The person who said this had repeatedly mocked Cao Shuwan's appearance, both openly and subtly, but now he was praising her highly. Cao Shuwan's heart was in turmoil, and the image of Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but appear in her mind.
The master's advice still echoes in my ears: Love yourself before loving others. Rather than trying to please others, focus on pleasing yourself.
Since she underwent a complete transformation, inside and out, the world's hostility towards her seems to have become insignificant.
Thank you.
She nodded slightly, politely expressing her gratitude, then opened her umbrella and walked away alone, leaving everyone with bewildered expressions.
"She...she wasn't angry with me at all, and even thanked me? I thought that after all the sarcastic things I'd said to her before, she would definitely scoff at me..."
...
The rain continued to fall in a light drizzle.
Wusu Ancient Town is nestled against mountains and faces a flowing river. The mountains here are continuous and undulating, while the river meanders through the town. The houses in the town are also built along the river, making them unique.
Holding an umbrella, Jiang Huaiyu and Ling Mo walked slowly along the path by the river.
"Young Master Ling, you just mentioned that you had something to discuss with me?"
Ling Mo nodded. "Master Jiang, have you forgotten that you once owed me a favor?"
Jiang Huaiyu was slightly taken aback, then smiled broadly: "How could I forget such an important matter? Young Master Ling, if you have any requests, please just say so."
“You have already done what I asked for.”
"Oh?" Jiang Huaiyu looked at him curiously.
Ling Mo smiled slightly and explained, "I came here today to say goodbye."
Jiang Huaiyu's workshop crisis has been resolved, and he no longer needs Jiang Huaiyu's help, so he should leave.
Jiang Huaiyu looked apologetic. "I'm sorry to have kept Young Master Ling waiting, but—what I don't understand is, you haven't made any requests yet, so why do you say that I've already done it?"
Ling Mo stopped and turned to look at her, saying softly, "The rainy season in Jizhou is about to end. Before I set off, I would like to invite Master Jiang to ride a small boat with me and listen to the sound of the rain. Would you be willing to do me this favor?"
“It’s alright. Master Jiang has difficulty moving around, but he still went to great lengths to accompany me. This kindness is enough to repay the debt of gratitude you owe me.”
Jiang Huaiyu stood there, hesitated for a moment, and was about to say something to indicate that it was inappropriate, but Ling Mo had already turned around, walked lightly to the riverbank, and reached out to flag down a small, black-awning boat. He greeted the boatman warmly, inquired about the fare, paid the money, and then turned to Jiang Huaiyu and gestured an invitation.
"Master Jiang, please board the boat."
Seeing this, Jiang Huaiyu had no choice but to move forward steadily.
The small boat rocked gently on the blue waves. Ling Mo stretched out his strong arm and said, "Your body is burdened with heavy loads. You might as well lean on me and let go slowly after you are settled."
The noise on the shore prevented Yingxiang from getting close. Without further hesitation, Jiang Huaiyu tightly grasped Ling Mo's forearm and slowly sat down in the cabin before letting go.
After she was seated, Ling Mo also boarded the ship.
The cabin was cramped and couldn't accommodate too many people, so Ling Mo said to Li Kui, "Li Kui, take Yingxiang and Deng Shen to board the boat behind."
As soon as he finished speaking, the boatman gently tapped the small boat with his bamboo pole, and the boat steadily left the shore.
Li Kui scratched the back of his head and secretly glanced at Yingxiang. "Miss Yingxiang, the ship has already set sail. Let's hurry up and catch up..."
Yingxiang glared at him, then turned and waved to the boatman.
Li Kui looked slightly embarrassed and asked Deng Shen beside him in a low voice, "Brother, Yingxiang has such a bad temper, you must have suffered a lot of grievances, right?"
Deng Shen frowned. "Brother Li Kui, Yingxiang's temperament is actually very gentle. Please don't make such a comment."
As soon as he finished speaking, he followed Yingxiang away.
The small boat glided slowly along the river, occasionally passing under ancient arched bridges. The sound of the rippling water and the soft patter of raindrops mingled together, creating a scene reminiscent of a misty, rainy painting evoking the emotions of parting.
Jiang Huaiyu stared at the scenery outside the cabin, lost in thought for a long time, without saying a word.
Ling Mo didn't disturb her. He took out the paper and pen he had prepared beforehand, spread them out on the small table, and began to sketch quickly.
"Amidst the misty rain, sorrow lingers."
After a while, Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly before turning around.
During the time she was distracted, Ling Mo had already sketched the portrait vividly, almost completing it.
Jiang Huaiyu's face showed surprise, but she did not make a sound. She waited quietly for Ling Mo to finish the painting, and then smiled gently: "Young Master Ling seems to be in a very good mood today. He has created two portrait paintings in just one day. If this gets out, I'm afraid others will find it hard to believe."
She leaned down gently, her gaze fixed on her own portrait.
Compared to Miss Cao's colorful and vibrant portrait, Ling Mo's self-portrait employs a simple and elegant line drawing technique. Despite the limited space and time, his brushstrokes remain fluid and natural, with delicate and coherent lines. With just a few strokes, he skillfully and vividly depicts the expression on his face, bringing it to life.
"Young Master Ling, did you perhaps intend to gift this painting to me?" Jiang Huaiyu asked with a smile.
Ling Mo's gaze lingered on the portrait. The woman in the painting leaned against the cabin wall, her eyes fixed on the outside world, only half her face visible. She remained silent, her silence blending with the misty rain outside the ship to create a poignant scene, her eyes seemingly filled with endless sorrow.
He knew all too well that this sorrow stemmed from that figure far away in the western frontier.
A sense of disappointment welled up in Ling Mo's heart. He shook his head gently and said in a low voice, "This painting is not perfect enough."
"Why? Didn't Young Master Ling paint this portrait of me as a gift?"
"I did intend to give it to you, but this painting is still rather rough and not suitable for public display. I will paint a more elaborate one later and frame it properly before giving it to you."
Jiang Huaiyu looked down at the painting, but found no flaws. She asked in surprise, "Isn't this painting good enough? I actually think..."
"If I say it's bad, then it's bad." Ling Mo frowned slightly and interrupted firmly.
Jiang Huaiyu sensed the displeasure in his tone and didn't press the matter further. But she knew in her heart that a genius like Ling Mo would naturally have much higher standards for his work than ordinary people. His dissatisfaction might be due to oversights in the details—even though she hadn't noticed them.
Perhaps realizing his tone had been too harsh, Ling Mo said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I..."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and shook his head. "Young Master Ling, there's no need to explain. I understand."
Ling Mo gently folded the painting and carefully placed it in his bosom. "I will definitely make another one for you someday."
"Alright, then I'll eagerly await your masterpiece."
The light boat swayed gently, having left the bustling town behind and entered a lush mountain forest. The forest, shrouded in mist after the rain, was like a dream.
(End of this chapter)
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