"Do you know of Nuwa, the goddess of the world? Born in Leize, an empress among gods, she bore all things from the extreme of Yin."
"Nuwa, a divine empress, with a human face and serpent body, changes form seventy times a day. This womb gave birth to a goddess."
…
Years later, when she recalled that grand and radiant evening date, the Lady Nuwa would think back to an afternoon long ago in the secluded private school of the Zhou family, where she was taught about her family's history.
The Zhou family was a strict one, their teachings even stricter. As someone born of the Nuwa bloodline, the Lady Nuwa had always been raised as the heir apparent. From the foundation of her knowledge, to her posture and etiquette, to obedience toward the elders of the clan—everything was held to the highest standard.
And of course, raw strength was a requirement as well. To become the next head of the family, one had to survive the trial of the Duanlongtai, enduring the test of living spirits.
Had she died back then, the title of Nuwa would have gone to someone else.
That afternoon, a family tutor lectured on the local legend of the "Goddess of the Han River," citing the Ji Lei Pian by Zhuang Chuo from the Song Dynasty. In it, an ancient man named Zheng Jiaofu fell in love with a goddess he met by the river, inspiring myths like "The Goddess Playing with Pearls" and "Love Sealed in Stone."
The tutor explained that the myth was based on a misunderstanding: the so-called Han River Goddess had in fact been the Zhou family's own head of the Nuwa clan. Skilled in water magic, her public appearance had been misinterpreted by mortals.
Zheng Jiaofu, a gifted mixed-blood from the Zheng clan, had passed the Duanlongtai trial and married into the Zhou family. Their tale became a legendary romance remembered through the ages.
Back then, the Lady Nuwa had naively objected: "If a head of the Nuwa clan could go out and play a thousand years ago, why can't I?"
The old tutor had huffed and glared, insisting that this exact incident—where the clan leader was seen by mortals—was the reason such outings were forbidden now.
And then came the usual sermon about upholding ancient traditions, family prestige, and obeying ancestral customs. She had long since tuned out those lectures, only remembering the love story.
After all, the name "Han River Goddess" was known to all in Xiangyang. The local "Chuantian Festival" was a celebration in her honor.
Every year during the festival, commoners would take to the river in boats, gather stones from the banks, pray for children and love, and hold lively ceremonies in the goddess's name.
But the Lady Nuwa could never take part. As the "golden heir" of the Zhou family, she was expected to spend her life within the confines of the Tang City Palace.
All she could do was gaze from afar at the lights of thousands of homes, imagining herself among them—laughing, celebrating, and living with the people.
Only the legend of the Han River romance gave her any comfort—a dream, perhaps, of a fated love she would never have.
"What's wrong?"
The Lady Nuwa blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. Across the table, Emiya Shirou was asking gently.
"Hehe, nothing," she said playfully, sticking out her tongue and flashing a mischievous smile. Her makeup had transformed her into a young, radiant woman—but in that moment, her expression was still full of girlish charm.
They were seated in a restaurant called Liangshe Night Banquet, modeled after the famous Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Shanghai. It was a Chinese restaurant focused on immersive sensory dining—lights, sounds, visuals, and smells.
And it wasn't just for show. The entire thousand-square-meter section was reserved just for them, filled with red and gold grandeur. Flowing water, crane calls, and traditional temple architecture made the setting feel like a fantasy palace.
All of this had been meticulously arranged by Su Enxi and her entourage—who not only booked the table, but even swapped out the projected background scene to replicate the iconic West Lake meeting from Legend of the White Snake, aiming to create the perfect atmosphere for romance.
As they chatted, food began to arrive silently. The head chef, a rumored protégé of Simon Wright from NOMA, was known in culinary circles as "Chef Child."
Emiya had read up in advance and shared bits with her. She laughed—she was smiling a lot more when she was with him—and commented that while it was a Westernized gimmick, it was still amusing.
She noted that her Zhou family cuisine, rooted in northern Hubei-style Chu cuisine, was far more authentic than anything served at government banquets.
Tonight's food wasn't breathtaking, but the creative fusion of East and West, paired with the lavish setting, made it worth experiencing.
Still, her blush gave her away—she loved it.
Emiya didn't mind. He had lived alone for years and prided himself on his cooking. He was confident in both Japanese and Chinese styles, though not at this high of a level.
To his surprise, the Lady Nuwa's eyes lit up.
"You know how to cook? Then next time, I want to eat your cooking!"
"Of course, ojou-sama. Just say the word and I'll cook for you anytime."
This was no challenge for Emiya. Showing off his skills to someone close—especially if he could win her heart through food—was something he welcomed.
—
"Hey, Shirou…"
As the evening went on and the wine flowed, Emiya remained composed, but the Lady Nuwa began to sway slightly, cheeks red, speech softening.
No surprise—today had been the happiest day of her life. For the first time, she had stepped beyond the walls of her home and lived out the dream she'd harbored since childhood.
No… this wasn't a dream.
Snap out of it! she told herself. Amid the red and gold glimmer, she turned to look at Shirou's ever-serious face.
He hadn't hesitated to go through with this. He could have refused to share his alchemical secrets, but instead, he offered them freely to guide her family.
You really are too much of a good guy!
She recalled the day she wrapped her arms around him to pretend they were close. But now… now her emotions were real. Her eyes flickered with a quiet resolve.
If Shirou treats me with such honor and sincerity, how could I, as Lady Nuwa, cower in fear?
"Shirou," she whispered, eyes lowered, "come here… lean closer."
She brought her lips toward his.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]