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墨書 Inktalez
Cheng Mo's delicate fingers rested on the pure white magnolia flower, a gentle breeze lifting the hem of her skirt. The petite figure appeared somewhat fragile, her fair face adorned with a light smile—soft and shallow, mixed with a hint of naivety about the world and an understanding of human emotions.
“Miss Cheng,” Xiao Jing called softly, “As you instructed, Mr. Xiao has been invited.”
Her slender fingers paused slightly, the air filled with a subtle fragrance. She nodded slowly, “Then bring him over.”
Xiao Jing nodded and led the guest in. Cheng Mo glanced back slightly; today, Xiao Zuo Wei was dressed in a sharp black suit, looking tall and spirited. She smiled gently and approached him, “Brother Zuo Wei, it’s been a long time.”
Xiao Zuo Wei nodded, meeting her Water-colored Eyes. Her jade-like cheeks bore a faint smile, yet he could read profound sadness from that smile. He paused for a moment, feeling a pang of concern as he asked, “Why have you lost weight again? How is Shaoyi taking care of you…”
She shook her head, her smile unwavering. Her Water Eyes were calm and unruffled, pure and beautiful like the magnolias planted in the courtyard. She took a sip of tea and poured a bowl for Xiao Zuo Wei. After pondering for a moment, she said, “Brother Zuo Wei, I’ve thought it through; I want to return to Shanghai.”
He was taken aback—why the sudden desire to go back to Shanghai? A heaviness settled in his heart as he realized something significant must have happened between her and Shaoyi. Frowning slightly, he asked, “Have you discussed this with Shaoyi?”
“No,” she lowered her Eyes, appearing exceptionally calm. She and Shaoyi could no longer continue; both were struggling painfully. Rather than causing each other distress, it was better to let go and allow both parties their freedom.
“What exactly happened between you two?” Xiao Zuo Wei finally asked but immediately felt the question was too abrupt. He quickly rephrased, “If you don’t want to say, that’s fine. If you truly have made up your mind, I will take you back; however, I still hope you can think it over carefully.”
“Brother Zuo Wei, don’t worry. I’ve been contemplating this issue seriously these past few days. I believe this decision is good for both him and me.” Her voice was calm and gentle, devoid of emotional fluctuations. Yet he was certain that turmoil raged within her heart. He couldn’t bear to see her like this and could only nod in agreement.
Cheng Mo stood up and lightly touched her jade-like forehead with a moon-white handkerchief, appearing weak and powerless. “The weather is getting hotter; I can hardly sit for long. I’m really quite tired now. Brother Zuo Wei, I’ll go rest in my room.”
Xiao Zuo Wei nodded and called Xiao Jing to assist her back to her room while he turned to leave.
“Brother Zuo Wei.” He paused as her voice came from behind him—soft as water, like ink in a painting or the rhythm in poetry—“It would be best if we could leave tomorrow.”
By midnight, the weather finally cooled down somewhat, losing some of its oppressive heat. However, she could not sleep; thoughts of leaving early the next morning expanded the reluctance in her heart. She pondered whether there might be a better solution but ultimately found it futile and without direction.
It’s nothing much, so I might as well pick up the brush and paint.
Outside the window, there was a heavy darkness, thick and oppressive. With delicate fingers, she held a brush, dipped it in colorful ink, and with the final stroke on the rice paper, a lively bamboo grove took shape. A faint smile lingered on her lips as she caressed the painting, treating it like a treasure.
“Miss Cheng, are you asleep?” Xiao Jing asked softly. During this time when the young lady was away from the residence, the other maids had still been neglecting Cheng Mo Su. However, Cheng Mo Su did not bother to plan or argue for herself; she simply avoided visitors and people, hiding in her room, treating it as a sanctuary like Tao Yuanming's paradise, enjoying her carefree life.
The hand holding the brush paused slightly as a drop of ink fell onto the freshly unfolded white rice paper, quickly spreading out like a large teardrop.
“I’m not asleep yet. Is there something you need?”
“Yes, the young lady has returned and is in the dining room. She wants to talk to you.”
Her smile faded significantly upon hearing Xiao Jing’s words. She hadn’t yet figured out how to face the chaotic matters at hand when Shangguan Yiting arrived unexpectedly, catching her off guard and forcing her to return from her idyllic retreat back to reality.
Just as she was thinking about this, she heard that familiar sound of footsteps drawing closer. She hurriedly set down her brush and opened the door with a smile. “Miss Shangguan, please come in.”
Shangguan Yiting smiled politely as she stepped inside and closed the door. “I’m sorry to disturb your rest.”
“It’s nothing,” she replied lightly, her brows showing no sign of disturbance as her gaze remained focused on the painting she was working on.
“Miss Cheng can actually paint so well; it’s truly impressive,” Shangguan Yiting remarked casually after glancing at the artwork.
“Miss Shangguan is too kind. I’m just doodling; there’s nothing profound about it.” She could guess most of Shangguan Yiting's intentions without needing to be told; her water-colored eyes fixed on Shangguan Yiting's beautiful face. “Miss Shangguan coming to my room so late surely isn’t just to discuss this painting?”
Shangguan Yiting raised the corners of her lips and smiled. “Of course not; I actually want to talk about you and my brother.”
"If that's the case, then please rest assured, Miss Shangguan. I will return to Shanghai tomorrow, and from now on, I will have nothing to do with you or the Shangguan Family." Cheng Mo Su did not look up again, too lazy to glance at her, only focusing intently on the painting scroll in his hands.
Shangguan Yiting was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Cheng Mo Su's issue to be resolved so quickly. Curiosity began to stir within her. "How did you..."
Cheng Mo Su remained silent, her lowered gaze long and gentle, revealing no emotion. She quietly swept her eyes over the painting scroll as if everything in this world no longer had any connection to her, and no one could stir the ripples in her heart.
After a moment of silence, Shangguan Yiting recalled the sight of Shangguan Shaoyi dying in the military camp a few days ago. Miraculously, he had recovered in just a few days, which allowed her to feel at ease returning. Having seen Shangguan Shaoyi's deep feelings for Cheng Mo Su, she had wavered in her emotions but understood that after Cheng Mo Su severed ties with her father, there was no way she could offer any help. Ultimately, the Shangguan Family must stand tall above all.
"Then I will arrange the train tickets for Miss Cheng," she said after a moment of contemplation.
"Miss Shangguan, don't worry. I will take care of it myself; you need not trouble yourself." She finally lifted her eyes, which shone brightly.
The air was charged with tension as the two locked eyes, and starlight sprinkled down upon them, casting a unique glow over these young girls.
Outside the door, the phone rang. Xiao Jing answered it and responded a few times but then rushed into the room as if she had received some significant news.
"That was Deputy Officer Shen on the phone. He said that Young Master’s injuries are almost healed and that there is no major issue."
Cheng Mo Su was stunned for a moment; her gentle gaze suddenly hardened as she looked directly at Shangguan Yiting. The question of where Shangguan Yiting had been these past few days became clear in her mind. She asked in a low voice, "How serious were Shaoyi's injuries?"
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