Having changed into the martial arts academy's student uniform, Fang Jie looked at himself in the bronze mirror and was quite satisfied with his current appearance. Even before arriving in Fan Gu, or even before entering the Great Sui Dynasty, he had already set his goal: to enter the martial arts academy to avoid disaster. Years later, this wish had finally come true, and Fang Jie, who should have been excited and happy, found himself surprisingly calm.
A long robe of blue and black, with a white belt around the waist. This martial arts academy uniform made him look exceptionally smart. Fang Jie carefully combed his hair and tied it into a ponytail. This privilege, which was basically reserved for girls in his previous life, was something Fang Jie could actually tie beautifully in this life.
A man with long hair, especially smooth long hair, can actually be quite pleasing to the eye if carefully styled.
After packing up, Fang Jie left his room, intending to say goodbye to Mu Xiaoyao and the others first. But as soon as he stepped outside, he saw Da Quan squatting on the steps, grinning foolishly, and Shen Qingshan leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed, a half-smile on her face. Qilin stood not far away, carrying a large bundle, looking expectant. But Mu Xiaoyao was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Sister Xiaoyao?"
Fang Jie asked.
Da Quan scratched his head and said, "She went to see Mr. Zhuo. She said that since you've already been accepted into the Martial Arts Academy, she has nothing to worry about, so she left the Sanjin Marquis's residence early this morning to go to the Imperial Guard. I asked her if she had anything to say to Fang Jie, and she said to say it in three years. I just don't understand why something has to be said three years later?"
Fang Jie's heart skipped a beat; he vaguely understood Mu Xiaoyao's meaning.
Mu Xiaoyao went to the Imperial Guard before him to the Martial Arts Academy because she didn't want to see Fang Jie leave. The first time she went to the Imperial Guard, she had also left first, and Fang Jie had left after her. This seemingly strong woman was actually so fragile that she couldn't even bear watching someone leave after a brief separation.
As for the possibility that she wouldn't speak to Fang Jie for three years, Fang Jie dared not speculate.
"It's not like we really can't see each other for three years. I'll sneak back to see you guys when I have time."
Fang Jie rubbed his nose, feeling a pang of sadness.
"Fang Jie, is there anything you want to say to me before you leave?"
Big Dog asked. Fang Jie hesitated for a moment before saying, "Eat your meat well and strive for improvement every day."
Da Quan curled his lip and said, "Pah! I've waited so long for this nonsense? Do you have to make it clear before you leave the money? How are we supposed to eat meat without money? Even though we're living in the Sanjin Marquis's mansion, we're still dependent on others. This is the capital; you can't move an inch without money!"
Fang Jie blushed and chuckled awkwardly, "I didn't forget, I didn't forget. I left the rest of the silver notes under my pillow. I thought you guys weren't up yet, but who knew you'd be squatting at my door waiting for money so early in the morning."
He paused and said, "Also… the shop I rented, the tailors I hired have been living there for a few days now. Sister Qing Shan, you and Da Quan can go take a look when you have time. They make styles that don't exist yet, and they suit your figure very well." "Perfect match. This was originally planned with Sanjinhou to surprise everyone, but he's already gone to the Northwest overnight, so we'll have to do it ourselves."
"But it's alright. Don't rush to sell the finished garments. Wait for my news regarding when to sell them."
Shen Qingshan paused, looking at Fang Jie with some surprise, and asked, "You mean you want me to be the owner of a tailor shop?"
Fang Jie chuckled and said, "If you don't want to be the owner, you can be the owner's wife."
Shen Qingshan rolled her eyes at him, hesitated for a moment, and said to Fang Jie, "Fang Jie, come to my room with me. I have something to give you."
Fang Jie nodded and said to Qilin, "Brother Qilin, wait for me a moment, I'll be there soon."
Qilin gave a muffled "hmm," picked up Fang Jie's package, and walked towards the main gate. The carriage specially sent by the Martial Arts Academy to pick up Fang Jie arrived early in the morning—a privilege enjoyed by all candidates admitted to the Martial Arts Academy. After all, only a few hundred would be selected from nearly ten thousand candidates, and these few hundred were highly likely to become the future pillars of the Sui Dynasty.
Shen Qingshan wore a light purple gauze dress today, perfectly fitted at the waist. Especially from behind, her curves were beautifully outlined. Her slender waist was exquisitely defined, her rounded, full buttocks were subtly revealed as she walked.
Fang Jie walked behind Shen Qingshan, his eyes darting from head to toe, taking in her every move.
Shen Qingshan was a few years younger than Mu Xiaoyao. Compared to Mu Xiaoyao's mature beauty, she possessed a more youthful vibrancy. And unlike Mu Xiaoyao's quiet nature, Shen Qingshan's words and actions were quite unrestrained when she was alone with Fang Jie. Perhaps she enjoyed watching this young man act like a mature man in her presence, enjoyed seeing him become somewhat uncomfortable with her teasing.
Perhaps, in her eyes, this was a form of entertainment.
Her gait was beautiful, her waist swaying perfectly.
If the movement were any smaller, the graceful curves of her figure wouldn't be so fully displayed. If the sway were any larger, it would appear somewhat wanton. If you were to ask Fang Jie what the most beautiful lines were, he would undoubtedly say it was the curves of Shen Qingshan's waist and hips.
The lines tightened at the waist and then gradually widened, finally forming a circle at the hips.
Fang Jie kept watching Shen Qingshan from behind, and then his own gait began to feel a little awkward. Just as he had to bend down to adjust his clothes, Shen Qingshan turned around and saw the scene that made Fang Jie blush. This alluring woman even stared at Fang Jie's disheveled area for a few moments, then smiled seductively and said, "Your pants are too tight?"
...
...
Fang Jie sat somewhat awkwardly in Shen Qingshan's room, pretentiously fiddling with the hem of his clothes. There was a faint fragrance in the room, not very strong. But the scent was incredibly soothing, seemingly relaxing to the core. There was also a strange, indescribable itch in his heart.
After Fang Jie entered, Shen Qingshan closed the door and returned to sit opposite him. She hesitated for a moment, then got up and closed the open window. This action intensified Fang Jie's itch; he leaned back and glanced at Shen Qingshan. Shen Qingshan sat down again opposite him, even adjusting her skirt as she did so.
This gesture was so ladylike, completely unlike Shen Qingshan's usual style.
Fang Jie felt somewhat uncomfortable in their silent solitude. When they were alone, Shen Qingshan was usually very provocative, seemingly enjoying the possessiveness he displayed, though she sometimes thought it was just a joke.
Shen Qingshan's silence and ladylike demeanor made Fang Jie uncomfortable, so he tried to find something to talk about. Just as Fang Jie was about to speak, Shen Qingshan opened her mouth as well. Fang Jie quickly said, "You go first."
Shen Qingshan sat very upright, seemingly nervous about something. After glancing at Fang Jie, her face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head to look at her toes, avoiding his gaze. Shen Qingshan blushing was too strange.
"Sixteen years, right?"
She asked.
Fang Jie was slightly taken aback, thought for a moment, and replied, "Five months shy of sixteen."
Shen Qingshan hummed in agreement, seemingly having nothing more to say. An awkward silence fell between them again, the atmosphere so strange that sweat beaded on Fang Jie's forehead.
"It's so hot."
He stood up and went to open the window.
"No."
Shen Qingshan shook her head and tugged at Fang Jie's clothes.
Fang Jie had no choice but to sit back down, mimicking Shen Qingshan's posture and looking down at his toes.
"What were you trying to say?"
Shen Qingshan asked. Fang Jie hesitated for a moment before saying, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about the business at that shop. You might not like that kind of work, so if you don't want to manage it, you can let Da Quan do it. The Sanjin Marquis's residence isn't big, but it's a good place to recuperate. Get some rest; after all, you haven't fully recovered."
As he said this, Fang Jie stood up, said "Wait a moment," and quickly ran out. Shen Qingshan was taken aback, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes. Just when she thought Fang Jie was using this as an excuse to escape, he ran back carrying his bundle. Because he had run so fast, sweat had already beaded on his forehead.
Fang Jie closed the door, then opened the bundle, took out a light purple dress, and handed it to Shen Qingshan, saying, "This is the first garment I've made. I originally planned to give it to Wu Yidao to take a look. I didn't expect him to leave overnight, so I'll give it to you first. You'll definitely look beautiful in this."
Shen Qingshan hummed in agreement, subconsciously reaching out to take the dress and hugging it to her chest.
"Did you have someone try it on?"
She asked. "I haven't had time yet."
Hearing Fang Jie's answer, Shen Qingshan pursed her lips, looked up at Fang Jie, and said, "I'll put it on for you to see."
Fang Jie paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, see if there's anything wrong. I'll have the tailor alter it. I'll wait for you outside. Call me when you're done."
"No need..."
Shen Qingshan said softly, then slowly stood up and walked behind the screen in the room. The gauze screen was very thin, and even through it, Fang Jie could see her graceful figure moving gently. After removing her long dress, her exquisite curves became exceptionally clear. All the beauty of the world, the landscapes and rivers combined, couldn't compare to the beauty of Shen Qingshan behind the screen.
Fang Jie blushed, finding his breathing quickening.
A short while later, Shen Qingshan, having changed her clothes, emerged from behind the screen. Her hair was slightly disheveled, but it perfectly complemented her clothes. A form-fitting cheongsam, slightly disheveled hair, a delicate face, and a perfect figure—she exuded a languid, luxurious beauty.
"Why…"
Shen Qingshan looked down at the slit in her skirt, her face slightly bewildered, and asked, "Why is it so high?"
Fang Jie chuckled sheepishly, "Perhaps for easier walking."
"Is it pretty?"
She asked.
"Pretty. No one suits this dress better than you."
Fang Jie offered a sincere compliment.
Barefoot, Shen Qingshan twirled around. Because of the dress's perfect fit, her waist appeared even more slender, and her hips even more shapely. Fang Jie's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily as he watched her turn.
Shen Qingshan walked a short distance from Fang Jie and looked down at him sitting on the edge of the bed. Perhaps because of the heat, her face was slightly flushed.
"It fits perfectly, as if it were made to your measurements."
Fang Jie didn't dare look up at Shen Qingshan, because if he did, he would first see her ample bosom. But when Fang Jie looked down, he couldn't help but see her long, slender, snow-white legs.
"Fang Jie..."
"Hmm?"
"Do you know why Mu Xiaoyao said that there were some things she would tell you three years later?"
"I...don't know."
"I know."
Shen Qingshan suddenly reached out and cupped Fang Jie's face in her hands, looking up at her: "You actually know...you've just been running away. We're from the same sect, and having spent so much time together, I naturally understand her personality. And you understand my personality too...you know, I don't want to lose to her in anything."
"I know."
Fang Jie replied.
"Putting aside the fact that I can't lose to her, I can't wait three years. The thing I dislike most is waiting."
Shen Qingshan looked down into Fang Jie's eyes and said, word by word, "Before your exam, I already decided that if you really get into the Martial Arts Academy, I'll give you a reward."
"Wh...what?"
"Myself."
Shen Qingshan suddenly leaned down, cupped Fang Jie's face, and kissed him on the lips. Fang Jie trembled, his muscles tensing for a moment. Shen Qingshan reached out and pulled Fang Jie's hands around her slender waist, passionately kissing the somewhat petrified boy.
Gradually, something began to rise involuntarily.
The buttons on the cheongsam were difficult to unbutton, causing both of them to break out in a sweat. The man's face paled as his hands trembled, as if afraid of damaging the flawless work of art before him.
The clothes were gradually undone, revealing a beauty as pure as jade.
Fang Jie had never imagined it would be so wonderful. It was so wonderful, like being in heaven.