I couldn’t treat these two people with completely different personalities as the same person!
“Elder Sister Ran, what are you talking about?” Jun Yi Chen, wearing an elegant scholarly robe, walked in with a sunshine-like warm smile.
I slightly raised my head, casually glancing at him: “Talking about the radish cake and white brocade you mentioned last time!”
“Huh?” Jun Yi Chen was stunned, blushing awkwardly after a while: “You already know?”
I raised an eyebrow, saying: “You little rascal, you’re quite something! Tricking me again, hm?”
Jun Yi Chen smiled apologetically: “Hehe, good sister, don’t be angry. I came today to take you somewhere. Since you’re determined to be my sister-in-law, I thought it’s necessary to let you know about my brother’s past!”
I closed my eyes and leaned back lazily on the chair, lacking interest: “If you’re talking about the small courtyard in the back garden, forget it. I’ve already been there!”
“Huh? How do you know? Did my brother take you there?” Jun Yi Chen was shocked!
“No, I went by myself!
“
Thinking about it made me uncomfortable. I just played the guqin there once, and it wasn’t that expensive, so why did he look like he wanted to eat me alive!!!
The night was like water, slightly cool. I got up and draped a light garment, walking barefoot to the window. Outside, the moonlight was hazy, stars twinkling, everything silent. Occasional gentle evening breezes swept by, softly brushing the hair at my temples…
Gazing at the night sky, my drifting thoughts filled the seemingly illusory and dreamlike firmament, yet my heart could not find peace!
I had waited ten years, and finally the day of meeting had arrived. We were so close, yet it felt like we were separated by an infinite distance!
Suddenly, the space before me brightened. Flickering lights appeared in midair – someone was releasing sky lanterns. The dim yellow lamp fires slowly rose, one, two… flying further until they merged with the night.
Who was still awake at this hour?
These sky lanterns seemed to carry endless longing, causing my heart to feel tangled!
Pondering this, I unconsciously moved, pushing open the door and walking slowly towards the direction of the rising lights!
In the night, a tall and lonely figure stood, surrounded by scattered sky lanterns not yet released. The man held a lantern, about to let it go.
The weak light illuminated the silver hair behind him, white hair dancing in the wind, indescribably desolate and sorrowful!
I quietly stood in a corner of the corridor, planning to turn and leave after watching him release the lanterns.
Unexpectedly, my feet had gone numb. Looking down, I couldn’t help but softly moan. I had rushed out so quickly that I’d forgotten to wear shoes. Standing on these cold stone tiles for half a watch at such a deep night – it would be strange if I could still feel my feet!
I didn’t expect my barely audible moan would still alert Bei Ting Zi Han nearby!
“Who’s there?” Before the words finished, he was already in front of me!
A black shadow flashed, his clothing sweeping by as he steadily landed before me. In the darkness, I could only see his eyes, shining with an amber-like radiance.
“It’s you?” Hearing it was me, his calm voice carried an indiscernible hint of surprise. Due to the darkness, I couldn’t see his facial expression!
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you!” Suddenly feeling like a child caught doing something wrong, I lowered my head, staring at the bare foot peeking out from my long dress…
Forget it, the most urgent thing is to explain clearly. I cleared my throat to cover my slight embarrassment and said: “That, Yu Rao, you misunderstood. I’m not what you think with your manor’s master!
The little girl clearly didn’t believe me, leaning forward with a mischievous smile, persistently asking: “What exactly do you mean?”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, impatiently saying: “I… forget it, believe it or not, I can’t be bothered to explain!” If she truly doesn’t believe me, explaining more would be pointless, so I might as well let it go!
Fortunately, she was sensible enough not to say anything more.
Seeing her silent, I said: “Alright, go prepare. I want to visit the market today!” Having been cooped up in this courtyard for a month, I feel like I’m about to get moldy! No, I must go out and breathe some fresh air!!!
Yu Rao glanced at my not-yet-fully-recovered leg and hesitated: “My lady’s leg hasn’t fully healed. Going out now might not be a good idea.”
I discovered this girl was becoming more and more long-winded, impatiently glaring at her: “What nonsense! I said I’m going out, so I’m going out. If you don’t want to come, I’ll go alone!”
…
Xi Lin Yan hooked his lips in a bitter smile, “Foolish girl! You’re right, I indeed failed to protect her. It’s right for you to blame me…”
“But rest assured, not a single one of them will escape. I will make them all accompany Xin’er in death…”
How to See Fleeting Life, Not as a Dream (3)
Outside Ruyang City, merchants traveled back and forth endlessly. Inside the city, it was even more bustling. Several prosperous streets were filled with merchants, wine flags everywhere, and the sounds of hawking never ceased.
Lifting a corner of the carriage curtain, I carefully observed this city known as the most prosperous within a hundred li. Shops lined the streets, merchants and workers coming and going, crowded and lively.
I couldn’t help but brighten up, secretly smacking my lips, “How lively!”
“Of course! Ruyang City is the largest commercial city in our country, even more prosperous than the capital! And right now, we’re in the center of Ruyang City, which is the most bustling of the bustling!” Yu Rao introduced proudly, her eyes sparkling as if the entire street belonged to her.
I looked at her amusedly, “You little girl, you’re happy now. Just moments ago, you were reluctant to come out!”
The young girl pouted aggrievedly, “Yu Rao was worried about the young lady’s leg injury!”
I suppressed my smile and asked seriously, “Alright, enough teasing. Tell me, what makes the most money in your Ru City?”
The young girl thought for a moment, “Nothing more than brothels, gambling houses, restaurants, and banks!”
Just as I thought. I looked up at the sun, estimating the time, “It’s about time for lunch. Let’s find a good restaurant and eat first.”
“At the mention of food, the young girl immediately nodded her head vigorously.
I looked at her suspiciously, “Yu Rao, are you that hungry?”
“Hehe…” Yu Rao laughed awkwardly, “I’ve long heard that there’s a signature dish called ‘Phoenix Tail and Chicken Wings’ at the Jade Phoenix Restaurant not far ahead. I’ve always wanted to try it but never had the chance. Let’s go eat there today!”
“No chance? I think you mean no money!” I looked at her, mercilessly exposing her.
“Young lady!” Yu Rao blushed, embarrassed.
“Haha, I’m just teasing you! Today, order whatever you want. It’s my treat!” I patted my chest generously.
“Really, thank you, young lady!” Yu Rao’s eyes lit up, her previous embarrassment instantly vanishing.
After eating my fill and putting down my chopsticks with satisfaction, I waved to the waiter who had just finished serving customers nearby. He immediately came over and smiled, asking, “Miss, are you ready to pay the bill?”
I smiled calmly, “No rush. My little maid hasn’t finished eating yet! Could you trouble the waiter to help me invite the shopkeeper out? Just tell him a young lady has something important to discuss!”
The waiter’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Miss, are you dissatisfied with our dishes or service?”
I shook my head with a smile.”
The waiter was relieved, “Then please wait a moment, and I’ll go invite the shopkeeper right away!”
