Chapter 76 The Purple Jade Hairpin Given on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Lunar Month
Ji Yun walked calmly into the hall, dressed in a blue robe, exuding a cool and otherworldly aura, as if isolating himself from the hustle and bustle of the street behind him.
However, the human lights added a few rare touches of warmth to his aloof and detached profile.
A slight sense of surprise crossed Meng Yutong's mind. What day was it today? Why were so many people coming to her clinic one after another?
She looked at Ji Yun and nodded slightly in greeting.
"Are you the only one in the establishment tonight?" Ji Yun approached calmly and stopped naturally in front of the counter.
His gaze inadvertently swept over the open brocade box on the counter, and a pair of white magnolia earrings inside clearly came into his view.
“It’s lively outside tonight, and there’s nothing much going on at the clinic, so I let them all go out and relax,” Meng Yutong replied, then asked directly, “Is there something you need?”
Her tone was flat, skipping even the usual pleasantries, as if she had no intention of saying more unless there was a reason.
Ji Yun's expression faltered slightly, and his eyes quickly swept over her.
She wore a pale crimson dress, the color so faint it resembled the last glimmer of sunset clouds tinged with the twilight. Her dark hair was styled simply, adorned only by a plain silver hairpin and a small, soft, pale pink flower.
Although her attire was as simple as could be, it only accentuated her indescribable beauty, making her resemble a lotus flower just beginning to bloom under the moon, or a white pear branch glistening with dew in the misty rain, possessing a unique charm that captivated the heart.
Ji Yun did not hide his gaze. He gazed at her quietly, his tone calm and firm: "You look even more elegant in such a refined color. A plain white would not do justice to your charm."
This was the first time Meng Yutong had heard Ji Yun discuss women's clothing and attire with her, and she felt that the situation was somewhat strange.
"You came all this way tonight just to tell me this?" She tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with a hint of confusion and inquiry as she looked at Ji Yun.
Ji Yun took in her subtle reaction, his lips curving into an almost imperceptible smile. He then took out a mahogany box from his sleeve, placed it gently on the counter, and patiently explained, “My aunt’s birthday is approaching. She is usually very picky. If you haven’t prepared a gift yet, you might consider giving her this.”
He raised his hand and lifted the lid of the box, revealing a purple jade hairpin lying quietly on a dark silk lining.
The hairpin is carved from the finest purple jade, which is warm and lustrous, with an inner radiance that seems to flow with the misty glow of clouds.
The hairpin is shaped like a blooming jade hibiscus, with its petals layered and unfolding, lifelike in form. The finishing touch is two purple jade butterflies inlaid with delicate gold wire, which rest on the center of the flower. Their wings are as thin as cicada wings, lifelike, as if they are about to take flight at any moment.
Look closely... the butterfly on the hairpin looks somewhat familiar...
Meng Yutong's gaze swept over the obviously valuable jade hairpin, but her expression remained unchanged. She politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, but I have already prepared a birthday gift. This item is too precious for me to accept."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yun's expression remained unchanged. He simply said, "This item is ultimately for women and is of no use to me. Since you have already prepared a birthday gift, it would be pointless for this hairpin to remain with me."
His voice was steady, and his gaze seemed to casually sweep over the pair of white magnolia earrings on the counter. His eyes darkened slightly as he continued, "However, since you can accept gifts from others so readily, it would seem that you still harbor resentment towards me if you were to return what I gave you."
He lowered his eyes slightly, as if mocking himself, his voice barely audible, "I thought that after spending so much time together, things between us would be different from before. But I never expected that you would accept Li Jing's things even when he was so unruly. It's just that things are different with me."
His words not only pointed out that she had accepted Li Jing's gifts, but also linked whether or not she accepted the hairpin to whether or not she harbored prejudice against him. He even brought up the fact that he had come to Zhaoyutang every day to help her during this period. He sounded extremely aggrieved, as if she were some kind of cold-hearted and ruthless person.
Meng Yutong is someone who responds better to gentle persuasion than force.
She glanced at him and saw his downcast expression. She also noticed that his jawline had thinned from his travels over the past few days. After a moment's hesitation, she finally said, "In that case, thank you for your kindness, Physician Ji."
Seeing that she accepted it, a very faint look of satisfaction flashed across Ji Yun's eyes, disappearing in an instant.
He spoke again, his tone still nonchalant: "It's getting late, and I imagine there are no patients at the clinic tonight. It's quite lively outside; would you like to go for a walk together?"
Although he spoke casually, his hands, hanging at his sides, unconsciously tightened slightly, revealing a tension that was quite different from his usual composure.
Meng Yutong smiled faintly and politely declined, saying, "I have never liked noisy places."
This answer seemed to be exactly what Ji Yun had expected.
His eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he was about to speak again when a small head peeked in from outside the door. A pair of big, dark, curious eyes were set in a small face, looking around curiously.
Upon spotting the familiar figure inside, the little one immediately darted in through the crack in the door like a nimble sparrow.
Ji Ming, who was not even as tall as the counter, ran to Ji Yun's side, tugged at his sleeve, and looked up at him, wanting him to hug him.
Ji Yun readily bent down and picked him up.
Although Ji Mingren was in his brother's arms, his little hand reached out eagerly to Meng Yutong, and he pleaded softly, "Sister Meng, it's so much fun outside! Can you take me for a walk? I want to go with you!"
As he spoke, he twisted his body, opened his arms to Meng Yutong, and wrapped his arms around her neck without saying a word. His little head rubbed against her shoulder like a spoiled little animal, and his voice was soft and sweet, full of pleading: "Sister Meng, it's so lively in the city, it's so boring for you to stay here alone! Please come with me, please!"
Ji Ming used all her charm, her sweet words as sweet as honey, calling out "Sister Meng" in a crisp and sweet voice, and pleading in various soft words.
Meng Yutong was so flustered by his persistent pursuit that she could hardly resist. Seeing his eagerness, she finally softened and reluctantly agreed, "Alright, I'll accompany you for a walk."
On the Imperial Street, the lights were now a continuous blur, and the crowds surged like waves. All kinds of lanterns competed for beauty, and dragon and lion dances, acrobatics, and various other performances drew cheers from the onlookers. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, laughter, and the music of string and wind instruments mingled together. The air was filled with the sweet and warm aroma of sugar figurines, fried dough twists, and fragrant herbs.
Ji Yun held Ji Ming's hand, while Ji Ming held Meng Yutong's hand tightly with his other hand. The two adults and one child slowly blended into the dazzling crowd.
As they approached a stall selling Qixi Festival trinkets, the stall owner, seeing the three of them together, and noting Ji Ming's lively and adorable nature, and the two adults' slightly distant yet natural demeanor, greeted them with a smile: "Young master, young lady, why not buy your son a 'Cleverness Ring'? It'll symbolize the three of you wearing it, signifying skillful hands and a harmonious family life!"
He picked up several bracelets woven with colorful ropes, adorned with small bells and jade ornaments, and enthusiastically introduced them.
Upon hearing the phrase "a family of three," a faint ripple crossed Ji Yun's eyes. He did not correct the vendor, but instead followed the vendor's words, his gaze falling on the colorful rings, and asked in a calm tone, "What are the differences in the designs of these rings?"
Upon hearing this, the stall owner immediately beamed with joy, took out three colorful rings, and enthusiastically stuffed them into the hands of the three men, speaking eloquently: "Please look, gentlemen, this 'Ingenious Ring' is made of the finest five-colored silk thread, symbolizing the arrival of five blessings; the sound of this bell is to ward off evil spirits; and this small jade ornament is made of Hetian jade, symbolizing peace and prosperity..."
Meng Yutong lowered her eyes to look at the colorful ring that had been forced into her hand, her red lips slightly parted, as if she was about to clarify.
Ji Ming, who was standing to the side, was already holding the colorful ring with great affection, his little face beaming with joy. He hurriedly replied, "I want it! I want this one! I have money, I'll buy it for my brother and Sister Meng!"
His clear voice made the stall owner laugh heartily, and he readily said, "Since the young master is so sensible, you can just buy two, and the other one can be given to him as a small gift!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Ming was overjoyed and immediately went to the stall to carefully select items.
The area in front of the stall was very crowded, with pedestrians shoulder to shoulder on both sides.
Meng Yutong was jostled by the crowd and inevitably stumbled. Seeing this, Ji Yun gently pulled her over with a slight force, letting her stand in a relatively stable position in front of the stall, while he himself stood behind her.
In this way, his tall figure became like an invisible barrier, separating her from the surrounding hustle and bustle and quietly protecting her within a few inches of his body.
The surrounding area was bustling with noise and laughter, and the lights were dazzling.
However, in the small space he had created, the noise seemed to vanish abruptly. Meng Yutong could clearly feel Ji Yun's unique, cool aura emanating from behind her, carrying a faint, cool fragrance of herbs, and the steady, warm body temperature emanating from his chest through his thin clothes.
Her back stiffened slightly, her ears flushed slightly, and she stared stiffly ahead.
Ji Yunyi lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on her slender neck and slightly reddened ear tips. His Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly. The arm around her maintained a just-right distance, providing protection without actually touching her. Only the overlapping sleeves brought a subtle friction.
The stall owner, with his keen eye, exclaimed, "Young master, you are so thoughtful! You are so handsome, yet so considerate, and you know how to protect your wife. You are truly a rare and wonderful gentleman!"
Upon hearing this, Meng Yutong could no longer remain silent and turned her head to explain, "The shopkeeper has misunderstood; we are not in the relationship you described."
The stall owner, however, looked completely at ease, grinning from ear to ear, and nodded repeatedly: "I understand, I understand! This old man understands!"
What does he know?
Meng Yutong was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to defend herself.
Ji Yun leaned down slightly and whispered in her ear, his voice calm and even: "These are just common sayings, don't take them to heart."
Not far away, in a private seat on the Nanwazi grandstand, Li Wan gently squeezed Ji Hongye's arm beside her, pointed to the familiar figures in front of the stalls across the street, and asked in surprise, "Husband, look, aren't those Yutong and Yun'er?"
Ji Hongye looked in the direction she was pointing, paused for a moment, and then added seriously, "And Ming'er too."
Li Wan couldn't help but chuckle, "That's not the point. The point is that Yutong and Yun'er actually went out together on the auspicious night of Qixi Festival, the two of them..."
She paused slightly, a meaningful smile appearing on her face. "It seems that our family's stubborn rock, which has been holding back all its energy, has finally begun to shine through."
Upon hearing this, Ji Hongye suddenly recalled some time ago.
At that time, he had just obtained a piece of fine purple jade from the palace. He originally planned to carve a jade bracelet for his wife and make a paperweight for Ji Yun.
In his spare time, he enjoyed studying wood and stone carving for his own amusement. Even Ji Ming learned a little bit from him, but Ji Yun never showed any interest in this art.
However, on that occasion, when he asked Ji Yun what kind of pattern he wanted, Ji Yun examined the purple jade for a long time and surprisingly proposed to learn carving from him, wanting to carve an object by hand.
Ji Hongye was surprised at the time.
Since Zhao'er left, this child has lost interest in almost everything except medicine.
His initiative to ask to learn from him that time was quite unexpected. It was a rare occasion for the father and son to be in the same room, so he used some scrap stones for Ji Yun to practice on, teaching him basic techniques.
Ji Yun was exceptionally intelligent, and in just half a month, he was able to independently carve some decent simple objects.
Ji Hongye originally thought that carving was a slow and meticulous process that required long-term accumulation. Since Ji Yun liked the purple jade material, he should take his time and wait until his skills were perfected before making a move.
Unexpectedly, Ji Yun, who is usually meticulous and unhurried in his actions, seemed to have lost his usual composure in this matter.
During that period, he was almost completely absorbed in carving. After just over a month, he directly used the precious purple jade material to begin his work.
Ji Hongye originally thought he would carve a paperweight, but he watched as such a large piece of jade gradually took shape under his hands... the prototype of a woman's hairpin.
At that time, he still had some guesses about who would eventually get his hands on the hairpin.
Having witnessed it tonight, the answer is now clear.
He turned his gaze to his wife beside him, whose eyes were smiling, and said slowly, "Yes, she's finally come to her senses."
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