TSFLIP Chapter 837

The bustling capital of Kyoto was still lively at sunset; vendors’ cries filled the streets without pause.

School had just ended.

A twelve-year-old boy was the last to walk out. His skin was fair, his looks flawless. But what drew the most attention was his head of white hair. It didn’t make him look odd—if anything, it heightened a breathtaking beauty and a maturity far beyond his years. For someone so young, he carried himself with a noble air that few could match.

People in the area had seen him countless times, yet whenever this white-haired boy appeared, they couldn’t help but whisper. He was the young master of Linglong Manor. No one knew where Linglong Manor had come from; it had suddenly appeared in Kyoto one day, and even now, no one could figure out the power behind it.

A seven- or eight-year-old girl came running over, her arms full of sweets. All of them were candies and pastries. She was an adorable child, dressed in silks that clearly marked her as someone of status. She presented her sweets like treasures, holding them out to the boy.
“Ah Xing, I’ll give you all these treats. Be my friend!”

“Miss Xu.” The boy gave a slight nod. “I appreciate your kindness.”

The little girl was named Xu Ling, the only daughter of the current Minister of War. Minister Xu had a daughter late in life, so it was clear how dearly he spoiled her.

Xu Ling didn’t like being refused. She pouted.
“I’m giving you these because I like you. Why would you refuse me?”

“I don’t like sweets.” He paused, then added with a small smile, “And I like girls who don’t like sweets even less.”

“Ah Xing!”

“Miss Xu, boys and girls should keep a proper distance. Please don’t call me that.”

“Zhou Xing! You’re making me so mad!”
The little girl threw all the treats in her hands onto the ground. Her maid and servants hurried to calm her down.

Zhou Xing smiled lightly.
“If there’s nothing else, please excuse me—I’ll be on my way.”

Furious, Xu Ling tried to chase after him, but her servants dragged her home, using the excuse that it was getting late.

The onlookers, who had been enjoying the spectacle a moment ago, instantly dispersed and went about their business.

Zhou Xing walked down the street, then suddenly stopped. He had spotted someone—a woman dressed in red.

She was beautiful, her vibrant red clothing accentuating her graceful figure. Many men were secretly staring at her, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes were fixed on the candied hawthorn skewers in a vendor’s hand, sparkling like starlight. Her expression was so adorably hungry that she might as well have had the words “I really want to eat that” written across her face. People who looked her way found it impossible to look away again.

Zhou Xing stood watching her for a long moment. Then he walked over and handed the vendor two copper coins.
“One skewer of candied hawthorn.”

“Of course.” The vendor quickly handed one over. “Here you go, young master.”

As expected, her pitiful gaze fell right onto him.

For some reason, Zhou Xing felt unusually pleased. He held out the candied hawthorn to her.
“Do you want it?”

“Yes!” she answered instantly, with no pretense at all.

“Tell me your name, and I’ll give it to you.”

She froze, then tilted her head.
“Why do you want to know my name?”

“I don’t know.” He shook his head, then let out a soft laugh. “I only know that since I want to know your name, then I’m definitely going to find out.”