The Mist of Vanity

[Childhood sweethearts reunite after a breakup]

When Cheng Lingran saw Xie Lian again, he was returning victorious from battle, riding high on success.

He was handsome, with fine features and a tall, slender build. He'd been called a jade-faced gentleman since he was young, and now, with military achievements to his name, he was both a brilliant strategist and a skilled warrior, with boundless prospects. Who knew how many young women had secretly fallen for him?

But Cheng Lingran was unmoved. They had grown up together, and she had long since seen through him.

Several years ago, evidence had emerged that he was responsible for her fourth elder sister's death.

Back then, she was an innocent, obedient girl who couldn't believe the man she loved would do such a thing. So she sent him a letter asking to meet by the river, hoping to get an explanation. But she waited all night, and he never came.

Later, everyone said he'd gone to the border to distinguish himself, but she knew he was simply avoiding her.

Cheng Lingran was no longer the ignorant girl she once was. She would trust no one but her closest family.

Even when Xie Lian sought her out again and again, begging gently, she wouldn't spare him a glance.

Until the real killer of her fourth sister was caught, and she learned the truth early as a member of the family.

In that moment, her emotions were a tangled mess. She ran out the door without a second thought and found Xie Lian waiting there.

When he saw her, a smile appeared on his face, just like the boy with rosy lips and white teeth he had once been.

A Ling, what can I do for you?

Everyone in Chang'an knows Xie Lian is devoted to Cheng Lingran and earned his title so he could marry her.

No one knows why, but ever since Xie Lian returned to court, she has only treated him coldly, refusing to spare him even a word. Someone once asked Xie Lian why he insisted on her when there were countless noble young ladies in the capital, all willing to marry him.

Xie Lian lowered his head with a bitter smile. “But I only love A Ling.”

Reading guide:

* The leads reunite after a breakup, with a happy ending. The male lead pursues the female lead.

* The leads have always loved each other.

* An alternate Tang-inspired setting with many original details. Please forgive any minor flaws.

Theme: My heart is not a stone; it cannot be turned.