Chapter 45 A formidable barrier—a grown man like him, can't he afford to get hurt? ...
Qi Baitong smiled but didn't reply, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
Even if it was an embarrassing incident, it's in their past.
Ten years—how long is that? Day after day, year after year, they shared laughter and tears. Li Yuheng was the insurmountable chasm between him and Gu Shanyue, so deep that even if he jumped, he couldn't fill it in the slightest.
That was all irrelevant to him.
He was so jealous, so jealous he was going crazy.
How could someone be so lucky as to spend ten years with her and capture her heart?
Why isn't he the one?
"Sister, you really gave me a good beating today," Li Yuheng said, looking at Gu Shanyue as if she were aggrieved. "Are you finally calmed down?"
Gu Shanyue turned around, not noticing Qi Baitong's lips suddenly drooping.
"Barely," Gu Shanyue snorted.
“If you’re angry with me, it’s best to let it all out. Don’t keep it bottled up inside.” Li Yuheng said, and then reached out to stroke her chest.
Qi Baitong's eyes darkened. Li Yuheng's hand had already been slapped away by Gu Shanyue. She mocked, "Get out of here. With your small frame, if I really got angry, you'd vomit blood."
Li Yuheng touched his reddened hand, still leaning affectionately against Gu Shanyue.
"So you're not angry anymore?"
Gu Shanyue pursed her lips and nodded reluctantly.
“Sister, you’re not angry anymore, so I have to say something,” Li Yuheng released her arm, her voice low. “What you said that day really hurt me. I tossed and turned all night thinking about it, word by word, and I couldn’t sleep at all.”
Gu Shanyue glanced at him: "Didn't sleep all night?"
Li Yuheng nodded in agreement.
Gu Shanyue chuckled: "I don't believe it."
Li Yuheng said helplessly and plaintively, "Sister..."
So what if I hurt your feelings? Just bear it. I'm already being polite by not hurting your body.
Gu Shanyue didn't bother to comfort him. After all these years together, she knew that this boy had a hard heart and wouldn't be so easily hurt.
Besides, so what if he's injured? He's a grown man, can't he be hurt?
Li Yuheng: "..."
"My sister is still so heartless."
He didn't care about Gu Shanyue's coldness and hugged Gu Shanyue's arm like a child.
Gu Shanyue let him hold her and continued eating without being affected. The intimacy and familiarity between the two that no one else could interfere with was extremely irritating to Qi Baitong.
But he could only watch from the sidelines.
He was delighted when Gu Shanyue called him in, but now he couldn't help but think that it would be better to just wait outside the door, so that he wouldn't have to see this scene with his own eyes.
However, even though she was in pain, Qi Baitong could not take her eyes off Gu Shanyue's profile.
Like a flower with deep roots, even if the soil is full of pebbles and its roots are torn to pieces, it cannot leave.
They can only take deeper root in suffering to draw sustenance for survival.
She was his soil, and her favor was the nourishment he depended on for survival.
"Qi Baitong, why are your lips so white? Did you not apply any medicine today?" Gu Shanyue suddenly noticed.
Qi Baitong's eyes suddenly lit up like fire, just like this. He endured the torment and jealousy in his heart, all for this one rare moment, a glance and a look from her.
That alone was enough for him to keep going, a bittersweet experience.
Qi Baitong smiled at her, pursing her lips: "It's been wiped off, don't worry."
Gu Shanyue noticed that something was wrong with him, so she pushed the chicken soup in front of him and instructed him, "Drink it all, it will help you recover."
Qi Baitong smiled broadly: "Okay."
He obediently took the chicken soup and began to drink from the large bowl.
Gu Shanyue looked on with satisfaction.
Li Yuheng: "..."
Now he finally understood how Qi Baitong had won Gu Shanyue's favor.
"Isn't this a bit unseemly?" Li Yuheng hissed.
Gu Shanyue rolled her eyes at him, her hands starting to itch: "You have the nerve to say that? You're the one who beat him up like this."
Li Yuheng shut his mouth and gave Gu Shanyue a kind smile.
Gu Shanyue scoffed and ignored him.
Li Yuheng thought to himself that Qi Baitong had ruined things, and he should have known better than to let him in.
After Gu Shanyue leisurely finished his breakfast, Qi Baitong indeed drank the whole pot of chicken soup, revealing the white porcelain base.
"I've finished drinking." Qi Baitong's eyes were dark and bright.
Gu Shanyue was even more satisfied and reached out to touch his stomach: "Looks like you've eaten your fill, your stomach is hard."
Qi Baitong's pale face flushed slightly, too embarrassed to admit that it was his subconsciously tensed abdominal muscles, and he simply hummed in response.
Li Yuheng was displeased again. Usually, he was the one touching Gu Shanyue, and Gu Shanyue was the one touching him. How come Qi Baitong got a turn now?
"Ouch, my stomach feels a little bloated. Did I eat too much?"
Li Yuheng feigned a sigh, leaned back in his chair, and glanced at Gu Shanyue out of the corner of his eye, waiting for her to turn around and touch him as well.
Gu Shanyue did turn around, but she didn't touch his stomach. She just pinched his face, using a bit more force, until his face turned red.
"You eat less than a chick, what's with all that bloating?"
Li Yuheng: "..."
"Sister, there are river lanterns in the west of the city tonight. I've booked a boat tour. Shall we go for a ride together?"
Undeterred, Li Yuheng proceeded to the next part, determined to completely repair the relationship between the two and ensure that no one else could ever interfere.
Just as Gu Shanyue was about to refuse, Li Yuheng immediately added, "There's an opera troupe on the boat, and they've even rehearsed a new play. You can enjoy the breeze, the scenery, the opera, and the tea. It must be incredibly delightful. Why don't you go, sister?"
Gu Shanyue was tempted and agreed: "Okay, I'll go with you."
Qi Baitong remained seated, wondering if Li Yuheng would deliberately transfer him away, preventing him from staying with him.
The next moment, Li Yuheng turned to Qi Baitong, a smile on his lips but no smile in his eyes, and invited, "I am sorry, Lord Qi. I would like to invite you to come along this time as a small apology."
Qi Baitong cupped his hands in greeting: "I dare not."
Although it was said to be evening, Li Yuheng actually sent someone to pick her up after Gu Shanyue's midday nap. The river lanterns were only released at night, but the opera troupe and the scenery on the river were already waiting.
Gu Shanyue, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, happily went with Qi Baitong.
The carriage traveled smoothly all the way, and even before reaching the riverbank, the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments and singing and dancing could be heard drifting in the distance.
Gu Shanyue lifted the curtain and saw the vast river, its waters shrouded in mist, with pleasure boats and painted barges draped in light gauze like clouds, their carved beams and embroidered pillars seemingly shuttling through a fairyland.
“Yaoguang would definitely like this place,” Gu Shanyue sighed.
Qi Baitong snapped out of her daze and replied, "Yes."
Gu Shanyue raised an eyebrow: "You don't seem to be in a good mood today. Is your wound hurting? Do you want to go back and rest?"
“No need!” Qi Baitong answered almost eagerly, then looked away and said softly, “Let me follow you.”
What's wrong with you?
Before Gu Shanyue could get an answer to her question, the carriage curtain was lifted, and Li Yuheng's smiling voice rang out.
"I've been waiting for so long, sister has finally arrived! I even specially invited Yaoguang to come and play with us today. You haven't seen her for several days, have you missed her?"
Gu Shanyue's attention was drawn by his words, and she asked in surprise, "Yaoguang is here too?"
As soon as he finished speaking, on the second floor of the cruise ship, Li Yaoguang, with Nanxing in his arms, leaned out and waved excitedly at Gu Shanyue.
"This place is so much fun, Yue, come quick!"
"They're here!"
Gu Shanyue alighted from the carriage with ease, and Li Yuheng quickly stepped forward to stand beside her.
Qi Baitong followed silently behind the two, like a silent shadow.
He was fine, just very uneasy.
He had finally managed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Gu Shanyue, but with Li Yuheng's arrival, his position was pushed back behind hers.
If she continues to step back like this, will there still be a place for him by her side?
A group of people boarded the boat, which then sailed away from the shore toward the great river. From the bank, the river appeared to be bustling with many boats, but when actually on the river, the boats were quite far apart, and one could only faintly hear each other's singing.
The cruise ship has three decks. On the first deck, there are acrobats and entertainers. On the second deck, there are banquets and a stage set up for opera performances. The third deck is for burning incense and brewing tea, and is the best place to enjoy the view.
Nanxing sat down next to Li Yaoguang and fed her a plate of fruit. Li Yaoguang pushed Nanxing away and hugged Gu Shanyue tightly.
"It's been several days since I last saw you. How have you been?"
Although she looked cheerful, there was concern hidden in her eyes.
After their parting at the Crown Prince's residence that day, Gu Shanyue was never heard from again, and Li Yaoguang was unaware of what happened afterward.
The matter of the Gu poison in Wushan Jade was of great importance, and Li Yaoguang dared not inquire about it recklessly, for fear of causing trouble for Gu Shanyue. He could only worry alone in the princess's mansion, lost in thought, and had no mood to enjoy himself with the beauty.
Gu Shanyue touched her temples and casually straightened her crooked hairpin: "I'm fine, don't worry too much."
Li Yaoguang breathed a sigh of relief. Although he wanted to ask more questions, it was clearly not the right time.
She happily walked alongside Gu Shanyue, while Nanxing chased after her to feed her fruit, only to be pushed away by her: "Can't you see I'm chatting with A-Yue? Go play by yourself for a while."
Nanxing had no choice but to step aside slightly. Li Yaoguang held Gu Shanyue's left arm, and Li Yuheng walked to Gu Shanyue's right. The three of them chatted and laughed.
Nanxing, carrying a plate of fruit, lagged behind. When she looked up, she saw Qi Baitong following Gu Shanyue like a shadow, which seemed inexplicably desolate.
"Ah Yue, it's not easy to get a spot on this cruise ship on the river. I'm only able to board this best ship today thanks to you," Li Yaoguang said, giving Li Yuheng a sweet little sister smile.
This isn't a lie, but it sounds like excessive flattery.
Li Yuheng smiled gently and raised his hand, saying, "We're all family, why be so polite? The banquet is already set up on the second floor. Let's go upstairs to listen to the opera and enjoy the river view."
"Great! I've heard that the perch on the river is a delicacy. Today is the perfect time to try it."
Li Yaoguang smiled generously and appropriately, quite different from his usual playful demeanor. The two chatted casually as they walked.
Gu Shanyue was caught between the two women, listening to their back-and-forth conversation, but she didn't understand what they were talking about.
Why do you have to lean in and chat with the other person over her? Isn't that tiring?
Before she could even ask, the group reached the second floor, where the view suddenly opened up, with sheer curtains fluttering and windows wide open, offering a panoramic view of the river.
The opera had already begun on the stage, with the male and female leads singing their hearts out. Behind them stretched the vast river, and the river breeze gently caressed their ears, refreshing and pleasant, making one feel open and expansive.
The group entered the banquet hall, each person occupying a seat in the same place as when they arrived. To Gu Shanyue's left and right were Li Yuheng and Li Yaoguang, while Nanxing sat next to Li Yaoguang. Only one seat remained in the room.
Qi Baitong sat down silently, with Li Yuheng between her and Gu Shanyue, so they couldn't exchange a word.
Li Yuheng glanced at Qi Baitong out of the corner of his eye. Seeing that he remained silent, a cold smile flashed across his eyes. This kid knows what's good for him.
"Sister, Yaoguang is right. The perch on the river are at their fattest and most delicious in autumn. The perch feast on this boat is exceptionally well-prepared, and countless poets have praised it in their verses. You should try some."
After Li Yuheng finished his introduction, handsome young men and women emerged from behind the screen in succession, carrying dishes in their hands. Their skirts fluttered in the wind like flowers, and they spoke softly, explaining in detail which part of the sea bass was used in each dish, how it was meticulously prepared, and how many precious ingredients and medicinal herbs were added, and so on...
Gu Shanyue didn't listen much, picked up his chopsticks and started eating. The taste was indeed good. The steamed sea bass was fresh, fragrant and sweet, the braised sea bass had a mellow aftertaste, and the charcoal-grilled sea bass was crispy, fragrant and spicy... each had its own unique flavor.
Li Yaoguang's eyes were bright and piercing. Her gaze was not on the fish, but on the handsome young man who was serving her food. Before the young man could finish speaking, she had already reached out and touched his hand.
The young man gave Li Yaoguang a shy smile and then calmly continued to introduce the dishes, which made Nanxing, who was standing to the side, quite angry. He kept glaring at the young man, making Li Yaoguang feel embarrassed.
Li Yuheng didn't give the girl in front of him a chance to perform. After serving the dishes, he waved his hand and told her to leave.
Qi Baitong was like a piece of wood, expressionless, making one almost doubt whether he had heard the introduction at all, otherwise why would he have his eyes downcast and his eyeballs not moving at all?
Among the group, Gu Shanyue was the most carefree, enjoying the river breeze, listening to opera, and eating fish while admiring the scenery.
Li Yuheng still didn't eat much, only moving his chopsticks slightly, and kept looking at Gu Shanyue, as if Gu Shanyue was the one he wanted to eat.
"How is it? Does it suit your taste?" Li Yuheng got up, sat down next to Gu Shanyue, and poured her a glass of wine.
Gu Shanyue tilted his head back and drank: "Not bad, good wine, and the fish is delicious too."
“If you like it, sister, I’ll bring the chef back to the Crown Prince’s residence and have him cook fish just for you,” Li Yuheng said casually.
Gu Shanyue waved his hand: "No need to trouble yourself."
Li Yuheng immediately said, "How can this be considered troublesome? As long as my sister is happy, it's not troublesome at all."
During a break from his meal, Gu Shanyue looked up and explained, "What I mean is, I'll be leaving Shengjing after your wedding, it won't be long, so why bother the cook?"
Li Yuheng paused slightly, then lowered his head and smiled: "Sister remembers so clearly, are you in such a hurry to leave?"
Gu Shanyue frowned slightly: "Otherwise what?"
Wasn't this something we agreed on a long time ago?
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