Like Before

Looking into Cui Zilu's crystal-clear eyes, the worry in Shangguan Yunying's heart did not dissipate.

She understood all too well the unique charm Gu Chengyin possessed, woven from his sheer intellect and boldness.

And she knew exactly how intensely a young girl like Cui Zilu, trapped in a gilded cage, would yearn for someone like him.

This seemingly innocent and romantic affection actually harbored much deeper risks.

Not only for Cui Zilu, but potentially for Gu Chengyin as well, and it might even impact His Highness's grand plan.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to change her approach.

"Zilu."

Shangguan Yunying held Cui Zilu's hands, her tone solemn. "Listen to me. I understand how you feel, I truly do."

"I am not trying to stop you, nor am I saying you are wrong."

Cui Zilu blinked, quieting down as she looked at her earnestly.

"Gu Chengyin is incredible, isn't he? Even more so than the great heroes in the operas."

Shangguan Yunying spoke slowly. "He can do many things others cannot, and he can show you a world you have never seen before."

"But, Zilu, it is precisely because he is so formidable and the things he does are so extraordinary, that he is also... very dangerous."

The excitement on Cui Zilu's face faded slightly, her brows furrowing.

"Do you want your Brother Chengyin to get hurt because of you?" Shangguan Yunying looked straight into her eyes, asking bluntly.

Cui Zilu immediately shook her head vigorously, her voice resolute. "No! Absolutely not!"

"Exactly."

Shangguan Yunying gently patted the back of her hand, her voice soft and guiding. "Liking someone, admiring someone, doesn't necessarily mean you must possess them, or stick by their side every waking moment."

"Sometimes, liking someone can mean wishing them safety and success, and supporting them in doing what they must do."

"It can even mean reining in your own emotions, or finding a safer way to express your affection, so that he can better face those dangers and challenges."

Watching Cui Zilu's thoughtful expression, she continued. "Others might treat you like an ignorant child."

"But I know you are not. You are smart, very, very smart. Smarter than most people realize."

"So you should be able to understand what I mean by these words."

The light in Cui Zilu's eyes flickered. She did indeed understand.

Shangguan Yunying wasn't telling her she couldn't like him; she was telling her that this affection might become his burden, or even his weakness.

Through her mind flashed the various events of recent days: the hushed, secret discussions between her father and brothers in the study, Gu Chengyin's sudden appearance, and her father's instructions to her.

Growing up in such an environment, coupled with her innate sensitivity, made her acutely aware of why Gu Chengyin had come to the Cui Manor, and why her father had arranged for her to accompany him.

It wasn't because she was pretty, nor because she was lively and cute.

It was because she was the Eldest Miss of the Cui family.

The person appearing by Gu Chengyin's side didn't have to be Cui Zilu.

But it had to be the Eldest Miss of the Cui family.

Yet, even after figuring this out, no sadness or disappointment appeared on Cui Zilu's face.

Instead, she revealed an exceptionally pure smile, as clean as a mountain spring, untainted by the slightest gloom.

"Sister Yunying, just relax!"

She squeezed Shangguan Yunying's hands back, her voice crisp. "Zilu knows all of this!"

Tilting her head, Cui Zilu continued in a matter-of-fact tone. "Actually, I think you've misunderstood, Sister Yunying."

"My liking for Brother Chengyin is just like my liking for those pretty butterflies in the manor!"

"I also like reading interesting play scripts, I like my father and mother, and I like the little fish swimming around in the lake!"

"There are so many things I like! As long as it's fresh, fun, and interesting, I like it!"

Her eyes curved into crescents, her tone joyful. "And Brother Chengyin is more fun and interesting than all of those combined!"

"So, isn't it perfectly normal for me to like him?"

"Whenever Brother Chengyin stops being fun and loses his novelty, I naturally won't like him anymore!"

These words were spoken with innocent candor and bold righteousness, entirely attributing her affection to fun and amusement.

It was as if Gu Chengyin was merely an exceptionally novel, oversized toy that could provide endless entertainment.

Shangguan Yunying was stunned. She carefully scrutinized Cui Zilu's expression.

Those large eyes brimmed with sincerity, showing not the slightest trace of deceit. Her face held nothing but pure, childish excitement and a sense of absolute certainty.

Could she really have been overthinking it?

Was Cui Zilu's feeling for Gu Chengyin truly just an intense interest in something fresh and exciting?

Rather than the blossoming romance of a young girl?

Shangguan Yunying asked suspiciously to confirm, "Really? Zilu, do you truly just think he's fun?"

Hearing this, Cui Zilu immediately pouted, looking angry at being misunderstood, and huffed.

"Sister Yunying! What are you thinking! You didn't actually think I liked him in a romantic way, did you?"

"Of course not!"

She shook her head like a rattle drum. "To me, Brother Chengyin is just a super, super fun, and super, super amazing big playmate!"

"That's why I said he's different! You didn't misunderstand me just because he's a man, did you? Hmph!"

She turned her face away, feigning anger, but out of the corner of her eye, she quietly observed Shangguan Yunying's reaction.

Seeing Cui Zilu's vivid and natural reaction, along with the seemingly genuine grievance and anger in those clear eyes...

...the doubts in Shangguan Yunying's heart gradually faded.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed her concern had indeed clouded her judgment, making her overcomplicate things.

After all, Cui Zilu was still young and her temperament was unfixed. Her feelings for Gu Chengyin were perhaps more akin to a yearning for freedom.

A gentle smile appeared on her face as she reached out to rub Cui Zilu's head. "So that's how it is. I'm sorry, Zilu. I was the one who misunderstood."

Only then did Cui Zilu's anger turn to joy. She hugged Shangguan Yunying's arm, rubbing against it affectionately, and said dismissively, "It's fine! After all, you're my absolute best Sister Yunying! I know you just care about me!"

The last shred of worry in Shangguan Yunying's heart was finally set down. She instructed, "Then when you follow Marquis Gu around, play all you want, but you must pay attention to your safety."

Cui Zilu immediately put her hands on her hips, puffed out her little chest, and put on a fierce look.

"Don't worry, Sister Yunying! If anyone dares to bully me, I'll have my father slaughter them all!"

Shangguan Yunying was amused by her, but she also understood the reality.

The combination of Gu Chengyin and Cui Zilu was equivalent to the Crown Prince's Palace standing together with the Cui Clan.

Anyone who dared to touch these two would have to weigh the consequences of offending both sides simultaneously.

"Alright, our Zilu is the fiercest."

Shangguan Yunying nodded with a smile. "I still have orders from His Highness to attend to, so I will head back now. I'll see you later, Zilu."

"Goodbye, Sister Yunying!" Cui Zilu waved vigorously, a brilliant smile on her face.

Even after Shangguan Yunying's figure disappeared from sight, she remained standing in the same spot, motionless for a long time.

Outside the palace gates, an occasional breeze drifted by, gently stirring the loose strands of hair across Cui Zilu's forehead.

The light in her eyes dimmed bit by bit, ultimately fading into a profound darkness that belied her young age.

She lowered her gaze slightly. Her thick eyelashes cast a faint shadow over her cheeks, veiling all the true emotions hidden in the depths of her eyes.

"I knew it. Brother Chengyin is so incredible, I couldn't possibly be the only one who likes him."

Cui Zilu lifted her eyes to gaze at the towering walls of the Crown Prince's Palace, as if her sight could pierce through the stone and brick to see the aloof, breathtakingly beautiful figure within.

"But, Sister Yunying..."

Her voice dropped to a mere whisper, laced with an unnervingly resolute possessiveness:

"You will definitely step aside for Zilu, won't you?"

Cui Zilu thought back to the past. No matter how exquisite a pearl hairpin was, or how amusing a toy seemed.

As long as she showed a particular fondness for it, Shangguan Yunying would always smile gently and yield it to her in the end.

"Just like..."

"Before."