Chapter 44: Harmony in the Night
As they were about to return to the courtyard, a carriage arrived at the gate.
“Whoa—”
The carriage came to a stop, and the curtain was lifted, revealing a graceful figure stepping out.
Lin Tianlu turned around and smiled, bowing slightly. “Miss Cheng, what a surprise to see you here. Please forgive my lack of preparation.”
“Don’t mention it, Sir.”
Cheng Yishi, as elegant and beautiful as ever, smiled warmly and curtsied as she approached the gate. “I apologize for this unexpected visit.
But I’ve come to extend an invitation. Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Would you honor me with your presence at the Ascension Immortal Restaurant? We can enjoy the moon together and celebrate this beautiful autumn festival.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “But wouldn’t you be spending the festival with your family…”
“Our bond is broken, Sir. There’s no need to force it.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes shifted towards Hua Shuya, and she said softly, “Miss Hua, it’s been a while. You look even more beautiful than before.”
“You flatter me, Miss Cheng.” Hua Shuya bowed politely, but she looked at Cheng Yishi’s white hair with surprise.
She hadn’t seen Cheng Yishi since that day, so she didn’t know that her hair had remained white.
“But aren’t you going home to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with your family, Miss Hua?”
“My home is far away, and the journey is quite troublesome. I decided to stay here and celebrate with Senior.”
“You two have such a harmonious relationship.”
Cheng Yishi’s voice was tinged with envy as she glanced at the courtyard. “Where is Madam Mao?”
“She’s still at the market. She hasn’t returned yet.”
“That’s a pity. I wanted to meet her before the feast.”
Cheng Yishi sighed softly, then quickly composed herself. “Let’s not dwell on trivial matters. I have something for you, Sir.”
She took out a scroll from her sleeve and handed it to him. “You asked me to gather information about Fuyang Prefecture, Sir. I’ve personally compiled all the recent rumors and events I could find. You can read it at your leisure.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the thick scroll in his hand, surprised.
Miss Cheng was truly efficient and thorough.
“But, Sir—”
Cheng Yishi leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper, like a lover’s murmur. “Don’t forget about me~”
As she spoke, her slender finger brushed against the back of his hand, then she quickly retreated with a playful smile, as if teasing him.
Lin Tianlu was stunned for a moment, then he bowed seriously. “Your hand feels cold, Miss Cheng. Please take care of yourself. I know you’re busy with family matters, but don’t neglect your health.”
“…”
Cheng Yishi froze, then she quickly clasped her cold hand, her face flushing slightly. The seductive charm from before was gone, replaced by a shy and obedient demeanor. She nodded softly. “T-then I’ll take my leave, Sir. If I have time tonight… perhaps I’ll visit again.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
After watching her carriage depart, Lin Tianlu touched the back of his hand, clicking his tongue.
“Her hand was as cold as ice. So as one cultivates Yin energy, their body temperature actually drops?”
His understanding of Yin energy in this world was still limited, mostly based on his modern knowledge. It seemed he needed to examine Miss Cheng’s condition to make sure nothing was wrong.
“Miss Hua, let’s go inside.”
“Eh?… O-okay.”
Hua Shuya nodded, her voice a bit dazed.
But as she closed the gate, she glanced back at Lin Tianlu, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.
Why did she feel so uneasy seeing Senior interacting so warmly with another woman? Her mind was filled with unwanted thoughts.
Unable to calm her racing heart, she suddenly called out, “Senior!”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu turned around, his voice filled with curiosity. “What is it, Miss Hua?”
Hua Shuya hesitated for a moment, her lips parting slightly, before stammering, “S-Senior, could you… call me Shuya?”
Her voice was barely a whisper, her face crimson, her hands fidgeting behind her back.
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly and said, “Come inside, Miss Shuya.”
“…Yes!!”
Hua Shuya’s face flushed with excitement, and she practically skipped towards him, her smile radiant.
…
Late that night, in the study…
Lin Tianlu was carefully reading the documents Cheng Yishi had compiled, which detailed various rumors circulating in Fuyang Prefecture – tales of love and murder, mountain bandits, and trouble at restaurants.
And of course, what he was most interested in…
According to an elderly farmer from a mountain village, there was a valley near a mountain called Jade Peak Mountain where a treasure was said to be buried. But the terrain was treacherous, and no one had ever found it.
Of all the information he had gathered, this was the closest to anything related to ‘immortals’.
After all, it involved a mountain.
“I’ll go and check it out after the festival.”
Lin Tianlu flipped through the pages and saw a detailed map of Fuyang Prefecture, even the smallest villages and towns clearly marked.
“Miss Cheng is truly thoughtful.”
Creak—
The door opened quietly, and a graceful figure stepped into the room.
Lin Tianlu looked up. “Madam Mao.”
“I saw Miss Hua leaving with a happy smile earlier. Did you cheer her up, Sir?” She chuckled softly, placing a plate of tea and snacks on the desk. “I’ve noticed that she’s been troubled by her inability to catch the criminal, but she refuses to ask for help. I was a bit worried. But unexpectedly…”
“Miss Hua is indeed understanding and sensible.”
As Lin Tianlu spoke, he caught a whiff of a pleasant fragrance and looked at the square pastries on the plate. “Madam Mao, what are these…?”
“I came up with them today, Sir. Please try them.”
He picked up a pastry and savored the flavor. “This taste… it’s quite unique, slightly sweet, but not overly so. These are delicious. What are they called?”
“Heart-Nourishing Pastries.” Mao Ruoyu said softly. “I noticed that you’ve been staying up late reading, Sir, so I added some nourishing herbs to these pastries. They’re good for your energy and blood circulation, and they can help clear your mind.”
Lin Tianlu said seriously, “Thank you for your concern, Madam Mao.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
He never imagined he would be eating brain-boosting snacks in this world.
Mao Ruoyu covered her lips with a chuckle. “If you feel indebted, Sir, just play a few tunes for me on your flute. It’s been a while since I’ve heard you play. I’m quite eager to hear it again.”
“You have refined tastes, Madam.” Lin Tianlu smiled and took out his jade flute.
“Wait a moment, Sir. I’ll get my instrument.”
Madam Mao quickly left the study and returned a moment later, carrying a delicate pipa.
Lin Tianlu looked surprised. “You know how to play the pipa, Madam Mao?”
“I’ve learned a bit of various instruments. I saw this pipa at the market today. It’s beautifully crafted and quite affordable, so I bought it to try it out.”
Mao Ruoyu sat down beside him, holding the pipa, and said softly, “Would you mind if I played a song with you, Sir?”
“Of course not, but I only know a few melodies…”
“I can accompany you.”
Seeing her eager expression, Lin Tianlu didn’t refuse any further. He cleared his throat and brought the jade flute to his lips.
“Hoo—”
The melodious sound of the flute echoed through the study. Mao Ruoyu calmed her mind, lowered her eyes, and began to pluck the strings, their melodies harmonizing perfectly.
The music was soft and beautiful, like a gentle breeze.
As the song ended, Lin Tianlu awkwardly put down his flute.
Although his playing had improved after days of practice, it was still far from masterful.
He was about to speak, but then he noticed the strange look on the beautiful woman’s face. Her eyes were filled with a tenderness that seemed to melt his heart.
The atmosphere had become undeniably romantic.
“Sir, could you…”
Lin Tianlu froze, his expression stiff, his hand unconsciously gripping the jade flute.
This seductive atmosphere, could it be that…
He couldn’t handle this!
Mao Ruoyu leaned closer, her face flushed crimson, her body trembling slightly with shyness.
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper.
“Could I… have some late-night snacks? I’m feeling quite hungry.”
Lin Tianlu: “…”
Knock, knock, knock…
A frantic knocking on the gate, and a voice calling out “Mr. Lin” from outside, broke the awkward silence.
Lin Tianlu quickly coughed lightly, stood up, and chuckled awkwardly. “Why don’t you go and eat something, Madam Mao? It seems we have a visitor. I’ll go and see who it is.”
“Mm…”
…
As Lin Tianlu hurried out of the study, Mao Ruoyu sighed softly, scolding herself. “Why am I having these thoughts?… Sir was playing music so seriously, and yet my mind was wandering…”
Recalling her earlier thoughts, Mao Ruoyu’s face burned with embarrassment, her heart racing.
“If Sir knew how shameless I am, what would he think of me…”
As she pondered, she felt the pipa in her arms trembling slightly, its strings vibrating on their own.
She was surprised, then a familiar warmth surged through her body, making her pupils constrict.
She bit her lip, clutching her robe, the pipa pressing against her ample bosom. Her legs felt weak, and she stumbled, collapsing onto the ground.
“Such potent Yang energy, it’s… unbearable…!”
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