Chapter 7: No Regrets

Lou Zhentian doted on his niece, but he was soft-hearted and easily swayed by whispers in his ear. After hearing enough pillow talk, he no longer cared for her as he once did. For the past few years, she had been like an invisible person in the Lou household. Since Lou Yaoguang began her studies, very few people had come to visit her, save for the Third Madam and Lou Kaiyang.

Yun Buhui did not like being disturbed either; living a quiet life was exactly what she wished for.

In the depths of winter, the plum blossoms were in full bloom, radiating infinite elegance. She liked to admire the plum blossoms by the lake. Her small courtyard only had one plum tree, unlike the lakeshore, where over a dozen trees formed a small grove, creating a pleasant scene with a subtle fragrance drifting on the air.

Lou Shaoqi, the eldest young master of the Lou family, happened to pass by the shore. Seeing her standing alone under the plum trees, he couldn't help but take another look. He had initially thought it was Yanran, but to his surprise, it was Buhui. The woman’s perfect profile gained an extra layer of charm amidst the wind and snow; her fair skin put the snow and plum blossoms to shame. She stood there at ease, exuding a compelling, ethereal aura.

Yun Buhui was beautiful.

Her figure was slender and exquisite, her skin like snow. Every glance she cast was filled with shimmering radiance and boundless grace. Her beauty was like the cold plum blossoms on the branch—bright as the moon, luminous as moonlight, and strikingly delicate.

Just as Lou Shaoqi took a step forward, Yun Buhui’s brows furrowed slightly. She turned to look at the newcomer. Lou Shaoqi was tall and sturdy, with a handsome appearance, draped in a precious black cloak. Just as Yun Buhui was about to greet him, Lou Shaoqi smiled and said, "Cousin, are you here admiring the plum blossoms all by yourself?"

Yun Buhui lowered her eyes submissively. "Yes, I was just about to head back."

A look of covetousness appeared in Lou Shaoqi’s eyes. He rubbed his palms together, beaming. "Cousin, it’s so cold out. Why don't you come to my place for a drink to warm yourself up?"

Yun Buhui’s smile was gentle and soft. She tucked her slender fingers into her cloak, her expression blooming like spring flowers, yet seemingly carrying an added touch of alluring charm. It made Lou Shaoqi’s heart race; looking at a beauty beneath the flowers, she only seemed more enchanting the longer he watched.

"Cousin, my tolerance for alcohol is poor, and it is getting late. I should return." Yun Buhui smiled and bowed, then took a few quick steps away, only to have her arm grabbed from behind by Lou Shaoqi.

"Cousin..."

Lou Shaoqi stretched out his long arm and pulled Yun Buhui into an embrace, his palm brushing against her soft hem. Yun Buhui’s eyes narrowed, a cold sneer rising within her. Lou Shaoqi suddenly felt his arm go numb, losing all sensation in an instant.

He widened his eyes in terror and glared at Yun Buhui. Yun Buhui looked at him with a blank, innocent expression, her smile soft and gentle. "Cousin, what’s wrong? Is your arm uncomfortable?"

"What did you do?"

Yun Buhui frowned, looking aggrieved. "Cousin, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

"You..." Lou Shaoqi’s right arm was almost completely paralyzed. As he swung it, a sharp pain spread through him. He fell to his knees, howling in agony. The snow on the ground was deep, and Lou Shaoqi rolled several times, his cloak covered in slush. Between the pain and numbness in his arm, his body began to grow numb from the cold of the snow as well.