Chapter 113
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Throughout their journey, they visited sweet shops, clothing stores, and jewelry shops, and even chased after them to a pleasure boat, a theater, and a restaurant. By the time the sky turned dark, they were always one step behind.
At each place, they overheard discussions about the affectionate relationship between the young master and the girl. They even encountered people who knew Lin Qingyang, speculating on how Lin Qingyang had changed his ways and was now accompanied by a beautiful woman. The women they encountered couldn’t resist inquiring about who Lin Qingyang really was.
As they neared the end of their journey, they heard that Brother Lin had already taken the girl back home.
“I’ve never been so exhausted in my entire life.” Originally thinking of enjoying the spectacle, the now weary Yue Chen felt like he was about to collapse. “Brother Lin is indeed… patient. To run to so many places. Chu Lishu, is he always like this when he’s with you?”
Lin Qingyang had never been like this before, and Chu Lishu smiled in a somewhat terrifying manner. “Cousin is just being hospitable.”
Yue Chen raised an eyebrow, feeling the condensed aura around Chu Lishu, causing the temperature within a three-step radius to drop. Even nearby, Huo Luo felt a faint, looming sense of hostility and couldn’t help but cough.
“Let’s go, aren’t we heading to the residence?” Chu Lishu said slowly.
“That… We’re too tired today, so let’s not disturb. Another day, perhaps,” Yue Chen chuckled twice, pulling Huo Luo as they bid farewell.
“What are you doing? Weren’t we supposed to meet that special dancer?” Huo Luo looked puzzled at Yue Chen.
Yue Chen quickly pulled Huo Luo onto the carriage, saying, “Even when watching a spectacle, one needs to value their life. If we follow again, be cautious…” Yue Chen demonstrated a motion of slashing Huo Luo’s neck.
Huo Luo grabbed Yue Chen’s hand, frowning. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
“Did you not see the expression on Chu Lishu’s face just now, or did you not feel the killing intent emanating from him?” Yue Chen exaggerated, “If we witness something we shouldn’t see, it won’t be easy for us in the future.”
Huo Luo thought for a moment, unable to resist his curiosity. “So… are they really…”
Yue Chen immediately shook his head, swaying side to side. “Seeing through it but not revealing it.”
Observing this, Huo Luo decisively assumed that the two were indeed a couple. He had a somewhat difficult time accepting this, but he didn’t say much. He just spoke, “Isn’t Lin Qingyang supposed to be uninterested in romantic relationships? He shouldn’t have any connection with women. Chu Lishu himself knows that it’s just hospitality for guests, so there’s nothing to misunderstand.”
Yue Chen looked at Huo Luo helplessly and said, “You’ve never had someone you liked. You wouldn’t understand. Some people, even if they know there’s no problem, they still get upset because they care, especially someone like him.”
“Which kind of person?”
Yue Chen’s gaze flickered. “The kind… who has lost everything, endured everything. Finally, after regaining someone to care about, he becomes more obsessive than ever. Possessiveness surpasses everything. It’s like grabbing onto a lifesaving straw; once you’ve caught it, you won’t let go even in death.”
“Why can’t I see him as exaggerated as you describe?” Huo Luo asked in confusion.
“He keeps his inner feelings even more exaggerated than what I describe.”
“I don’t believe it. On the contrary, I think Lin Qingyang is more attached to Chu Lishu. Chu Lishu seems completely passive in this relationship.”
“That’s because Chu Lishu still doesn’t know what he really wants. He only knows he wants to possess.” Yue Chen stretched lazily. “Unexpected, truly unexpected. He has come to this day. How unpredictable life can be. It’s interesting, quite interesting. But it’s also good. I was afraid he… having someone like Lin Qingyang might be the only compensation from heaven.”
“Playing mysterious again. I don’t understand.”
“It doesn’t matter. I understand, and that’s enough.” Yue Chen smiled, relaxing his body and leaning casually. In a place where Huo Luo couldn’t see, his eyes gradually dimmed. “I’m a bit envious…”
“Envious of what?” Huo Luo straightened up, allowing Yue Chen to lean in.
But Yue Chen didn’t answer again.
After Yue Chen and Huo Luo left, Chu Lishu went to the second courtyard alone.
For Chu Lishu, going to the second courtyard was like returning home. The servants there were very friendly to him, and Chu Lishu felt a difference in their expressions.
“Is something good happening? Why is everyone so happy?”
“Today, Young Master bought many delicious items. Young Master Chu, you’ve come just in time; you can join for the evening meal.”
“Yes, recently, Eldest Young Lady has been personally cooking to entertain guests.”
“Is Young Master Chu here to witness the excitement? It’s our first time seeing people from West Moon Country, and they are really good-looking.”
“Most importantly, Young Master treats her well. He has been accompanying her every step of the way these days. Even County Princess Niangniang seemed happy and her health improved. It seems there will be good news here.”
Chu Lishu’s expression became even more rigid. So, these days, he hasn’t been around because he’s been with Xinyue? They are already so familiar? With a stern face, Chu Lishu proceeded to the flower hall.
In the flower hall, Nanny Ding was busy arranging things. She seemed to move much more briskly. When she turned and saw Chu Lishu at the door, she instantly stopped, her expression somewhat awkward as she approached to bow.
Nanny Ding was not like the other people in the courtyard. She had long felt that Lin Qingyang liked Chu Lishu. Otherwise, she couldn’t always stick to him. Others might think they had a good relationship, and deep brotherly affection, but Nanny Ding was shrewd. She had seen through the tricks. At first, she thought it was Lin Qingyang being enthusiastic, but later it seemed like there was a hint of mutual affection.
As a servant in the mansion, she shouldn’t interfere, especially since she knew that the young master didn’t like women. Growing up without even having a concubine already made it clear. So Nanny Ding thought it was better for the young master to find an outstanding young master rather than engage in the dubious relationships of those rabbit husbands.
Cousins can marry, so why can’t they be together with a cousin? Having two young masters in the family, despite lacking offspring, could still be harmonious. The experienced Nanny Ding saw through it all, even thinking about how to appease County Princess Yawen once the truth came out.
However, things were completely different now. Their young master had gained enlightenment. Four days ago, they woke up to find an extra woman in the house, brought back by the young master as a guest. Moreover, it happened in the middle of the night, which was news that could potentially overturn the entire courtyard.
Excited County Princess Yawen quickly had Lin Qinglan personally attend to the guest. She even wanted to meet Xinyue, not treating her as just a dancer. After all, for Lin Qingyang to take an interest in a woman was not an easy feat. This was considered a ‘return to normal’ for them, and they could now smoothly establish a family and continue their lineage.
So, the entire residence had been immersed in a warm atmosphere these past few days. However, seeing Chu Lishu abruptly, Nanny Ding felt a bit awkward, unsure of the current relationship between the two. Personally, Nanny Ding hoped that the two would become good brothers, supporting each other in their respective families.
“How are you, Young Master Chu? Will you be staying tonight?” Nanny Ding inquired.
Chu Lishu nodded and then asked, “Is Cousin in his own courtyard?”
Nanny Ding hesitated for a moment but decided to speak, “Yes, today Second Young Master accompanied Xinyue for an outing. They returned not long ago.”
“Have they been getting along well these past few days?” Chu Lishu asked casually.
Nanny Ding felt a bit unsure about Chu Lishu’s intentions, so she answered hesitantly, “It should be good. On the first day, when Xinyue was bored during her recovery, the Young Master stayed by her side and told her stories. He talked for the whole day until his voice became hoarse. On the second and third days, when Xinyue could walk, the Young Master accompanied her to stroll in the garden. He played musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting with her, almost covering everything one could play with at home in our Great Zhou Dynasty. Today, Xinyue wanted to go out, so the Young Master accompanied her for a trip. They bought a bunch of things and made Xinyue very happy.”
Seeing Chu Lishu’s increasingly icy expression, Nanny Ding felt uneasy. She hadn’t lied, as these were all things that had happened. If the Young Master really wanted to be with Xinyue, it was just a matter of time before he clarified things with Young Master Chu. It was better for her, an old woman, to be the “villain” in this situation.
“He… seems really busy,” Chu Lishu said in an unclear tone. “He’s truly working hard.”
Nanny Ding chuckled, “There’s no hardship in such joyous matters. The Young Master must be enjoying himself tirelessly.”
Just as they were talking, Lin Qinglan, who was busy in the kitchen, heard that Chu Lishu had arrived. She hurried to the flower hall, inquiring happily about what Chu Lishu would like to eat. Since she was going to cook, she wanted to prepare dishes that everyone liked.
Chu Lishu said anything would be fine, but he actually had no appetite and felt a bit nauseous.
Lin Qinglan, being innocent, asked with curiosity, “I heard from Yang Yang that you both brought Xinyue here. Have you met her? Is she nice? I didn’t want to ask Yang Yang directly. Do you know if there are people in her family, and, um, does she need redemption at Golden Phoenix Pavilion, in case…”
“Cousin, she’s just here as a guest,” Chu Lishu explained.
Lin Qinglan giggled, “Oh, I knew I couldn’t explain things clearly to boys like you. Forget it, I’ll find out for myself. If there’s a chance, I will help you observe.”
Chu Lishu’s face couldn’t be described as anything other than unpleasant, and his voice changed as he hoarsely said, “Cousin, I’ll go find Second Cousin first.” After speaking, he quickly left.
Lin Qinglan was a bit confused, “Why does Lishu seem unhappy?”
“Alas…” Nanny Ding let out a heavy sigh.
At this moment, Lin Qingyang was already disheartened, lying on the couch without any semblance of dignity. His entire body couldn’t move a single finger. He had long heard that accompanying a woman on a shopping spree was the most physically exhausting thing in the world. Now, Lin Qingyang finally understood deeply. It was more tiring than playing three soccer matches in a row.
On the other hand, Xinyue was surprisingly full of vitality and enthusiasm. Was this the stamina of a human being?
“Hurry up and get up! I’m waiting!” Xinyue sat across from Lin Qingyang, urging impatiently.
Xinyue’s personality was different from the women of the Great Zhou Dynasty, with little reserve and a carefree demeanor. For Lin Qingyang, it was quite comfortable to be around her, just like interacting with people from the modern era. However, it was really exhausting!
“I say, can you take a break, miss? We just came back from shopping, and dinner is about to be served. Give me a chance to catch my breath.”
“No way! This five-in-a-row game is so much fun. I don’t understand your Go, but this one is simple and interesting. Today, I must win against you.” Xinyue held the game pieces excitedly.
Lin Qingyang secretly regretted teaching her five in a row game just to pass the time.
Lin Qingyang glanced over the board and randomly placed a piece. As expected, he let Xinyue win again. Xinyue immediately rejoiced and packed up the pieces, ready for another round.
Lin Qingyang hurriedly intervened, “No, miss, I really don’t have the energy. How about this? Tomorrow, I’ll get my cousin to accompany you. I guarantee he’ll keep you entertained, alright?”
As soon as the words fell, Xinyue’s expression suddenly changed. She slammed the game pieces on the chess table and exclaimed, “Chu Lishu, Chu Lishu! How many times do you have to mention Chu Lishu in a day? It’s annoying! My ears are calloused from hearing it!”
Lin Qingyang looked embarrassed and said, “It’s not… I haven’t mentioned that many times. I mentioned him because he really knows a lot more than I do. He’s been busy these days and couldn’t come. When he does, and you get to know him, you’ll understand.”
Lin Qingyang didn’t have any intention of playing matchmaker. He just felt that Xinyue had an inexplicable aversion to Chu Lishu lately. So, he occasionally mentioned Chu Lishu’s good qualities, thinking it might help achieve the required goodwill in the mission.
Xinyue puffed up her cheeks, holding back her anger. “Haven’t you mentioned him a lot? No matter what we do these days, wherever we are, you always think of him and talk about him. What does Chu Lishu know? What can he do? How would he behave or speak in certain situations? Are you entertaining me or constantly mentioning him? Clearly, you promised to make me happy here, but with this, I’m not happy at all!”
Why was she being so rebellious?
Lin Qingyang really couldn’t understand the temperament of this little princess. He could only coax her, saying, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. Let’s make it up to you by playing together later. We’ll ensure you feel at home.”
“You…” Xinyue seethed, gritting her teeth and glaring. She directly questioned, “I said you and Chu Lishu are a couple, and you didn’t admit it before!”
Lin Qingyang almost spat out blood. How did this misunderstanding arise? He couldn’t admit it, or else the future harem of the male lead might lose a member.
“No, I’ve already said we’re just cousins with a good relationship. Why are you thinking in that direction?”
“Don’t think that just because I’m from the Western Moon Country, I’m easy to deceive. I’m not stupid! You like men, right? A man who talks about another man all the time. If that’s not a couple, then what is it? Even if it’s true, don’t show off! I don’t like him, and I don’t want to hear about him!”
No, miss, you’re really silly. I just wanted you to have a good impression of him. How did it turn into feeding you dog food in your mouth?
And being so straightforward about not liking Chu Lishu is really scary. Fortunately, the system hasn’t given any prompts yet.
Lin Qingyang felt like he was on the verge of total failure if he didn’t salvage the situation. H could only grit his teeth and ask, “Why… don’t you like him? Chu Lishu, besides being exceptionally handsome, has extraordinary talent. You don’t know how many people secretly admire him. Now he’s even the prince’s study companion, with a noble status…”
“Stop, stop, stop. Look at you again, every time you talk about his merits, you could become a storyteller.”
Lin Qingyang looked completely innocent; he was just accustomed to it, being the protagonist and all.
“Anyway, I just don’t like him. I feel he’s not a good person. You are a good person, better than him. Can’t you like women? Why do you have to like him and be with him?” Xinyue bit her lip, unable to stop herself from saying what she had been wanting to express.
Lin Qingyang felt truly wronged, “This has nothing to do with my preferences regarding gender… I swear to you, my relationship with Chu Lishu is genuinely pure, a very pure brotherly bond.”
Upon hearing this, Xinyue’s expression became even more unpleasant, as if some intense emotions were about to burst forth.
In fact, the various aspects of Lin Qingyang’s companionship over these days stirred the budding feelings of spring in Xinyue. However, simultaneously, she felt disappointed because the person who captured her heart was inclined towards men. This left her feeling powerless, leading to her inexplicably venting her frustrations on someone else. In reality, she couldn’t say she disliked Chu Lishu.
At least, during her time as a guest here, Xinyue hoped to exclusively enjoy the goodness of Lin Qingyang. However, Lin Qingyang kept mentioning Chu Lishu at every turn, making her so jealous that she felt like spitting blood. Yet, she hesitated to express her true feelings directly since it was a hopeless crush.
Feeling defeated without a fight, and with Lin Qingyang refusing to admit anything, Xinyue found the situation quite laughable. Even if Lin Qingyang openly acknowledged it rather than subtly showing off, she might have felt more accepting.
“Alright, you won’t admit it, huh? Pure, you say? Fine! Then tell me, what’s the deal with the painting hanging above your bed!” Xinyue directly questioned.
Lin Qingyang was initially puzzled, then baffled, “How do you know about the painting above my bed?”
“I… I accidentally stumbled upon it and saw it,” blushing, Xinyue confessed. This little girl, experiencing admiration for the first time, couldn’t resist the temptation to learn more about the person she liked. So, when she came to play, she took the opportunity to sneak a peek. To her shock, she discovered a painting hanging at the end of Lin Qingyang’s bed, featuring Chu Lishu.
Lin Qingyang covered his forehead and said, “It’s a mis… misunderstanding…”
Xinyue boldly continued, “Misunderstanding? What kind of misunderstanding? Hanging it there, isn’t it for a nightly gaze to alleviate the pain of lovesickness?”
“It’s not for looking; I just…” Lin Qingyang found it difficult to explain. The unfinished painting was a result of his long-term stay in bed due to illness. He got used to lying in bed with a tablet for inspiration. Since the painting wasn’t turning out right, he hung it there to find inspiration, intending to add a few strokes whenever he felt inspired. This was certainly not a bizarre habit that ancient people would have, making his explanation feeble.
However, before Lin Qingyang could make an effort to explain, Xinyue seemed to recall something and stared at Lin Qingyang with a face full of embarrassment and indignation. “You… you…”
Lin Qingyang was startled by her reaction. “What’s wrong?”
Xinyue’s anger got the better of her, and she blurted out impulsively, “I heard from the sisters at the Golden Phoenix Pavilion before that some men in your Great Zhou Dynasty have this kind of perverted hobby, liking to… I didn’t expect you to be one of them! What you’re doing is not right. Even if you like someone so much, you shouldn’t express it in such a way. It’s simply… unbearable. I don’t want to stay here anymore; I want to leave!”
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