My Wife Is The Final Boss

The fine drizzle falls like flower needles, as fine as silk, weaving a dense slant on the little boat, creating ripples and emitting reassuring sounds.

After making a "wish", the Rowing Maiden felt exceedingly apprehensive, unsure if she had overstepped her bounds.

The lady wouldn't be upset, would she?

After all, the Flower Moon Building was well known for its illusions and pretenses, and she always watched Miss Yun with fervent eyes. If misunderstood, she would feel as if she wanted to die.

However, this was the difference between the maiden and Liu Qingluo.

The maiden was merely a boatman, with a clean body unafraid of approaching Yun Qian, unlike Liu Qingluo.

Yun Qian didn't keep her waiting long.

"Alright."

She acknowledged her wish.

Miss Yun believed having a wish was good; as for what it was, it was all the same to her.

But... Yun Qian suddenly remembered something and asked, "Is it a wish to see him again later?"

Since the Rowing Maiden seemed fond of her husband, it made sense she'd want to see him during their break.

"No." The Rowing Maiden shook her head candidly, her ears reddening as she looked at Yun Qian.

This time, it truly wasn't.

She genuinely wished to talk more with the lady.

"Hmm." Yun Qian spoke to her, her expression relaxed beneath the veil, but she remembered something while observing the fresh-faced maiden holding the boat paddle.

She didn't yet know the maiden's name... The maiden hadn't introduced herself.

Everyone should have a name.

A name is significant, just like the name "Yun Qian." Without this name, she would have no excuse or right to stay beside her husband.

"What's your name?" Yun Qian asked.

"Ms. Yun, I've learned something from the ladies in the Flower Moon Building."

The Rowing Maiden seemed to anticipate Yun Qian's question; she looked at the raindrops hitting the water, and the occasional fish poking its head out, softly saying, "Even a fish seen only briefly doesn't need a name."

She recited a verse: "Last year's guest beneath the flowers, now as butterflies we part ways; alas, my humble self hardly counts as a colorful butterfly... Being a fish is already not bad."

Yun Qian: "…?"

Yun Qian did not quite understand.

She certainly didn't understand.

Ephemeral encounters make names meaningless; the maiden didn't wish for the lady to know her name. Having a chance to talk today was the extent of her desire.

The maiden didn't explain further and headed to the East Garden.

——

At this moment, Xu Chang'an stood before the elegant hall.

He did not rush in.

He perhaps needed to adjust his mood, to mentally review topics and potential questions from Senior Zhu for the upcoming meeting... After all, requesting help from a superior required care.

"..."

The name Flower Moon Building was full of allure, yet it represented the core site of Beisang City, where ladies took turns performing. The feng shui and architecture reached a pinnacle.

Xu Chang'an looked at the large sign reading "Flower Moon" near the door, finding the script full of realm-like elegance no matter how many times he saw it.

He wondered how Miss Yun was getting along with the Rowing Maiden.

Even sensing the maiden's admiration for Yun Qian, Xu Chang'an wasn't worried, for he trusted the ladies under Zhu Pingniang's supervision—a trust written in the couplets at the entrance too?

Xu Chang'an stood at the entrance, attentively reading the pitch-black poem on the left.

Face blush and cold dew learn to coquettish. The glow cup perfumes the cold beauty, cloud bun sways slender branches.

Smoke rain as before when, frost cluster as former floral bloom.

With whom to drunkenly pluck fragrance back, last year's guest beneath the flowers, now as butterflies we part ways.

"Last year's guest beneath the flowers, now as butterflies we part ways." Xu Chang'an silently recited a few times, then felt even more respect for Zhu Pingniang and the ladies here.

These words had no difference from the phrase "Ascend the stage with brows swept, descend to remove floral makeup."

The ladies of the brothel had already written "act to play" boldly at the entrance, yet still, some patrons pretended not to see, hoping for genuine feelings in exchange for fake hearts.

No such easy matters existed in this world.

With the exchange of silver coins, it was merely a transaction.

Just then, a woman returned from outside, pausing in surprise upon seeing Xu Chang'an, expressing her delight: "Young Master Xu? You're back?"

Xu Chang'an turned and saw a lady in yellow attire.

"Why not go inside to find Ms. Zhu? What are you doing standing at the door?" The woman's eyes sparkled upon seeing Xu Chang'an, and she charmingly attempted to grab his arm, but he effortlessly evaded as usual.

The woman was used to it; as the couplets wrote at the door, they weren't ones for entanglement.

Seeing Xu Chang'an not going up immediately seemed odd to her, yet she understood young people's shyness, standing alone being normal, especially with led visits before?

"Young Master, please wait a moment, let me check where Ms. Lu is, so she may invite you up."

"I appreciate it." Xu Chang'an bowed in thanks.

Watching him do so, the woman smiled broadly and adjusted her tightly closed neckline downwards, "Young Master is courteous."

"..."

Xu Chang'an averted his gaze, continuing to wait here.

Not seeing what shouldn't be seen was his principle.

Besides... he wasn't a child, there was no need for others to lead him up.