Chapter Twenty-One: First Love

Five days passed in a blur. Early in the morning, Gou Ye arrived at Yun Niang’s house. As soon as he opened the door, his eyes lit up—Yun Niang was dressed in a light blue dress. Though young, her graceful figure was already beginning to show; paired with her delicate, rosy face, she looked especially charming. Gou Ye stared at her, captivated. Yun Niang spun around playfully and laughed with a voice as clear as a bell, “Does it look good, Brother Gou Ye?”

“It looks wonderful! Absolutely beautiful.” As a seasoned bachelor, Gou Ye’s blood surged at the sight of his lovely future bride, nearly making his nose bleed.

He hurried to sit at the table, deliberately changing the subject to hide his embarrassment from Yun Niang’s mother. “So, Auntie, how are you feeling today?”

“I’m well enough, able to handle light chores at home. I went out early this morning to practice the Five Animal Play taught by Doctor Hua. These days, I’ve been coughing much less.”

Gou Ye nodded with a smile. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of Yun Niang’s slender, fair legs and shivered. Yun Niang noticed and turned around with a quiet laugh.

After breakfast, Gou Ye took his manuscript, Yun Niang carried the clothes she had finished making, and they bid farewell to Yun Niang’s mother, heading for the county town. Along the way, Yun Niang saw Gou Ye’s shy demeanor for the first time and mischievously stretched out her leg to tease him. Gou Ye quickly covered her skirt and scolded her repeatedly.

When they reached the city gate, they saw Gu Shen waiting atop a white horse. Behind him stood a crowd. When Gou Ye and Yun Niang arrived, the group solemnly greeted them, calling out in unison, “Hero Gou!”

Gou Ye jumped off the ox cart, laughing heartily. “No need for formality, everyone. I had Gu Shen gather you here because tomorrow our little shop will open, and I’ll need your help.”

“Hero Gou, there’s no need for courtesy. Whatever you need, just say the word.”

“Very well, then I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ve already asked Gu Shen to instruct Boss Hu. Go to the bookstore to collect a batch of flyers. Divide yourselves into teams—each person is responsible for a street. Make sure every shop gets a flyer.”

“That’s easy enough!” With that, everyone cupped their hands to Gou Ye and efficiently returned to the city, heading toward the bookstore.

Gu Shen dismounted and greeted Gou Ye with a smile. “Hero Gou, I truly believe in you now. I thought when you asked these people to help, they would hesitate. Earlier, they were just sitting in front of the bookstore, not responding to anything. But as soon as I mentioned you needed something, they all shot up at once, startling me. Brother Gou Ye, you really command respect.”

Gu Shen had no idea of the power of fans. These people were Gou Ye’s core supporters, rallying for him in everything from publicity to tasks. Whatever their idol wanted, they would do, even to the point of obsession—if their idol committed crimes, they would still support him. What is this? It’s faith. Did you think the Yellow Turban Army of the Three Kingdoms or the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom at the end of the Qing dynasty were just fooling around? But fans are like a torrent—well managed, they are useful; mishandled, and their adoration turns to resentment, potentially overwhelming their idol.

Gou Ye understood this well. For small matters, it was convenient; for large ones, it could prove troublesome. He struck a pose and returned Gu Shen’s gesture. “Ha, Brother Gu Shen, don’t tease me. These people still need to be paid for their work. Now, how have you handled the other matters I entrusted to you?”

“All taken care of. The signboard is done, supplies are fully stocked—everything’s ready for tomorrow’s opening.”

“Good. I trust you, Brother Gu Shen. Come with me into the city to find an inn; Yun Niang and I won’t be leaving today.”

“An inn? Brother Gou Ye, you’re too modest. How can I let you stay at an inn in the county? You and Yun Niang will stay at my home tonight!” With that, he pulled Gou Ye into the city.

Along the way, Gou Ye hired an ox cart loaded with goods and went to inspect the shop. As he expected, Cai Sheng had done well—the shop was spotless, almost like new. Gou Ye was satisfied, instructed Cai Sheng on arranging the merchandise, and set up the ice chest. Relieved, he brought Yun Niang and Gu Shen to the Jingguo mansion.

Before long, the two men, unaccustomed to alcohol, were completely drunk and began speaking freely.

Gu Shen, his face flushed, pointed at the entrance and said, “Brother Gou Ye, do you know my greatest ambition? To bring honor to my family! But though I come from a prestigious house, I cannot earn a degree, nor can I join the army. I am left to be nothing but a playboy. Brother Gou Ye, look at me, do I seem like a playboy to you?”

Gou Ye waved his hand. “Not at all!”

“I agree! How could a scion of the Jingguo Duke’s house be a playboy? Brother Gou Ye, meeting you has been my good fortune. Honestly, I believe in you. I believe that one day you will help me—help me restore the glory of the Gu family!”

“Good! I’ll help you! If one day I achieve my dream, I’ll surely help you!”

Whether Gou Ye meant it or was just drunk, Gu Shen’s bleary eyes twitched. “Come! Cheers!”

Putting down his wine cup, Gu Shen glanced at Yun Niang and suddenly said, “Brother Gou Ye, I must say, you’re a lucky man. Yun Niang, my future sister-in-law.” Yun Niang’s face instantly turned red. “Such beauty and talent—truly a worthy partner. Brother Gou Ye, you must never let her down!”

Gou Ye, clearly drunk as well, stood up, seized Yun Niang’s hand, and declared, “I, Gou Ye, would rather betray the world than ever betray my Yun Niang!”

With that, he collapsed onto the table. Gu Shen squinted, took another drink, and called out, “Steward! Come in! Take Young Master Gou and Miss Yun to their rooms to rest.” Then he too slumped over the table, unconscious.

Watching the drunken Gou Ye, Yun Niang giggled softly and gently stroked his hand.

The next day, the three arrived at the entrance of Willow Lane in the Flower Quarter. It was as lively as a festival, with crowds bustling and voices rising. That group of book lovers greeted him in unison, “Hero Gou!” Gou Ye returned the salute and led them through the crowd to the shop.

He stood atop a stone pedestal and spoke loudly, “Dear friends and neighbors, thank you for gracing my little shop on its opening day. I believe you’ve all received a flyer. Can anyone tell me what was written on it?”

A young woman replied softly, “It was the story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai!”

“Exactly. As this young lady said, it was about Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, and I believe those who have read it know their tragic, beautiful love story. Love is something we all yearn for, and even more, we yearn for that person who captures our heart at first glance—who is he? He is the young man who first awakens your feelings, or the beautiful, shy maiden.”

Gou Ye’s words stirred the crowd, some moved to tears by thoughts of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.

“It’s his appearance that makes your heart race, and hers that brings a cooling breeze to your fiery soul. Today, as our shop opens, we not only honor this poignant love story, but also hope to let everyone feel these emotions. How? Through the food we sell—food that lets you taste a special kind of feeling. What kind of feeling? This kind of feeling!” With that, Gou Ye pulled off the red cloth covering the signboard, revealing two beautiful characters: “First Love.”