Golden Ripples in the Floating Light

[A somewhat oblivious but incredibly powerful female lead vs. a seemingly frail, sweet-talking, black-hearted male lead]

In the first year of the Chenghua era, Ning Caifan went to study at Qingliang Mountain. Passing through Xuanzhou City, she stayed at the home of one of her father's friends.

That night, she dreamed of a fish swimming.

Beneath the pure, bright moonlight, a red-crowned koi leapt from the pond and turned into a handsome young man.

He stood in the deep, shadowy water. His face was as lovely as jade, and his ink-black hair fell over his shoulders. The red beauty mark between his brows was especially alluring.

His eyes glistened with tears as he gazed at Ning Caifan, then reached out a hand.

Ning Caifan was stunned, completely bewitched. She took his slender hand.

"This servant is called Chao Sheng. I beg you to show me kindness, my lady," he said pitifully, leaning against her feet.

-

One day, an old Daoist came to call. He told Ning Caifan that Chao Sheng was no ordinary man, but a fish demon who had cultivated for a thousand years.

Ning Caifan found the idea ridiculous. But when she saw Chao Sheng burned by a fire talisman, his usually gentle face twisted in pain, she had no choice but to believe it.

Nie Chao Sheng really was a demon.

Terrified, she turned to flee, only for Chao Sheng to tightly embrace her from behind the very next instant.

His eyes brimmed with tears. "My lady, where are you going?"

"I..." Ning Caifan hesitated.

"This servant is already yours. Are you going to take advantage of me and then abandon me?" Chao Sheng said, sounding a little aggrieved.

Feeling terribly guilty, Ning Caifan feared he would commit some heinous act, so she had no choice but to placate him with lies.

Chao Sheng burrowed into her arms, his eyes lowered and his expression so pitiful it made her heart ache.

His eyes were full of gloom. He chuckled and said, "You won't abandon me, will you, my lady?"

Circumstances left Ning Caifan no choice but to agree and play along with him.

-

Later, the Daoists laid a net that covered the sky and the earth, and finally captured Chao Sheng.

Pinned to the ground by a talisman formation, he called her name over and over, his eyes reddening.

Ning Caifan hid behind the Daoists, not daring to look at him.

But in the next instant, Chao Sheng broke free, drove off all the Daoists, abducted her, and took her back to his underwater lair.

Ning Caifan's heart sank.

But Chao Sheng clung to her day after day. His gaze was obsessive, and he forced her to say she loved him.

[Reader's Guide]

- One-on-one romance, both leads are sexually inexperienced

- Fictional setting inspired by the Ming dynasty

- Submitted to the "Against the Current, Leaping Through the Dragon Gate" coming-of-age and comeback writing contest. Reason for entry: Through constant hard work, the female lead overcomes adversity and ultimately succeeds in her studies.

Theme: Give it your all, and you will succeed.