After Rebirth, My Aloof Husband Can Hear My Inner Thoughts [Transmigration & Rebirth] - Chapter 27

Before dawn had broken, Lin Shengshen awoke. The sleep had been so sorrowful she dared not close her eyes again.

Sitting up drowsily, she pushed aside the cyan jade gauze bed curtains to rise. As she stretched her legs toward the edge of the bed, her foot suddenly bumped against something.

“Xie Zhizhou? Why are you sitting here?”

Xie Zhizhou retrieved a cup of tea from a small side table and handed it to Lin Shengshen without a word.

[How did he know I wanted water?]

Lin Shengshen was indeed very thirsty. Suppressing her surprise and doubt, she accepted the teacup and drank, but did not hand the white jade cup back to Xie Zhizhou.

Fetching tea and pouring water—such actions seemed unlike him.

Unexpectedly, Xie Zhizhou’s gaze remained fixed on her face, watching intently as she finished drinking before extending his hand.

In the cold white moonlight, the veins on his wrist trailed upward, disappearing into the dark black sleeve.

[What does this mean?]

Lin Shengshen tentatively held out the empty teacup. Xie Zhizhou, seated solemnly at her bedside with a stern expression and a flat line for a mouth, took it from her.

[……]

[Is Xie Zhizhou sleepwalking?]

Lin Shengshen drew most of her body back under the covers, secretly observing him through a gap in the gauze curtains.

Peilan was right—Xie Zhizhou was considered the most handsome young master in all of Yunjing, thriving in official circles, with excellent family background, character, and appearance. He was a rare, ideal match.

That was why, back then, Lin Shengshen had fallen for him at first sight—captivated, unable to free herself.

Even now, devoid of any romantic feelings, she couldn’t help but sigh softly under the cover of night.

[Xie Zhizhou truly possesses striking features. Even the small mole beside his nose bridge is perfectly placed.]

Xie Zhizhou froze for a moment. His heart, still aching from the pain of Lin Shengshen’s dream, felt as though she had gripped it tightly only to release it, leaving him at a loss.

He would have preferred her to blame him, hate him, or even—as she had that day on the Painted Boat—slap him hard across the face upon waking.

But she did none of that.

Though she had wept in her dream, upon waking she seemed to have forgotten it entirely, treating him as a stranger.

No love, no hatred.

“Is there anything you wish to say to me?” Xie Zhizhou wanted to see her expression more clearly and slowly leaned closer.

Lin Shengshen’s drowsiness faded by half as she repeatedly retreated, her back pressed tightly against the soft pillow.

[This isn’t sleepwalking!]

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze was dim as he watched the person before him, her chest heaving unevenly, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes filled with terror.

He suddenly recalled her soft weeping in her dream: “It hurts.”

Snapping back to reality, Xie Zhizhou slightly increased the distance between them.

Lin Shengshen, still unsettled, felt her mind in turmoil.

[No, no, this is too dangerous. Sharing a room with Xie Zhizhou will lead to trouble sooner or later!]

“Lin Shengshen, is there anything you wish to say to me?”

[No, nothing!]

Lin Shengshen shook her head vigorously.

The bedchamber fell silent until Xie Zhizhou suddenly asked, “Are you afraid of me?”

“No.”

“You are afraid of me,” Xie Zhizhou repeated.

Lin Shengshen remained silent. Whether it was due to sleepiness or not, Xie Zhizhou seemed unusual tonight—a faint, melancholic aura enveloped him like moonlight.

This was not an emotion Xie Zhizhou should display. He ought to be aloof, distant, and unapproachable, like the cold moon hanging high in the night sky, untouchable.

Suddenly remembering something, Lin Shengshen said, “There is something I need to tell you.”

Perhaps it was an illusion, but Xie Zhizhou’s eyes seemed to brighten slightly.

“Go on,” he said, his tone serious and even somewhat expectant.

“Zhenhuan has been unusually close to Xu Wulin lately, but from what I’ve observed, the flood incident in Yingzhou involving the Xu family was suspicious. Xu Wulin is inscrutable—his attitude toward Zhenhuan fluctuates between warmth and coldness. He is not someone she can rely on. If Zhenhuan ever seeks your help, I hope you will dissuade her.”

The room fell into dead silence.

“Very well.”

Xie Zhizhou agreed but did not leave, remaining seated at the foot of the bed. Lin Shengshen felt a chill and grew increasingly uncomfortable.

“Is there anything else?”

Lin Shengshen thought Xie Zhizhou was being unusually verbose tonight.

After a moment’s thought, she said, “Regarding the matter of the Zhou family’s Third Miss entering your household as a concubine, it still requires careful consideration. She was previously betrothed to someone else. If you forcibly separate her from her beloved, even if she shares a bed with you in the future, I fear her heart will remain elsewhere.”

Zhou Qiong again…

Xie Zhizhou seemed to let out a soft sigh and said helplessly, “Yesterday, my father already called off the engagement with Lord Zhou.”

Though his tone carried a hint of melancholy, it did not sound angry or disappointed.

[Zhou Qiong is fortunate. If Xie Zhizhou had insisted on not letting go, given her low status and limited influence, I wouldn’t have been able to persuade him anyway.]

“Why would I insist on not letting Zhou Qiong go?”

“Huh?” Lin Shengshen panicked for a moment.

“I mean, you seem to have always believed that Zhou Qiong and I would end up together.”

Xie Zhizhou stared intently at Lin Shengshen.

Lin Shengshen wanted to avoid his gaze. It felt as though Xie Zhizhou could see right through her thoughts in the next instant, and she grew fearful.

Lin Shengshen spoke earnestly, “After we married… um… we haven’t consummated the marriage. The Xie family’s main branch has only you as the sole son. Although your uncles are far away in Dingzhou, they are eyeing the family’s assets in the capital covetously. Your father must be pressuring you relentlessly. Young Master Xie, putting everything else aside, I fully support you taking a concubine.”

[In the past, I tried to stop you two from being together, but it didn’t work. Now, when I try to bring you together, it still doesn’t work. It seems I can’t win no matter what I do.]

Xie Zhizhou’s brows furrowed deeply. Afraid he might misunderstand, Lin Shengshen added, “Zhou Qiong has a gentle and quiet temperament. I thought you would like her, which is why I… Never mind! Don’t worry, if she isn’t suitable, I’ll find a few more for you—I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”

Perhaps because the moonlight was hidden behind thick clouds, the room suddenly darkened, and Lin Shengshen felt Xie Zhizhou’s face looked particularly grim at this moment.

“I have no intention of taking a concubine.” He only wanted to live a good life with her.

Xie Zhizhou: “You’re afraid—afraid of me getting close to you, and afraid of you getting close to me.”

[…]

“Lin Shengshen, have I ever hurt you?”

Xie Zhizhou’s gaze was too intense; Lin Shengshen didn’t dare meet his eyes, fearing that one more look would swallow her whole in those pitch-black pupils.

[What harm? Xie Zhizhou simply didn’t love her—indifference and distance born of that lack of love. Must every passionate effort be met with a response?]

Lin Shengshen shook her head, allowing the awkward atmosphere to settle once more.

Xie Zhizhou watched her face, which showed no emotion.

“If in the future I…” He didn’t finish. Perhaps he wasn’t worthy of saying words like “I’ll love you in the future.” If everything in Lin Shengshen’s dreams were true, then there might be no future for them.

This matter was thorny. Xie Zhizhou felt as if he were walking through a pitch-black night, where every step forward could mean no turning back.

He subtly bit the tip of his tongue.

“Is there anything else?” Xie Zhizhou added, “I mean, about your own matters.”

Lin Shengshen blurted out, “I want to go back to sleep. If you sit here, I’ll have nightmares. Please leave.”

“Alright.”

This time, his tone carried a hint of disappointment.

Lin Shengshen didn’t dwell on it; she truly wanted to lie down alone and didn’t wish to rise before dawn.

A moment later, there was the faint rustle of fabric, followed by the sound of the door opening and closing as Xie Zhizhou left.

Perhaps because Xie Zhizhou was gone and the room was free of anyone else’s presence, Lin Shengshen slept soundly during her extra rest.

It wasn’t until the end of Chen hour, when the sun had climbed above the roof ridge, that Lin Shengshen stretched lazily and got out of bed.

Peilan was combing her hair behind her, occasionally glancing into the mirror.

Lin Shengshen asked, “What is it? Why are you sneaking around like that?”

“Miss, last night… you and the young master… were things alright?” ?

“What do you mean, alright? Why are you grinning like that?”

“Huh? So nothing happened?”

“What do you mean, ‘happened’?”

Peilan patted her chest and said, “This morning, I saw the small couch was broken. The young master had someone specially prepare ginseng and black chicken soup, which was kept warm on the small stove. He also told me not to wake you and to let you sleep longer… I thought…”

Lin Shengshen’s face turned pale then flushed. “Those miscellaneous books you’ve hidden under your pillow—hand them all over to me tomorrow for safekeeping. And from now on, read less of them!”

“Also, that small couch—throw it out and buy a new one.”

Peilan made a pained face and muttered, “Could it be that you want to confiscate them to read yourself?”

Lin Shengshen was furious. “If you dare talk nonsense again, I’ll confiscate your silver too. Let’s see if you’ll have any money left to buy such messy things.”

By the time the mistress and maid finished dressing and grooming, it was already noon. After a simple meal with Chen Yuying, Lin Shengshen boarded the carriage to Baoxiang Tower.

As the weather grew warmer, the young ladies and women of Yunjing were less inclined to go out. If they needed to buy anything, they usually left it to their maids or servants to purchase.

Not only was Baoxiang Tower bustling, but even Xiangyun Tower across the street was seeing some improvement.

Yin Wei had developed many new sachets recently, and they were selling quite well.

He peered through the latticed window at the woman gracefully entering the building across the street, his sharp chin lifting slightly. So what if she was the Prime Minister’s daughter? Could she possibly outrank Prince Su himself?

Let Baoxiang Tower revel in its arrogance for a few more days—he would make Lin Shengshen weep until she moved out of West Street!

The moment Lin Shengshen stepped into Baoxiang Tower, she heard Zhu Yu speaking near the staircase landing.

“When you see Miss Lin later, mind your manners and don’t offend her. Understand?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Do you remember what I taught you?”

“I remember. Just say Wan’er has been suffering from terrible headaches lately, and Doctor Chen from East Street said the medicine is expensive, so Wan’er can’t afford it…”

“My dear Wan’er.” Zhu Yu crouched down, hugging the child as she choked back sobs.

Lin Shengshen pushed the door open, pretending she had just arrived. She smiled and said, “Shopkeeper Zhu, I’m late. Oh? Where is Shopkeeper Zhu?”

Zhu Yu hurried out, her eyes still moist. “Miss Lin, you’re here. I’ve prepared the account books for this ten-day period.”

Lin Shengshen nodded with a smile and lifted her skirt to ascend the stairs.

“Oh, I nearly forgot! Wan’er, come quickly and pay your respects to Miss Lin!”

A young girl with twin buns emerged from behind the staircase. She wore a faded blue dress, her frame thin and frail. Her round, dewy eyes stood out on her small, palm-sized face, making her look no more than thirteen or fourteen years old.

Wan’er knelt to kowtow, but Lin Shengshen quickly helped her up.

“There’s no need for that. Please, stand properly.”

“Miss Lin, you smell so nice.” Wan’er’s voice was still childlike.

Lin Shengshen rested her hand on Wan’er’s shoulder, feeling the sharp bones beneath her palm. So in her previous life, Wan’er had been sold by her father to a sixty-year-old man as a concubine when she was this young…

For just a few dozen taels of silver, all gambled away in less than three days…

Lin Shengshen’s expression grew uneasy as she gave Zhu Yu a deep look.

Wan’er took a step back. “Miss Lin, you and Mother have matters to attend to. I won’t disturb you.”

With that, she hurried to a small stool behind the staircase, picked up her embroidery hoop, and began stitching a pattern symbolizing steady advancement.

“Ah… this child.” Zhu Yu seemed to want to say more but glanced at Wan’er and held her tongue. The two women proceeded upstairs.

The accounts for the ten-day period were clear and straightforward. Zhu Yu was skilled at managing the shop, and Lin Shengshen only needed to review them briefly to see her meticulous care.

She could calculate accounts so clearly—why couldn’t she calculate her own life?

When she looked up again, the sky had darkened. Lin Shengshen carried a cup of tea downstairs, leaving Zhu Yu alone on the second floor.

Wan’er avoided the bustling areas of Baoxiang Tower, staying in the dim space behind the staircase where she lit an oil lamp and continued her embroidery.

“It’s too dark to embroider now. Be careful not to strain your eyes.”

Hearing Lin Shengshen’s voice, Wan’er looked up, her eyes brightening as she set aside the hoop and approached.

“Miss Lin.”

Lin Shengshen waited silently for Wan’er to speak, but the girl only hung her head without saying a word.

“Is there nothing you wish to tell me?”

Wan’er shook her head.

Lin Shengshen asked again, “I heard you were ill recently.”

“Miss Lin, you overheard us, didn’t you?”

Lin Shengshen merely looked at her without speaking, her eyes filled with a deep sorrow.

Xie Zhizhou stepped out of his carriage and stood at the entrance of Baoxiang Tower, gazing into the dimly lit area beside the staircase. Under the faint glow of an oil lamp, he saw Lin Shengshen’s delicate brows slightly furrowed as she looked compassionately at the young girl standing before her.

Baoxiang Tower was dazzling with a brilliant array of goods and resplendent lights, its entrance bustling with carriages coming and going in extraordinary liveliness. Lin Shengshen had managed this place well, something Xie Zhizhou had learned when he came to search a few days prior.

She had said she wanted to make Baoxiang Tower the largest incense shop in Yunjing. When Xie Zhizhou first heard this, he didn’t take it seriously—why would a noble young lady from a prestigious family bother expending effort on mercantile pursuits?

But now, Xie Zhizhou realized he had been mistaken.

Lin Shengshen had her own world, and his previous dismissiveness and arrogance were utterly laughable.

Being driven out by Lin Shengshen before even finishing the meal that day was not unjust.

Xie Zhizhou’s footsteps were light as he walked behind the screen, where a slight turn of his head allowed him to see Lin Shengshen.

Wan’er looked up and pleaded, “Sister Lin, could you pretend you never heard? Mother, she… ah…” She sighed.

Knowing one shouldn’t speak ill of parents behind their backs, Wan’er wisely stopped herself.

“Why pretend I didn’t hear?”

Wan’er bit her lip, her gaze resolute. “My embroidery skills are good. I can earn money for Mother—I don’t need to deceive you for it.”

Lin Shengshen shook her head and took a deep breath.

“Do you know how much money is needed?”

Wan’er shook her head.

“Do you know why the money is needed?”

Wan’er shook her head again.

Lin Shengshen half-crouched, meeting Wan’er at eye level, and placed a small porcelain vial into her palm.

“Take this. If you’re in danger, throw it directly at the face of whoever harms you, then run quickly without looking back.”

Wan’er looked down at the object in her hand, then lifted her head in confusion.

Lin Shengshen’s tone was firm. “But don’t worry, this time will definitely be different from before!”

Xie Zhizhou withdrew his gaze.

Though the light was faint, she seemed enveloped in a delicate golden glow.

Lin Shengshen—he felt as if he had never truly understood her.