It was a small, ugly turtle.
Shen Yue blinked her lashes, then raised her eyes after a long moment, her gaze filled with undisguised disdain.
Shen Yaojin seemed oblivious to the revulsion and chill radiating from Shen Yue, his eyes gazing at her with pure, fervent adoration.
"I caught it by the lake today. Does Imperial Brother like it? Isn't it very cute? Just as cute as Imperial Brother."
His ink-black hair was loosely tied with a hairpin. The lines of his brow bones were noble and exquisite, and his dark, moist eyes were unusually light. They shone brightly under the intense sunlight filtering through the wooden window, yet within them lay an expression of detachment.
She dragged Shen Yaojin over. He stumbled and fell at Shen Yue's feet. Her soft, cool fingertips pinched his chin, and she spoke to him.
"Take this ugly monster and get out. And didn't I tell you to stay away from me?"
"Silly boy, why are you so disobedient?"
Her voice was languid and magnificent, her features resplendent, exuding an innate air of superiority.
The pinch on his chin hurt. Shen Yaojin vaguely felt Shen Yue's aversion.
Dangerous and nonchalant, she treated this simpleton as she might a dog, perhaps toying with it when in a good mood.
His chin throbbed from the painful grip. Shen Yaojin reached out and clasped Shen Yue's wrist, his eyes turning red. "Imperial Brother, it hurts, it hurts."
A tear dripped onto the back of Shen Yue's hand. She squinted her brows and released her grip. She picked up a clean silk handkerchief and vigorously wiped her hand. A large patch of her fair, delicate skin turned red.
Overwhelmed by utter disgust, she seemed to feel contaminated by merely touching the simpleton.
Shen Yaojin looked at Shen Yue's actions with a muddled understanding. Shen Yue's expression was intensely cold, making him timid and hesitant to approach.
The small turtle in his hand seemed to feel wronged too, struggling slightly with its tiny paws.
After a while, the simpleton shuffled closer again, cradling the small turtle in his hands, and whispered in a placating tone, "Imperial Brother, the turtle is very cute. It can crawl. Look, it's crawling."
Shen Yue's brows remained furrowed. Her eyelashes, like butterfly wings, fluttered. She truly found the simpleton in front of her incredibly annoying, even harboring the thought that he should permanently shut his mouth.
Her fingertips twitched, and her voice drawled, "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Did the simpleton truly not bear grudges?
Last time, she had almost choked him to death, yet he still clung to her like a persistent fly, impossible to shake off.
Shen Yaojin's eyes were exceptionally pure. His clear pupils reflected the young man's resplendent and beautiful face. "I am."
Shen Yue glanced at him. Shen Yaojin's face was filled with innocent radiance, his expression only showing joy, devoid of any hint of fear. He was indeed afraid, yet he also liked her immensely.
Although Imperial Brother was fierce, she would protect him, so he wasn't as scared anymore.
The small turtle continued its slow crawl on his palm. Shen Yaojin's eyes sparkled. "But Imperial Brother is different from them."
Seemingly piqued, she lowered her eyelids slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she languidly observed the person before her. Meeting his gaze, she casually raised her eyelashes. "Then tell me, what's different?"
The simpleton's world was one of clear likes and dislikes, utterly simple. He didn't understand, he just liked her, she was different.
He wanted to nuzzle into Shen Yue's embrace, but he was afraid of displeasing her, so he carefully tugged at Shen Yue's sleeve, slowly tightening his grip. His handsome face, flushed red, was filled with a smile, like gentle sunlight rippling.
His arms unconsciously swayed with a hint of childish pleading.
"You're just different. The turtle can testify."
Shen Yue's gaze condescended to fall upon the turtle. Her long, dark lashes quivered like delicate cicada wings. Her sharp, delicate chin always gave an impression of aloofness.
Her gaze lingered on the turtle for two seconds. The corners of her eyes flicked up slightly. The simpleton before her was brimming with anticipation.
As if bestowing a favor, her cool, soft fingertips lightly brushed his reddened chin, as gentle as a feather.
Her expression was detached and icily serene.
Her magnificent voice was light.
"Does it hurt?"
Shen Yaojin was taken aback by Shen Yue's sudden gentle demeanor and tone. He nervously swallowed, shaking his head like a rattle drum. "It doesn't hurt, it doesn't hurt."
He wanted to project an image of a man before Imperial Brother.
Shen Yue had merely asked casually, but her interest soon waned. She waved her hand dismissively. "Send the Seventh Prince back."
Shen Yaojin didn't want to leave. He cried and threw a tantrum, like a little lunatic.
Shen Yue found the noise unbearable and had someone simply throw Shen Yaojin out.
Finally, silence descended. The intricately carved window was pushed open, and sunlight eagerly streamed in, casting golden light across the floor.
Fuan was cleaning up the vase that Shen Yaojin had broken in his tantrum in the study. As he was about to leave, his peripheral vision caught sight of something crawling.
He leaned closer and saw it was a small turtle.
Fuan found it peculiar. He nudged it a few times and picked it up. Looking up at Shen Yue, he said with a troubled expression, "Your Highness, this turtle..."
Shen Yue put down her brush, her sleeves carrying a faint scent of ink. Her lips were vibrant, and the tear mole at the corner of her eye resembled cinnabar.
Her slender, white fingers tapped rhythmically on the sandalwood desk. Her beautiful eyes were as deep as two heavy magnets.
Fuan expected Shen Yue to refuse, but to his surprise.
"Keep it."
Fuan was surprised but didn't ask further questions.
The glass tank was transparent, the water clear to the bottom. There were small pebbles at the bottom of the tank. The small turtle paddled slowly through the water.
The twilight sun cast a faint afterglow on the red bricks, green tiles, and brightly colored pavilions and flying beams, adding a touch of haziness and poetry.
Seated high above, she was clad in black robes, her sleeves trailing on the ground like cascading night. Her features were as beautiful as a painting.
The dancers moved with graceful sway, their footsteps delicate. The fans in their hands closed and were held, resembling coiled dragons painting the scene.
The lingering melodies were melodious and pleasant, like the warbling of orioles and the sweet talk of swallows.
Shi Wei stared intently, nodding his head gently to the enchanting music. Indeed, the top courtesan of Miaolou Pavilion was unlike ordinary people.
He was enjoying himself, his body relaxed and languid, his collar disheveled, far from the "peerless gentleman" image he presented to others.
The wine was mellow and delicious. A drunken flush stained Shi Wei's fair face, but his eyes remained remarkably clear.
As he casually looked up, Shi Wei noticed the person seated high above resting her forehead on her hand. Her fingers were slender and fair, like white jade.
Her long, thick lashes rested carelessly. Her skin was extremely fair, and she favored dark clothing. The exposed skin was like smooth, creamy milk. Her expression was indifferent, and she seemed to lack interest.
Her eyelids were slightly lowered, the tear mole prominent. Her perfect jawline sloped down to her neck.
Her striking beauty, with its almost aggressive allure, made people hesitant to look directly at her, yet it also stirred impure and obscure thoughts.
Shi Wei glanced at the dancers again but found them somewhat uninteresting now.