You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

Over at one side of the city, Rancui and Hei’er formed a secret alliance, planning to help Wu Xingzi leave Bastion City early.

On this side of the city, Wu Xingzi had just returned to Shuanghe Yard. Before he even had time to clean the dust off himself, Mint and Osmanthus had to welcome an uninvited guest, and there was no time to hide her away from Wu Xingzi’s view.

Wu Xingzi did not know where this maidservant who looked rather gentle and refined came from, but the two young girls were well aware. She used to work as Guan Shanjin’s maidservant, but when Mr. Lu returned to the general’s estate a few days ago, she had been assigned to serve Mr. Lu instead.

“Han Xiao-jiejie.” Now that their master had seen her, the two young maidservants had no choice but to welcome the visitor with a smile.

“Mint-meimei, Osmanthus-meimie, is Mr. Wu around?” To be able to work for Guan Shanjin for a number of years, and to receive his trust and favour, Han Xiao was naturally well aware of how she should behave.

People always said, one should never hit a smiling face. Furthermore, the relationship between Han Xiao and the two young girls was quite genial. The two girls exchanged a look, then Osmanthus ran over to Wu Xingzi, and dragged him into the house.

As for Mint, she remained where she stood, giving a clever smile as she answered, “Jiejie has seen it for herself too, our master is around. However, he’s just returned from outside, and it’s not feasible for him to meet anyone right at the moment. Jiejie, please wait for a moment.”

“Please don’t say that, it’s me who has disturbed Mr. Wu.” Not feeling the least anxious, Han Xiao, just like her name, was smiling. She stood quietly in the courtyard, waiting, and this instead made Mint rather embarrassed.

However, Han Xiao now worked for Mr. Lu, so how could Mint and Osmanthu not be a little more cautious? Who knew what the general was thinking, Mr. Lu was soon about to be married already, yet he still purposely brought him back, and even abandoned their master, ignoring him. The deep affections and the non-stop accompaniment from the previous days had been like a dream.

Having seen Han Xiao, Wu Xingzi hurriedly wiped his face and hands. Afraid that the girl had been waiting for quite some time, he quickly left the house, and Osmanthus did not even have the time to get him to slow down.

“Sir, this is Han Xiao-jiejie, she’s currently Mr. Lu’s attendant.” Mint quickly went forward to stop her master, placing a greater emphasis on the words “Mr. Lu”.

“M-Mr. Lu?” Wu Xingzi blinked, momentarily at a loss for how to react. Only a while ago was Mr. Lu mentioned when he was in the Peng Society, and now that he was back, this person had come seeking him out. Did he want to invite him to another meal again? That was too courteous of him.

“Please excuse me, Mr. Wu. I came at the wrong time, and disturbed you.” Han Xiao bowed. “Mr. Lu would like to invite you over for a chat. Mr. Wu, would you do him the honour?”

Compared to Hua Shu’s unconcealed contempt when presenting the invitation previously, Han Xiao was extremely polite, which instead made Wu Xingzi rather embarrassed.

“You’re much too polite. Since it’s an invitation from Mr. Lu, of course I’m more than happy to meet him.” The matter about preparing a gift again popped up in Wu Xingzi’s head. Although Rancui had said not to prepare one, and Wu Xingzi too understood the issue in doing so, Mr. Lu did invite him to lunch previously, and it would really be too rude of him to appear empty-handed this time. Preparing a small gift should give no cause for criticism, right?

Having made his decision, Wu Xingzi then instructed Mint to fill up a basket with the eggplants, cucumbers and other vegetables they just harvested today. He planned on gifting them to Mr. Lu for him to have a taste. These cucumbers were fresh, sweet and crisp, and the eggplants too were tender, and their skin still thin. They could be eaten raw, and stir-frying them would only make them even more delicious. With such good cooks in the general’s kitchen, this gift would definitely not go to waste. After all, everyone had to eat, right?

Wu Xingzi had originally wanted to add a jar of pickled vegetables as well, but he thought about how Mr. Lu had been a vegetarian for so many years, and recalled that he did not eat scallions, ginger, garlic, pepper, etc. As such, he hurriedly removed the jar from the basket so as to avoid any unhappiness from occurring.

Watching the three people bustling about, Han Xiao did not hurry them. She stood quietly by the side, waiting with lowered lids.

Only when Wu Xingzi finally stood up, lifting up the basket of carefully selected vegetables with satisfaction, did Han Xiao then come closer and take the basket, speaking gently, “Thank you so much, Mr. Wu. Now, Mr. Wu, please follow me.”

“Uhh… It’s fine, I can carry the basket myself…” Wu Xingzi reached out, wanting to take the basket back. How could he allow a girl to lead the way with the basket in her hands, while he followed behind empty-handedly?

However, Han Xiao’s actions were nimble and swift. She pushed Wu Xingzi’s hand away softly, signalling at Mint and Osmathus to attend to Wu Xingzi with her eyes, before turning around and leading the way.

Wu Xingzi had no choice. The entire time, he stared at the basket, wringing his sleeves periodically. He could not snatch the basket, could he?

Wu Xingzi had been to Wangshu Residence before. This time, the patch of mallow plants had already withered, and the leaves were rustling in the wind, adding a certain peace and serenity to the atmosphere.

Han Xiao led Wu Xingzi and his two maidservants towards the courtyard at the back. The spring sun was perfect and the breeze was refreshing. A shallow stream appeared in front of them and near it, there was a bamboo pavilion. A figure dressed in white was seated within. Ethereal like a fallen deity, his clothes fluttered in the wind, looking untouched from the material world.

“Mr. Lu, I’ve brought along Mr. Wu with me.” Han Xiao led the three people to the pavilion, bowing obediently to the person seated inside.

“Mr. Wu, it’s been a while.” Naturally, the person dressed in white and seated inside the pavilion was Mr. Lu. He put down the book he was reading, standing up and welcoming Wu Xingzi.

“You’re too polite, Mr. Lu.” Wu Xingzi hurriedly cupped his hands towards him. Giving a few courteous greetings before he entered, Wu Xingzi sat down across Mr. Lu.

“This is a gift Mr. Wu has prepared for you.” Han Xiao lifted the basket in her hand. Mr. Lu swept a glance at it, a small smile appearing on his lips.

“Mr. Wu is much too courteous, I don’t deserve it at all.”

“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. These are just some simple items, I grew them myself, and they’re really delicious. Mr. Lu, you’re vegetarian, aren’t you? It just so happens that these vegetables are for you to try.” Afraid that Mr. Lu would refuse them, Wu Xingzi quickly instructed his maidservants, “Mint, Osmanthus, help Han Xiao deliver these to the kitchen. It’ll be just in time for dinner later.”

“Understood.” Mint took the basket over, and asked her younger sister to stay with Wu Xingzi while she sped off to the kitchen alone.

“Many thanks, Mr. Wu.” Only then did Mr. Lu take a seat again, pouring out tea for both of them.

The tea was of a good quality, but Wu Xingzi was rather uneasy. He had already finished two cups of tea, but Mr. Lu still had yet to say a word. What exactly was going on here? It really made one perplexed.

Probably because he noticed Wu Xingzi’s awkwardness, Mr. Lu finally put his cup down and smiled faintly at Wu Xingzi. Wu Xingzi naturally responded back with a smile.

“What plans does Mr. Wu have for the future?” This question came out of the blue. Wu Xingzi froze, unable to provide an answer.

Looking at Wu Xingzi’s lost expression, Mr. Lu lowered his eyes, seemingly sighing. “What I’m asking is, would you remain in the general’s estate, or are you thinking of returning home?”

This question was too direct. Wu Xingzi shuddered violently, and his face paled. He was planning on returning home, as after all, it looked like Guan Shanjin was back again with Mr. Lu. Also, according to Rancui, there seemed to be some uncertainty about the marriage with Miss Yue. Maybe Guan Shanjin had finally thought things through, and he might be even planning on snatching the groom during that wedding. As such, the entire matter really no longer had anything to do with him anymore.

The only reason Wu Xingzi had yet to leave was his reluctance in leaving Guan Shanjin. In his heart was a vague anticipation to be able to see him again, as after all, he should at least make his farewells, right? Also, towards him, Guan Shanjin might… even have some affections…

“Haiwang should have admitted this to you already. To him, you’re only a shadow of me.” If Mr. Lu’s previous words were considered to be beating around the bush, then this time, they were very direct, and the only thing missing was a straight invitation to scram.

Wu Xingzi looked at him mutely. Was this person in front of him really Mr. Lu?

The previous Mr. Lu was gentle and elegant, and his words were mild and tactful. Had he been agitated by something?

“Mr. Lu, you…” Just as Wu Xingzi wanted to express his concern, Mr. Lu interrupted him.

“In the past, it was my misgivings that prevented Haiwang and me from becoming honest with each other about our feelings, causing such complications to happen.”

“Yes, yes…” Wu Xingzi had long been aware of what had happened between the two of them. In his opinion, Guan Shanjin and Mr. Lu shared mutual affections, but for some reason, they had remained reserved with each other for too long a time, and hence missed the opportunity for any confessions.

Wu Xingzi could not help rubbing his aching chest.

“So you’ve known about it already,” Mr. Lu sneered. “It seems like Mr. Wu is an understanding man.”

“Huh?” Wu Xingzi blinked, smiling wryly after a stunned pause. “I don’t have many strengths, but self-awareness is one of them.”

His voice was full of sincerity, but Mr. Lu’s fair face instead flushed violently, seemingly from a bout of anger. This made Wu Xingzi rather lost.

Did he say something wrong?

He watched as Mr. Lu opened his mouth, looking as though he was about to say something. But in the end, Mr. Lu only bit his lip, picking up his teacup and sipping from it, before opening his mouth again. “This time, I’ve fully understood my feelings.”

“Congratulations, congratulations…” Wu Xingzi did not know what he should say. However, to not give a response seemed very rude, and so he could only give such a reply.

Mr. Lu’s brows creased slightly. A beauty, even when irate, had a certain flair to them. However, this anger seemed to come from nowhere, and it made Wu Xingzi rather apprehensive.

“Haiwang and I have known each other for many years. He’s very gentle and considerate towards me, and has the utmost concern for me. However, in the past, I was always worried that he was young and frivolous, and was not someone who could settle down. As such, I could only feign ignorance about his feelings.”

“What a pity…” Wu Xingzi scratched his nose, feeling even more confused.

Shouldn’t these words be said to Guan Shanjin instead? Why did Mr. Lu specially invite him over to say all this?

“Still, this time, I’ve finally understood. I shouldn’t continue letting down Haiwang’s sincerity. To let him always seek out my shadow over and over again and to let him place his affections on things so false, I’ve been hurting him very deeply.” Anyone else could probably register the ridicule and insult in those words, but unfortunately, Wu Xingzi was not one of them.

Convinced, Wu Xingzi nodded in agreement. “For you to have such a revelation, it’s a blessing for you and Haiwang.”

It was basically like punching cotton! Mr. Lu frowned, unable to continue saying what he had already prepared. This person in front of him was really too hateful!

How could Mr. Lu not know that Guan Shanjin’s feelings for him were not entirely the reason why Guan Shanjin was currently keeping a distance from Wu Xingzi? How could he not notice that although he had once again returned to Wangshu Residence, back to the days where he was carefully doted upon by Guan Shanjin, such care and concern still lacked a trace of affection from the past?

How could Mr. Lu not be anxious?

Also, on the surface, Guan Shanjin had distanced himself from Wu Xingzi, but he had not sent him away. This person could still eat well and live well in the general’s estate, and this was not how Guan Shanjin normally dealt with such matters! Mr. Lu could be considered to have a thorough understanding of Guan Shanjin’s character. If he really got tired of Wu Xingzi, on the day when he had returned to the general’s estate, Wu Xingzi would already have been sent out of Bastion City.

Mr. Lu knew where the issue was, but he was unwilling to believe that he had lost to someone so ugly, so crude, and so poor! Guan Shanjin definitely still liked him, it was just that he still had some lingering affections for Wu Xingzi. Since this was the case, he should help Guan Shanjin make a decision! This student who had loved him for so many years would definitely not blame him for it.

They had let too many things slip through their fingers. There was no need to again let anyone else create further complications.

“Haiwang has let you down, and I’ve let you down as well. We would be doing you more wrong if we were to keep you in Bastion City any longer.” Mr. Lu corrected his expression, and abruptly caught hold of Wu Xingzi’s hand. “Mr. Wu, please don’t blame Haiwang. It’s me who caused him to take such a misstep, and you ended up being caught up in this.”

“Mr. Lu’s words are too serious, too serious…” Wu Xingzi was in a predicament. He wanted to pull his hand back, but it was caught too tightly. Mr. Lu had even used quite a fair bit of strength, leaving faint fingernail marks in his hand.

Next to them, Osmanthus had noticed it. She stepped up, wanting to help her master, only to be held back by Han Xiao, who shook her head towards the younger girl. Feeling very anxious, yet unable to pull herself out of Han Xiao’s grasp, Osmanthus’ eyes rounded, nearly about to cry.

“Ah, Mr. Wu. I’ll apologise to you on Haiwang’s behalf, we’ve wronged you greatly. However…” Mr. Lu’s eyelids lowered halfway, his brows tinged lightly with sorrow, and the image made others feel great sympathy for him, and Wu Xingzi was no exception. Feeling helpless, he allowed Mr. Lu to continue holding his hand, but it felt like there was a brand pressing onto his heart, and the searing pain spread across his chest.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Lu. I’ve never… blamed Haiwang before…” This was the honest truth. Guan Shanjin had not let him down, and the only thing to blame was Wu Xingzi himself for falling for him, and there was no need to cry over it. “I’ve already planned on leaving.”

Osmanthus’ eyes widened further, nearly crying out. She quickly covered her mouth tightly with her hands, but her eyes had already reddened.

“Is that so?” The curve of Mr. Lu’s lips quirked up slightly, his smile tasting of pity.

“Yes…” Wu Xingzi sighed, barely managing to force a smile upon his face. “So Mr. Lu, please do not worry. I will not make things difficult for Haiwang and you.”

Not having expected such grace, Mr. Lu was now in a little disbelief.

“You’re… really willing to leave?”

“Of course. Between Haiwang and me, it was only a tryst in the first place.” This was despite his feelings having deepened. Having made a decision, Wu Xingzi’s smile only became more earnest. “It has been difficult for you, to have missed so many years between Haiwang and you. I hope that the two of you will be able to stay happy together until you’re old and aged.”

“Thank you for your kind words.” Mr. Lu had originally wanted to cow Wu Xingzi into submission, but he had not expected that things would go this way, and it made him feel at a loss instead. He was unable to decide if Wu Xingzi was honest or sincere. How could there be someone this direct and frank in this world?

“However, Mr. Lu, you’ll be getting married three days later. Have you spoke about this to Miss Yue as well?” Wu Xingzi was truly uncertain. After all, Guan Shanjin was still busy with the wedding matters. Could Mr. Lu be afraid, and have yet to clear up all doubts? Wu Xingzi could not help but worry for Mr. Lu.

This blow went straight to Mr. Lu’s heart. His face paled, and he was speechless.