The Ageless Dream

9.2 Red Fabrics (37)

Inside the dining hall of Dong Li Hua's residence, there is an awkward atmosphere spreading out until the courtyard. Huang Zhao is across Jie Ming's seat while Dong Li Hua is sitting on the left edge of the table. None of them is picking up their chopsticks or saying a single word.

"Ha..." Dong Li Hua sighed. She held Huang Zhao and Jie Ming's hand then brought it on top of the table. "Sir General, you can have Jie Ming as a concubine instead. She will take my place on the fake wedding."

"Ah Li, are you...are you not forcing yourself in this decision?" Huang Zhao asked, he quickly retrieved his hand and ignored Jie Ming.

"No." I think so... She hid her true emotions. Its better to leave him with Jie Ming, there is a newfound emotion budding in her heart that she must not cultivate further. "Moreover, I am not from here but I assure you I am not a spy. My family must be worried for me now."

"You're leaving?" he noticed some inklings from her words. In truth, he wished he never asked. When Dong Li Hua nodded, he fell at loss of what to say.

"I had enough fooling around here. My family needs me and I still have to take care of my engagement. Our agreement will end two weeks from now, no?" she faintly smiled. Huang Zhao suddenly grabbed her wrist. "You- what's the matter?"

"Let's talk." Huang Zhao coldly answered and brought her to her room. Jie Ming was left behind, she remained silent but the way she clutched on her skirt showed how she truly feels.

The door was closed with a loud thud and a faint thump came next. Dong Li Hua was pressed on the wall as Huang Zhao placed his hand above her shoulder and the other is underneath her chin to make sure she is looking at him.

"Sir General, why are we here?"

"Ah Li, don't act dumb. You know I like you." he straightforwardly answered.

"Impossible." she tittered. They only met for few weeks!

"Impossible? Then I'll prove it!" Huang Zhao leaned down and without a warning, pressed his lips over hers. His movements weren't gentle at all. Seemingly, he is annoyed. The way he bit her lip in an unsatisfied way caused her to wince. Huang Zhao held her back when she struggled and covered her small figure with his broad back. He skimmed through her lips, taking every breath she has. Dong Li Hua was subdued. She felt her legs weakening and her need for air increased. Her hands tightly gripped on his robe before he finally set her free from that painful bliss. The young man only gasped yet in a very seductive way while Dong Li Hua coughed.

Huang Zhao opened his eyes to see a pair of angry green eyes. She doesn't know what to say or do but can only lower her face in shame. That was her first kiss! How dare this lecherous monkey take it away!

"Ah Li." he softly whispered and cupped her face with a hand. Huang Zhao was stunned to see her crying. "D-did I scare you?" he asked reluctantly.

"You! That was my first kiss! How could you!?" she tearfully accused.

"Look, I confessed and I like you. Do you not feel the same?" Huang Zhao pressed his lips into a straight line. He thought he scared her and if he did, his plans will go astray. Aside from that, he actually felt nervous seeing her expression, as if afraid to lose her.

"... No." Dong Li Hua responded. She slowly removed his hold then looked up to him. "Please remove that feeling. Its unnecessary and we are only subordinates working to defeat Zhao. You see, Im engaged and having another man aside from my fiance is considered unfaithful. Please understand my side. I don't want my family to get in trouble since my fiance is powerful than my clan. Even if I like you, I can't choose you over him."

Huang Zhao went silent. Her explanation delivered a great blow to him. After a while, he heaved a deep sigh and avoided her gaze. "I understand." he left the room and ignored Jie Ming who is still sitting there. Huang Zhao let out a cold snort before leaving.

Dong Li Hua leaned on the wall and touched her swollen lips. She quickly collected her scattered thoughts and encouraged herself. "Its for the better." she whispered. Later on, she will realized it's not likely so.

Likewise, they still pretended like a pair of lovers. The news of Huang Zhao's marriage spreads across the State of Hann until the spies of Zhao relayed the information. On the day of the wedding, Jie Ming was dressed in a red brocade. She smiled to herself on the bronze mirror, her stunning reflection made her feel proud.

"Xiao Hu! Wait!" Jie Cui shouted from outside. A white kitten stepped inside the room and sat on Jie Ming's bed.

"Whose pet is this? Shoo!" Jie Ming tried to scare Xiao Hu when the kitten lunged on her and clawed her wedding dress. "No! You-" she furiously picked Xiao Hu and threw the kitten towards the door.

"Jie Ming!" Jie Cui came in time and caught Xiao Hu. She glared at Jie Ming while calming the white kitten. "This is Miss Lizi's favored pet! If something happens to Xiao Hu, you'll be in trouble!"

"Sister Cui, look what that beast did to my clothes! Its nearly ruined..."

"Don't call me sister! From that day, we are no longer friends." she turned her back to leave.

"Its fine with me. I'll be a master of this manor anyway."

"Jie Ming, you'll regret lying to Miss Lizi." Jie Cui whispered under her breath and left the place.

"Lan Hu, bye-bye." Dong Li Hua bid farewell to the large cat. She turned to Huang Zhao and smiled amiably. He is wearing a red hanfu for males and a black sable cicada hat. As for her, she is dressed in her modern clothes to remind her of her origin.

"What about Zhan Yuling's wedding?" Huang Zhao asked, hoping to make her stay.

"Oh, right. I cant go. Send my congratulatory and please tell her I have to meet my family urgently."

"Then... This is goodbye?"

"Sir General." Dong Li Hua huffed. She took out a handful of candies and placed it on his palm. "Sweet treats to wash away bitterness."

"General Huang! I have to tell you something! General, please come out!" someone suddenly yelled outside the garden. The three of them subsequently turned towards the moon gate.