Chapter 100
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The list of study companions will only be announced tomorrow, so today is considered the closing ceremony of the academy. No need to study, no need to be assessed; it’s a time for the students who can leave the academy to relax. The academy will have a month-long break.
Some of them have already reached adulthood, and the next step is the spring examinations. Those who did not become study companions can participate in the spring examinations without continuing to study at the academy. However, some are still young and will continue their studies after a month, but they may not return to the academy. After all, the flourishing scene at the academy this year is entirely due to the emperor’s selection of study companions. Without this, there wouldn’t be so many students in the academy.
Therefore, many students will leave after this closing ceremony.
Tonight is considered the last night of revelry. The head master directly opened the inventory and took out the best-grade “Zhuangyuan Red,” treating everyone. Lin Qingyang was originally packing up with Shuncai, preparing to move out the next day. Upon hearing this news, he became excited. He hadn’t expected such a lively event to join. While discussing this, someone suddenly rushed in with great momentum.
“Lin Qingyang!”
Lin Qingyang’s shoulder was heavily patted, and when he turned around, he instantly smiled. “Qi Yan!”
“Missed me, haven’t you? Look at you, I almost didn’t recognize you with this dead look. When did you become so handsome! Losing weight really works!” Qi Yan laughed heartily.
“It’s only natural for a brother to become handsome. You, on the other hand, gained quite a bit of weight.” Lin Qingyang intentionally looked at Qi Yan’s legs, which seemed to have recovered.
Qi Yan spat and expressed disdain for Lin Qingyang’s shamelessness, then said, “I heard you passed the assessment. When did you secretly become so powerful without telling me? Come clean, did you use any tricks!”
Lin Qingyang was once again grabbed by Qi Yan’s neck. Unable to endure it, he pushed back and said, “Brother, when you weren’t around, I was progressing rapidly. The time I spent being a study slacker with you was just a disguise. This is my true level.”
“Pah! What’s the point of studying to death! Don’t you know how carefree and happy I am outside?” Qi Yan couldn’t help but say sarcastically.
“This… would you dare say it to the head master?” Lin Qingyang held back his laughter.
“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Qi Yan said arrogantly.
Lin Qingyang immediately looked serious and turned to the door, saying, “Head master, did you hear that?”
Qi Yan instantly panicked, “I didn’t, head master, I didn’t…” It turned out all students were afraid of the school principal.
Soon, the laughter of Lin Qingyang and Shuncai could be heard, and Qi Yan realized he had been fooled. He became angry and wanted to hit someone.
Lin Qingyang played along for a while, satisfying the joy of reunion between brothers.
“Are you here just to congratulate me? Didn’t I send someone to tell you that I moved to the other courtyard? You could have found me there later. I don’t believe you came all this way just for me.”
“Isn’t there a Peach Forest Banquet tonight?” Qi Yan suddenly grinned mischievously.
“I heard we’re gathering for a feast tonight, but what’s the Peach Forest Banquet?” Lin Qingyang asked curiously.
“You really don’t know?” Qi Yan immediately teased, “I get it now. You’re always following your cousin around and don’t care about the rumors among students.”
Lin Qingyang was too lazy to comment on Qi Yan’s choice of words and asked directly, “Tell me more about it.”
“Every year at this time, the academy holds a night banquet, and the head master will bring out some top-quality wine to celebrate. The banquet is set in the open space of the peach blossom forest. At that time, both male and female students will be together. For those about to graduate from the academy, do you know what it means?” Qi Yan’s grin became more and more lecherous.
Lin Qingyang didn’t need to hear more. Just by looking at Qi Yan’s expression, he could guess roughly what it meant—probably something like confessing feelings before graduation.
Sure enough, as Qi Yan continued to explain, Lin Qingyang understood. This Peach Blossom Banquet was essentially a disguised matchmaking event.
Men and women take advantage of this last opportunity to give hints to those they find attractive. Some might even exchange tokens. If both parties hit it off, good news might soon spread throughout the capital.
So, this final gathering is known as the Peach Blossom Banquet.
On this night, everyone dresses up meticulously. Some do it for the scenery, while others are genuinely looking for a partner.
“It’s quite romantic, but what does it have to do with you? Don’t tell me you’re looking for someone now!” Lin Qingyang didn’t believe this romantic event had anything to do with Qi Yan.
“You don’t understand… What if someone secretly admires me, regardless of gender? It’s not right to deny them this opportunity. Sometimes, when emotions run deep, that peach blossom forest is a good place to go…” As he spoke, Qi Yan indeed revealed his true colors, being lecherous.
The romantic atmosphere was ruined.
Although Lin Qingyang felt disdainful towards Qi Yan, the news he brought did touch Lin Qingyang a bit. This kind of interesting romantic experience from his student days was something he could now appreciate. It wasn’t bad.
However… everyone in the entire academy knew he was uninterested in romantic relationships. Considering this, he realized that tonight, no one would be giving him any tokens.
Thinking about this, Lin Qingyang felt speechless and wanted to hit his head against the wall, on the verge of tears.
Feeling stifled, the instigator arrived.
“Cousin, ready to go…” When Chu Lishu and Xu Wenzhe approached, they noticed Qi Yan. Everyone was acquainted, so greetings were exchanged.
Qi Yan looked at them and made a clicking sound with his tongue, saying, “Why didn’t you bring a few more pieces of jade? What if there were many girls who wanted your tokens?”
Apparently, they had also heard about the Peach Blossom Banquet.
Xu Wenzhe cleared his throat and said, “You can’t just give tokens randomly. Once given, it’s only for that person. How can you prepare for multiple people?”
Qi Yan scornfully glanced at Xu Wenzhe and then looked at Chu Lishu, grinning, “Do you two have any specific individuals you want to give tokens to?”
Both of them were taken aback by the question.
Xu Wenzhe quickly responded, “I am devoted to my studies and don’t have such thoughts.”
“I naturally don’t have anyone in mind,” Chu Lishu said, but he glanced at Lin Qingyang in silence. It seemed that since they arrived, Lin Qingyang had been in a somewhat displeased state. What happened?
Qi Yan snorted indifferently, borrowed a set of clothes and a bunch of jade accessories from Lin Qingyang, and then they headed to the peach blossom forest together.
In spring, the peach blossoms were in full bloom, with lanterns hanging from the trees, creating a picturesque scene. It was indeed a setting that easily stirred emotions.
As Lin Qingyang was admiring the scenery, he suddenly saw a few girls passing by behind a tree. One of them was secretly glancing at Chu Lishu who was standing beside him.
Thinking about Chu Lishu’s face, as beautiful as jade, and his outstanding first-place performance on the list, even if he couldn’t become a study companion, he was destined to be a top scholar. Such a young talent was indeed the number one target for the girls.
Although in the original plot, the male lead was not only homophobic but also not particularly gentle towards the opposite sex, at this moment, the male lead hadn’t completely gone crazy. Lin Qingyang wondered if there was a possibility…
Curious, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but ask, “Lishu, if someone gives you a token tonight…” Lin Qingyang originally intended to tease a bit, but before he could finish speaking, Chu Lishu interrupted, “I don’t have the time for that, so I won’t accept it.”
Lin Qingyang sighed silently. Indeed, in the male lead’s heart, the world and revenge were the main themes, and there was no room for love or romance. No woman could melt his heart. What a pity.
Chu Lishu glanced at Lin Qingyang, understanding it all. The recent gloominess stemmed from this. He had neglected him, but Chu Lishu was satisfied that Lin Qingyang had endured and not come to pester him.
However, with the arrival of the Peach Blossom Banquet, his true colors emerged.
Well, wasn’t he worried that Chu Lishu might develop feelings for other women? How could he be so easily swayed? Before accomplishing important matters, let alone having feelings, he wasn’t even interested in women. Truly a case of needless worry.
However, if he continued like this, reclaiming the throne in the future, marrying the empress, and accepting concubines, would he be just as miserable as he is now? No, it would definitely be even more painful.
There was no choice. Who made Lin Qingyang fall in love with the wrong person? If he had only been loyal to him, things wouldn’t have been so complicated.
Chu Lishu felt a sense of regret for Lin Qingyang in his heart. Thinking about the time after tonight, when they wouldn’t meet for a while, he couldn’t help but feel a bit cruel. However, he told himself to stay firm, even if… meeting once every few days would be fine, but they couldn’t be as clingy as before.
The four of them arrived at the liveliest open space, found a spot to sit down, and the drinks on the small table were already prepared. In the middle of the open space, a lively bonfire was burning, roasting beef and mutton, making it quite flavorful.
Soon, Lin Qingyang witnessed the scene that Qi Yan mentioned.
Almost simultaneously, several young women approached their direction. However, upon discovering each other, they shyly stopped in their tracks. After secretly sizing each other up for a while, one of the young women bravely took the first step.
One after another, they walked towards Xu Wenze and Chu Lishu.
The first person who spoke invited Xu Wenze, suggesting they go elsewhere for a private conversation. Xu Wenze, being a gentleman, didn’t want to make the young woman feel awkward, so he stood up and went with her.
On the other hand, Chu Lishu just raised his glass to invite the young woman to have a drink, politely declining to leave. This subtle refusal made the young woman almost run away with embarrassment.
After that, the situation changed. Almost every woman who approached Xu Wenze didn’t stay for long, and he found himself standing up to leave shortly after sitting down.
On Chu Lishu’s side, due to his previous indifferent attitude, some women hesitated to approach him. Only those with great confidence dared to come forward, but even after being rejected, they would share a drink, maintaining a relatively relaxed atmosphere.
Qi Yan sat with them for a while but couldn’t stand it any longer. He grumbled, “They are affecting my charm. I’m going somewhere else!”
Lin Qingyang wasn’t going to act like Qi Yan. He knew well about his reputation and didn’t want to have unnecessary expectations. Why not enjoy good food and drinks?
As he was observing the scene, unusual sounds came from not far away. Lin Qingyang looked over and was instantly captivated by the beauty of Cao Wanying.
It seemed that Cao Wanying had retreated from somewhere else to this place. It appeared that she had quite a few suitors, and after a few drinks, some of the men seemed to lose their sense of propriety, putting the goddess in a difficult situation.
“Sorry, I…” Cao Wanying awkwardly declined the jade pendant offered by a persistent man, attempting to turn away. However, she was stopped by someone, and with an uncomfortable expression, she couldn’t shout for help or openly reject. She could only express her refusal in a soft and discreet manner.
Seeing this, Lin Qingyang felt anxious and quickly nudged Chu Lishu. “Go and help her!”
Chu Lishu, pushed by Lin Qingyang, finally noticed Cao Wanying. He frowned slightly. After all, she was Mr. Cao’s granddaughter, and he couldn’t ignore her distress. He stood up and walked over.
Lin Qingyang was pleased. This was the first time Chu Lishu decisively went to help a woman. Indeed, the future Imperial Noble Consort would be extraordinary, having the qualities of a female lead.
In the original plot, Cao Wanying had a subtle affection for Chu Lishu. Her entrance into the palace was due to her dual status as the top talent and Mr. Cao’s granddaughter. As the Imperial Noble Consort, she diligently managed the palace, making her one of the few concubines with a stable life.
Lin Qingyang truly admired Cao Wanying’s beauty and good-natured personality. She was the epitome of an ideal wife and mother. Such a woman, if not cherished by the male lead, would make people want to scold him. Unfortunately, they were all characters in the story, and Lin Qingyang didn’t dare to overthink it.
After Chu Lishu went over, he quickly rescued Cao Wanying. After a brief conversation, Lin Qingyang could see the shy blush on Cao Wanying’s face.
Chu Lishu turned back and gestured to Lin Qingyang, indicating that he would go to a distant place for a while. Suppressing his excitement, Lin Qingyang nodded to show his understanding.
Chu Lishu walked in another direction with Cao Wanying.
Lin Qingyang, with a gossipy look, observed the ethereal couple’s departing figures, speculating in his heart. Could it be that the male lead has awakened, and a romantic storyline has finally entered the scene?
Lost in his own amusement, Lin Qingyang was soon approached by Qi Yan, who grabbed his hand and said, “Come on, someone is looking for you.”
“Why?” Lin Qingyang asked.
“Come and you’ll find out.” Qi Yan pulled Lin Qingyang along with a sly expression on his face.
Once they arrived in an area with dense peach blossom trees and fewer people, a faint voice suddenly called out to Lin Qingyang.
“Young Master… Lin, greetings.”
Lin Qingyang looked over and saw a slightly unfamiliar young man, seemingly surnamed Hu. Due to his small stature, he didn’t leave a strong impression on Lin Qingyang, and the two didn’t have much interaction.
At this moment, Lin Qingyang hadn’t fully registered the situation. It wasn’t until Qi Yan mischievously ran away, and Young Master Hu approached, that Lin Qingyang felt something unusual.
This Young Master Hu seemed to have consumed some alcohol, with flushed cheeks and hazy eyes. The admiration in his eyes became more apparent.
“Young Master Lin, I know… we’re the same. I used to be a bit afraid of you, but since that moment you stepped onto the cuju field, my eyes couldn’t leave you. I often think of you, yearn to see you… I admire you.”
As Young Master Hu spoke, Lin Qingyang became increasingly stunned. He never expected to receive such a sincere confession in his lifetime and to make matters more complicated, it was from a man. He felt an overwhelming urge to cry. After all, he was just pretending!
“Sor….ry.”
Seeing Lin Qingyang’s rejection, Young Master Hu’s eyes welled up with tears. “I… I ask for nothing more. Just hoping you can spare me a token. I know if I give you something, you probably won’t willingly accept it. After all… after all, you barely know me. I… my family is about to move away soon, and it’s likely we won’t meet again. I just want to leave a memento. You… don’t worry, a token doesn’t mean much for a man.”
Lin Qingyang hadn’t heard before that Young Master Hu was of the same inclination. Seeing him tremble all over, it seemed that this confession was made with great determination, perhaps fueled by a bit of courage from drinking. It wasn’t about having a request but more about seizing the opportunity to speak from the heart, possibly for the last time.
Facing such sincerity, Lin Qingyang found it difficult to firmly refuse, but he also felt quite troubled.
“Just a… just a memento, I’m beg—”
“Um… it’s okay. Consider it a farewell gift from me. I’ll have someone deliver it to you later. Wishing you a safe journey.” Lin Qingyang suddenly interrupted, feeling a bit sorry for a man to plead like this.
Young Master Hu’s expression seemed somewhat regretful, and his gaze lingered on the ornament hanging from Lin Qingyang’s waist, indicating his desire for something more personal.
However, this was Lin Qingyang’s bottom line considering their limited acquaintance. Despite the situation, he saw Young Master Hu as brave for being the first person in this world to express genuine affection towards him. Lin Qingyang chose to offer him a kind gesture.
Young Master Hu seemed to struggle for a moment before giving up, then asked, “Young Master Lin… Thank you. I have a question I’d like to ask.”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you… have someone you fancy?”
“No…” Lin Qingyang’s mouth was quicker than his mind, and the answer slipped out.
Young Master Hu’s eyes instantly lit up. “In that case, may I accompany you tonight?”
Lin Qingyang was almost choked by his own saliva. Was that what he thought it meant?
Was it this direct and straightforward?!
This Young Master Hu in front of him blushed deeply, seemingly completely disregarding propriety and just wanting to follow his heart tonight, leaving a memory, as he put it.
Lin Qingyang was about to wave his hand to refuse when Young Master Hu rushed up and hugged him. Nervously gasping, he said, “I… I’m willing to do anything for you. No one will ever know…” He even extended his hand.
Lin Qingyang’s body was covered in goosebumps. Being embraced by a woman might excite him, but he couldn’t handle it from a man. Lin Qingyang pushed Young Master Hu away abruptly. Young Master Hu’s face turned deathly pale in an instant, a look of despair that Lin Qingyang couldn’t bear to see.
“Young Master Lin, I know you don’t like me, but you’re also a man. There are times when you have needs. I just want to accompany you for one night. There’s no need for any psychological burden. Since you don’t have someone you fancy, why not indulge a little?” Unexpectedly, Young Master Hu, feeling utterly embarrassed, rebounded with stubbornness.
Lin Qingyang was still feeling troubled when he heard a crackling sound, the noise of a branch being snapped.
Lin Qingyang and Young Master Hu immediately turned their heads to look. They saw a figure emerging from behind the peach blossom trees. The moment they locked eyes with those familiar black pupils, Lin Qingyang instinctively felt a tightening of the skin and his legs went weak.
Lin Qingyang: … It must be an illusion, definitely an illusion!
The male lead is currently on the other side of the peach blossom forest with his future wife.
Hahaha, it must be an illusion… Oh no… Please, let it be an illusion!
But when Cao Wanying also walked out from behind the trees, Lin Qingyang knew it was game over.
Huh? This is not right.
Wait a minute! I haven’t done anything, why am I feeling guilty? What am I afraid of? He just received a confession, and it’s from a background character with no conflicts of interest with the male lead. Besides, I rejected him. The male lead won’t care about something like this, right? Oh dear, I startled myself with a reflex. Haha.
For the first time, Lin Qingyang found himself in an awkward situation and, for the first time, he felt so justified and confident. He wished he could stand tall, hands on hips, with an indifferent and calm face, questioning them with an air of nonchalance.
“Why are you here? Eavesdropping on others is not polite.”
The feeling of floating is really exhilarating!!!!
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100TH CHAPTER MARK HOORAHHHHHH we’re about halfway done ! Or a third..idk huhu BUT THANK U FOR THE TRANSLATION 🙇♀️