Qin Yuchuan, fearing she might truly be upset, said, "I wanted to give you a surprise on your birthday."
"But I wasn't surprised at all. I've been in a daze these past few days," Feng Qingyi replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm glad you gave me your answer after careful consideration. I won't give you a chance to regret it," he said.
Though his words were meant to be affectionate, coming from Qin Yuchuan's mouth, they sounded more like a solemn vow.
Feng Qingyi said, "Hurry up and use your time-space portal to send me back. Next time, bring me here on the weekend. I haven't even gone shopping yet!"
"The time-space portal has time restrictions. If you want to come back, you'll need to wait three days."
Feng Qingyi calculated the time. Three days later would be the weekend again, so she should be able to explore the streets of Shengjing then.
Back in her villa, Feng Qingyi touched the bracelet on her wrist.
Not only did she now have a boyfriend, but she had also traveled to ancient times!
If it weren't for the bracelet's presence, she would have thought she was dreaming.
Her trip to the General's Mansion had taken up her study time.
Now, Feng Qingyi had no choice but to catch up on the lessons she had missed today.
The virtual classroom courses, apart from having master-level teachers and immersive learning, still required self-discipline.
After months of hard work, Feng Qingyi was finally about to complete her beginner-level music course. However, her progress in intermediate martial arts and advanced painting courses had slowed considerably.
The higher the level, the more time it took to learn.
Feng Qingyi felt it might take her decades to complete all the courses available in the mysterious online store.
...
After a period of continuous snowfall, Shengjing finally welcomed a sunny day.
Xuanyuan Xi looked at the melting snowman in the courtyard. "I wonder when Qingyi will be able to come again!"
Hearing this, Bai Wei said, "Miss Qingyi is busy with her studies. She should come when she has a holiday."
"Bai Wei, send someone to clean up Qinghuan Courtyard and decorate it nicely. When Qingyi comes, let her stay there."
"Also, go to the Brocade Embroidery Workshop to order some clothes, shoes, socks, and accessories. Prepare everything she might need."
Bai Wei acknowledged, "This servant will go and take care of it right away!"
Qinghuan Courtyard was located north of Falling Flower Courtyard, a short walk away.
However, it had been vacant for years, with no one living there.
Qin Yuchuan, looking through the window of his study, saw people moving tables and chairs into Qinghuan Courtyard.
He went over to inquire about the situation, and upon learning it was Xuanyuan Xi's order, he understood.
His mother had long been eager for him to marry, and she was likely making early preparations.
But now wasn't the right time, and Feng Qingyi might not agree either.
As far as he knew, in their world, people usually considered marriage after graduating from school and securing stable jobs.
He also had things he needed to do, and before everything was settled, he couldn't put her in danger.
[Qingyi: Qin Yuchuan, are you there?]
[Qingyi: We agreed to go shopping today. You haven't forgotten, have you?]
[Yuchuan: I haven't forgotten.]
[Qingyi: Good. Then come and pick me up quickly.]
[Yuchuan: Alright, wait for me.]
Considering that her modern clothes might draw too much attention on the ancient streets, Feng Qingyi put on the crabapple blossom dress Qin Yuchuan had given her.
When Qin Yuchuan arrived, he saw Feng Qingyi looking at herself in the mirror with a troubled expression.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his tone carrying a tenderness he himself didn't notice.
Feng Qingyi pointed to her hair. "I don't know how to style my hair in an ancient updo. Won't I be seen as a madwoman if I go out like this?"
Qin Yuchuan was also at a loss when it came to women's hairstyles.
"When we get to the mansion, we can have one of the maids help you."
There was no other choice now. "Alright, let's go then," she said.
Having experienced the transfer once before, Feng Qingyi was much calmer this time.
After a flash of white light, Feng Qingyi found herself in Qin Yuchuan's study.
Qin Yuchuan took her to Qinghuan Courtyard and called for a maid to help her with her hair.
"Miss, what kind of hairstyle would you like?" the maid asked.
Feng Qingyi, not knowing much about ancient hairstyles, replied, "Just do something simple for me."
"This servant is best at the 'Fairy Ascending' style. I'll do that for you now, Miss."
"Alright, thank you!"
The little maid was surprised to hear Feng Qingyi's thanks. "Miss, you're too kind. It's this servant's duty."
Feng Qingyi asked, "What's your name?"
"This servant is called Xue Cha."
"Xue Cha, snow tea, cooling and refreshing, clears the mind and calms the spirit. It's a nice name. From now on, don't refer to yourself as 'this servant' in front of me. I don't like it."
Xue Cha was momentarily confused by Feng Qingyi's request, but since it was her mistress's order, she agreed.
"This serv— Xue Cha understands."
Feng Qingyi was amazed at how quickly her hair was styled as she looked in the bronze mirror.
If Xue Cha were a modern-day stylist, her efficiency would be unmatched.
After finishing the hairstyle, Xue Cha added some hair accessories for Feng Qingyi.
The accessory was a simple golden hairpin, which matched her dress quite well.
Although the hairstyle was simple and beautiful, Feng Qingyi felt like she had a butterfly bow on top of her head.
"Miss, it's done," Xue Cha said.
Feng Qingyi smiled and said, "Your skills are amazing. Thank you so much. I'll be going now."
"Please be careful, Miss. Watch your step."
Feng Qingyi had already quickly walked out the door. Qin Yuchuan was waiting for her in the courtyard.
When he saw Feng Qingyi emerge, Qin Yuchuan was momentarily stunned.
He had always known she was beautiful, but today she looked even more stunning than before.
Her hair was styled up, revealing her smooth forehead, with slightly curled wisps of hair framing her face, giving her a lively and charming appearance.
"How does my hairstyle look?" Feng Qingyi asked.
Qin Yuchuan answered honestly, "Beautiful."
"That's good. Let's hurry and go out!" Feng Qingyi urged.
Qin Yuchuan took Feng Qingyi's hand. "Hold my hand tightly. Don't get lost."
"I'm not a three-year-old child. How could I get lost while shopping?" she protested.
Despite her words, Feng Qingyi didn't pull her hand away.
Feeling the warmth from his palm, Feng Qingyi stole a glance at Qin Yuchuan on her right. His face remained expressionless as usual.
Feng Qingyi had long since grown accustomed to his stoic demeanor and didn't find it strange.
As they walked out of the main gate of the General's Mansion, Feng Qingyi saw Yan Chi and Yan Yang standing next to a horse-drawn carriage.
"General, Miss Qingyi, please get in the carriage," Yan Yang said, lifting the curtain for them.
Feng Qingyi, riding in a horse-drawn carriage for the first time, was extremely excited. She kept lifting the curtain to peek at the scenery outside.
However, there was only wind, no scenery.
"Why haven't we seen a single person after traveling for so long?" Feng Qingyi asked curiously.
Qin Yuchuan explained, "This area is where high-ranking officials and nobles reside, unlike the bustling markets."
"I see, so it's like a luxury villa district. These places are usually quiet."
After passing through the silent, deserted streets, the carriage slowly entered the busy market area.
Here, the sounds of vendors calling out and hawkers shouting filled the air, somewhat similar to what she had seen in TV dramas.
Feng Qingyi lifted the curtain, wanting to take a look at the scene outside, but Qin Yuchuan grasped her wrist.
