7. Performing The Romance of the Western Chamber

Wen Xuan's West Wing

After tidying up the two rooms named "Eternal Legacy," she stepped into the innermost chamber of the same name. This room felt even more eerie and terrifying; anyone entering would experience the hair on their arms standing on end. Yet, as always, the fearless Yue’er showed no sign of fear. Just as before, she intended to open the window to let in some fresh air. But as she approached the window, a faint, ethereal voice whispered, “Don’t disturb the peaceful dreams, close the door quickly, and get lost!” Though the tone was ghostly, the words were commanding.

Rather than shrinking back, Yue’er’s spirit only flared stronger. She retorted with authority, “You’re the one who should leave. This isn’t a place for just anyone to come wandering. If you’ve got the guts, stop hiding and show yourself!” She wasn’t afraid—she had seen this trick countless times before.

Turning around, she saw a young man standing no more than ten meters away. He was about 1.9 meters tall, certainly not an old man from his silhouette. He swiftly turned to face Yue’er. A youthful gentleman not yet twenty, his features were handsome and sharp, with a gaze that held both intensity and a lazy ease. Clad in dark purple garments, his demeanor exuded a rugged determination. It was clear from his expression that he was displeased at being called a stray. With a scowl, he strode up to Yue’er and shouted, “You’re the cat and dog here! I am Fei Shu!” His clothes suggested wealth or noble birth—a single coat probably worth a month’s living expenses for a modest family.

Yue’er remained unfazed by Fei Shu, responding with a playful smirk, “So you’re not a dog or a cat, just a flying rat, huh? No wonder you like hiding in such dark places!” She had already pegged him as a thief, an impression hard to shake; people were often like that.

Fei Shu, now flushed with anger, demanded loudly, “Are you leaving or not? If you don’t leave now, I’ll lock you in here forever. And when that happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you!” No one had ever dared speak to him like that before. He intended to make Yue’er regret her words.

Yue’er, however, couldn’t believe a refined young man possessed the strength to hold her captive. Though she no longer had martial arts skills, it wouldn’t be easy for an equally unskilled person to restrain her. She gave a cold laugh and said, “If you have the ability, then try. But honestly, you’re better off just coming with me to confess. Maybe they’ll go easy on you!” She didn’t want to ruin this young man’s life—after all, his journey was just beginning.

No sooner had she finished speaking than Fei Shu vanished, leaving only his echo in her ears: “Stay in there as long as you want, you eyesore!” Yue’er realized then that Fei Shu’s skills were not weak—she had underestimated him.

Now the door was locked from Fei Shu’s side. Yue’er tried the windows, only to find them locked as well. She yelled, “Bastard!” At that moment, her resentment toward the old man Yang surged—if he hadn’t sealed her martial arts abilities, this would have been a minor obstacle, no big deal. But now, unable to summon her inner strength, she couldn’t open the door. The only way out was to ram it with her body. After gathering her resolve, she first organized the books before charging at the door.

After exerting considerable effort, she finally broke the lock and stepped out. Turning back, she smiled and said, “A single lock can’t hold me? What a joke!” She bought a new lock to replace the broken one. By the time she finished, dusk had fallen. In a hurry to get home, Yue’er had no time to investigate Fei Shu’s identity further and chose to set the matter aside for the time being. Unexpectedly, she and Fei Shu would later become friends. To find out what happens next, dear readers, please continue following the upcoming chapters.