Early the next morning, Li Wei carefully prepared fresh buns and placed them neatly on her stall. Her heart was restless, troubled by everything that had happened recently. Shen's kindness felt comforting yet overwhelming. She couldn't shake a strange feeling of unease, though she told herself there was nothing wrong with accepting help.
As the market woke up around her, Li Wei's younger sister, Xiao Ling, appeared carrying a small basket of fruits.
"Big sister, are you alright?" Xiao Ling asked softly, noticing Li Wei's distracted look.
Li Wei forced a gentle smile. "Of course, Ling. Just thinking."
Xiao Ling leaned in closer, eyes bright with curiosity. "Thinking about the handsome nobleman who keeps visiting you?"
Li Wei's cheeks immediately reddened. "Ling! Who told you such things?"
Xiao Ling giggled lightly. "Everyone is talking about it! A nobleman interested in our stall… it's like a story!"
Li Wei sighed, feeling even more uneasy. She hated attention, and the rumors made her uncomfortable. Still, Shen's offer to help sell her buns at his family's banquet was important. It would help her family greatly.
Just then, Shen's servant appeared, smiling warmly. "Miss Li Wei, my young master invites you personally to Minister Gao's residence. He wishes to discuss preparations for the banquet. Can you come this afternoon?"
Li Wei hesitated briefly. Entering a minister's mansion felt daunting, but refusing Shen's kindness seemed rude. Finally, she nodded gently. "Please tell young master Shen I'll be honored to visit."
The servant left quickly, leaving Li Wei even more nervous. Xiao Ling squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, sister. Just be yourself. Everyone loves you."
Li Wei smiled softly, grateful for her sister's kind words.
In the afternoon, Li Wei arrived at Minister Gao's large residence. She hesitated at the beautifully decorated gate, feeling out of place. The servant appeared again, warmly welcoming her inside.
Inside the grand hall, Shen waited patiently. Seeing her enter, his eyes lit up happily.
"Li Wei! I'm glad you came," Shen greeted warmly, stepping closer.
She bowed politely. "Thank you for inviting me. I'm honored."
He smiled gently. "Please, no need for formalities. Come, sit down. Let's talk."
Li Wei sat carefully, eyes glancing nervously at the elegant furniture and beautiful decorations. She had never imagined entering such a luxurious home.
"Don't be nervous," Shen reassured kindly, noticing her discomfort. "I truly want to help your family. Your cooking deserves to be known."
Li Wei met his gaze briefly, sincerity clear in his eyes. "You're too kind. My family appreciates your generosity."
Shen hesitated, then spoke softly, "Li Wei, may I ask about your family? How did someone like you end up running a street stall?"
She lowered her gaze slightly. The memories were still painful. "My father served at the palace. One day, for reasons we don't fully understand, the Emperor ordered our family removed. We lost everything."
Shen's expression softened with sympathy. "I'm so sorry. You must have suffered greatly."
Li Wei shook her head gently. "We're managing. My mother is strong, and we support each other."
Shen leaned forward slightly. "Li Wei, please let me help more. Allow me to introduce your cooking to important families at our banquet. It will greatly improve your situation."
Li Wei hesitated again. Shen's kindness seemed genuine, yet part of her felt uneasy about accepting too much. Still, thinking of her mother and sister, she finally nodded quietly. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
Across town, General Yan Chen sat quietly in his private room, reviewing battle plans. His trusted aide Feng approached carefully, noticing his master's distant look.
"General, forgive me, but something troubles you. Shall I investigate further?" Feng asked respectfully.
Yan Chen shook his head slowly, standing up from his desk. "No need. I'm simply distracted."
Feng hesitated before speaking again. "Miss Li Wei visited Minister Gao's residence today. She spent some time speaking privately with young master Shen."
Yan Chen felt his heart tighten unexpectedly, though his face remained calm. "I see," he replied softly. He paused, considering something carefully. "Feng, monitor Minister Gao's household carefully. Ensure Li Wei comes to no harm."
Feng bowed quickly. "Of course, General."
Yan Chen stood silently by the window, looking out at the distant palace rooftops. He told himself repeatedly that Li Wei's life was none of his concern, yet thoughts of her still filled his mind. Why did the idea of her accepting help from someone else bother him so much?
That evening, Li Wei returned home quietly. Her mother was waiting anxiously, carefully sewing under a small lantern.
"How was your visit, dear?" her mother asked gently, watching Li Wei's face closely.
Li Wei sighed softly. "Minister Gao's son is kind. He truly wants to help us. He asked me to prepare food for their banquet. It could change our lives."
Her mother smiled warmly. "That's wonderful, Li Wei. Your father would be so proud of your courage and skill."
Li Wei nodded slowly, uncertain. "Yes, but something feels strange. I don't know if we should trust him completely."
Her mother gently took Li Wei's hands. "Follow your heart, my dear. If something troubles you, be careful. But don't reject kindness easily either."
Li Wei squeezed her mother's hands gently, comforted by her wisdom.
Late that night, Li Wei sat awake, unable to sleep. She quietly stepped outside into their small courtyard, breathing in the fresh night air. She thought again of Shen's kindness, the banquet, and the chance to secure her family's future.
Yet even now, the memory of another figure lingered in her mind—someone hidden by a mysterious mask, who had quietly helped her before. Why did she keep remembering the masked stranger? What connection did she feel, though she knew almost nothing about him?
Suddenly, she heard footsteps. Turning quickly, her heart jumped nervously. "Who's there?"
"It's me, Mei!" Xiao Mei whispered, stepping closer. "I saw you awake. Are you alright?"
Li Wei sighed softly. "Just thinking."
Xiao Mei sat beside her quietly. "About the nobleman?"
Li Wei shook her head gently. "No… not entirely. Someone else."
Xiao Mei's eyes brightened with curiosity. "Someone else? Who?"
Li Wei paused, then whispered carefully, "A stranger who helped me once, anonymously. I can't forget him, though I don't even know his name."
Xiao Mei smiled knowingly. "Ah, the mysterious helper! Maybe your heart knows something you don't."
Li Wei smiled weakly, uncertain. "Maybe. But I wish I understood my feelings clearly."
Xiao Mei gently squeezed her hand. "Give yourself time, Li Wei. Your heart will show you the right path."
Li Wei sighed, grateful for her friend's comfort. But deep down, she felt a strange sadness she couldn't explain.
At the same moment, General Yan Chen stood quietly outside Li Wei's house, hidden in shadows. He watched silently as Li Wei spoke with her friend, his heart strangely heavy.
What right did he have to interfere in her life? His duty was clear—to protect the empire and seek justice for his father. Yet here he stood, drawn repeatedly to Li Wei, feeling something he shouldn't allow himself to feel.
He shook his head firmly, stepping quietly back into the darkness. He must distance himself. Whatever he felt, it couldn't distract him from his duties.
Yet as he walked away into the silent night, Yan Chen knew it was already too late. Li Wei had somehow entered his heart, and no matter how he tried, he couldn't force himself to forget her.
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