Gu Yanchi took in Qin Xianyue's instantly dejected expression.
Her eyes, usually as clear and flowing as a stream, were now like a candle flame extinguished by a sudden downpour, leaving only the dim embers of sadness. She seemed to have deflated entirely, radiating an inexpressible sense of grievance and loneliness.
Her appearance stirred something inexplicable in his heart.
He was well aware of her feelings for him; this undisguised disappointment was like silent proof, testifying to his importance in her heart.
A trace of secret vanity arose. Being cherished by someone was, after all, a gratifying experience.
However, Lin Meijun beside him was smiling at him, her eyes full of admiration and enthusiasm, with officials and their female relatives coming and going around them.
He paused, and in the end, said nothing more. He merely shifted his gaze subtly, tilted his chin, and called out cheerfully.
“The painted boat is already waiting at the dock. We can take a boat tour of the lake; the scenery will be even more delightful.”
Lin Meijun's eyes lit up at his words, and she quickly followed Gu Yanchi's steps. As her gaze swept over the lake not far away, she couldn't help but show a look of amazement.
The painted boat was moored by the shore, its vermilion hull intricately carved and painted, its windows inlaid with transparent colored glaze, and silver bells hanging from the eaves, tinkling in the breeze. Compared to the pleasure boats of the other officials, it was exquisitely luxurious, second only to the Crown Prince's own vessel.
She understood perfectly.
This East Lake banquet was initiated by the Crown Prince, and the quality of the painted boats was almost equivalent to an official's standing in court and before the Crown Prince.
Gu Yanchi's possession of such a grand pleasure boat proved his status as a rising star was well-deserved, and his position in the Marquis's Estate was as solid as a rock.
“This painted boat looks exceptionally pleasant.”
Lin Meijun offered a timely compliment, her tone laced with genuine envy.
“The windows are bright, the tables are clean, and the furnishings are elegant. It must be very comfortable and stable to sit in. Only a talented Young Master like you is worthy of such grandeur.”
Gu Yanchi smiled faintly at her words and casually explained.
“It’s not my personal property; it’s a favor from the Crown Prince. Knowing that many female relatives would be accompanying us today, he specially allocated this painted boat so that it would be more comfortable to enjoy the scenery from the water.”
He spoke without thinking, considering it merely ordinary consideration from the Crown Prince for his subordinate.
Little did he know that this "special arrangement" carried a different meaning for Lin Meijun.
The Crown Prince actually valued Gu Yanchi so highly that he even considered details like female relatives accompanying them.
She immediately became even more certain that she had chosen the right prospective husband, and the smile on her face widened.
“So that’s how it is. His Highness cares for his subordinates, and my elder brother has earned His Highness's favor. Such an honor is truly something others can only dream of.”
A smile bloomed on Gu Yanchi's lips as he chatted enthusiastically with her about the painted boat's furnishings, from the carved railings to the brocade satin inside the cabin, their conversation flowing smoothly.
Qin Xianyue followed behind the two, her steps light and her heart filled with turmoil.
Her gaze was drawn by an invisible thread, fixated on the old pendant swaying at Gu Yanchi's waist.
The jade pendant had been polished smooth by the years, its edges bearing the marks and memories of her choosing it herself back then.
Now, in contrast to Lin Meijun's new jade, it appeared exceptionally shabby.
Much like her own hidden affection, which could not see the light of day.
They reached the dock in silence. Gu Yanchi stepped onto the painted boat's gangplank first and turned back to help Lin Meijun.
Lin Meijun, with a charming smile, was about to step forward when she suddenly heard a light "clink."
Perhaps the cord of the jade pendant had been worn for too long and had frayed. It suddenly slipped from Gu Yanchi's waist and plunged directly into the lake water by the shore.
Gu Yanchi instinctively reached out to catch it, but Lin Meijun's startled cry stopped him.
“Oh no! Young Master, you absolutely must not.”
She grabbed Gu Yanchi's outstretched hand, her tone tinged with urgency.
“The spring lake water is still bone-chillingly cold. Young Master, you have a precious body; do not catch a cold over a piece of old jade. It is truly not worth it.”
While speaking words of concern, a hint of provocation flashed in her eyes. She glanced quickly at Qin Xianyue, as if to say, "It's just a worthless old trinket; it's fine if it's lost."
Gu Yanchi's movement halted. He looked at the jade pendant sinking into the depths of the lake, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
Never mind, it was just an object.
Just as he was about to withdraw his hand and turn to help Qin Xianyue board, he saw her step down the stone steps without the slightest hesitation, letting the icy lake water instantly flood her skirt. Half of her silk sleeve was submerged.
She ignored the bone-chilling cold spreading through her skin and fumbled in the water with her fingertips. Finally, before the jade pendant sank completely to the bottom, she tightly grasped its cool jade body.
Gu Yanchi's hand froze mid-air. Watching her almost stubborn demeanor, complex and unreadable emotions surged in his eyes, and for a moment, he forgot to move.
Bao Xiang cried out in alarm and quickly stepped forward to help Qin Xianyue up.
At this moment, she was soaked through, her skirt clinging heavily to her, and her face was as pale as paper.
Only her fingertips tightly clutched the jade pendant, as if holding onto her last lifeline.
“Little Sister Qin, why are you so foolish!”
Lin Meijun hurried forward, her face filled with concern.
“It’s just a piece of jade. Quickly get on the boat and dry your clothes, or you'll surely catch a cold!”
Qin Xianyue did not respond, allowing Bao Xiang to help her into the inner cabin of the painted boat.
The brazier inside was burning brightly, but it couldn't dispel the chill from her body.
As there were no spare clothes to change into, she could only walk to the brazier, bend slightly, and hold her soaked skirt and sleeves near the heat, drying them little by little.
Steam rose, blurring her eyes.
She still clutched the jade pendant tightly in her palm; its cool touch brought her back to a slight sense of clarity.
Although her affection for him was now scarce, this jade pendant represented her most earnest feelings from her youth.
It was one of the few tangible ties she had with Gu Yanchi, something she could hold onto.
Even if it was old, worn, and he no longer liked it, replaced by something new...
She didn't want to simply throw it away.
As she stood in a daze, the door to the room was gently pushed open.
She thought it was Bao Xiang returning with charcoal and didn't turn around.
It wasn't until a pair of long, slender fingers reached out and gently took her dripping sleeve, tenderly helping to dry it by the brazier, and a familiar, crisp scent of pine wood wafted over, that Qin Xianyue suddenly looked up.
What met her eyes was Gu Yanchi's face.
He lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyelids, his expression complex and unreadable, unsure if it was guilt or something else.
“Elder Brother...”
Qin Xianyue stood up self-consciously, her fingertips instinctively tugging at her sleeve, trying to pull it from his grasp.
But Gu Yanchi's hand held on tightly. The scorching heat of his fingertips transmitted through the wet fabric, making her heart tremble slightly.
They remained in a stalemate for a long time, the heat from the brazier making the air feel somewhat stagnant.
Only then did Gu Yanchi slowly speak, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible helplessness and reproach.
“Even if you want to have a tiff with me, couldn't you pick a better time?”
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