The afternoon light filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting faint patches of misty brightness on the polished floor.
After Yu Qing chose Wen Wan as today’s instructor, the other three bid their farewells one after another, leaving only Yu Qing and Wen Wan to begin the day’s lesson.
Perhaps it was just an illusion, but the sharp, woody scent in the air seemed to fade, replaced by a subtler, lingering fragrance of orchids.
No.
It wasn’t an illusion.
Because that scent came from Wen Wan herself.
Too close! Miss Wen Wan!
At that moment, Yu Qing sat upright on an antique-style embroidered stool opposite Wen Wan, cheeks slightly flushed.
His back instinctively straightened, but under Wen Wan’s gentle, smiling gaze, he unconsciously relaxed a little.
“A posture that’s too rigid loses its elegance.”
“Xiao Yi.”
Wen Wan’s voice was like silk warmed in water, soothing the restlessness in Yu Qing’s heart.
“Let’s start with the basics today.”
“A person’s first impression isn’t determined by what they say, but by how they appear. In that, expression accounts for seventy percent.”
Wen Wan didn’t bring out any textbooks or pointers for the lesson.
She simply crossed her legs elegantly, placed her hands naturally on her knees, and looked at Yu Qing with eyes that seemed to see through a person’s soul, smiling gently.
“There’s no need to be nervous. Relax. We’re just chatting.”
She smiled softly at Yu Qing, her voice carrying a special magic that miraculously eased Yu Qing’s tension.
“First, the eyes.”
As she spoke, Wen Wan leaned forward slightly, making it easier for Yu Qing to see her eyes.
Her gaze was a unique, gentle apricot shade, yet now it held an alluring guiding power, making Yu Qing feel both comfortable and slightly entranced.
“As a daughter of the Fu Family, your gaze shouldn’t be too sharp—otherwise, it appears aggressive. But it shouldn’t be too soft either—that would diminish your presence.”
“The best is…”
She paused, as if searching for the right word, then a glint of clarity flashed in her gentle eyes as she seemed to recall something.
“The best is a scrutinizing distance. In your generation’s terms, imagine your eyes as a fan-shaped chart—thirty percent understanding, seventy percent indifference.”
“It’s like you see the other person, but you don’t truly let them into your eyes.”
With that, Wen Wan demonstrated for Yu Qing.
Her gentle gaze instantly became distant and transparent; even though she was looking at Yu Qing, it felt as though there was an invisible veil between them, making her seem both mysterious and aloof.
“Your turn.”
She withdrew her performance, returning to gentleness, and looked at Yu Qing with encouraging eyes.
She wants me to try directly?
But I haven’t learned anything yet!
This time, however, Wen Wan’s eyes, which could see through people’s hearts, “accidentally” didn’t catch Yu Qing’s thoughts.
Feeling helpless, Yu Qing could only try to imitate, attempting to let her gaze drift unfocused, adding a hint of casual indifference.
But the result was either too dull, lacking vitality, or she couldn’t help but focus early, always falling short of Wen Wan’s intended effect.
Wen Wan wasn’t impatient, either. She smiled gently and offered reassurance.
“The eyes are the windows to the soul. If your gaze has its own thoughts, then your heart must be troubled.”
“Looks like our Xiao Yi has a lot on her mind lately. It’s alright, we’ll take it slow.”
Her tone became relaxed, as if they were simply having a conversation.
“Speaking of troubled hearts, I have one myself. Last week, I came to Jiangzhou from another city just to settle it.”
“But things didn’t resolve. Instead, Mingxuan invited me over.”
“The last time I saw him, he was still a boy with a touch of childishness. Now, in the blink of an eye, he’s grown up. Truly, boys change so much as they mature.”
Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia and faint regret.
Traveling to Jiangzhou?
Mingxuan?
Invited over?
Yu Qing had originally thought it was ordinary small talk and didn’t pay much attention.
She was contemplating how to break free from Fu Mingxuan’s control after their cooperation ended, but without realizing it, she had absorbed quite a bit of information.
Was Wen Wan hinting at something?
Or was it really just idle chat?
She suddenly remembered that before the lesson started, Wen Wan had told her to pay attention to her words.
Yu Qing hadn’t cared much at the time, but now it seemed more meaningful.
Mingxuan must be Fu Mingxuan’s real name.
Like herself, Fu Mingxuan had used a pseudonym to deceive her.
As for the other two points, it was likely Wen Wan’s way of hinting that she wasn’t entirely on Fu Mingxuan’s side, and that she could even defy the tasks Fu Mingxuan had given her at any time.
No, the word should be ‘requests.’
Yu Qing’s heart stirred.
She memorized these clues but chose not to trust Wen Wan completely just yet.
She needed more time to observe.
“Let’s try smiling now.”
Wen Wan brought the topic back with ease, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile.
“Generally, a lady’s smile is defined by a slight upward curve of the lips—no excessive movement, just enough to show politeness and reserve.”
“As for you, Xiao Yi, it’s best to add a hint of barely perceptible irony. Hmm~ imagine it—not towards a specific person, but towards the situation in front of you.”
With that, she demonstrated once again for Yu Qing.
The smile was perfectly balanced—polite and impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.
Receiving the guidance, Yu Qing nodded and began practicing in front of the mirror.
Yet no matter what, she couldn’t add that trace of irony.
Every attempt at a smile was tinged with soft vulnerability.
“Relax a little.”
Wen Wan’s voice was more amused than before.
“Think of those charity banquets you attended with your mother as a child. Remember how the madams and ladies all smiled the same way? Beautiful, as if wearing the same mask.”
She seemed lost in memories again, her face touched with reminiscence.
“Your mother was an expert in this. Even when she wished to escape such gatherings, she maintained a flawless smile, never letting anyone find fault. It’s a pity…”
Wen Wan’s words trailed off midway, her face returning to a composed smile, her earlier expression vanishing as if those words had never been spoken.
“Miss Wen Wan, did you know me and my mother for a long time?”
Yu Qing couldn’t help but ask.
Wen Wan’s unfinished words left a cat’s paw scratching at her heart, curiosity overwhelming her, but she couldn’t inquire directly, only probe subtly.
Wen Wan picked up a delicate white porcelain teacup beside her and took a sip, lowering her gaze.
“We met a few times, I suppose. Back then, I was just a newcomer’s assistant, following my teacher and meeting Fu Madam on occasion.”
“The term ‘peerless grace’ couldn’t be more fitting for her.”
She looked up, her gaze distant, her tone tinged with regret.
“But women of great families, especially those like the Fu Family, often find themselves unable to control their own fates.”
“As for you, Xiao Yi, today is our first official meeting. In the past, I only saw you from afar once. At that time, you were with your mother—just as gentle and good-natured as now.”
She gently set the teacup down, the crisp clink pulling Yu Qing back from her curiosity about the Fu Family’s secrets.
“All right, let’s continue. Besides the eyes and smile, the expression between the brows is also important.”
The lesson continued, but Yu Qing found herself distracted, listening to Wen Wan’s explanations absentmindedly until Wen Wan’s gentle reminder brought her back to focus.
And just like that, an entire day’s lesson passed quietly without her noticing.