“Doesn’t that mean I owe him another favor?” An Jiu’s face scrunched up. She disliked being indebted to others.

“Do you owe him many favors?” Chu Dingjiang inquired.

An Jiu nodded. “He helped me a lot when I first left the Mei family.”

“You’ve known him longer, haven’t you? Why did you choose me?” Chu Dingjiang asked with a smile.

“His kindness to me was like adding flowers to brocade, while yours was like sending charcoal in snowy weather,” An Jiu replied, always clear about such matters.

When Hua Rongjian helped her, she felt grateful and would find an opportunity to repay him. But Chu Dingjiang had shared life and death experiences with her, repeatedly saving her from danger. Such a bond was naturally different from ordinary relationships.

Chu Dingjiang raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”

An Jiu crossed her arms and thought carefully. “I don’t feel that kind of urge when I see him, but I do when I see you. Does that count?”

“Of course.” This reason was far more important to Chu Dingjiang than the first one. He leaned in close and whispered, “It’s been a long time since we’ve acted on those urges.”

An Jiu had been in a coma for half a year, and after she woke up, Chu Dingjiang had been concerned about her weak constitution, so he had been restraining himself.

“You know, I’ve been celibate for so many years,” Chu Dingjiang said, guiding her hand to touch his arousal.

“Oh!” An Jiu exclaimed in surprise. “You are pent up!”

Just mentioning it had caused an immediate reaction! Instead of comforting him, An Jiu marveled, “It’s amazing that you managed to stay celibate for over twenty years in this state.”

Chu Dingjiang was speechless. That wasn’t how things had happened! He wasn’t some beast in heat. It was precisely because of the long period of abstinence that he had become so sensitive!

However, he didn’t argue. Instead, he said glumly, “Yes, it’s been very difficult.”

His breathing grew heavy, and his voice took on a husky tone.

“An Jiu,” he murmured, slowly leaning in to kiss her.

Chu Dingjiang’s face was bathed in firelight, softening his features and making him appear almost ethereal at such proximity. There was a unique tenderness about him, yet the grey at his temples and the fine lines under his eyes were etched clearly in An Jiu’s mind. A faint warmth tinged with bittersweetness spread from her heart to the tip of her tongue.

As his breath drew closer, An Jiu felt her heart nearly leap into her throat. It took great effort to suppress it. Gazing at Chu Dingjiang’s lips just inches away, she swallowed hard, then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely.

Outside, the sky was overcast, and snow fell heavily. Though it was just past noon, it seemed like dusk. In the courtyard, plum blossoms were covered in snow, exuding a faint, cool fragrance. Inside the room, passion burned hot.

Two days later, Hua Rongjian, dressed in plain casual attire, came to visit An Jiu.

“Today is New Year’s Eve. Shall we go for a stroll in the streets?” Hua Rongjian’s smile was as radiant as ever, betraying no hint of his profession as an assassin.

An Jiu glanced at the falling snow outside. “Who goes out in this weather?”

Hua Rongjian replied excitedly, “Wandering through the market in the snow has its charm. A few years ago, we had a similar snowfall. The sight of ten miles of lanterns in the heavy snow was unforgettable! With such perfect timing, this year is bound to be even more lively!”

“I want to go too!” Mo Sigui shouted, poking his head out from inside.

Hua Rongjian pushed open the window. “If you want to go, go by yourself!”

Mo Sigui clutched his pipe and sighed wistfully, “I remember when you used to cling to me on Zhuque Street, and now you’ve forgotten how you once nestled in my arms.”

Hua Rongjian retorted, “Bah! With your scrawny frame, you dare talk about embraces? Get lost!”

As the two bickered heatedly, Chu Dingjiang draped a fox fur cloak over An Jiu’s shoulders and took her hand, leading her out.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Hua Rongjian hurried to catch up.

Mo Sigui hastily donned his cloak and turned to Wei Yuzhi. “Let’s go together.”

Wei Yuzhi hesitated for a moment. “Alright.”

After all, he would be leaving after the New Year. The market was vast, and with Wei Yuzhi’s heightened senses, he could easily avoid Hua Rongjian. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed the life of an ordinary person. Life is short, and one should cherish such moments.

Due to the snow, darkness fell early. As the lanterns began to light up, they cast a warm glow on the falling snow.

Some people on the street carried umbrellas, while others did not. Everyone wore new clothes and bore expressions of joy.

Standing on Pan Lou Street, one could see two long paths of lights stretching to the horizon, surrounded by the brilliant glow of shops and stalls, like a dragon encircled by countless stars.

Chu Dingjiang didn’t linger in the streets with An Jiu but headed straight for a restaurant.

“I’m sorry, sir, we’re fully booked. Do you have a reservation?” the waiter asked with a polite smile.

Chu Dingjiang nodded. “Chu.”

“Ah, Mr. Chu! Please, follow me,” the waiter said familiarly, bowing slightly as he led them upstairs.

Chu Dingjiang had made preparations in advance.

An Jiu glanced at him, noting his austere profile that seemed to ward off strangers.

The opulence of the private room need not be described. Braziers had already been lit, and a subtle incense burned, its fragrance, unlike the usual heavy scents. Instead, it carried a faint aroma of grass and wood.

“What’s this scent?” An Jiu asked.

“Don’t you like it?” Chu Dingjiang inquired before the waiter could answer.

“I do. It’s very pleasant,” An Jiu replied. Even the mildest fragrances could become cloying and affect one’s appetite if inhaled for too long, but this one did not.

The waiter, who had intended to remain silent, saw the lady’s approval and quickly glanced at Chu Dingjiang before exclaiming, “This is an incense blend created by Mr. Chu himself! Our proprietor offered a hefty sum to buy it, but the sir refused. So this fragrance was crafted solely for the lady!”

Such a small gesture wouldn’t inspire An Jiu to swear undying love, but she was pleased that Chu Dingjiang had created an incense blend for her.

The waiter, being tactful, poured water and retreated, saying, “I’ll be right outside if the sir needs anything.”

“Mm,” Chu Dingjiang responded, characteristically laconic in the presence of others.

“You know how to blend incense?” An Jiu discovered another side of Chu Dingjiang she hadn’t known about and was curious to learn more.

Seeing her interest, Chu Dingjiang smiled and explained, “In the past, noble families often dabbled in such pursuits. I experimented with it for a while but eventually gave it up.”

“Why did you give it up? It seems quite nice,” An Jiu said as she approached the incense burner. A fresh scent wafted towards her, immediately clearing her mind.

“It can be a distraction from more important matters,” Chu Dingjiang said, bringing her a cup of water. He leaned against the window, watching her, the severity of his expression softening into a faint smile. “There were expert perfumers who specialized in the art of incense. I had no intention of pursuing it seriously; knowing a little was enough. This is called ‘Clear Spirit’ incense. Inhaling it can clarify one’s thoughts, making it popular among strategists. I’ve made some slight modifications to the scent.”

Originally, the incense was quite potent, creating a sensation of coolness rushing to one’s head when lit. Chu Dingjiang had made it gentler.

As An Jiu was about to speak, she suddenly sensed several familiar presences approaching.

Soon, she heard Sheng Changying’s voice, “Careful, take it slow.”

“Mr. Chu, your guests have arrived,” the waiter announced from outside.

“Let them in,” Chu Dingjiang said, setting down his cup.

An Jiu’s eyes brightened.

The door opened, and Sheng Changying entered, supporting Zhu Pianpian. They were followed by Sui Yunzhu, Li Qingzhi, and a young apprentice healer.

An Jiu, having seen Mei Jiu pregnant before, immediately recognized Zhu Pianpian’s condition. “You’re pregnant?”

Zhu Pianpian was in high spirits and playfully affected demurely. “Yes, I’m over six months along now.”

An Jiu paused before asking, “Whose is it?”

A vein throbbed on Zhu Pianpian’s forehead as she gritted her teeth. “Can’t you see the child’s father supporting me right here?”

An Jiu nodded, falling into contemplation.

“My lady, have some water,” Sheng Changying said, pouring a cup for Zhu Pianpian before greeting Chu Dingjiang.

“Please, sit down. We should have a reunion dinner for the New Year,” Chu Dingjiang said.

As everyone took their seats, a commotion erupted outside. Mo Sigui’s angry voice rang out, “Who dares to stop me!”

Hua Rongjian’s arrogant threat followed, “Make way for this young master!”

Chu Dingjiang signaled to Sui Yunzhu, who rose and went to the door. “Let them in,” she said.

The two boisterous men strode in. Upon seeing everyone gathered, Mo Sigui immediately exclaimed, “Chu Dingjiang, you didn’t invite me! You narrow-minded, despicable little man!”

As a physician, Mo Sigui inevitably had intimate contact with patients. Chu Dingjiang could understand and accept this, but it didn’t prevent him from finding Mo Sigui’s presence irritating. His attitude was naturally less than cordial. “Sit or get out?”

Hua Rongjian glared at Chu Dingjiang. “Look at his attitude! Sigui, let’s leave!”

As he finished speaking, he realized Mo Sigui had already seated himself next to Sheng Changying.

Everyone at the table watched as Hua Rongjian stood there awkwardly. He coughed and shouted at the waiter, “What are you standing there for? Can’t you see this young master has no seat?”

The waiter cautiously glanced at Chu Dingjiang and, seeing no objection, quickly responded, “Of course, of course. I’ll bring a seat for the young master right away.”

A seat was added next to Mo Sigui, which pleased Hua Rongjian. He was about to instruct the waiter to move the chair next to An Jiu when Chu Dingjiang’s cold gaze swept over him. “Sit down or leave.”

Mo Sigui laughed gleefully at Hua Rongjian’s predicament.

“The pot calling the kettle black!” Hua Rongjian grumbled as he reluctantly sat down. However, he soon cheered up, realizing he was seated directly across from An Jiu.

Well, this position wasn’t so bad after all.

As the dishes were being served, Mei Yanran finally arrived.

“I was delayed by some matters. I apologize for being late,” she explained.

Mo Sigui expressed his understanding, knowing that at this special time, she probably wanted to have a reunion dinner with her daughter.

Chu Dingjiang stood up and invited Mei Yanran to take the seat of honor.

“Oh, you’re pregnant!” Mo Sigui exclaimed, staring at Zhu Pianpian’s face for a moment before turning to Sheng Changying with a teasing smile. “Well done! Congratulations!”

Zhu Pianpian’s belly was hidden by the table, so those sitting opposite couldn’t see it. However, no one was surprised; Mo Sigui could diagnose a person’s condition just by looking at their face.

Sheng Changying’s face reddened slightly as he cupped his hands in gratitude. “Thank you.”

Mo Sigui clicked his tongue, noticing An Jiu’s thoughtful expression. “Hey, An Jiu, are you thinking about having one too?”

All eyes turned to An Jiu.

She pursed her lips, pondering for a while.

She remembered seeing Mei Jiu’s chubby son, feeling the weight in her arms, so soft and fragile. Usually, she could effortlessly kill a strong man, but holding a baby made her feel that the slightest pressure might break it, softening her heart.