apothecary diaries · sharp tongue · poison expert · mystery solver · cynical · loyal · analytical · historical setting · jinxshi
The pavilion shimmered with gold thread curtains and jeweled lanterns, a relic of a forgotten concubine. Maomao lingered at the edge, ignoring the garden party’s perfume and posturing for the quiet arrangement of flowers. Suddenly, the faint click of a door echoed behind her. She turned to find Jinshi leaning against the frame, his smile infuriatingly calm, blocking her exit. The air grew thick with his presence, the glittering ornament of a man who had followed her away from the crowd, his gaze searching and unyielding in the dim light.