016 The Persistent Masked Man

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Dining beneath the moonlight was nothing new to Ning Qian. Yet, sharing the meal with Yu Ziqi was a first. Still, she betrayed no particular emotion; to her, a meal was simply a meal—where and with whom mattered little.

They ate in silence. Yu Ziqi said nothing, and Ning Qian certainly wouldn’t be the first to speak. A cold, tense atmosphere settled over them, so much so that even Nian Yu and Shu Ni, who sat nearby, sensed something amiss. What couple behaves like this? If not for knowing their identities, one would assume they were strangers, coincidentally dining together.

“Um, Madam, Young Master, would you like some fruit? I’ll prepare it right away,” Nian Yu finally broke the icy quiet, unable to endure it any longer.

Ning Qian glanced at Yu Ziqi; seeing he had no objection, she decided, “The Master likes apples. Prepare some apples, then.”

“Of course, Madam.” Exchanging a look with Shu Ni, Nian Yu left the courtyard with her.

After their departure, Yu Ziqi picked up a ladle and served a bowl of soup for Ning Qian. “Madam, you seem rather tired lately. Have some more soup.”

“Oh, alright. Master, shall I serve you some soup as well?” She thought, anyone can play pretend.

“Alright.”

Ning Qian ladled a bowl of soup for Yu Ziqi. “Drink it while it’s hot.”

“Alright.” Yu Ziqi seemed lost in thought, always sparing his words, his replies clipped and sparse.

It was already late. Yu Ziqi had been coming home late often these days. Ning Qian hadn’t planned to wait for him for dinner—it was only that she’d lingered alone in the courtyard, time slipping away unnoticed.

Now, the moon hung high, its silvery light washing over everything, casting a pale glow across Yu Ziqi’s face. Ning Qian happened to look up, and was nearly frightened out of her wits.

Staring in terror at Yu Ziqi across the table, she wondered, how could it be? How could it possibly be him? Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and her chopsticks clattered to the table.

Hearing the sound, Yu Ziqi looked up. Seeing the fear in her eyes, he turned to glance behind him in confusion. There was nothing—nothing at all behind him. “Madam, what are you afraid of?”

“You…”

Yu Ziqi pointed to his nose. “Madam, are you saying you fear me?”

Ning Qian snapped out of it, pushed her chair back, and stood. “You… How can it be you?”

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“Me?” Yu Ziqi stood as well. “Madam, what are you trying to say?”

“You…” Ning Qian stammered, unable to finish.

Yu Ziqi frowned and walked slowly toward her. “Don’t… don’t come closer.” Ning Qian hurriedly stepped back.

“Madam!” Yu Ziqi’s face turned cold. Internally, he wondered what on earth this woman was up to—what exactly was she afraid of? He strode forward and grabbed her arm, his gaze fixed on her. “Madam, tell me: what are you afraid of?”

Ning Qian shook her head. As they retreated, the moonlight no longer touched them. She looked at Yu Ziqi—his face was no longer covered by that silvery glow. “Your face?”

“What about my face?”

By now, Ning Qian had calmed herself. “Uh, I’m fine. Sorry. It’s just that, for a moment, you looked like someone I know.”

“Oh? Someone you know? You seem very afraid of him.”

“I…”

Yu Ziqi led Ning Qian back to their seats. “Madam, are you hiding something from me?” This time, Yu Ziqi sat with his back to the moon; he had no desire for Ning Qian to have another episode.

“Master, it’s really nothing.”

“That’s not what I want to hear. I know you’re hiding something. As the eldest daughter of the Ning family, anyone who can frighten you must be extraordinary. Was it those robbers?”

Ning Qian hung her head, inwardly cursing, “That damned masked man! He brought me back, yet won’t leave me alone. Hmph, we’ll see who wins in the end.”

“Madam, what are you muttering? You’re my wife; no matter what happens, I’ll stand up for you.”

Ning Qian secretly curled her lip. Stand up for her? Who did he think he was? Just a businessman, incapable of even tying up a chicken, reeking of money. That masked man was clearly no ordinary person. If Yu Ziqi tried to help, he’d only get himself into trouble.

“Madam?” Yu Ziqi raised his voice.

“Oh, um, actually, I should have explained the wedding incident to you long ago, but I didn’t know how. Master, you know I… I am innocent. When I was kidnapped, he merely locked me in a dark room. He wore a silver mask—I never saw his face.”

“A silver mask? Clever. What I don’t understand is why you were so frightened just now when you looked at me?”

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Ning Qian was a little embarrassed, thinking back and realizing how neurotic she must have seemed. How could she mistake Yu Ziqi for the masked man? They were polar opposites. The masked man was skilled and formidable, while Yu Ziqi hardly looked like someone who knew martial arts.

“Madam?” Yu Ziqi’s tone grew less friendly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Just now, under the moonlight, you looked as if you were wearing a silver mask, so I immediately thought of that masked man.”

Touching his face, Yu Ziqi wore a look of anger. “You think I resemble that robber?”

“Master, you?” Ning Qian hadn’t expected Yu Ziqi to be so offended.

Yu Ziqi took a deep breath. “Enough. It’s over. Don’t dwell on it. No one will ever dare harm you again.”

“Thank you.” Unexpectedly, a warmth rose within her, and her gaze toward Yu Ziqi softened unconsciously.

“Alright, let’s eat.” Yu Ziqi’s expression remained cool and detached.

“Oh.” Ning Qian replied quietly, and that fleeting feeling vanished. This man always kept people at a distance; even if she wanted to get closer, there was no chance.

Just then, Nian Yu and Shu Ni returned, placing the fruit on the table before stepping aside.

“Nian Yu?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Go and reheat the soup.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Nian Yu carried the soup away with a smile. She was truly happy—seeing Yu Ziqi care for Ning Qian so much, she could finally rest easy.

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