Miss Yun is sometimes oblivious to romantic cues, like at this moment.
Xu Changâan brought some snacks for Yun Qian and watched as she took a small bite of an osmanthus cake... and sighed softly.
Indeed.
Even though he had anticipated the outcome of playing the zither for Yun before he started, he found himself at a loss when she didnât even pretend to be interested.
"Eat slowly, or youâll choke."
Xu Changâan wiped away the crumbs at the corner of Yun Qianâs mouth with a handkerchief and said, "Iâll cook soon, so eat fewer snacks."
Yun Qian nodded.
Xu Changâan got up to put away the zither.
"Wait." Yun Qian swallowed the food in her mouth and said, "I want to listen to it again."
Xu Changâan turned back and said again, "Eat slowly, or youâll choke?"
"..."
Rarely, Miss Yun was momentarily stunned.
She unexpectedly had moments when she couldnât follow his thoughts.
Yun Qian held the osmanthus cake she had taken a bite of, gazing deeply at her husband: "Play the zither."
"I thought I misheard." Xu Changâan immediately perked up, smiling, "Miss has such refined taste."
"Mm."
But Xu Changâan soon stopped smiling because he realized somethingâthat his music might actually go well with meals.
A cluster of Spiritual Qi appeared in Xu Changâanâs hand, cleansing his fingers, and he sat back down to play a tune for Yun Qian.
This time, with the previous performance as a prelude, Yun Qian, who was listening to the music, had gained some experience. Immersed purely in the ocean of his aura, her appetite was quite good, and soon she ate several osmanthus cakes.
At the same time, Yun Qian confirmed something.
She really loved music, even more than she had imagined.
As for why she loved it... it was probably for the same reason she loved copying Xu Changâanâs handwriting.
Calligraphy contains a personâs essence, energy, and spirit. Music is similar, although it lacks a bit in expressing bold spirit, it excels in conveying emotions.
Yun Qian would love calligraphy, so how could she not love music? Not to mention how much Xu Changâan showed his own appreciation for music.
Originally, Yun Qian had lost most of her essence, energy, and spirit in a "dream," and felt extremely tired after calming down... but after listening to her husbandâs several tunes, bathed in his aura, she felt soothed, and the music, which entered through her ears, calmed her restless mood... her physical strength also recovered significantly.
Yun Qian tilted her head, eating the pastry in her hand in small bites, savoring the taste while keeping her eyes fixed on her husband in front of her.
It seems music truly holds a remarkable power, because even with Xu Changâanâs reminders, she couldnât help wanting to continue eating.
Yun Qian glanced at the plate of pastries and instinctively reached out her hand.
"Zheng!"
At that moment, the pitch of the music suddenly rose.
The sound abruptly echoed in her ears, causing Miss Yunâs hand to shiver slightly. She lifted her head and met Xu Changâanâs gaze.
Yun Qian: "..."
She decided not to eat then.
Understanding her husbandâs intent, Miss Yun obediently sat down and quietly listened to the music.
She half-closed her eyes, listening to the clear notes reminiscent of raindrops tapping against window panes, accompanied by the soothing seven-stringed zither sound.
There was just one thing, though: while the music was beautiful, Yun Qian actually couldnât hear any flavor or realms within it.
To her, the music was simply "pleasant," and the relaxing effect wasnât due to the music itself, but rather the sensation imposed by Xu Changâanâs aura through the seven strings.
After all, as long as it was Xu Changâan, even the little tunes he habitually hummed while cooking, she adored.
But Yun Qian didnât need to understand it all; she knew that she liked it, and that was enough.
Meanwhile.
After his extra performance, Xu Changâan placed his hands on the strings to silence the lingering notes, and then turned to walk toward Yun Qian. He picked up the plate of snacks on the table and said, "Itâs not that youâre not allowed to eat, but youâll be having a meal soon."
He paused, "Iâll go cook."
He was about to leave, but Yun Qian gently held onto the edge of his clothes.
Xu Changâan turned back, puzzled.
"It sounds wonderful." Yun Qian said, "I like it very much."
Xu Changâan was taken aback, then his lips curled upwards.
It was worth it.
Having Miss Yun say such a thing made all his efforts to learn the zither worthwhile.
"As long as you like it." Xu Changâan replied with a smile.
Yun Qian pointed to the seven strings beside her and said, "I want to touch that."
"Wipe your hands." Xu Changâan, unsurprised, considered it merely a fleeting interest of a child-like wonder from Miss Yun, and thought there was no harm in her wanting to play with the guqin.
Yun Qian held Xu Changâanâs hand, and a Water Attribute Spiritual Qi washed her hand clean. She imitated Xu Changâanâs posture, somewhat clumsily kneeling by the zither.
"Ding."
Yun Qianâs fingers plucked the strings, producing a soft note, prompting Xu Changâan to suddenly look up.
And it had an authentic feel to it.
He felt a stir in his heart.
The warm sunlight spilled through the window, falling on Yun Qianâs back, her dazzling, jade-like skin shimmering with an ivory glow. Her face was delicately contoured, long eyelashes lightly covered her sparkling clear eyes, and her thin shoulders were gracefully aligned under her neck.
Truly a graceful figure.
The light cast a softer allure over Miss Yunâs face, and the seven-stringed zither before her added an extra touch of nobility and elegance.
She was fine as long as she kept quiet; speaking would shatter the atmosphere completely.
"... I canât pluck this thing."
Yun Qianâs fingers rested on the strings, thinking she lacked the strength.
"Miss doesnât have strength right now, which is normal." Xu Changâan coughed once, doing his best to hide his accelerating heartbeat.