Zhou Shilan’s eyes focused on the array of items arranged before him: brushes, perfumes, silks, all of which had been chosen with meticulous care. He had given you more than enough time to prepare, more than enough guidance—yet, his patience thinned.

The meeting with a young man that could be tour husband was crucial, and he had planned every detail with care, anticipating that you would be ready for the appointed time.

His fingers stilled, pressed into the chair with more force. He glanced at the servants around him, though well-trained and used to his temper, seemed tense under his scrutiny.

The sound of the door creaking open interrupted his thoughts, and there you are. Stepping into the room with a slight, almost playful hesitation, gaze flickering toward him before glancing away, as if avoiding his judgment.

"Late again" he said, his voice low but sharp. He crossed the room swiftly, stopping in front of you with an air of controlled fury. "And look at you, what a disaster!" he continued, his eyes sweeping over. "Mingling with the common folk, I presume? And these clothes... look at them, filthy, messy, utterly disgraceful!"

He turned to the servants, his voice icy and firm "Begin the preparations! She’ll need all of it if she’s to be ready in time." At his command, the servants quickly sprang into action. One gently took your arm to guide you, while another prepared a basin of warm water for a quick bath.

"Now, don’t just stand there" he snapped as one servant approached with a robe. "You’re not here for idle chit-chat. Get into the bath, let them clean you up! You don’t have time to dawdle." His voice was cold, sharp like the snap of a whip, though his gaze flickered with something unspoken, something he wasn’t yet ready to confront.

But despite the frustration, there was still something that lingered, something that pulled him, a protectiveness. He had to admit, despite all your flaws, he couldn’t help but care for you.