Love at First Sight

Xiao Yun'er was caught up in wonderful daydreams when he was abruptly startled by Xiao Yu, and replied impatiently, "Who says I'm sick? You're the one who's sick."

Xiao Yu was surprised, "How are you not sick? Why does your face look so strange?" He slapped his forehead and said, "I understand now. You're not physically ill, but your heart is. Most likely, you've caught the lovesickness that afflicts all young men."

Xiao Yun'er thought to himself, if today he hadn't been unlucky enough to fall to the ground, but instead had landed in Miss Ninth's arms, he wondered how she would react—would she slap him? Why did he feel such an urge to spy on Miss Ninth today...? Was he truly ill? Now that Xiao Yu was disturbing him, he grew angry and said, "Are you finished yet? So much useless chatter."

Xiao Yu replied triumphantly, "Don't get angry just because I guessed it right! Tell me, who did you see today that made you so entranced? It's definitely love at first sight."

Xiao Yun'er forced a bitter smile, "I might be infatuated with her, but if she doesn't care for me, what's the use?"

Xiao Yu laughed, "Of course there's use, otherwise how would you fall ill? Ah, that's what they call the flower's affection met by the stream's indifference. Tell me, who did you see today that made you so captivated?"

Xiao Yun'er replied, "Today I saw the owner of our tavern, Miss Ninth."

"What, you saw Miss Ninth?" Xiao Yu exclaimed in surprise.

Seeing Xiao Yu's envious expression, Xiao Yun'er felt a surge of pride and boasted, "What's so extraordinary about seeing Miss Ninth? I even want to fall in love with her!"

"What, she's the one you want to love?" Xiao Yu looked at him with incredulous curiosity.

"Of course," Xiao Yun'er said. "Such a noble and beautiful woman—if a man doesn't want to love her, that's what's strange!"

Xiao Yu, seeing that Xiao Hong had called him away, believed that Xiao Yun'er really had met Miss Ninth. He chuckled mischievously, "Don't be a toad dreaming of eating swan meat."

Xiao Yun'er replied, "The key is whether you dare to dream of eating swan meat. Whether you actually get to eat it is another matter. Anyway, there are plenty of toads in the world—one more won't be noticed. The size of your heart determines the size of your world, and I, Xiao Yun'er, have a heart that embraces all beauties!"

Xiao Yu laughed, "I think the size of your mouth determines the size of your world—keep blowing."

Xiao Yun'er retorted angrily, "Don't underestimate me. To tell you the truth, Miss Ninth actually likes me too. Jealous, aren't you? That'll drive you mad."

Xiao Yu laughed, "Miss Ninth likes you? That's the biggest boast I've heard. If she likes you, why would she let you come back to sleep in this filthy, smelly kennel?"

Xiao Yun'er felt embarrassed, his face reddening. "Anyway, there are plenty of beauties who love me. I'm not talking to you anymore—I'm going to sleep."

A few more days passed. Now it was the twentieth day of the twelfth month, nearing the New Year, and all the tavern staff wore expressions of festive joy.

On the streets, many people dressed in ragged clothes who were obviously not gods of wealth went around delivering "the god of wealth." They often came into the Lucky Tavern, claiming to bring good fortune. In truth, they weren't gods of wealth at all—they simply regarded the tavern itself as their god of wealth.

Of course, in the spirit of good luck, the tavern manager gladly gave them some coins to add to the celebratory atmosphere, hoping for prosperity in the coming year.

Xiao Yun'er found himself missing home, even though he'd only been away for a short while. But he dared not return. Xiao Yun'er and Xiao Yu were reminiscing about their past New Years, happy memories filled with joy.

Just then, Xiao Jing walked over and addressed Xiao Yun'er, "Yun'er, come with me."

The other workers in the tavern looked at Xiao Yun'er curiously, wondering why Xiao Jing was seeking him out.

For a moment, they each speculated about Xiao Jing's purpose, their eyes full of envy and jealousy.

Under their gazes, Xiao Yun'er blushed slightly, feeling a mix of pride and shyness. He lowered his head and followed behind Xiao Jing.

When they were alone, he couldn't help but ask, "Sister Jing, why are you calling me?"

Xiao Jing smiled, "I don't know either. The young lady asked me to bring you. If you're curious, you should ask her yourself."

Hearing that Miss Ninth had summoned him, Xiao Yun'er was delighted and asked, "By the way, Sister Jing, I still don't know our Miss Ninth's surname! Can you tell me?"

Xiao Jing smiled, "Is that so important? If you want to know her surname, you should ask her yourself. If she's willing to tell you, she'll do so. If she's not, I'm just a maid—I wouldn't dare."

Seeing that even the usually kind Xiao Jing had rebuffed him twice, Xiao Yun'er felt discouraged and fell silent.

Xiao Jing seemed to sense his mood and gently added, "Why are you in such a hurry? Once you meet the young lady, you'll understand everything."

Xiao Yun'er entered Miss Ninth's study, where she sat reading.

At that moment, Xiao Yun'er saw that not only was Miss Ninth dressed in finery, she had deliberately adorned herself, appearing even more dazzling and noble. Xiao Jing was also surprised—Miss Ninth rarely paid much attention to her appearance.

"Women dress to please those they care for," the saying goes. Perhaps, in the past, no one had been worth her efforts. But today, for whom had she gone to such lengths? Was it for the New Year, or a festival, or... Xiao Yun'er?

Impossible! How could a young boy stir the heart of a mature woman, let alone inspire such careful adornment from a noble lady?

Miss Ninth saw Xiao Yun'er and smiled, "Please, have a seat."

This was Xiao Yun'er's second encounter with her, but he felt less at ease than the first time.

The first time, Miss Ninth had dressed simply, and Xiao Yun'er had felt relaxed. Now, she appeared far more beautiful and imposing.

Though bold by nature, Xiao Yun'er dared not act too recklessly. Seeing Miss Ninth silently observing him, he felt a nervousness and lowered his head. He sat quietly, and for a while, the room was utterly silent.