chapter 49

The wind had started blowing and dispersed the night fog, revealing a dilapidated and traditional-styled house among the wilderness.

Amidst the silence, there were desolate sounds which seemed to travel across the night sky. Deep sorrow was being carried by a gust of wind in the chilly night, making the atmosphere seem especially lonely and cold.

A graceful figure was slowly walking over fallen leaves. Her eyes were still, containing neither happiness nor sadness.

The man put down his guard but didn’t turn around as though he knew the woman who had arrived. “You… you came.”

The woman replied, “It’s late, why aren’t you resting?”

“I’ve been waiting for you.” Bathed in moonlight, he turned around. He had beauty that any woman would be jealous of. “This is where we first met, do you still remember?”

Her gaze remained emotionless. “Gentleman, I am not her. The one that you love, died long ago. Standing here today is only a fox demon in her skin.”

“I know that you are not her but…” He closed his eyes gently. “The one I love is also not her.”

Her eyes flashed but soon recovered her originally calm demeanor. “I was the one who helped Qi Mu take the position of crown prince. I was also the one who took over your fiance’s body because I was curious about the so-called love that humans have. I wanted to test that love and see how it endures in the face of betrayal.”

“These things you speak of, I know.”

She appeared surprised. “Qi Duan, don’t you hate me? Because of me, you will be trapped here for a lifetime.”

His smile remained pure and beautiful. “It is because it is you that I am willing.”

“Oh.” She turned around, her back facing him. His words were like a joke. She was a demon so she had never experienced emotions that humans have which allowed her to clearly see through a person’s lies.

But this person…

Under the moonlight, the gentleman stood appearing like warm jade. He continued to foolishly stare at her silhouette. “Before you leave, will you tell me your name?”

She stopped for a moment. “An Lu.”

“An Lu… An Lu…” He murmured, carefully repeating the words. It was only a name but he seemed to be extremely satisfied.

He is just a fool.

An Lu wanted to tease him and laugh but found herself unable to laugh. She turned her head to take one last look at the man behind her and then directly left without any hesitation.

As she walked along the small paths in the wilderness with only the sound of the wind as her companion, An Lu couldn’t feel relaxed. As she headed back, she felt stuffy. She couldn’t help but admit that the human named Qi Duan affected her greatly.

A crow cawed as she stopped in her tracks and she quietly observed the man in front of her.

There was a noble youth standing in the middle of the path, holding a fan. He was dressed in exquisite purple clothes which complemented his good looks, especially his smile where the corner of his lips was constantly curving up. He was more mesmerizing than a poppy and as he slowly waved the fan with his hand, he displayed the true presence of an upper class elite.

She called out, “Qi Mu.”

“Evening, Miss Xia.”

An Lu expressionlessly asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I was afraid that Miss Xia might have gotten lost so I came here to escort you home.”

“The residence of Prince Xiao is not my home.”

Qi Mu smiled. The crown prince was truly unparalleled in this world. “It will naturally be your home in the future.”

She expressed neither happiness nor anger. “I will not marry you.”

Darkness flashed through Qi Mu’s gaze as he continued with a smile. “No one can predict what will happen in the future.”

“You…”

The wind suddenly roared with force and could be heard throughout the bamboo forest. Blacks crows flew up and disturbed the quietness of the night, cutting off An Lu’s words.

As the wind continued to howl, a voice rang through An Lu’s head. “Enough, return my body to me.”

The wind was acting strangely and in the blink of an eye, Qi Mu watched as the young girl in front of him fell. He quickly reached out and caught the unconscious lady in his arms. He could suddenly hear a fox cry coming from deep inside the bamboo forest.

As he tried to listen for more, the wind quieted down as though everything had been an illusion.