“Is that the Mary?” I couldn’t help but mutter softly. Abraham Lincoln nodded, a strange smile on his face. “What, don’t tell me even you, brother, have never met your own future wife, the illustrious Minister of War, Duan Mary?”

“You don’t know I’ve lost my memory?” I shot him a glare, and as I turned my head, I saw that Duan Mary had already fixed her gaze on me, a flicker of surprise in her clear eyes, as if she was astonished to see me here.

Just as I was hesitating whether to go up and greet her or turn around and slip away, Duan Mary had already stood up first, giving me a graceful, slight bow: “Greetings, Brother Wuji.” Her voice was gentle and clear, yet carried a hint of chill, as if she were standing in a snowy landscape, draped in fox fur, speaking softly.

“Not at all, greetings, Mary.” I took a deep breath, ignoring the strange looks from those around me, stepped forward, and returned the bow.

Then, well, I really didn’t know what to say. It’s not that I lack experience dealing with pretty girls—in my previous life, I’d even tried to pick up girls—but I truly had no experience dealing with my own fiancée.

Meanwhile, the looks from Abraham Lincoln and the others, who had been standing by ready to watch the show, grew even stranger.

Fine, fine, fine, after all, I’m a man. As a gentleman, as a refined and courteous man, I certainly couldn’t let the atmosphere freeze at a time like this—it would do neither of us any good. So I could only smile at this picturesque, elegant beauty, whose brows, though delicate, carried a coldness that kept people at a distance, like a snow-drenched petal—Duan Mary: “It’s been a long time, Mary, how have you been?”

“I’ve always been in good health, but it was you, brother, who fell seriously ill some days ago. Have you recovered?” Duan Mary smiled faintly, speaking unhurriedly.

“Thank you, Mary, for your concern. I’m almost fully recovered.” I replied dryly. Dealing with such an ice-cold beauty was really uncomfortable—at least for me. Talented women, huh. In my previous life, I’d met so-called campus belles who were also talented. There was even a pretty girl who loved ancient Chinese poetry and calligraphy, and we got to know each other through those interests. But in less than two years, she’d stretched her long legs and stepped into a BMW, leaving this nobody with nothing but a bit of talent behind. Since then, I’d lost all interest in “talented women.”

Chapter Eleven: Having Lived Another Life, Why Not Live Freely and Happily?

“It’s been a while. I have some things I’d like to discuss with you, brother. Do you have a moment?” Duan Mary kept her eyes on my face, but then she said something that left me momentarily stunned.

“I have time, I have time!” Damn, I hadn’t even opened my mouth—where did that voice come from? I turned around fiercely, only to see Abraham Lincoln grinning lewdly at me, winking nonstop, with a look of loyal courage as if he’d risk his life for a brother. No matter how I looked at him, he seemed like trouble. I used to think he was pure and good-natured, but it seems that was just a façade. Who knows, maybe deep down he’s just as shameless as I am. Uh, pfft… How could a gentleman as honest inside and out as myself be compared to this overaged brat?

With the three Li brothers sending me off with sly smiles, and the curious gazes of the Li sisters and their close friends, I could only brace myself and follow this graceful, light-stepping ice beauty toward the riverbank.

Strolling along the riverside, we soon left the crowd behind. The gentle breeze rustled the willows in harmony with the flowing river, and in the distance, the sons of noble families in luxurious clothes galloped past on horseback. Even some women, not to be outdone, spurred their mounts to race, leaving behind strings of laughter as clear as silver bells.

I couldn’t help but click my tongue in amazement. It seems that women in the Sui and Tang dynasties were indeed fierce—the saying “women hold up half the sky” fits this era well.

“Mary, whatever you want to say, let’s talk here.” I stopped on the soft sandy bank, breathing in the air full of vitality, gazing at the young men and women across the river, and the undulating mountains beyond. My heart suddenly felt open and free.

“Brother, the other day, my brother visited your residence. Is that true?” Duan Mary turned around, her eyes like black gems soaked in icy water, radiating a cool light.

“That’s right, your brother Duan David did come by the other day.” I turned to face Duan Mary directly. She was a very beautiful girl, quite tall—probably close to 1.7 meters. Standing in front of her, I could look her straight in the eye.

“My brother said you expressed much resentment toward my family, spoke rudely, and even boldly declared you wanted to break off the engagement. Is that true?” Duan Mary stared straight into my eyes, her tone still calm, as if she were talking about something that had nothing to do with her.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling complicated inside. Yes, I couldn’t quite say what I was feeling—just a bit stifled. It was clear that this Duan Mary was rational and composed, but the confidence and certainty in her words really got on my nerves.