Ning Wanwan was curious and asked, "I thought you were taking me for riding and archery? Why are you taking me out on the town at night?"
"Didn't you lose your memory? I'm bringing you here to help you remember," Pei Jinxiu replied.
"What could I possibly remember on the main street?"
"It seems you really have forgotten everything," Pei Jinxiu sighed helplessly.
Ning Wanwan felt he was being deliberately mysterious and persisted, "So, what exactly can I remember out here on the street?" She certainly wasn't the original Ning Wanwan.
"You've forgotten? Ten-Mile Capital Street used to be your favorite place. You would always sneak out to have fun, then drag me and your brother to the taverns to chase after women."
Ning Wanwan was speechless and found it hard to believe. The original owner must have had some stories to tell, though their personalities were actually quite similar.
"Still nothing coming back to you?" Pei Jinxiu’s dark eyes reflected Ning Wanwan’s lovely face, and the corners of his mouth turned up; he seemed to be in a very good mood.
"No," Ning Wanwan answered truthfully. Even if she were given a billion years, she wouldn't remember, because the soul in this body had long since changed.
If Pei Jinxiu truly loved the original owner, would he be devastated if he knew the truth?
But Ning Wanwan didn't know that men lacked true love, let alone would they shed tears of grief for her.
"If you still can't remember, I will keep helping you search until you do," Pei Jinxiu said firmly.
Ning Wanwan gave an awkward laugh. "There’s no need to be so persistent. Perhaps not remembering is a good thing. Let the past be the past; starting over is quite nice too."
As she said this, Ning Wanwan felt a strange sensation in her heart—as if she were deceiving or hypnotizing herself. It was hard to describe.
But what exactly was she deceiving herself about? Could it be that she was truly developing feelings for Pei Jinxiu, and hoped he wouldn't just see the past, but would let go of it to see her—a new soul? Or was it because she felt ashamed for occupying everything that belonged to the original owner?
It was truly strange. Ning Wanwan couldn't help but think that there couldn't be anyone in the world more conflicted than herself. She felt she was overthinking things, both regarding Pei Jinxiu and herself.
To help Ning Wanwan recall the past, Pei Jinxiu even took her to a tavern they used to frequent.
The people there seemed to know Pei Jinxiu well. The manager came over to greet him obsequiously, and upon seeing Ning Wanwan, remarked, "The lady is truly a beauty who could topple cities, as fair as a celestial being. Yet, you look strangely familiar."
Pei Jinxiu pulled Ning Wanwan close affectionately and explained, "This is my wife."
"Ah, my apologies, sir. Please forgive my oversight."
Inside the private room, Pei Jinxiu poured her a drink.
Ning Wanwan didn't know how to drink; she took the cup but only dared to hold it to her lips.
"It smells wonderful," Ning Wanwan couldn't help but comment. The scent of the wine was mixed with the distinct aroma of sweet osmanthus; it was intoxicating just to smell it.
Pei Jinxiu chuckled and gracefully drained his own cup in one go.
Ning Wanwan looked at him, then at the wine in her own hand, and dared to take a sip.
"Ugh, it's a bit bitter, and spicy too." Ning Wanwan’s little face wrinkled, and she set the cup down with a look of distaste.
Pei Jinxiu stared at her, his gaze burning and sharp.
Ning Wanwan felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze, mainly because Pei Jinxiu was just too handsome—he was like an enchanting spirit.
"What are you looking at?" Ning Wanwan touched her face, looking at Pei Jinxiu curiously.
Pei Jinxiu shook his head and said nothing more, simply continuing to drink as if something were troubling him.
For some reason, at that moment, Ning Wanwan felt the urge to get drunk with him. She raised her cup, closed her eyes, and imitated Pei Jinxiu by downing it all at once.
The wine smelled divine, tasted bitter and spicy, but left a sweet aftertaste.
Ning Wanwan slammed the cup down. She felt a heat rising in her eyes and her face began to burn.
"It really goes to the head," Ning Wanwan mumbled. Not yet feeling the full effect, she reached out to pour another cup, intending to savor it this time.
By the time she realized it, she had already finished three or four cups. Her head began to spin, and she even started seeing flickering shadows of Pei Jinxiu.
Ning Wanwan waved her little hand in front of Pei Jinxiu’s face.
Pei Jinxiu had stopped moving at some point; seeing her playful gestures, he couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile.
"What are you laughing at, you..." Ning Wanwan felt tipsy, and her courage had grown.
Pei Jinxiu couldn't understand what she was saying. Normally, she wouldn't let him get too close, but today, she had crawled right into his lap.
Pei Jinxiu pulled her onto his lap, looking at her flushed face, his deep eyes dark and unfathomable.
"You brought this upon yourself." Pei Jinxiu scooped her up horizontally and gently laid her on the soft couch.
Ning Wanwan suddenly felt a chill on her chest; someone was moving their hands over her body.
The person on the couch was flushed, and as they moved from the couch to the bed, the room was filled with the stirrings of passion.