Seeing Liu Nanfeng turn the handle of the teacup in a direction thirty degrees from his own, Zhu Yin'e's expression shifted. She stared intently at Liu Nanfeng, observing his demeanor closely.
Liu Nanfeng felt uncomfortable under her gaze, a touch awkward. He quickly sought a topic to break the tension. "Are there no children in the Water Mansion who are about the same age as Little Carp?"
Zhu Yin'e, upon hearing this, seemed to realize her own lapse. After all, she was the Dragon Lord of the Water Mansion, and she quickly regained her composure, smiling as she replied, "No, but in this Yangtze River, there's a child named Shui Sheng who is about her age. They are good friends and often play together."
It was clear that Zhu Yin'e did not wish for the atmosphere to continue in such a way, and she began to speak at length.
"Yes, I heard Little Carp mention him."
"So Little Carp has very few friends. Unable to bear the loneliness, she would often climb ashore and enviously watch human children. But there was nothing I could do, only restrict her from going too far. I never expected that fate would lead me to meet Gentleman Liu. You and Little Fish truly have a connection."
Zhu Yin'e's eyes were bright, fixed on Liu Nanfeng without blinking.
Liu Nanfeng also sensed there was more to her words and understood the reason behind them. He did not deny it, but nodded directly, "Indeed, there is a connection. The moment I met her, I felt an immediate fondness."
What he said was the truth. Although he and Liu Nanfeng had no children, they had seen many young children in their daily lives. Yet, none gave him the same feeling that Little Carp did.
Zhu Yin'e seemed satisfied with Liu Nanfeng's answer. A faint smile touched her lips, like a hundred flowers blooming, and a faint, delicate fragrance seemed to waft from her nostrils.
It wasn't just a seeming; he genuinely smelled the fragrance. Remembering Little Carp's earlier words, Liu Nanfeng's heart fluttered. He dared not look at her, instead turning his gaze towards the garden outside the window.
The garden outside the window was filled with peculiar, colorful rocks. The plants growing there were not those conventionally known, and Liu Nanfeng recognized none of them.
Just then, Zhu Yuchan returned with the tea leaves.
Zhu Yuchan intended to help with brewing the tea, but Zhu Yin'e stopped her, taking the tea caddy directly. "Let me do it. You go attend to your own matters."
Zhu Yuchan was taken aback by this. As Zhu Yin'e's maid, if Zhu Yin'e had nothing to do, it meant she also had nothing to do. So, what else could she attend to?
However, in a moment, she understood. Zhu Yin'e was dismissing her.
So, she bowed lightly to Zhu Yin'e, giving her a mischievous glance. Zhu Yin'e also subtly glared back at her.
The two exchanged a silent communication, after which Zhu Yuchan turned and left.
"This is my prized Juan Lingxiao. Try to taste it."
"Juan Lingxiao?" Liu Nanfeng looked curiously at the cup.
He saw that the leaves in the cup were curled. As Zhu Yin'e poured in clear water, they unfurled one by one, resembling sharp swords floating on the water's surface. The tips of the leaves pointed upwards, looking quite magical.
No wonder it was named Juan Lingxiao, like sword qi reaching the heavens.
"This is a new tea cultivated by A Run. Unfortunately, the last tea tree died one hundred and fifty years ago, and this tea has since been lost."
Zhu Yin'e elegantly poured the tea. The jade-green liquid flowed into the teacup, and a rich, bitter aroma filled the room.
"Is that so? Where is the tree? Perhaps I can try to save it."
Zhu Yin'e's movements paused slightly at this, then she chuckled lightly, "Taste it first."
Liu Nanfeng nodded, picked up the cup, and took a sip. A bitter taste exploded on his taste buds, with a hint of pungency. Then, as it slid down his throat, his entire body felt invigorated.
"Good tea."
Liu Nanfeng blurted out. Although he knew little about tea, he could discern its quality.
"I'm glad you like it."
Zhu Yin'e smiled, her voice soft.
Liu Nanfeng said nothing, directly downing the remaining tea in his cup. He then let out a long sigh, feeling a sense of clarity wash over him.
He placed the empty cup back on the table, unconsciously turning the handle to the thirty-degree angle relative to himself again.
Zhu Yin'e observed this, her smile deepening. She picked up the teapot and said, "Here, I'll refill it for you."
"Thank you."
Liu Nanfeng quickly extended his hand in a gesture of welcome, watching as Zhu Yin'e refilled his empty cup.
This time, Liu Nanfeng did not drink it all at once, but took small sips, savoring the taste carefully.
Zhu Yin'e looked out at the garden and suddenly asked, "Twenty li outside Jiangcheng, there's a peach blossom garden. Have you been there?"
Liu Nanfeng blinked in surprise, not understanding why Zhu Yin'e was suddenly asking this. However, he shook his head.
He had indeed heard of the peach blossom garden, but had never been there.
"That peach blossom garden is my property. However, I haven't been there in a long time, and there's a separate villa within it that has likely fallen into disrepair. I shall gift it to Gentleman Liu as thanks for your kindness to Hong Jin."
"That won't do, it's too valuable. I truly cannot accept it." Liu Nanfeng was startled by this.
Although he hadn't visited the peach blossom garden, he knew something about it. Moreover, since it was called a garden, its area must be considerable, and its value surely immeasurable.
"Gentleman Liu, there's no need to refuse. Wealth is of no use to me, and the peach blossom garden has been neglected for many years. If it's not attended to further, it might eventually be repossessed by the government. Since that's the case, gifting it to Gentleman Liu would be making good use of it."
Liu Nanfeng was about to say more when he heard Zhu Yin'e continue, "Besides, Hong Jin loves peach blossoms. When they are in bloom, you can take her there for a short stay. Wouldn't that be lovely?"
Liu Nanfeng pondered for a moment, then no longer refused.
"In that case, thank you, Dragon Lord. I shall accept your generous offer."
Zhu Yin'e turned her head upon hearing this and looked at him, smiling. "That's more like it."
Liu Nanfeng knew that as the Dragon Lord of the Yangtze River, Zhu Yin'e certainly lacked no wealth. After all, even Little Carp could find gold in the river. How much more could a Dragon Lord who had ruled the Yangtze River for years possess? Her wealth was likely unimaginable.
However, she rarely came ashore. That she had property on land was something he had not anticipated. He wondered if she had other properties besides the peach blossom garden.
As if sensing Liu Nanfeng's thoughts, Zhu Yin'e smiled and explained, "This peach garden was where my husband lived in seclusion. I met him in that peach forest. Later, when my husband left, the peach forest fell into disuse. To preserve a trace of memory, I bought that entire area of peach forest."
Hearing her say this, Liu Nanfeng suddenly felt the gift was a bit too hot to handle.
He was momentarily confused about Zhu Yin'e's intentions.
He was in his second life, but their earthly ties had ended. Although Little Carp had created a connection between them, but...
For a moment, Liu Nanfeng's mind became a jumble, and he didn't know what to do.
The atmosphere in the room became heavy again, but this time, neither of them broke the silence.
Until a soft hum arose.
It sounded somewhat like a whale's cry, and somewhat like a bird's chirp.
Little Carp had woken up.