[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 34

At seventeen, Leng Qingqiu was brave enough to admit what she wanted—but the truth was, having been raised in a traditional household, her understanding of intimacy was rudimentary at best. Coupled with a deep sense of modesty, she carried a quiet, unspoken restraint, even when alone.

She loved Yan Hui, but had never truly considered what it meant to be together in the fullest sense.

As for Yan Hui—who wasn’t actually a mere seventeen or eighteen—her hesitation stemmed from overthinking, not innocence. Once her doubts were put to rest, she regained her usual calm confidence. At the very least, when it came to matters like this, she had more than enough theoretical experience.

The more bashful Qingqiu became, the more composed Yan Hui appeared, even able to gently lead her along.

They shared a long, tender kiss, lingering until the last bit of breath left their lungs. Only then did they part reluctantly, foreheads pressed together, breathing softly.

After a while, Qingqiu suddenly laughed and looked up at Yan Hui with teasing in her voice. “So much for being against marriage, hmm?”

“We still couldn’t get married even if we’re together,” Yan Hui replied, coughing lightly, but keeping a straight face.

Qingqiu pressed on, “Then where exactly did you learn all those… techniques?”

Her voice trailed off as her face flushed scarlet. She quickly sat up straight and turned her head away so Yan Hui couldn’t see her expression.

Yan Hui took her hand and didn’t mind the avoidance. She raised Qingqiu’s fingers to her lips and kissed each one gently. “Well, as the old saying goes, ‘In books, you’ll find beauties like jade.’ Read enough, and you’ll understand everything.”

While that wasn’t entirely true, in this era, it was indeed one of the few ways to learn such things.

Yan Hui thought the conversation would end there, but to her surprise, Qingqiu, after a moment’s hesitation, gathered her courage and asked, “What kind of books? Let me take a look.”

“Ah.” Yan Hui paused, then replied smoothly, “I’ll see if I can find them later.”

Though she tried to act calm, Qingqiu still sensed something odd. She turned her head and stared at her. “Let’s look now. Your study isn’t that big—it won’t take long. Or is there something you don’t want me to see, something you’re planning to hide?”

She had forgotten her embarrassment again. People in love naturally learn how to tease their partners.

With things said to this point, Yan Hui couldn’t refuse.

She had indeed planned to find a few books in the coming days for Qingqiu to read. Luckily, the original owner of this body—still a student at a girls’ school—had a couple of relatively private books hidden away.

Since Qingqiu wanted to see them, Yan Hui simply took them out.

Like Qingqiu, the original owner had also grown up in a traditional household and wasn’t much more open-minded. The two books were written in classical Chinese, the language subtle and restrained compared to blunt modern prose. The most daring lines were like:*”When Spring arrives, flowers bloom in flirtatious hues. The willowy waist sways gently; the flower’s heart parts lightly, dewdrops opening the peony.”*¹

Just about right for Qingqiu.

Even so, after flipping through a few pages, Qingqiu shot up like she’d touched something hot. “That’s enough for today. I suddenly remembered I haven’t turned in this week’s draft—I need to go write it.”

And off she went, hastily gathering her things.

Of course, she didn’t forget to take the books with her.
Yan Hui instructed the driver to take her home. Only after she left did Yan Hui relax into her chair, quietly reflecting on the events of the day.

First came the sweet aftertaste. But soon, her mind shifted toward practical matters—plans for their future.

School, of course, was non-negotiable. Even in love, they couldn’t afford to lose sight of their futures. That meant at least four to five more years. During that time, Madam Leng wouldn’t consider marriage for Qingqiu. As for Yan Hui, she was confident she could convince her own family.

After that, the world would only grow more unstable. By then, it might be easier to delay or avoid marriage altogether.

But that would only be possible if they had careers, social standing, and independence. Compared to marrying into a family of uncertain prestige, it would be better to rely on themselves.

In the original storyline, Leng Qingqiu married Jin Yanxi not long before they divorced. She later raised their son alone and never remarried. All things considered, this outcome was already much better.

Thinking of it this way, the future actually seemed quite promising.

Of course, reality would never follow a perfect script—there would be twists and turns—but as long as their hearts stayed together, the general direction wouldn’t be wrong. If their feelings ever changed, then the future wouldn’t matter anymore.

With her thoughts settled, Yan Hui stopped worrying. Her mind drifted back to Qingqiu, and a smile spread across her face.

Qingqiu had always been adorable—but now that she was her lover, that loveliness had grown tenfold.

The next morning, Yan Hui drove to Luohua Alley and brought along a few breakfast boxes.

Madam Leng beamed when she saw her. “Why so early? Don’t you have class today?”

“I’m here to pick up Qingqiu,” Yan Hui answered calmly.

As soon as she spoke, the curtain lifted, and Qingqiu’s lovely, expressive face peeked out. She hadn’t done her hair yet and gave Yan Hui a quick glare before vanishing again. Yan Hui couldn’t help but smile.
Madam Leng didn’t think much of it. She welcomed Yan Hui inside and offered breakfast without a second thought.

After they ate, the two got in the car. Qingqiu asked, “What are you up to now?”

“How could you say I’m up to something?” Yan Hui feigned grievance. “I just thought walking was too tiring for you, so I came to give you a ride.”

Qingqiu’s school wasn’t far, and walking wasn’t a burden. But both of them silently ignored that fact, glanced at each other, and laughed. Qingqiu asked again, “Just today, or are you coming every day?”
“If you want to see me, I’ll come every day,” Yan Hui said, turning to look at her.

Qingqiu quickly pushed her face back toward the road. “Eyes on the street!”

With their laughter filling the car, they soon arrived at the school gate. Many students were already there, and quite a few noticed Qingqiu stepping out of the car. Given her beauty and popularity, word spread quickly.

While it wasn’t unheard of for students to come to school by car, this was the first time Leng Qingqiu had done so.

By the time she entered the classroom, rumors had already begun. A few curious classmates approached, asking if she was about to announce a relationship.

The Leng family didn’t own a car, so whoever brought her must be someone close. Naturally, people guessed she’d found a boyfriend from a wealthy family. Some even recalled earlier whispers about her and the seventh son of Premier Jin, though that story had died down.

Qingqiu responded calmly, “Just a friend.”

No one really believed her—until that afternoon, when Yan Hui came to pick her up again. A few curious classmates took a look and discovered the driver was a girl too. Disappointment quickly replaced speculation.
She didn’t need to explain. The rumor would fade on its own.

Even after they left the school, Qingqiu couldn’t stop smiling. This feeling—being able to act openly because no one would ever suspect anything—was unexpectedly delightful.

Back when she interacted with Jin Yanxi, everything felt ambiguous. She wanted to show off but also feared being seen as someone clinging to power. As a woman, initiating things always felt a little shameful.
But now, with Yan Hui, all of that disappeared.

Their relationship could be even more open than a typical romance between a man and a woman. No one would find it improper.

As she savored that thought, she noticed the car wasn’t headed home. “Where are we going?”

“To eat, of course,” Yan Hui replied.

Now that they were in love, they couldn’t just go home and do homework after school like before. They could afford a little dating time.

That day, Yan Hui had booked a French restaurant.

They’d been to Western restaurants before, but mostly so Qingqiu could broaden her horizons and avoid embarrassment at public events. Today’s choice, however, was made purely for the ambiance.

Though it was an open-concept hall, each table was separated by wooden dividers and green plants, creating a sense of intimacy. A pianist performed on a small stage, playing soft, elegant melodies. The room was half full, and everyone spoke in hushed tones.

It was the perfect setting for a romantic date.