written by bipoc authors

Shen Hua, the daughter of the Shen family that ran an embroidery business in Fengzhou, was pampered since she was a child. She had a pretty face and smooth, fair skin. Unfortunately, her body was weak, and she'd run out of breath after walking merely a few steps. She didn't have very long to live. The Shen family gradually faced its downfall, and her wedding was delayed again and again. Cui Yun, the eldest son of the Cui family, was a noble and stern man. He was entrusted to look after Shen Hua. Why not just marry her? He thought. Since Shen Hua reincarnated, she had focused all her attention on the embroidery business. She hoped to change her life and regain her former glory. When she heard about Cui Yun's decision to marry her, she fainted on the spot. After waking up, she turned him down with tears in her eyes. "I don't have very long to live. I don't want to waste your time." Cui Yun was very considerate. "It's not a big deal. I know you feel touched, but there's no need to cry. Since you already depend on the Cui family, you might as well just become part of us. After you die from your sickness, I'll even hold a grand funeral for you." Shen Hua felt hopeless. But I'm only pretending to be sick! *** Cui Yun had many younger female cousins. Many of them had confessed their feelings for him, but he turned all of them down nonchalantly. "It's getting late. Please look after yourself." Shen Hua had never met such a clueless man when it came to romance. One night, while she was on her way home, she took a shortcut and passed by the Cui family's courtyard. Cui Yun stopped her. He was standing near the entrance, and his sleeves danced to the wind. "It's cold outside. Would you like to come in and stay for a while?"