"Whew..." Shen Yun slowly exhaled a stale breath. His breathing was as weak as a sick man's, and his legs went soft beneath him, throwing him off balance.
Shen Mo reached out to steady him, but age had slowed his body beyond the speed of his reactions. He was a little too late, his hand missing its mark. Fortunately, Zeng Mu reacted swiftly and caught Shen Yun before the back of his head struck the floor.
"Are you all right?" Zeng Mu asked with concern.
"Thank you." He rubbed his forehead. "I'm fine, I'm fine. It's an old ailment. This happens whenever I get upset." He made up an excuse to brush off the others, and Shen Mo said nothing about it either.
He lowered his face and briefly closed his eyes, remembering their first meeting.
It had been a bright, breezy morning. More than two hundred guests attended the banquet, all leading wealthy merchants and local magnates from Kuo City and Radiant Moon City. Joy filled the Yuan Residence. There was laughter and the clatter of tiles being shuffled, the clear calls of kingfishers and the hum of flying bees.
"Clouds recalled her robes, flowers recalled her face; spring breezes brushed the railing, dew gleamed rich with grace."
Her face was young, yet her features were distinct. She needed no adornment, as naturally flawless as fine jade freshly unearthed. The sight of her intoxicated the heart, and her voice brought it peace.
"Hello, little sister. Are you Uncle Yuan Luo's daughter?"
She nodded. "Yes, that's me. My name is Yuan Qian."
"I'm Shen Yun. I'm delighted to attend your birthday banquet."
"Welcome."
When Yuan Qian reached out and Shen Yun took her hand, he knew he would marry no other woman in this life. Whether he had to wait