree. He stated that according to team rules, team members must be accompanied by security personnel when leaving their residence, or they would not be allowed to leave.

Zhang Weixin, who was going to meet his lover, did not want a third wheel. He negotiated with Xu Shaoran for a long time, even hinting that he was going to meet his sweetheart, but still could not persuade the camp commander to change his mind. In the end, with no other choice, Zhang Weixin reluctantly agreed and, with a long face, took Wu Peng with him to the date.

Seeing him walk far away, Xu Shaoran's serious and professional expression immediately relaxed into a sly, triumphant grin. He imagined Zhang Weixin and Yang Xiaoyun being intimate while Wu Peng stood guard, a bright and awkward third wheel.

His disgusting expression made even Fan Wucheng and You Yuan, who were standing nearby, feel uncomfortable. They silently despised this guy who was ruining their friend's date but could not find a reason to argue with him. After all, he was following the rules, which were theoretically correct. They could only hope that Wu Peng would be discreet and not get too close to the couple.

Zhang Weixin's mind was entirely on Yang Xiaoyun. The usually shrewd and intelligent man did not see through Xu Shaoran's scheme. He quickly walked with Wu Peng towards the east gate of Liangxiang City. After a short while, they passed through the east gate and walked northeast for about a mile to Liao Shi Hill, where the Huatian Tower stood.

Looking at the tall and majestic Huatian Tower from a distance, Zhang Weixin felt both anticipation and worry. He was eager to see his beloved, but he was also concerned that due to his recent absence, Yang Xiaoyun might think he had changed his mind and would no longer wait for him. Driven by his anxious feelings, his steps quickened, leaving Wu Peng, who was following behind, puzzled. He wondered why the usually calm and composed Zhang Weixin was acting so hurriedly today.

They soon reached the base of the Huatian Tower, and Zhang Weixin eagerly searched for Yang Xiaoyun's figure but found nothing. Zhang Weixin and Wu Peng walked around the hill, front and back, and even climbed the tower, but they still did not see Yang Xiaoyun. Because it was close to the New Year, there were few people visiting the tower, so the view around the tower was clear, and it was impossible to miss her.

Zhang Weixin, who had come with high hopes, was now filled with disappointment. He was unsure whether Yang Xiaoyun had come and left or had not arrived yet. He also wondered if she had become disheartened by his repeated absences and no longer wanted to wait. Without a clear plan, Zhang Weixin walked around the Huatian Tower several times and looked down the road leading to the city, but still found nothing. His anxious heart even made him consider going to Yang Xiaoyun's house to find her. However, this thought quickly passed, as Zhang Weixin, though anxious, had not lost his reason.

After waiting a while longer, the situation did not change. Zhang Weixin calmed his anxious mind and checked his watch, realizing it was almost noon. With a clear head, he regained his ability to analyze and judge. He realized he had been overly anxious and that it was the middle of the day, and everyone was having lunch. It was unlikely that anyone would visit the tower at this time. Even if they were going to pray, they would wait until after lunch and a nap.

With this thought, Zhang Weixin chuckled to himself, shook his head, and said to Wu Peng, "Little Wu, we might have come at the wrong time. It's lunchtime, and no one would come to pray. Let's go back to the city, have lunch, and then come back to wait."

Wu Peng, who was already hungry, had no objections and followed Zhang Weixin back to Liangxiang City. They found a relatively clean restaurant near the east gate and had a simple meal.

After eating and resting for a while, they paid the bill and left the restaurant, heading out the east gate to Liao Shi Hill again to wait for the beautiful Miss Yang.

As time passed, Zhang Weixin's hope grew dimmer. To get a better view, he and Wu Peng climbed to the third floor of the Huatian Tower and walked around, looking in different directions. Zhang Weixin, who was almost losing hope, kept looking into the distance and checked his watch again. It was already past two in the afternoon, and he decided to wait until three o'clock. If Yang Xiaoyun did not show up by then, he would return to the city to avoid worrying Xu Shaoran and the others.

The ticking of the watch not only marked the passage of time but also signaled the impending failure of the date. Just as the minute hand pointed to 2:55, and Zhang Weixin was about to give up and head back to the city, Wu Peng called out from the other side of the tower, "Old Zhang, look! The woman walking towards us from a distance might be Miss Yang!"

Zhang Weixin, who was about to give up, was suddenly electrified. He quickly rushed to Wu Peng's side and looked in the direction he was pointing. He saw a woman walking from the east gate of Liangxiang City. Although she was still far away and her face was not clear, her figure and gait were unmistakably Yang Xiaoyun. Zhang Weixin was very excited but did not lose control. He restrained himself from waving and shouting and signaled Wu Peng to leave the window with him. They would wait for Yang Xiaoyun to get closer and confirm that no one was following her before revealing themselves.

This was not because Zhang Weixin did not trust Yang Xiaoyun, but because he was afraid that the Feiyan Hall might be secretly monitoring her, and she might not be aware of it. Last time, she managed to leave the city to meet him when Liu Yunyan was not around, but the situation might be different now.

Zhang Weixin hid behind the window on the third floor of the Huatian Tower, peering out with one eye. The road was quiet, which made it easier for him to observe the surroundings. When Yang Xiaoyun reached the base of the tower, he confirmed that no one was following her. He then slowly moved to the window and looked down at Yang Xiaoyun.

After more than a month, Yang Xiaoyun still looked as fresh and beautiful as ever, with a graceful figure and a light, elegant gait. Every movement was perfect. However, her face seemed to carry a hint of sorrow, especially when she saw no one at the base of the tower, and her expression became even more melancholy.

She walked around the tower, looked back down the road, and then, with a reluctant heart, faced the tower, clasped her hands together, and silently prayed. She then slowly turned and walked back the way she came. Just as Zhang Weixin was about to call out to her, perhaps her feminine intuition kicked in, and she stopped, suddenly turned around, and looked up at the tower. She immediately saw Zhang Weixin, who had already leaned out of the window, arm raised, and mouth open to call out. Her eyes, which had been sad, instantly brightened and then became misty. Seeing her beloved's face, which was a mix of joy and grievance, Zhang Weixin could no longer control his emotions. He quickly descended the tower and rushed to Yang Xiaoyun, tightly embracing her, who was already in tears.

The two embraced tightly, and neither spoke. Words were unnecessary; all the longing and reunion were expressed in this embrace. After a long while, Wu Peng's light cough finally broke the silence, and the two separated. Yang Xiaoyun, feeling a bit embarrassed, blushed and gave Zhang Weixin a playful glare before bowing to Wu Peng and said in a low voice, "I didn't know Daoist Wu was here. I greet you, Miss."

Wu Peng, who had already mentally strangled Xu Shaoran a thousand times, now understood why Xu Shaoran had insisted on not letting Zhang Weixin go alone. It was because he knew Zhang Weixin was coming to meet his lover and deliberately sent him to be a third wheel. Wu Peng, the bright third wheel, was so bright that he might as well have been a thousand-watt light bulb. He was in a very awkward position, unsure whether to leave or stay. When Yang Xiaoyun greeted him, he hurriedly returned the bow and said, "Miss Yang, there's no need for such formalities. We're all friends here."

His response was appropriate, but perhaps because he was still angry at Xu Shaoran or too focused on his role as a third wheel, he added, "I'm here with Teacher Zhang because it was arranged. I'm not here to cause trouble. Miss Yang, just pretend I'm not here, and do whatever you want with Teacher Zhang."

He then turned to face the Huatian Tower, pretending to pray, completely ignoring the couple's expressions. Yang Xiaoyun blushed and turned to leave, while Zhang Weixin, angry, wanted to slap him.

Seeing his beloved about to leave, Zhang Weixin could not afford to educate Wu Peng. He quickly caught Yang Xiaoyun's arm and, after much persuasion, managed to convince her to stay. However, after Wu Peng's interference, the place was no longer suitable for a romantic encounter. Moreover, it was disrespectful to the Buddha to be intimate at the base of the tower, and the devout Yang Xiaoyun would not agree.

Zhang Weixin thought for a moment and remembered a suitable place. He led Yang Xiaoyun and Wu Peng, the bright third wheel, towards the east gate of Liangxiang City.

After entering the east gate, they returned to the restaurant where they had lunch. He booked the only private room in the small restaurant, ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, and led Yang Xiaoyun into the room. Wu Peng, being considerate, did not follow them in but found a table near the room, ordered tea and snacks, and tried to eavesdrop on Zhang Weixin and Yang Xiaoyun's conversation. It seemed that his curiosity was as strong as Xu Shaoran's, and whether he actually heard anything was known only to heaven, earth, and himself.

In the private room, the couple did not notice the eavesdropper outside. Zhang Weixin was explaining to Yang Xiaoyun that he had not come to meet her recently not because he did not want to, but because he was too busy with team work and could not find the time. He even swore an oath, saying that what he said was true, or he would be struck by lightning.

Hearing that he had been unable to keep his appointments due to work, Yang Xiaoyun's grievances and worries vanished. When he was about to swear an oath, she quickly covered his mouth and said, "Why are you making such a serious oath? I never said I didn't believe you."

Seeing that she was no longer upset, Zhang Weixin felt relieved, and his thoughts became more flexible. He grabbed her delicate hand and kissed it without hesitation. This sudden bold move embarrassed Yang Xiaoyun, and her face turned red as she tried to pull her hand back. However, her hand was tightly held by Zhang Weixin, and she could not pull it away. She finally gave up and turned her face away, pretending to be angry.

Her action, however, only made Zhang Weixin more daring. Seeing that she did not refuse, he immediately stood up, sat next to her, and, taking her by surprise, pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips.

Yang Xiaoyun did not expect this, and it was too late to avoid it. The moment their lips touched, she felt a jolt of electricity, and her whole body went limp. She had been a courtesan for two years but had always sold her art, not her body, and had never had such intimate contact with a man. Although the nobles and officials might tease her, it was mostly verbal, and there was no real physical contact.

Therefore, although Yang Xiaoyun had received theoretical education on the subject, she had no practical experience. Faced with the advances of a married man like Zhang Weixin, she could only surrender. Moreover, with her beloved, the defensive techniques she had used to fend off countless lecherous men were useless, and she had no choice but to submit.

Fortunately, although Zhang Weixin was a man who had been deprived of intimacy for a long time and was naturally excited by the soft and warm body in his arms, he did not lose control like Wang Feng. Besides, this was not the secluded forest behind the Yu Xu Palace, but a busy restaurant. If they were seen, it could cause unnecessary trouble. Therefore, after a long kiss, he finally released her lips and held her in his arms, whispering sweet nothings.

Yang Xiaoyun, now calmer, was still upset about his sudden attack but was pleased that he knew when to stop. She allowed him to hold her, and his sweet words, though embarrassing, made her heart feel warm. She blushed and asked, "Brother Xin, how long can you stay in the city this time?"

Zhang Weixin, caressing her slender waist, replied, "This time, I came to the city to buy New Year's goods for the temple. I didn't need to come, but I wanted to see you, so I pretended to check on the house we bought in the city. I can stay at most one night and will return to Yu Xu Palace early tomorrow morning."

Hearing that her beloved could only stay one night before leaving Liangxiang City, Yang Xiaoyun felt disappointed and said with a frown, "I hoped you could stay with me for a few days, but you're leaving tomorrow. I don't know when we can be together forever."

Zhang Weixin kissed her forehead and comforted her, "As long as we love each other, why rush? After the New Year, in the middle of the first month, I can officially move to the city. Then we can see each other more often."

He then tapped her nose and added, "I believe heaven will be moved by our true love and will let us be together. Besides, 'if two hearts are truly in love, why should they care about being together every day and night?' What do you think?"

Zhang Weixin, focused on easing Yang Xiaoyun's disappointment, was not careful with his words. The poetic phrases "if two hearts are truly in love, why should they care about being together every day and night?" and "if two hearts are truly in love, they will eventually be together" caught the attention of the poetry-savvy Yang Xiaoyun. She thought about the phrases, which she had never heard before, and her eyes lit up with excitement. "Brother Xin