Chapter 13. When he raised his face, two lashes brushed against his smooth skin...
Qin Lizheng was stunned for a long time. It wasn't until the clapper sounded at midnight that he picked up a bucket of water and washed the "evidence" clean.
When Xiao Hong returned from washing his katakana and changed shifts, he stared in astonishment, "Good heavens, what are you doing washing katakana in the middle of the night?"
As for the answer, Little Tortoiseshell didn't get one. She could only watch as he wrung out the cold water and left on his own.
The air is filled with the fragrance of red apricots, and the willows trail wisps of green smoke. The rain that came earlier felt like the last chill of winter, and more than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.
It was a beautiful day with birdsong and willows in full bloom, and a gentle breeze blowing. Qian Yingyi was engrossed in drawing a portrait of a martial arts actor from a storybook by the window when Xia Ling quietly entered, slightly closed the half-open window, took out a small square box from her bosom, and placed it in front of Qian Yingyi.
"Miss, Mr. Chen sent someone to deliver this."
Inside the box was a pair of jade bracelets with beads, and underneath them was a letter saying that the manuscript for the second volume had already begun printing.
They were to be sent to Yangzhou, Suzhou and other places in batches. Profits would be calculated monthly, and as before, Qian Yingyi was to send her maid to the Yinbao Pavilion to collect the silver notes.
This bracelet was taken as an apology for urgently urging Qian Yingyi to hand over the story.
In this world, it would be a lie to say that one doesn't love gold and silver treasures.
Qian Yingyi was in a great mood. Coincidentally, the opera troupe hired by her new neighbor next door started performing again. She put down her pen, gently pushed open the window, and a warm smile appeared on her face in the sunlight. "I'm getting itchy from all the opera performances. Xia Ling, I want to listen to opera too."
"Which opera troupe would you like to invite to perform, Miss?"
“I’m not inviting any of them,” Qian Yingyi said with a grin, twirling her skirt. “I’m going out to listen. I’ll invite Chuntang and Xiao Daimao, and…”
After a pause, Qian Yingyi said, "Let's invite Lin Zheng too."
Strangely enough, whenever she did anything before, Lin Zheng would always be waiting nearby, even when she went out.
For the past two weeks, she could only vaguely catch glimpses of his shadow outside the courtyard; he had suddenly become elusive.
Xia Ling also loved listening to opera, so she happily agreed and ran out in the blink of an eye.
Under the blazing sun, behind an artificial rock outside the Yunteng Pavilion, Little Tortoise was engrossed in reading a book, unaware of the footsteps approaching behind him.
Suddenly, a hand reached around his head and snatched the book away. "The Romantic Tales of Nanjing?"
Little Tortoiseshell instinctively reached for it, but upon recognizing who it was, it chuckled sheepishly, "The weather's warm, so I'm taking a break. You won't tell Miss, will you?"
Qin Lizheng glanced down at the "romantic tales" on the book cover for a long time, then tossed the book back to him, closed his eyes, and leaned against the artificial rock. "When did you start liking to read this?"
Little Tortoiseshell still had a sense of shame, and shamelessly explained, "You know I like Chuntang, but Chuntang doesn't seem to like me. I'm too embarrassed to ask my parents how to pursue someone I like. A few days ago, when I went out with Miss, I passed by a book stall and bought some books on the spot, thinking I'd learn how."
"Have you learned it?"
Upon hearing this, Little Tortoiseshell showed a hint of disdain. "Don't say anything more. I don't know which great writer who has never tasted the sweetness of love wrote this. What romantic tales? The more I read, the more I feel that it's just the work of a lonely old man with a white beard who fantasizes about his life!"
He said, “It mentions that a wealthy man took a fancy to a tofu seller. His act of infatuation was to give her father several thousand taels of silver without her consent and hastily bring her home as his third concubine. Once the novelty wore off, he ignored her completely. It’s ridiculous!”
"How could someone who truly likes another person act like this?"
Qin Lizheng casually asked, "What exactly constitutes true liking?"
"Of course I think about her day and night! At least... I dream about her at night!"
Qin Lizheng suddenly opened her eyes, stared at him silently, and after a long while said, "What did you say?"
Little Tortoiseshell pretended he hadn't heard clearly and continued speaking with great enthusiasm, "I said that if you really like someone, that person will appear in your dreams. Not only that, you should also respect her, cherish her, and respect her opinions. If you like her, you would wish she were always by your side."
As soon as she finished speaking, Little Tortoiseshell murmured to herself, "I don't quite understand either. Perhaps it's an instinct... stemming from a man's slight possessiveness towards a woman."
"For example, right now, I wish I could stay with Chuntang for a little longer."
Perhaps heaven took pity on him, for the willow branches beside the artificial rockery swayed in the warm breeze, and soon Xia Ling came around, calling out to him across the small pond, "Little Tortoiseshell! What are you doing slacking off here? Come here quickly, and Lin Zheng too, come along, Miss is taking us out to see a play!"
The little hawksbill turtle's expression instantly became smug, and thinking of her dream coming true, her voice softened considerably, "Here I am!"
A moment later, Qin Lizheng arrived outside Yunteng Pavilion and spotted Qian Yingyi at a glance.
Today she wore a light white short vest with a lily of the valley pattern, underneath which was a pink stand-up collar pipa-sleeved top, and below that a millet-yellow jacquard satin skirt. Her hair was styled in a high bun, with a thin yellow rope wrapped around each side behind her ears and braided at the ends, making her look lively, playful, and even more adorable.
Perhaps because she was in such a wonderful mood, she smiled when she saw him.
Qin Lizheng didn't look away, and suddenly felt that her smile was like several clusters of brightly colored weeping crabapple blossoms gathered together, as if bewitching him, making him want to get closer to her as in his dream.
Qian Yingyi maintained her neat and orderly habits. She had only been out of the house for a short while when she turned back and walked back, muttering, "Let me take another look."
It's unclear what she was looking at, but after going in and out three times, she finally left the courtyard with peace of mind.
Qin Lizheng lowered his head and followed her footsteps, watching her shadow hopping and skipping ahead like a cheerful nightingale, and his heart grew increasingly tormented.
Ever since that first dream of her, she has been a constant presence in his dreams, impossible to shake off. For the past two or three weeks, he has dreamt of her for two or three consecutive days. He tries to stay away from her during the day, and things improve at night.
But as his mistress, she often had various trivial matters to ask him to handle, and most of the time he would just lower his head and not look at her.
Strange, what kind of magic does she possess? She keeps giving him dreams. He used to be a very sound sleeper, and because of his time working in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he has always been a light sleeper.
If this continues...
How could he remain by her side as if nothing had happened? Qin Lizheng closed his eyes, unwilling to be held back, determined to shake off the series of troubling dreams.
The group went out in a lively atmosphere. The banks of the Qinhuai River were filled with wealth and prosperity. The dazzling sunlight shone down, and the shimmering waves stretched out in a beautiful line, making the entire riverbank look like a boundless Milky Way.
There were many opera troupes along the riverbank, and the opera houses were lined up one after another.
Qian Yingyi was in high spirits and went into a restaurant she was somewhat familiar with. She didn't care about the guards, maids, or young ladies, and asked the owner to arrange a private room for her.
At that time, there weren't many theatergoers. Most people would just listen to whatever the troupe was performing. Qian Yingyi was generous, so when the boss asked her to choose a play, she chose "The Moon Pavilion," which she loved.
He glanced at the eagle-eyed tortoiseshell, then secretly observed Chuntang's face, which was faintly flushed, and concluded that the two dared not reveal their feelings to each other.
So Qian Yingyi chuckled twice, handed the playbill to Chuntang, and gestured that she loved watching plays and asked her to choose one too.
Chuntang pursed her lips, her fluttering eyelashes trembling slightly, remaining so quiet that one couldn't bear to disturb her. After a while, she blinked and selected a play, "The Miser".
It wasn't the kind of play that celebrates talented scholars and beautiful women.
Little Tortoiseshell felt as if a bucket of water had been poured over him, and he was somewhat frustrated. But fortunately, he always knew how to console himself. After a few moments, he managed a smile again and sat down next to Chuntang.
After the two plays were finished, the sun was already setting outside.
Qian Yingyi, still feeling unsatisfied, invited the owner of the theater over, clapped her hands with a smile, and praised, "That female lead who sang 'The Moon Pavilion' just now was really good. You invited her over, and I'll treat her to tea."
The owner of the theater was a woman in her thirties, commonly known as Boss Su. Upon hearing this, she laughed repeatedly, "Her name is Yingniang. She has been raised by me since she was a child, and she is practically my daughter. I don't know how much money I spent on her to learn opera. It is her good fortune to have caught the eye of the young lady today. I will call her over now."
Just as Boss Su had said, Yingniang was practically her daughter. When she hurried over to Qian Yingyi, she had already washed her face and looked as if she had no desire to go on stage again. Her eyes were like water, and she stood at the door, bowing respectfully to Qian Yingyi.
Chuntang led her inside and made tea for her.
Qian Yingyi picked up a piece of candy and put it in her mouth, secretly scanning her with her eyes. "You sang really well. You have a great voice. I hadn't heard you sing before, but I was very happy to hear you sing today. I specifically asked you to come and talk to me. You won't find it annoying, will you?"
Since she started performing, Yingniang has always been faced with self-righteous and aloof spectators. When has she ever faced such a friendly person?
The young lady in front of him showed no disdain. She came up to praise his singing, and even though he was a little tired after singing for half a day, he felt relaxed at this moment.
So she smiled and replied to Qian Yingyi, her tone becoming sincere, "Miss favors me, how could I refuse? I just think this tea has brought us together, so it's my turn to invite you to have some tea. After we've had our tea, please feel free to say whatever you want to me."
The two women exchanged pleasantries, but in the end, Yingniang invited Qian Yingyi to have a cup of tea. Qian Yingyi couldn't help but admire her closely, and asked with a smile, "You're so kind. I'd like to see an opera performance later; could I invite you to my home to sing?"
The opera troupes along the riverbank were always ashamed to perform in public. If they were favored by a nobleman and invited into his residence, they would feel proud and smug when they met their peers.
Yingniang was both surprised and delighted, and readily agreed. As Qian Yingyi became even more sincere, they began to chat.
Gradually, the sky darkened, and lamps were lit on the doors and windows of the street. The dim yellow light shone through the windows of the opera house, casting dappled shadows.
Xia Ling whispered a few words of encouragement in Qian Yingyi's ear before she turned to Yingniang with a smile and said, "That's settled then. You and your godmother go and explain. I'll be leaving now."
Qian Yingyi was already quite satisfied and was about to head towards the carriage when, by sheer coincidence, she bumped into a pair of extremely beautiful eyes.
As if she hadn't expected to meet him here, Qian Yingyi blinked and smiled sweetly, "Lord Yan, what are you doing here at this time?"
After Qian Lanting repeatedly reminded her last time, Qian Yingyi gradually gave up the idea of frequently meeting with Yan Ruheng.
Upon meeting her again, Qian Yingyi thought to herself that it was a coincidence, yet she couldn't help but look at that particularly beautiful face.
After a long pause, Yan Ruheng finally withdrew his astonished gaze and couldn't help but smile, "What a coincidence, Miss Qian, we meet again."
"I had guests at home and I kept them company for a round of drinks. I was a little drunk, so I came to the river to get some fresh air."
At this point, Qian Yingyi seemed to catch a whiff of the mellow aroma of wine on him. Remembering her grandfather's instructions, she nodded indifferently and simply smiled, "Then I'll head home now."
Qin Lizheng secretly observed from the side, thinking that he should not let Qian Yingyi go back too early. If she no longer had any contact with Yan Ruheng in the future, the clues would be cut off, and why should he have worked for nothing?
Therefore, when Qian Yingyi turned around, he deliberately blocked her path halfway.
"...What are you doing?" Qian Yingyi winked at him. "Don't you understand? Get out of the way!"
Qin Lizheng remained expressionless and did not move. He was betting that Yan Ruheng would try to persuade him to stay.
Sure enough, after a short while, Yan Ruheng hurriedly stepped forward. Because he had been drinking, there was a faint redness under his eyelids, and his eyes were not very clear. His gentle voice was filled with caution, "Miss Qian, have I done anything to upset you?"
Qian Yingyi glared at Qin Lizheng, then suddenly changed her expression to a smile, turning to Yan Ruheng and saying, "How could that be? I just haven't had dinner yet, and I'm a little hungry, so I thought I'd go home early to fill my stomach."
Yan Ruheng's expression changed in a moment, and he smiled warmly and politely. He glanced around and pointed to a restaurant. "I should have treated you to a meal in Jiangning last time. Today is a good day to make up for it. Why don't we go there?"
His smile was like a warm spring breeze. Qian Yingyi secretly glanced at his face while cursing herself for being so weak.
At this moment, she recalled her grandfather's words. He only said not to get too involved, but his words still implied that he approved of her being friends with Yan Ruheng.
If they are just friends, then it makes sense.
Qian Yingyi was somewhat embarrassed. She had seen handsome men before, but Yan Ruheng's face was just so appealing to her...
After much deliberation, Qian Yingyi finally made up her mind to reject him first, and then ask her grandfather about it. If her grandfather did not allow it, she would no longer have any contact with him.
If her grandfather allowed it, she would naturally follow her heart and become his friend.
The riverbank was always bustling. The evening breeze carried the scent of alcohol from Yan Ruheng, along with a hint of his usual citrus fragrance. "Miss Qian, have you made up your mind?"
Qian Yingyi looked up and saw his gentle smile, so she took a few steps forward and curtsied to him, "I'm sorry, I..."
But then, something unexpected happened. Several mischievous five- or six-year-old children ran out from a side alley behind her. One of them took off running, and as soon as he reached the alley entrance, he jumped backward, shouting, "You can't catch me!"
Unable to control his strength, Xiao Tong suddenly bumped into Qian Yingyi, causing her to stumble forward a few steps. Startled, she saw Yan Ruheng instinctively spread out his arms, intending to steady her.
The excitement was all on the other side of the river. Although there weren't many people here, with her grandfather's instructions in mind, Qian Yingyi only had time to turn around and fall to the side.
Throughout history, countless talented men and beautiful women have been the subject of rumors and gossip because of someone offering them a helping hand or support.
She wasn't afraid of those absurd words; she was only afraid that those words would tie the Yan family and the Qian family together, and that her grandfather would be angry.
However, this meant the two maids were far apart, and Qian Yingyi was bound to trip and fall.
Suddenly, a hand pulled her arm, and in a dizzying moment, Qian Yingyi was enveloped in a refreshing minty scent.
She stared blankly at the guard so close to her for a moment, her eyelashes brushing against his smooth chin as she looked up, and she couldn't say a word for a moment.
Qin Lizheng didn't understand why he had pulled her, and the feeling made him very uncomfortable.
Her palm pressed against his chest, while he held her wrist between his fingers. Her jaw tingled and itched, and in an instant, he forcefully pulled her into those unspeakable and utterly absurd dreams.
What is he doing?
Qin Lizheng abruptly released her, took a step back, and suddenly felt a pang of self-doubt. He stood there silently, his lips forming a straight line.
The commotion startled both maids, and even Yan Ruheng easily changed his usually gentle gaze to one of scrutiny.
Qian Yingyi's face was unpredictable. She didn't have time to talk to Yan Ruheng anymore and hurriedly climbed into the carriage.
Only after the carriage disappeared from sight did Yan Ruheng gradually clench his fists, revealing a hint of resentment.
Meanwhile, the group arrived in high spirits, but left with mixed feelings.
Qin Lizheng sat with his knees bent outside the carriage, his face always lowered, whether because he had not had much contact with Yan Ruheng or because of something else he couldn't explain.
The carriage turned into Pipa Lane and stopped in front of the Qian residence.
Qian Yingyi didn't get out of the carriage for a long time, but instead called two maids in first.
Xia Ling glanced at Qin Lizheng in surprise, "Miss has something to say to you!"
Qin Lizheng nodded, then calmly lifted the light yellow curtain, intending to invite Qian Yingyi down to speak.
But as soon as her fingertips slipped inside, a hand grabbed her, and she felt a sharp pain in her hand as she bit it hard!
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Qian Yingyi's angry face appeared before Qin Lizheng. Her mouth was still chattering, presumably she had calmed herself down in the carriage for a while, "Do you know I am a young lady, and you are a guard? There were so many people by the river just now, your duty was only to protect my safety, who gave you permission to hug me..."
"I was just protecting Miss's safety." Qin Lizheng suddenly interrupted her, speaking faster than usual. Strangely, he felt a little uneasy, as if he was afraid that she might say something romantic.
"...You!" Qian Yingyi was speechless for a moment. Disregarding all decorum, she jumped out of the carriage and punched the guard twice in the face.
She said angrily, "You shameless bastard!"
After saying that, she angrily lifted her skirt, stepped onto the stone steps, and disappeared in a flash.
Little Tortoiseshell had been in a daze the whole way, but now it murmured, "Heavens above, Lin Zheng, you don't like Miss, do you?"
Qin Lizheng slowly raised his hand, looking at the teeth mark on the tiger's mouth.
Thinking back to his bet by the river that Yan Ruheng would try to keep her, yet he couldn't predict what he would do, a cold laugh escaped his lips as if he had heard something laughable. "I like her?"
Little Tortoiseshell blurted out, "I don't like Miss. If Miss is about to fall, you can just help her up."
Why did you hug her?
The boy's eyes widened in shock, and he shook his head repeatedly. "You're finished. Miss must have gone to tell Madam that she wants to get rid of you. I saw that Miss was very angry just now. Speaking of which, based on my experience, you like Miss, don't you?"
Qin Lizheng glanced at him indifferently, suppressed the particularly strange feeling in her heart, and walked into the house by herself after a while, her words seeming to be spoken to him, yet also to herself.
"Absolutely impossible."
A note from the author:
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Little hawksbill turtle: You're so stubborn.
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