A Spring Toast on a Clear Night

Rational, gentle female student x calculating powerhouse from Beijing’s elite circles

Blurb:

It was in her third year after moving into the residential compound that Zhong Yunzuo met Mr. Qin, a man of immense power and influence.

The first time they met, she was reading a book at the antique shop where she worked part-time. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, and all around her was silence.

Qin Fuqing appeared without warning in front of the old elmwood door.

His presence was composed, but his gaze held a chilling severity that made her heart flutter.

Like moss after the rain, damp and cool, yet distant.

Mistaking him for an esteemed customer, Zhong Yunzuo didn’t dare neglect him and began explaining the history of the antiques.

Only afterward did she learn that he was Mr. Qin, the owner of the antique shop.

Thinking of the details about the antiques she’d failed to write down, Zhong Yunzuo couldn’t help panicking.

But Qin Fuqing didn’t criticize her as she’d expected.

He merely glanced at the notebook on the table and said with a faint smile, “Miss Zhong, you have lovely handwriting.”

-

One breezy early autumn day, Zhong Yunzuo went on a business trip with her boss.

Maple leaves along the mountain road were gradually turning red, spreading out in layer upon layer of vivid colors.

The two of them went into a traditional Chinese restaurant with green tiles and red eaves to eat.

“This place belongs to a friend of mine,” Qin Fuqing told her.

As soon as they sat down, a young man in a dark blue robe came over and teased them with a grin. “Well, look at that. You brought a little girlfriend today.”

Zhong Yunzuo’s cheeks grew hot. She couldn’t tell whether he was joking or trying to play matchmaker.

The man across from her, however, looked perfectly calm.

He rolled up the cuffs of his white shirt and took a sip of tea before explaining at an unhurried pace, “It’s bad enough that you’re giving me a hard time. Don’t go ruining this young lady’s reputation, too.”

-

Later, when the two were invited to a young gentleman’s birthday banquet, Qin Fuqing accidentally cut the back of his hand, and blood poured from the wound.

Hearing the commotion, Zhong Yunzuo rushed over to bandage it.

Her brow furrowed. “Does it hurt?”

“It does. Blow on it for me.”

The man whispered in her ear, but Zhong Yunzuo pretended she hadn’t heard a thing.

Her clear, gentle eyes held a tender look, and she was utterly serious and focused.

Only after watching her finish the bandage, bit by bit, did Qin Fuqing turn her hand over, take hold of it, and pull her into his arms.

Then he kissed her without restraint.

Footsteps sounded outside the door. Zhong Yunzuo caught her breath and reminded him, “We’re at someone else’s birthday banquet.”

Even Qin Fuqing’s usually cool, refined face took on a shadowed look.

“Why does this feel like we’re having an affair?”

-Slow-burn romance, eight-year age gap, long period of romantic tension

-This is an ensemble story with many supporting characters. Please don’t read if that bothers you.

"The clear night sinks into spring wine, fine rain falls by the eaves in lamplight."

From “Song of the Drunk”

Theme: Savor the colors of everyday life, and calmly watch the years pass