Attracted by Beauty

A lofty, languid rose x a refined, dark, flirtatious old-money heir

He first saw Third Miss Song at the Song family's old residence in Yingtian Prefecture.

Drizzle misted the walls and railings as she stood beneath the dark tiles, reaching out to catch the rain falling from the eaves.

Her long hair swayed in the breeze, captivating him and leaving him dazed.

He stood beneath the veranda, watching her for a long time...

A servant told him that she was the Song family's most elusive third miss.

She didn't entertain guests, and she wouldn't see just anyone.

He had come to break off his cousin's engagement.

The second young master of the Li family was making a fuss about marrying the woman he loved. He refused to honor the engagement arranged before the children were even born, and even mocked her in public: "Whoever wants that ugly Third Miss Song can have her."

The old master was so furious that he smashed his teacup. With no other choice, he ordered him to personally settle the old engagement.

But after that first glance, he changed his mind as if bewitched.

The very next day, he grandly sent the Song family their ancestral marriage contract,

except the name signed at the bottom was his own.

The matchmaker eagerly hurried to the Song residence to ask about it, expecting a joyous celebration, but came away disappointed.

The Song elders were stunned. "This time it's the head of the Li family, the eldest young master!"

She didn't even look up. "The head of any family is still the same to me."

When the news got out, everyone was astounded.

The decisive head of the Li family had lowered himself to propose, only for Third Miss Song to... turn him down?!

Everyone sighed over it, but he only smiled, his eyes sparkling with delight.

A friend got right in his face and asked, "Xiancong, what are you doing?"

He didn't even bother to hide it. "I like her. I want to marry her."

"How will you explain this to the second young master?"

"Explain?" The man's gaze was cool. "The family head is getting married. He has no say in it."

As soon as those words were out, rumors spread everywhere. Everyone said that

The Li family's ever-proper eldest son had done the most improper thing of all:

he'd stolen his younger brother's fiancee, and done so without the slightest shame!

That day by the Qinhuai River, she was listening to music in a painted pleasure boat.

Through the drizzle, he happened to lift the curtain and step inside.

The moonlight glimmered on the swaying boat. Outsiders crowded on the bridge, waiting for a show,

but as soon as the curtain fell, the boat pulled away from shore.

Inside the boat,

she lifted her eyes. "Have you ever been thrown off a boat, Mr. Li?"

His voice rang clear as jade. "Have you ever thrown anyone off a boat, Third Miss?"

The rain fell softly. She looked over with languid charm. "Shall we find out?"

"Song Guanlan."

He smiled, leaning closer, his fingers stroking her chin with a touch both tempting and teasing.

"Guess whether I'll let you... come ashore tonight."

I had no intention of entering the rain, yet somehow the rain entered my heart.

Reading guide:

1. The ugly-girl business is a misunderstanding. Love at first sight, coercion, and stealing a bride.

2. They are evenly matched, with plenty of push and pull.

3. 1v1 / SC / happy ending

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Theme: Think twice before acting