She was admirable, someone toward whom it was difficult to feel malice. She dealt freely with gratitude and grudges, lived openly, and followed her own principles. Xianyue respected that.
She believed they could have been close friends in the same time and place. Still, their present connection was good too, a bond arranged by Heaven.
So she listened as though hearing Jiang Chan’s story, happily enjoying tea and pastries. A pity her two disciples were missing this firsthand account of their master’s glory.
She shrugged, unaware that someone saw every movement. She knew no one in Jiangnan and did not believe anyone could recognize her.
That was why she could openly enjoy music, tea, and pastries in the teahouse.
“Feishuang, what are you looking at? You’ve stared over there for ages.” Liu Mingxuan waved before him. Getting no response, he followed his gaze.
A girl with a graceful figure sat by the window, chin propped in one hand, listening to music below. Her expression was hidden, but she was clearly in good spirits.
“I don’t know her. Has the iron tree finally decided to blossom?” Liu Mingxuan teased.
“Honestly, your brother’s son is so big, and you’re still single. You and Doctor Xianyue seemed well matched. Pity she wasn’t interested and went back to Yun City so quickly.”
He sighed as though regretful, secretly enjoying his friend’s predicament. Feng Feishuang surpassed him in martial arts and popularity. Liu Mingxuan had his pride too.
Feng Feishuang watched Xianyue with a knowing smile. “Whether she’s interested isn’t entirely up to her. We’ll see what I intend.”
“What? Brother, what do you mean? You’re not going to force her?” Liu Mingxuan nearly bit his tongue. What was wrong with his friend today?
Before he could continue, Feng Feishuang rose and approached her, taking a plate of pea cakes along. She had already eaten two plates and apparently liked them.
Xianyue rubbed her fingers. She had barely eaten any. Why were they gone? This teahouse was stingy. Five or six cakes a plate hardly filled a gap between one’s teeth.
Before she could summon another plate, a slender hand set one before her. Its owner sat opposite.
“Long time no see, Miss Xianyue.” He smiled courteously. Her eyes widened. How had he recognized her beneath a veiled hat and with her true appearance?
“Clan Leader Feng. What a coincidence.” She leaned back, her manner cool. In her previous life, she had neither met him nor heard his name.
The mission-taker had disturbed the muddy waters, bringing these people vividly before her.
“Indeed. I thought you meant to abandon me after winning my affections.” Propping his chin in his hand, he nearly made her fall from her chair.
“What nonsense! When did I do that?” She felt innocent. When had she ever been involved with him?
“What about this? You asked for my jade ring. Why return it?” He dangled it before her, but she felt no guilt.
Jiang Chan had asked, not her. She answered confidently, “I was curious. Once my curiosity was satisfied, I returned it. Besides, after saving you so often, surely borrowing your ring was reasonable?”
He smiled openly. “Of course. Look as long as you like, however you like. Shouldn’t you take it back now? It belongs to you.”
She puffed her cheeks. “Don’t fool me. Song Bingqing said it’s your clan’s marriage token. You think one jade ring can tie me down? Dream on!”
He frowned. So she had learned its meaning. No wonder she returned it. He could not use it to bring her home after all. Another approach was needed.
Turning his palm, he tucked it into his sleeve, apparently unconcerned by her protest.
“Are you visiting Jiangnan for pleasure? Why not bring more disciples?”
“I brought two. They went out themselves. How are your injuries?” He was an acquaintance, so she could not remain cold. After a satisfying bite of pea cake, she remembered to ask.
“The external wounds are nearly healed, but I still can’t use internal energy. Even a little makes my chest ache.” He clutched his chest and frowned, playing pitiful.
Watching nearby, Liu Mingxuan nearly stared his eyes out. Was this really his good friend, shamelessly acting helpless before a girl?
She fell for it. Wiping crumbs from her hands, she said, “Give me your hand. I’ll take your pulse.”
He smiled and promptly offered his wrist. Lowering her eyes, she examined it for a few breaths, then looked up. “The other hand.”
He obediently changed hands and stared entranced at her slender fingers. How would those delicate hands feel held in his?
Imagining strolling hand in hand beneath peach trees and willows made him smile. Her serious expression, however, brought a trace of frustration.
She seemed oblivious to romance. What should he do? She was skilled, and he was injured. If she disappeared again, he would have nowhere to find her.
Best keep her close, unable to leave. None of these thoughts appeared on his face. Nearby, Liu Mingxuan silently mourned for her.
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