Perhaps it's because our esteemed guest this time is especially important. Despite my sarcastic remarks and teasing towards the mama-san, she still had someone deliver a table full of food to me, along with a piece of white chiffon. How nice, just like Cuicui! It wouldn't be too bad to step on stage together with Cuicui. After all, I can't leave anyway, might as well stay here. Speaking of Zhong Cuicui, I don't even know what feelings I have for her. All I know is that I extremely cherish her every smile and frown, and I dislike the sadness and tears on her face.

The sound of knocking on the door, "thump thump thump," interrupted my thoughts. I knew it was Madame Bao who had sent Zhong Cui to help me dress up. Sure enough, as the door creaked open, Zhong Cui walked in wearing her unchanging white gown. At this moment, she had already lost the melancholy of the morning and exuded a noble and extravagant aura, just like the first time I saw her. Well, using the word "noble" to describe a courtesan does indeed feel out of place, but in my heart, Cui Cui is noble. This time, she had pinned a white rose in her hair, making her vermilion mole between her eyebrows even more captivating.

"Aying." She gracefully walked towards me, the bells on her ankles making a melodious sound. This time, she wore a pair of pink embroidered shoes on her feet instead of being barefoot like before. Her voice gentle, she called my name and gently picked up the peach wood comb from the dressing table to help me brush my hair with slow movements.

"Aying, have you learned how to dance? I..." After a while, Zhong Cui suddenly spoke, her tone somewhat hesitant. I knew she was worried that I would not dance well and be punished by the madam, after all, we were going to perform together. If my movements were too clumsy, it would definitely tarnish the reputation of this Lan Shan Tower. Dancing? Although I only have a superficial understanding, I did learn a bit from the court dancers, so it should be passable. I just hope that the distinguished guest who is coming is not someone I know. Otherwise, the face of the young miss from the Shang Shu Mansion will surely be completely lost."

"After learning for a while, there shouldn't be any problem." I reassured Zhong Cui with a calm and comforting gaze. Seeing a hint of worry on her face, I added, "Cui Cui, you don't have to necessarily perform a dance on stage. I can accompany you on the zither." For me, as long as I don't look up while playing the zither, no one would recognize me. Compared to dancing, it is much safer. Otherwise, if someone were to recognize me and report it to the imperial censors, the entire Shangshu Mansion would be in trouble. I would rather spend my whole life in this Lan Shan building than to bring trouble upon my father. Besides, Zhong Cui is here, isn't she?"

"Aying, do you know how to play the guqin? Can you teach me?" Upon hearing me mention the guqin, Zhong Cui's voice became unusually excited. Her eyes gleamed slightly, and she even forgot about combing my hair. She clutched the comb in her hand and hugged me tightly, as she stood while I sat. My head was nestled against her chest, and after a while, I started feeling suffocated from the lack of air. This behavior from Zhong Cui made me feel uneasy, and I suddenly remembered her initial timidity when we first met. I still remember her saying, "Yu Ying, can I hold you for a while? Just for a moment..."

My Cuicui, she was supposed to be a proud girl. How can this timidity appear on her face? I gently lifted my head from her embrace and reached out to stroke her slightly drooping willow leaf eyebrows, saying softly, "It's okay, just don't despise Aying, Cuicui."