Chapter Ten: Leisurely Visitor

A month later, in the Valley of Carefree, Yan Zhan sat beneath a large tree, enjoying the shade with her eyes closed, savoring the grapes Lanxiang had peeled for her, utterly relaxed and content. She felt that her years of striving had been worthwhile, at least for securing this peaceful haven for herself.

The Valley of Carefree was indeed a paradise, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers. The people here were honest and kind, living carefree lives, men tilling the fields, women weaving, raising children together. All these people were ones Yan Zhan had found and brought back from the outside world, those who had nowhere else to go. She took them in, sent people to teach them martial arts and various skills—martial arts only for self-defense, skills simply to make life better. She never intended them to fight for her, for she herself had nothing she wished to compete for.

As Yan Zhan—also known as Gu Wuyou—was basking in the beauty of her life, a servant ran up hurriedly. “Mistress, something’s wrong! A man has entered the valley, and none of us can stop him, even working together.”

Yan Zhan frowned. This place had remained undiscovered for so many years—how could someone suddenly break in?

“Let’s go have a look,” she said, a little annoyed, and called to Lanxiang, heading toward the valley’s entrance.

When Yan Zhan reached the entrance, she saw a man in a pale blue brocade robe standing with his back to her, motionless at the threshold. His garments fluttered in the breeze, the pear blossoms embroidered on his hem dancing gracefully in the wind—a vision of elegance. Sensing footsteps, the man turned around and met Gu Wuyou’s breathtaking face, a faint smile curling at his lips. How many faces did this woman possess? Each time he saw her, it was a different countenance. Clearly, this one, so exquisite, matched the beauty of her eyes, making one feel as if this was how she was always meant to look, naturally forgetting the faces they'd seen before.

“Who are you, and why are you here?” Yan Zhan narrowed her eyes, showing her displeasure. She disliked having this place disturbed.

“I’m merely passing through, thought I’d have a look,” Zhongli Yu replied softly, as if afraid to disrupt the tranquility.

“Go back,” Yan Zhan commanded coolly when she saw a crowd gathering to watch. “Mistress,” the people replied, wanting to steal a few more glances at the handsome man, but not daring to disobey.

“Since you’ve seen it, please leave,” Yan Zhan said bluntly. She seemed unconcerned that he might reveal the valley’s secrets; perhaps his face was one that inspired trust. Her intuition told her he would not disturb its peace.

“Is this how you treat your savior?” Zhongli Yu said helplessly. He hadn’t meant to use the matter of saving her as leverage, but it was clear this young woman had no recollection of him. To spend more time with her, he could only thicken his skin.

“You…” Yan Zhan was speechless. How did he recognize her? She’d used face-changing water before to hide her looks—had it failed?

“No matter how your appearance changes, I’ll always recognize you,” Zhongli Yu said softly, as if knowing what she wanted to ask, his voice as gentle as the breeze.

Able to recognize her no matter how she changed? Yan Zhan looked at him as if he weren't human.

He seemed to notice her confusion and laughed quietly. She didn’t know that, to him, she was so familiar she’d become part of his very bones. If his subordinates were here, they’d probably die of shock; they’d rarely seen their master smile, believing he was incapable of such an expression.

Watching his smile, Yan Zhan’s heart skipped irregularly. Truly a demon, she cursed inwardly.

“Aren’t you going to show me around?” Zhongli Yu asked gently, not even aware of how tender his tone had become.

Yan Zhan sighed. After two lifetimes, she realized she wasn’t immune to such men after all. Faced with his gentle voice, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

“I can show you around, but don’t tell anyone about this place,” she said, knowing he wouldn’t, yet unable to resist reminding him.

“Do I seem like that kind of person?” he replied, eyebrow raised as if insulted.

“Let’s go, then.” Yan Zhan turned first, Zhongli Yu following quietly behind. From afar, they looked like a perfect pair.

Yan Zhan walked slowly along the path, breathing in the faint fragrance of country flowers, her mood soaring, lips curved in a soft smile. Zhongli Yu watched the gentle arc of her mouth, his heart melting.

They walked for nearly half an hour and still hadn’t finished touring the Valley of Carefree. In truth, Zhongli Yu had little interest in the scenery; his gaze rarely left the woman before him.

Yan Zhan naturally sensed his eyes on her the whole time.

“I’ll take you to see the vineyard and treat you to some grapes,” she said, thinking to distract him.

“All right.”

After crossing two winding paths, they arrived at a vineyard of about ten acres. Half the vines were heavy with clusters of purple grapes, while the other half had not yet borne fruit.

“I wanted to eat grapes all year round, so I planted varieties that ripen in different seasons,” Yan Zhan explained softly, sensing his curiosity.

Zhongli Yu nodded gently. It seemed this little woman was quite capable, knowing even this.

“Mistress, you’re here!” The villagers picking grapes greeted Yan Zhan warmly; the younger men even blushed when they saw her.

“Yes, this is Feng Youran. Pick a few bunches for us to take,” Yan Zhan introduced him kindly.

“All right, all right!” everyone responded loudly, happier than if they were picking grapes for themselves.

Especially the young women, whose faces flushed red at the sight of the handsome Zhongli Yu.

With the grapes handed over by the villagers, Yan Zhan was delighted—seeing those plump grapes in the basket, she felt the joy of harvest. Pleased, she began to chatter, “Grapes have another benefit—they can be made into wine. Wine made from grapes is delicious, especially chilled in summer, it's a real treat. When you leave, I’ll give you two jars to take home and try.” She paused, surprised at herself—she hardly knew this man, yet she was offering him wine as if they were old friends. She shook her head, feeling she must be bewitched.

Meanwhile, Zhongli Yu’s smile grew even wider, clearly in a very good mood.

“Good, remember to give them to me,” he said quickly, as if afraid she might change her mind.

“All right,” Yan Zhan replied helplessly. What’s said is said, and she couldn’t go back on it. She consoled herself—it was at least a token of thanks for him saving her.

That afternoon, they sat together under the pear trees, eating fresh grapes and sipping fine wine. Time flew by, and as Zhongli Yu glanced at the sky, he was a little vexed—how did night fall so quickly? With no excuse to linger, he knew he couldn’t rush things; he would simply need to return another time.

On his departure, he carefully took the two jars of wine. Yan Zhan saw him out of the valley, feeling an unexpected pang of reluctance, which startled even herself.

When Zhongli Yu returned to his residence, he carried the two jars as if they were treasures, not realizing that the smile on his lips had stayed there all along.

“Master, you—you—you…” Lihun cried out in shock, unable to finish his sentence. He thought the sun must have risen in the west, but looking up, saw it had already set.

Zhongli Yu noticed his own unusual expression and, annoyed, kicked Lihun to vent his frustration. Then he carried the two jars straight into his study, cherishing them like ancient relics.