Because of publicity by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, Fang Qing and Gu Yuan’s love story has become widely known.The tale goes: the aloof, noble young lady of a martial family meets a handsome fallen nobleman; she rescues him, and they travel together thereafter.Along the way there are conflicts, separations, and reunions, and in the end, when they look back, the person they love is still each other.That is the most popular version of their romance. Other versions add absurd details—For example, that the two families were sworn enemies, and the lovers abandoned their kin to be together, explaining why neither Fang Qing nor Gu Yuan has had any family visit them.Or that they are siblings separated in childhood, forgot one another, then re-met as adults and fell in love.In short, countless rumors exist, but none alter the core of their love.Thanks to these rumors, Gu Yuan has ridden the wave of publicity to become third on the Fire-Gold Sect popularity rankings.So when Fang Qing led Gu Yuan toward Yu Hui, she overheard whispers:“Senior Brother Gu, what’s he doing here?”“Of course he’s here because of Senior Sister Fang.”“I’m so envious of their love! I wonder when I’ll meet my destined one.”“Fei Fei, haven’t you been saying you want a man like Senior Brother Gu? The real thing’s right in front of you—go for it!”“Forget it, I’m afraid Senior Sister Fang will chop me—she’s terrifying!”Fang Qing paid them no mind. Rumors are just rumors, and as a Contracted Member, worldly fame matters little to her.But Gu Yuan was different. He felt a flutter in his heart—perhaps from affection, perhaps from friendship forged in life-and-death trials. His emotions were complex, and the gossip stirred them.Yet outwardly he showed nothing. Moreover, having taken this first step into the pavilion, he no longer felt as awkward among these women—no matter how embarrassed, it wouldn’t match his initial discomfort.Fang Qing led Gu Yuan across most of the pavilion and stopped before Yu Hui. Two other girls sat beside her; all three looked at the pair with curiosity.Fang Qing did not beat around the bush. In her usual direct style, she said to Yu Hui, “I need to discuss something with you. Could you come with me somewhere private?”Her cool voice made the two girls uneasy, but they stayed silent, waiting for Yu Hui’s answer.Yu Hui agreed without hesitation. “Sure. Let’s go—what do you want to talk about?”She rose and slipped her arm through Fang Qing’s. At that moment Fang Qing stood on Yu Hui’s left and Gu Yuan on her right, but her mind remained entirely steady.When Yu Hui agreed, Fang Qing released Gu Yuan’s wrist and said, “You stay here. I’ll be back soon.”“All right.” Gu Yuan nodded and remained standing motionless. Sitting seemed pointless—he’d come to accompany Fang Qing, and now that she’d left, he had no purpose. So he simply stood among {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} the gathered disciples, uncomfortably silent.Fang Qing and Yu Hui walked out of the pavilion, clearly seeking a secluded spot to speak privately. They vanished from Gu Yuan’s sight into the distance.Back inside, the female disciples resumed whispering.“Now that Senior Sister Fang is gone, Fei Fei, this is your chance to woo him!”“No… no, I have morals.”“Aw, don’t be shy—love has no right or wrong! Go for it, Fei Fei! I’m rooting for you!”“All right… I’ll try.”Meanwhile, Gu Yuan was approached by the two girls who had sat beside Yu Hui.“Senior Brother Gu, have a seat.” The one on his left patted the vacant spot.“So Senior Sister Fang doesn’t know when she’ll return—you should rest a bit.” The one on his right added.Gu Yuan, unable to refuse politeness, replied gently, “I’m fine standing.”“May we ask you a few questions?”He paused, then said, “If they’re not too important, I can answer.”The left-hand girl pounced on the opening. “Are those rumors true? Are you and Senior Sister Fang truly in love?”Gu Yuan fell silent. He hadn’t expected such a pointed question first. He couldn’t answer it, so he said, “I’m not comfortable answering that. You should ask someone else.”Their expressions didn’t falter. The right-hand girl persisted, “I see. Then tell us about how you fought at Jinglei Cliff.”That question was more acceptable, though still probing Fang Qing and Gu Yuan’s bond. Over the past days the broad outline of that battle had spread throughout Fire-Gold Sect.Gu Yuan hesitated only briefly before deciding to recount it matter-of-factly—adding a little color wouldn’t hurt.But just as he opened his mouth, a timid voice piped up beside him:“Se… Senior Brother Gu… may I… may I show you this letter?”Embarrassed, Gu Yuan turned to see a petite girl holding a pink envelope, head bowed so her expression remained hidden.Though he would not dare read Fang Qing’s mail, he understood what this was. Yet he needed confirmation.“All right—but could you tell me what kind of letter it is?”“Uh… it’s… a love… letter.” The last two words were whispered so softly they barely registered.The girl’s shame was palpable—as if steam were rising from her head in embarrassment. Yet her soft voice reached Gu Yuan—now Foundation Establishment level and standing close by.He sighed inwardly and silently thought, “Sorry,” then spoke evenly, without mercy: “Go ahead.”(Slightly tweaked the summary—I think it’s more fitting now. I’d like to change the cover too, but I’m not sure what to use.)

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