Yan Xiaohan let out a sigh of relief, and at that moment, he truly began to treat this “little friend” as a “friend”.
The two had been traversing the mountain valley for nearly a day. Fu Shen let Yan Xiaohan carry him for a section before jumping down to walk on his own. The valley was beautiful, with flowing water and lush vegetation.
The two paused to rest. Fu Shen wanted to pick a branch to play with, but was once again stopped by Yan Xiaohan. He wasn’t angry and smiled, asking, “What reason do you have to stop me this time? Are there toxins in the orchids?”
Yan Xiaohan handed him some wild fruits he hadn’t eaten, sat down while gently pressing his ribs, and sighed, “No. I just feel that these plants are growing well in the valley. If they hadn’t met us, they could have survived several winters and summers peacefully. If you pick a branch, they might wither by tomorrow. Why bother?”
Fu Shen laughed heartily, “The ancients said, ‘Not picking but wearing, how can it harm the orchid?’ How did it become ‘Picking and wearing, harming the orchid’ in your view?”
Yan Xiaohan replied, “Plants have their own spirit. Why should they be harmed for human beauty?”
Fu Shen collapsed laughing onto him.
Yan Xiaohan thought this young master was quite naive – after sharing a difficult experience, he had become so intimate with him.
But he also thought it might be because they were alone in the mountains, and he was ultimately a bit scared, unconsciously drawing closer.
Yan Xiaohan reached out and embraced him. They leaned back, lying side by side on the grassy slope.
Fu Shen gazed at the clear blue sky and suddenly said seriously, “If you cherish a flower so much, sparing a wild orchid, why then cause such turmoil?”
Yan Xiaohan responded, “You’re talking nonsense again. Thunder and rain descend from heaven. ‘It is fate, not something I can control.'”
Fu Shen sat up straight, “Then I’ll go pick that flower. Since ancient times, who hasn’t faced death? Enjoy today’s wine today…”
Yan Xiaohan couldn’t help but laugh and pull him back, holding him tightly, “Come back! Do you have to wade into these murky waters? What does the Jin family’s life or death have to do with you?”
