Chapter 042 Candlelight Dinner

Gazing around the room, Ning Qian found herself momentarily at a loss. On the table not far ahead, two red candles burned brightly, filling the chamber with a delicate fragrance, and the tabletop was set with an array of exquisite dishes. Taking it all in, only one phrase resounded in her mind: candlelight dinner.

Yet Ning Qian could scarcely comprehend how a man so thoroughly of the old world could possibly understand the modern art of creating atmosphere. Candlelight dinner—this truly was a candlelight dinner.

“What are you standing there for? Come here,” Yu Ziqi called, beckoning her over.

Ning Qian stared at him in bewilderment, unable to fathom what scheme he was up to. Setting the scene like this—wasn’t it all too strange? And yet, despite herself, a faint sweetness bloomed in her heart. She stole a glance at Shuni, who was suppressing a mischievous smile behind her. Clearly, Shuni must have known all along what was to happen tonight. When had Shuni’s loyalties begun to lean toward that man?

“Sir, what role are you playing tonight?” Ning Qian sat at Yu Ziqi’s side, and for once, her usual respect was absent. Not that she intended disrespect, but her thoughts were clouded by the worry that he would soon take a concubine. Besides, she trusted that Yu Ziqi would not harm her over such a thing.

“Never mind what role I’m playing. The question is, do you like this act or not?” In truth, Yu Ziqi was not entirely confident in his arrangements. Everything had been set according to Shuni’s suggestions. From her, he’d learned that Ning Qian liked to dine in the evening with two red candles lit and the room perfumed. Still, he was unsure whether she would be pleased this time.

He looked at Ning Qian, and seeing her damp hair, Ning Wenxuan immediately frowned and stood up. He fetched a large cloth and came behind her, naturally beginning to dry her hair. “Your hair is so wet—you’ll catch a chill. You’re not in the best health to begin with; you should take better care.”

Ning Qian stifled a laugh. Truth be told, being looked after like this was rather pleasant. After a moment, she placed her hand atop Yu Ziqi’s and said, “Sir, let me do it myself.” To enjoy this pampering for a little was enough; she dared not hope for Yu Ziqi to serve her in such a way.

“It’s fine, just a moment more,” Yu Ziqi replied, still gently drying her hair. Only when he was done did he set the cloth aside and sit next to her, a hint of unease in his voice. “Madam, do you like all this?”

Ning Qian nodded. “I do.” What woman would not enjoy such romance? She was a woman, after all—no exception.

Yu Ziqi grinned with satisfaction. “It’s not so hard to discover your preferences, you know. There are two of your people in this courtyard—ask either one, and I’ll know what I wish to know. I just never expected your tastes would be so unique. What is this called again? Oh, yes—candlelight dinner. It does have its charm.”

Ning Qian’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Indeed. Don’t you think dining in such an atmosphere is a pleasure in itself?”

Yu Ziqi glanced over the table and nodded mildly. “It is quite nice. How did you ever think of it? I’ve never heard anyone mention such a thing before.”

Ning Qian smiled sheepishly. In truth, it wasn’t her own invention—she’d merely borrowed the wisdom of others. “It just came to me by chance. I certainly didn’t expect you would prepare all this.”

A faint flush crept across Yu Ziqi’s cheeks, and he awkwardly lifted his wine cup, draining it to mask his embarrassment. “It was a sudden impulse.”

“Not at all! Young Master truly prepared all this for you, Madam. This morning, he came especially to ask after your likes and dislikes. He told us to prepare dinner early, to be enjoyed after you returned from the opera. Madam, the Young Master treats you so well!” At some point, Shuni had slipped in, carrying a dish.

Yu Ziqi shot Shuni a glare, blaming her for meddling. “All right, off with you now.”

“Yes, I won’t disturb your meal any longer.” She giggled and darted away.

Turning to look at Yu Ziqi’s sheepish expression, Ning Qian’s spirits soared, her earlier frustration melting away. “Sir, thank you.” It was rare to see him flustered like this, and her mood was all the brighter for it.

“Enough, let’s eat. I saw you barely touched your chopsticks at the banquet—you must be hungry by now.”

Ning Qian picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing. “Sir, from what Shuni just said, you prepared all this in advance. But how could you have known I wouldn’t eat much at the banquet?” She was perplexed. Did he possess some kind of foresight?

“It’s simple. I’ve lived in this estate for decades. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve attended such birthday banquets. My father loves the opera—every year, the real purpose of the banquet is to enjoy the show. As long as my father doesn’t start eating, who else would dare move their chopsticks?”

Ning Qian thought back on the evening and realized it was just as Yu Ziqi described. “So that’s how it is.”

“I knew you wouldn’t get your fill at the banquet, so I asked Shuni to prepare these dishes ahead of time. Truth be told, it was all Shuni’s idea—I simply agreed.” With that, Yu Ziqi drained another cup of wine. He had drunk quite a lot already tonight.

Unwittingly, Ning Qian had also had her share. Soon, her words began to slur. “Actually… you’re not so annoying after all. At least, you’re fairly good-looking—hic—certainly better than that scholar Xu Xian.”

Yu Ziqi shook his head, torn between amusement and exasperation. This woman—her words always left him both loving and exasperated. Stroking her cheek, he replied seriously, “In fact… you’re far more beautiful than Lady White herself.” His speech, too, was beginning to slur.

“Hahaha, of course I am!” Ning Qian lifted her chin in triumph.

“Madam, I… madam, did you know? There’s a peculiar magic about you…”

Ning Qian giggled and waved her hands. “I’m not… not a witch.”

Ning Wenxuan burst into laughter, bending down to sweep her into his arms, his face radiant with joy. “Madam, madam… it’s truly impossible not to be enchanted by you.” With her in his arms, he walked to the bed, laying her down and following after, whispering, “Madam, you’re beautiful—so very beautiful…” The rest needed no words.