I was taken to an alley. Soon, that annoying Fox Eyes was staring at me inquisitively. I frowned and disdainfully looked away. There was no need to be polite with a fraud!
Seeing my disdain, he smiled instead of getting angry and signaled to the Golden Retriever, who came over and poked me in the back. I could speak now, but I still couldn't move. I felt frustrated! Why did I have the feeling of a little lamb being intimidated by a big bad wolf?
He walked over and firmly pinched my jaw, his gaze cold as he said, "Tell me, do you know 'Jin Shao'?"
So that's what this was about. I rolled my eyes inwardly. I asked curiously, "What did Jin Shao do to you? You two have probably never met; why do you hate him so much?" I was sure I hadn't offended any foreigner.
As soon as Jin Shao was mentioned, his face turned red with anger as he exclaimed, "I want to see what that kid looks like! Even our Xianbei's First Beauty has been enchanted by him!" Xianbei?! The First Beauty?! My ears perked up at the key point; wasn't Xianbei's First Beauty Sister Dan Yi? What did she have to do with this—he was completely unaware that he had inadvertently revealed something in his fury. Could it be that I looked too harmless?
"I advise you not to go see him. You might be disappointed. He doesn't look that great; he's just like you and me—one nose, two eyes, one mouth—nothing special about him," I fabricated.
He murmured to himself, "How could that be? All the way to Jin State, everyone praises Jin Shao as handsome and charming, refined and elegant... almost breathtaking!"
I comforted him, "You should believe that rumors can create a tiger out of three people."
Suddenly, a glint of light flashed in his eyes as he looked at me and asked, "How do you know? Do you know him?"
I had intended to shrug nonchalantly but found myself unable to move at all. Instead, I casually replied, "I know him," pausing for effect before adding, "but just because I know him doesn't mean he knows me."
Seeing his confusion, I kindly explained, "Back when Double Calamity entered Spring Garden together and passed through three challenges, they eventually became the honored guests of the popular Courtesan Dan Yi Beauty in Spring Garden. Such romantic tales are well-known in Jiankang City. That day, unfortunately for me, I happened to be seeking entertainment in Spring Garden and had the fortune of seeing Jin Gongzi's true appearance. Naturally, I know you're an imposter."
"I see now; your sister must have been captivated by him back then, that pretty boy!" I guessed he had completely imagined me as a charming fellow who specialized in enchanting women.
"By the way," I asked him, "what is your sister's name? Perhaps I can help." I tempted him.
Sure enough, without a second thought, he replied casually, "Dan Yi; she was called Murong Danyin when she was in Jin State." He looked fierce and cunning but turned out to be quite naive and innocent. Later on, I realized why his uncle wanted to usurp his throne. No wonder he still needed Sister Dan Yi to protect his royal position at such an age.
So his sister is Sister Beauty?! Should I say this world is small? What a coincidence!
"Your sister? What does Jin Shao have to do with it?"
He slumped his shoulders, looking dejected. "Years ago, my sister met that Jin Shao while traveling in Jin State, and she still can't forget him."
I was speechless. Why should I care about Sister Dan Yi?!
Wait a minute, when Sister Dan Yi left, she confided in me about her hidden identity. She is Xianbei, and a Xianbei Princess at that. She left because her father in Xianbei had passed away, and there was a power struggle among her uncle and cousins. The Yan State was in turmoil, and she needed to return to take charge. Her father had always favored her during his lifetime and had said she was the most special princess in Xianbei. The subjects of Yan held her in high regard, and she had a certain status in Xianbei. So after the Prince of Yan died, her uncle attempted to usurp power, and her brother betrayed her at that time as well. She had to go back to support her only younger brother, the crown prince, in ascending the throne and assist in governance.
When she left, she mentioned that she might never set foot on this land again, but in the future, Xianbei would come to this land to establish a nation for me. At first, I thought she was joking, but later I realized how serious she was. I recalled history; indeed, Xianbei later came to the Central Plains and established the famous Northern Wei.
Could it be that Sister Dan Yi wasn't doing well in Xianbei, which is why he came to the Central Plains to settle scores with me? Thinking of Sister Beauty made my chest ache unexpectedly; right, that was still from the injury I sustained when I was with her.
Then there was something important that I had completely forgotten! I looked at the man with Fox Eyes; his allure resembled that of Sister Dan Yi—Sister Dan Yi had said she only had one brother. So this person before me must be—the newly crowned Prince of Yan! He is Murong Hao, the Prince of Yan mentioned by Sister Beauty!
Just as I was about to ask him how Sister Dan Yi was doing, a familiar figure suddenly flashed at the alley's entrance—one I would recognize even if turned to ash. It was Brother Sima! He never missed such excitement—
Seeing him glance our way, I finally broke free from my paralysis at the last moment. No way was I going to be a lamb for slaughter; I had been diverting his attention all along just to secretly release myself.
Once my body regained its freedom, I said to Murong Hao, "Farewell for now," and swiftly vanished into the Alley.
As I fled, I heard him call out from behind: "We will meet again!"
I felt goosebumps all over. I had no interest in this brat who supposedly shared my age according to Sister Dan Yi.
I only stopped running when I reached a place where no one could see me. As I bent over with my hands on my knees, gasping for breath, a sudden "whoosh" of explosive sounds filled the sky behind me, accompanied by the rush of air from something soaring above—sharp yet eye-catching. Then the entire sky, even Jiankang City itself, lit up brilliantly; everyone erupted in excitement!
I turned around with a smile. Unlike others, I maintained a calm smile throughout; it worked! To think it actually succeeded! This was a special gift I prepared for myself during this Fashion Show. I had sought out someone knowledgeable in this area and shared my understanding of fireworks with them. After much experimentation, it finally succeeded today.
I watched the colorful fireworks fill the sky and smiled quietly as if I were the only person in the world. Yes, in this world, I truly am alone. My world has no bustling streets filled with noise or celebrating crowds; it lacks everything from that world—only me standing alone at the alley's entrance with my eyes fixed on the dazzling fireworks above…
Fire Trees and Silver Flowers merged, unlocking the iron locks of the bridge. Is this what it means? Dazzling and brilliant, clusters of flowers adorned in splendor, my eyes were entranced by their magnificent bloom. I knew that things too beautiful are always fleeting. The moment fireworks streak across the night sky is also when they turn to ashes, and the grandeur fades into silence.
Though brief, I was not afraid; I cherished it precisely because of its transience, and in that fleeting moment, it was nearly perfect. As long as I remembered it in my heart, that was enough.
In the night, clusters of fireworks soared into the tranquil sky, rising swiftly in graceful arcs, accompanied by a crisp "whoosh," bursting into countless petals that slowly unfurled in the air, showering down vibrant rain like a tapestry of colors. The infinite brilliance unleashed by these fireworks reflected golden light amidst the myriad lights of Jiankang City...
The wind brushed against my Ear, and my mind felt clear. Finally, I smiled gently and whispered to myself, happy birthday, An Jin.
Little did I know that at this very moment, in a few nearby corners, three people were watching the sky full of fireworks and saying:
Happy birthday. Miss.
Happy birthday. Little Jin.
Happy birthday. Young Master.
And there was another stunning figure on a high Stage, drinking alone while gazing silently at the dark starry sky, murmuring: Happy birthday. Little Jin.
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