Yuna had the bad luck to bump into someone. If she'd hit a real man, he might've been so dazed he'd laugh like an idiot—maybe even take the scolding or beating later without a single complaint.
But Yuna was scared. She lowered her head quickly and apologized, "I'm sorry, miss."
"Look up," the woman ordered.
Yuna lifted her head. The woman in front of her looked around twenty. She was dressed in flashy clothes, her hair full of gold and silver ornaments. Her looks were average, but behind her stood two stunningly handsome men. Don't think that was a stroke of luck. In this world, men were like beautiful peacocks—elegant and eye-catching—while women's looks were usually plain.
So here, finding a good-looking man was easy. And finding a loyal one? Even easier. This place was clearly paradise for women.
But for someone like Yuna, a newly graduated high school girl with normal values, this world was way too bizarre. That's why she dressed like a man.
Anyway, back to the situation—the woman looked her up and down, clearly unimpressed. She curled her lips and said, "You dirtied my dress. You owe me one tael of silver. Pay up now, or I'll report you to the authorities for assaulting a woman."
Yet another reminder that this world favored women. The law even said bumping into a woman was a crime. When Yuna first heard it, she thought men were joking. But judging by this woman's attitude, it was real.
"Miss, I don't have that kind of money," Yuna said with a sheepish smile. But her lack of awe and flustered expression clearly annoyed the woman.
"You dare smile after bumping into me? Someone, beat him up and take him to the authorities!"
Before she could react, the two handsome men moved. They grabbed Yuna firmly. She knew she couldn't escape. Just as she was thinking of how to get away, a man stepped out of the shop. It was the gentleman who helped her yesterday.
He spoke coldly, "I'll pay for Miss Zeng's dress on behalf of this young man. Will that do?" Then he had someone bring out a tael of silver. "Please, Miss Zeng, for my sake, let this go."
Miss Zeng looked at him and frowned. She had come to the shop every few days just to catch a glimpse of him. But he never showed up. Now that he finally did, it was to speak up for someone else? Was she invisible to him?
A discarded man like him still dared to act like someone important? She sneered and said, "Fine. Then when I come next time, you better host me properly—no more hiding behind that veil."
"Um..." The gentleman started to reply, but Yuna suddenly took the silver from the mute attendant and said, "Consider this money borrowed from you." She handed it to one of the men behind Miss Zeng. "I've paid for your dress. Are we done?"
No man had ever spoken so boldly to a woman. Miss Zeng was furious. "You—!"
But the man had already taken the money, cutting the argument short. She kicked him hard. "Useless!" Then stormed off.
Was that her husband? Kicking him in public like that—how humiliating. But the people around didn't seem shocked. That's when Yuna realized just how twisted this world really was.
The gentleman hadn't expected her to react so quickly. Most men would've been stunned in front of a woman. But Yuna? She calmly called it a loan and left no room for Miss Zeng to lash back.
He smiled. "You're clever."
"Hehe, thank you, sir. But I really can't pay you back. How about I work in your shop to repay the debt?"
Shameless? Maybe. But thin skin didn't put food on the table or a roof over your head.
The gentleman already liked how quick-witted she was. He waved her inside. It was a fabric shop, and people were busy working. He led her to a room in the back and offered her tea.
"Sit. What's your name?"
"I'm Yuna." She felt a little guilty for using his kindness to get a job.
He casually removed his veil and placed it aside. "Nice name. I own two calligraphy shops in Donglin City. If you know how to read, you can help there."
Yuna hesitated. This man was too good-looking. Even in a world full of pretty men, his refined looks were rare.
But why did someone so young have long silver-white hair tied with a golden crown and two silver hairpins? It was elegant but strange—an eerie kind of beauty. He looked like a spirit more than a human. Yet his expression was gentle and polite.
A contradiction—beautiful, but strange. And did people here really have silver hair? She stared, stunned. He didn't seem to mind.
"Sorry, I... don't really know how to read," Yuna admitted. She barely knew how to use a brush, and reading traditional characters was another struggle. Years of education, and here she was, suddenly illiterate. It was depressing.
The gentleman smiled softly, with a charm that was both gentle and enchanting. If Yuna hadn't been reminding herself she was a "man," she might've gotten completely lost in that smile.
She quickly looked down and pretended to be shy.
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen," she answered honestly.
"Then stay at my house as a servant for now. I'll have someone teach you how to read and serve guests. Once you've learned enough, you can help at the calligraphy shop. Sound good?" Seventeen? She looked younger. Probably because she was thin and poor.
"Great! Um, will food and shelter be included?" Yuna was thrilled. Nothing could be better than having such a kind and beautiful boss.
"Of course. If you have nowhere to go, pack up and move into my residence. Ya Tong, escort this Yuna and show him the way."
After speaking, he picked up a book and sat down to read, elegant and distant—suddenly more like a flower on a high mountain, hard to reach.