Around them, the womenâs eyes sparkled, and they all perked up their ears, filled with curiosity about the identity of Ah Qingâs âlove interestâ.
Itâs no wonder they didnât know Ah Qing well; until this moment, they had always kept their distance, and since Ah Qing lived alone, there wasnât much interaction in their daily lives.
"Someone she likes..." HuangâEr pouted.
â...Someone she likes.â Not far away, Shi Qingjunâs eyes twitched slightly, but she remained silent.
Has she... actually found someone she likes?
Although Shi Qingjun instinctively doubted the speculations of the Flower Moon Building girls, a glance would show her that love was reflected in Ah Qingâs genuine smile, emotions as clear as water droplets.
She was unable to refute anything.
She had changed, becoming somewhat different from before.
Shi Qingjun had always thought she was not unlike Ah Qing from the Demon Sect; both pursued the path of Yin and Yang, seeking ultimate truth, collecting Dao Rhyme, but now she realized they only appeared similar.
Ultimately, Shi Qingjun still hadnât quite recovered from the shock.
The girl performing the dance on stage, with a radiant look â could she really be that woman from the Demon Sect Holy Mountain?
Who would believe such a thing?
At that moment, Shi Qingjun believed what the Flower Moon Building girls said might be true; perhaps she really had a love interest?
Who could it be?
She listened attentively.
"The one Ms. Qing likes..." HuangâEr pouted, "why couldnât it be me?"
"You?"
Listening to HuangâEr, the girls exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.
"You need a couple more years before saying such things."
"Exactly, calling you a little sister is one thing, but you canât handle the concept of a love interest yet." Someone shook their head lightly.
Among the women, emotions were clear and heavy. HuangâEr wasnât mature enough, so she was ruled out.
"Why not me?" HuangâEr was instantly excluded, biting her lip in frustration even though she knew they were right.
"Itâs straightforward." A girl pointed a finger at Ah Qing on stage, who was breathing heavily and had beads of sweat at her temples.
All eyes followed, including Shi Qingjunâs.
At this moment, Ah Qingâs sword dance reached a fiery stage. She discarded the ordinary standard longsword and switched to a spectacle sword with a red finish, taken from Qingmei Workshop. The fiery red tip carved traces in the air, blending with Ah Qingâs nimble steps, like a dancing flame on stage, burning intensely.
Simultaneously, her sword tip seemed to write invisible words in the air, with strokes thick and thin, bold and contained, matching her character â shy but fervently pursuing her desires.
Such a dance was truly passionate, passionate enough to stir hearts.
"This dance is beautiful; sheâs so heartfelt," the girls were utterly captivated.
They had no idea how much time was spent rehearsing such a dance, but if Ah Qingâs almost confessional sword dance was directed at them... none would refuse her.
And with the efficiency of the Flower Moon Building girls, chances were things would happen tonight, with a pair of lovebirds appearing by morning.
Yet, it was clear Ah Qingâs dance wasnât meant for them or HuangâEr.
She asked HuangâEr, "Do you think Ah Qing would be shy performing for you?"
"..." HuangâEr fell silent, unable to speak.
Indeed.
Ms. Qing wouldnât possibly blush or feel shy around her, so it definitely wasnât her.
"Plus, your reaction isnât quite right." The woman chuckled, "HuangâEr, your jealousy is showing, you need to tone it down."
"Hmph." HuangâEr pouted, gritting her teeth, "Youâre all bad women."
"We are indeed bad women... so, who is Ms. Qingâs love interest?"
"Do tell... although if itâs a secret, just pretend we didnât ask."
The curiosity of these women was boundless, but digging into personal matters was just sisterly fuss. With Ah Qingâs personality yet unknown, they didnât want to draw the ire of a new sister.
"Itâs not really a secret; itâs not just me who knows." HuangâEr pouted, then whispered, "Itâs Young Master Xu."
"Oh~"
Upon hearing Xu Changâanâs name, the women suddenly understood, wearing faces of realization that hinted they somewhat expected it, gazing at the stage.
"If thatâs the case, being shy and nervous is perfectly normal." A woman chuckled, "But liking that young master... she really is bold, performing here for him."
Her tone carried several meanings.
The other Flower Moon Building girls wouldnât dare such a thing, especially considering Yun Qian was right beside Xu Changâan now.
"Oh, donât misunderstand." HuangâEr quickly shook her head, clarifying, "Ms. Qingâs dance isnât meant for the young master. Sheâs not that senseless. What are you all thinking?"
She couldnât let them think Ms. Qing was a wanton destroyer of the young masterâs marriage.
"Not for Young Master Xu, then who is it for?"
"For Miss Yun."
"..."
"...?"
"???"
The girls were taken aback, first glancing at HuangâErâs earnest gaze, then at Ah Qing, whose blush had not faded on stage, falling into a silence.
Likes Xu Changâan... and likes Yun Qian?
Are Half-Demons such bold, greedy women?
Ah... truly extraordinary.
For a moment, admiration filled the eyes of these women.
"Hey, whatâs with those looks? You act like none of you like Miss Yun." HuangâEr protested.
"No, no, weâre different." Each shook her head.
They liked Xu Changâan, had good feelings toward Yun Qian, sure, but having good feelings and taking such steps are two entirely different matters; Ah Qingâs ability to step up represented turning feeling into action.
One in the heavens, one on the earth.
Truthfully ... Ah Qingâs actions were somewhat senseless, even if her first choice was Yun Qian.
But that senselessness didnât turn into dislike, because considering Miss Yunâs personality, Ah Qing knew beforehand she would fail, so her efforts, rather than dislike, made people see her as courageous.
She was out of place among the lethargic women of Flower Moon Building, making these shameless women feel... a bit unreachable.
Women like them may not be suited to taint an âearnest, innocent, and braveâ girl like Ah Qing.
Just like He Pingniangâs matchmaking, suited to Ah Qing wasnât them but youthful, vibrant girls like HuangâEr.
"Well, itâs best we keep ourselves in check; itâs rare to have a spirited young girl join us."
"Indeed."
The girls unanimously agreed, recognizing Ah Qingâs ânature,â temporarily shelving any flirtatious thoughts, understanding leaving Ah Qingâs innocence untarnished was right.
Only HuangâEr blinked, clueless.
"What are you saying?"
She couldnât understand.
"Not understanding is good, Ah Qing is a rare gem; seize the opportunity." A woman ruffled HuangâErâs hair, smiling, "Alright, stop seeing us as thieves; watch the dance."
HuangâEr: "..."
Though confused, she knew she just had to stay resolute; no matter their plan, she would protect Ms. Qing from harm.
Meanwhile, the chatting women didnât notice that nearby, Shi Qingjun lowered her eyes.
"..."
Silence.
She needed to think.
According to the Flower Moon Building women.
Ah Qing likes Xu Changâan.
Also likes Yun Qian.
...?