Chapter 84: Meeting an old friend in the bookstore, the laughter gradually fades away and the sorrow dissipates
The next morning, the sun was shining brightly, casting tiny specks of light through the window lattices on the bluestone pavement of the Fang Mansion. Little Swallow excitedly ran to the west wing and saw Ziwei reading by the window, a yellowed volume of poetry in her hands, her brow slightly furrowed.
"Ziwei! Don't stay cooped up in the house all the time!" Xiaoyanzi snatched the book from her and shook the purse in her hand. "My mother gave me some change to take you and Jinsuo to the largest bookstore in the capital! I heard there are many rare poetry collections there, and even the Jinan Scenery Records that you like!"
Ziwei was startled by her sudden action, then smiled faintly and said, "Will this be too much trouble for you?"
"What's the trouble?" Xiaoyanzi pulled her up and walked out. "Don't you love visiting bookstores in Jinan? The bookstores in Beijing are much more impressive than those in Jinan! Besides, getting out and getting some sun is good for your health."
Jinsuo had already packed up and was following behind with a small bag on her back. She said with a smile, "Miss, Xiaoyanzi means well. Let's go and take a look at the scenery of the capital."
Ziwei looked into Xiaoyanzi's sparkling eyes, which were filled with sincere anticipation. Her hesitation instantly dissipated and she nodded. "Well... well, I also want to see if there are any books about Jinan's stories."
The three of them left the Fang residence and walked along the bustling streets toward the bookstore. The capital city was vibrant in spring, the cries of street vendors, the din of storytellers in teahouses, and the laughter of children intertwined in a vibrant atmosphere. Ziwei looked around curiously, finding everything new, and her pale face gradually regained color.
"Look at that sugar painting stall! The dragons they're painting are so majestic!" Little Swallow said excitedly, pointing to the street corner. "And those candied haws in front! The icing is so crispy! I'll buy you two later!"
Ziwei was infected by her vitality, and a faint smile always appeared on the corner of her mouth: "The capital is really lively, much more prosperous than Jinan."
"Of course!" Xiaoyanzi raised her chin proudly. "But Jinan has Daming Lake and lotus flowers. Each has its own merits." She was afraid of evoking Ziwei's homesickness, so she quickly changed the subject. "We're almost there. That 'Hanmo Zhai' up ahead is the largest bookstore in Beijing!"
From afar, I could see the plaque of "Han Mo Zhai" hanging high, with gold characters on a black background, exuding the fragrance of books. As I walked into the bookstore, a faint scent of ink mixed with the smell of paper hit me. The bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with all kinds of books. The staff were busy finding books for customers, a quiet atmosphere filled with busyness.
Ziwei's eyes lit up, as if she had found her home. She walked automatically towards the poetry counter. Her fingertips lightly brushed the spines of the books, and she stopped in front of a volume of "Selected Poems of Jinan Celebrities." She carefully pulled it out and opened it. Her gaze fell on a line describing Daming Lake, and a distant look gradually settled in her eyes.
Xiaoyanzi came over to take a look. Seeing that she was feeling a little sad again, she quickly picked up a copy of "Legends of Jianghu Heroes" and put it in her hand. "Don't always read those sad poems. Take a look at this! It's very interesting. The knights in it can fly over rooftops and walls. They are amazing!"
Ziwei was amused by her and took the book and flipped through a few pages: "You still read this kind of book? I thought you only liked swordplay."
"Who said that?" Xiaoyanzi said unconvincedly, "My brother said that it's great to be both civil and military! I not only read this, I also read storybooks! The last time I read "Romance of the Western Chamber", it was so good..."
As he was speaking, a familiar voice came from the door: "Little Swallow! You are here after all!"
Xiaoyanzi looked back and saw Liu Qing and Liu Hong lifting the door curtain and walking in. Liu Qing was wearing a navy blue shorts with a coat draped over his shoulders, while Liu Hong was wearing a neat lake blue cloth skirt. Both of them were holding things in their hands.
"Liu Qing! Liu Hong!" Xiaoyanzi greeted them with surprise, "Why are you here?"
Liu Hong smiled and waved the snack box in her hand. "My mother just made some walnut cakes and wanted to send some to you. Your servants said you were out browsing the bookstore with your friends, so we came here to look for you." She looked at Ziwei and Jinsuo and smiled friendly. "Are these the new friends you were talking about?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Xiaoyanzi pulled Ziwei over. "This is Ziwei, and this is her maid Jinsuo. Ziwei, this is Liu Qing, and this is Liu Hong, my best friend in the capital!"
Ziwei quickly knelt down and saluted: "Brother Liu, hello Miss Liuhong." Jinsuo also saluted.
Liu Qing waved his hand cheerfully, "You're too polite, young lady. Since he's Xiaoyanzi's friend, he's our friend!" He looked at Ziwei and saw her gentle temperament. He couldn't help but praise her, "Xiaoyanzi, your friend looks well-educated and well-mannered."
Liu Hong took Ziwei's hand and said enthusiastically, "Miss Ziwei, don't stand there. Come and sit down! We often come to this bookstore. The owner is very nice. If there is any book you want to read, just pick it up!"
Ziwei was a little embarrassed by their enthusiasm and said softly, "Thank you."
Xiaoyanzi rolled her eyes and suggested, "Since everyone is here, why don't we go to the teahouse up ahead? Have a cup of tea and try some of the walnut cakes Liu Hong brought."
"Sure!" Liu Hong responded immediately. "I know a teahouse that has really nice jasmine tea. They also sell Jinan's oil-fried tea!"
Ziwei's eyes lit up when she heard the word "Jinan." Xiaoyanzi saw it and pulled her out, saying, "Let's go! Try it! Consider it a taste of home!"
The five of them arrived at the teahouse and chose a seat by the window. The waiter quickly brought tea and snacks. Liu Hong opened the snack box, and the golden, crispy walnut cookies exuded an enticing aroma.
"Try this!" Liu Hong handed a piece to Ziwei and Jinsuo. "My mother's cooking is amazing!"
Ziwei took a bite of the walnut cake, and the crispy and sweet taste melted on her tongue, and her heart was warmed: "It's delicious, even more fragrant than the ones bought outside."
Liu Qing took a sip of tea and looked at Xiaoyanzi: "By the way, Xiaoyanzi, my sister and I have already bought the shop I told you about last time. We are going to renovate it and open a small restaurant in a few days."
"Really? That's great!" Xiaoyanzi clapped her hands happily. "I told you guys you could do it! Just let me know if you need any help. If we're short on manpower, I'll have my brother find some for you!"
"No, no," Liu Qing waved his hand, "I just wanted to tell you that when the business opens, you and Miss Ziwei are invited to come and show your support!"
Ziwei smiled and said, "I will definitely go."
The atmosphere was lively and lively, with several people chatting and laughing. Ziwei was a little reserved at first, but as she listened to Xiaoyanzi and Liu Qing and Liu Hong chatting about interesting things in the capital and the scenery of Jiangnan, she gradually relaxed, occasionally chiming in. As she watched Xiaoyanzi's beaming face and Liu Qing and Liu Hong's bright smiles, her melancholy gradually dissipated.
Jinsuo whispered to Ziwei, "Miss, you've laughed several times today."
Ziwei's face warmed up and she nodded gently, her heart filled with gratitude. She had never thought that she would meet so many kind people in this unfamiliar capital, especially Xiaoyanzi, who was like a ray of light that illuminated her dark journey to find her father.
As the sun set, they returned to the Fang Mansion. The sunset glowed half the sky, casting long shadows. Ziwei looked at the people around her chatting and laughing, still holding the walnut cake Liu Hong had forced upon her, and felt more at ease than ever before.
Back at the Fang residence, Ziwei sat at her dressing table, watching the gradually darkening sky outside the window, a smile still lingering on her face. Jinsuo packed her things and said with a smile, "Miss, I think Miss Xiaoyanzi and Liu Qing and Liu Hong are all good people. You should stop looking so gloomy in the future."
Ziwei picked up the poetry collection on the table, gently stroked the cover, and whispered, "I know, I met a good person." She paused, her eyes becoming firm. "Jinsuo, I've figured it out. Although the journey to find my father is difficult, I'm not alone anymore. I will take good care of myself and wait for news. Just like Xiaoyanzi said, there is always hope."
Jinsuo said with relief: "It's good that you think so, Miss."
Ziwei put the collection of poems away and took out the half jade pendant from the brocade box. Moonlight shone through the window lattice onto the jade, giving it a warm luster. She gently kissed the jade pendant and said to her mother in her heart, "Mom, don't worry. I will be fine and will definitely find Dad."
The moonlight outside the window is as gentle as water, flowing quietly, as if listening to the girl's thoughts, and also witnessing that this friendship that spans past and present lives is quietly growing and becoming deeper.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
