The Eunuch Overseer Admires Me

Jiang Nanzhi has a red birthmark on her cheek and is often compared to her dazzlingly beautiful older sister. Though cheerful and optimistic, she never feels sorry for herself, but deep down, she still harbors a little hope.

On her birthday, she makes two wishes: to earn enough money to get rid of the birthmark on her face, and to marry a scholar so she can one day become the wife of a successful candidate in the imperial examinations.

.

Not long afterward, Jiang Nanzhi finds a stranded scholar by the river. He is strikingly handsome, dignified, and refined.

She thinks the heavens must be granting her wish. Clutching her handkerchief, her cheeks turn pink. "If you want to repay me, why not do something more practical, like... marrying me?"

The scholar freezes, looking a little uncomfortable. "That would be fine."

.

With something to look forward to, Jiang Nanzhi's sesame cake shop flourishes more than ever.

When the autumn examinations arrive, she takes out the travel money she has saved and tearfully sees the scholar off at the outskirts of town. "On your way to the capital, passing the exam would be best, of course. But if you don't..."

"What if I don't?"

"Then... I'll support you."

Looking at her reluctant expression, the scholar smiles and gives her forehead a playful tap. "Don't worry. The Shen family doesn't live off women."

Later, he does return home in glory, but he has become Shen Que, the powerful eunuch who holds the court in his grasp. He brings a man dressed in red before her, smiling gently. "I promised I'd make you the wife of a successful candidate. What do you think, is this new top scholar good enough?"

Jiang Nanzhi shakes her head. "No."

Shen Que presses his lips together. "Why not?"

Jiang Nanzhi gently tugs at his sleeve, her eyes reddening. "Because he isn't you."

It is only after meeting Shen Que that Jiang Nanzhi realizes she doesn't need to remove her birthmark, and the man she marries doesn't have to be a successful candidate in the imperial examinations.

Reading guide:

1. Both leads are each other's one and only. Male lead is a real eunuch. One-on-one romance with a bittersweet-sweet tone.

2. Alternate history. Please don't nitpick the details.

Theme: Healing.