Although it may seem a bit impolite to say so, most women, or rather, the women at Flower Moon Building, tend to be somewhat self-indulgent in their sentiments.
After all, in the brothel, wanting to get along well with the sisters and learning how to empathize is very important.
So itâs understandable why Miss Lu might overthink, because... if there wasnât some fondness, who would cast a mesmerizing gaze at a girl they just met?
But Miss Lu still retains some rationality, knowing that a person like herself isnât enough for Yun Qian to like; itâs probably due to Zhu Pingniang or Xu Changâanâs influence, loving the house because of its crow.
But that doesnât stop her from liking Yun Qian.
Thus, upon returning and being quietly observed by Yun Qian for a while, her tears couldnât hold back anymore, proving to be quite useless.
Sheâs still young after all. Look at Zhu Pingniang, that shameless woman, also being looked at by Yun Qian like this, she wouldnât assume the other likes her; on the contrary, sheâd feel very self-conscious.
At the feast on the high stage, the air was filled with pleasant smells, a curious reaction between the fragrance of the girlsâ rouge and the Mugwort diffusing in the room, resulting in not a cloying sweetness, but rather a subtly sweet scent.
At this moment, Yun Qian seemed to recall something pleasurable, as a smile appeared at the corners of her lips.
"Ms. Zhu, her smile is really beautiful," Miss Lu couldnât help but stare at Yun Qian.
Todaysâ women indeed looked extraordinarily beautiful, their makeup and attire stirred her emotions greatly.
"Shush." Zhu Pingniang pinched Miss Luâs hand: "Keep your voice down, looking as if youâve never seen a pretty girl before, while you may not mind losing face, I do."
"Liking means liking," Miss Lu chuckled softly.
She likes Young Master Xu, and now she unexpectedly also likes the masterâs wife.
To think if she could become a concubine for the master... well, just serving as a maid for Miss Yun, life would still be delightful.
"Wipe your drool," Zhu Pingniangâs eye twitched.
Miss Lu: "..."
Zhu Pingniang wasnât inclined to pay heed to this useless girl, instead put on a smile and asked Yun Qian.
"Ms. Yun, did you like the few tunes the girls just played?"
"Mm." Yun Qian nodded.
"As long as you liked it." Zhu Pingniang felt a bit deflated.
She barely started a topic, yet Yun Qianâs simple "Mm" crushed it entirely.
What to say next?
Zhu Pingniang sighed lightly, then noticed Miss Lu laughing, covering her face nearby.
Grinding teeth, resisting the urge to punch the girl, Zhu Pingniang maintained her smile.
Because she gradually grasped the knack.
Thinking carefully, she realized that Yun Qianâs temperament was very similar to Li Zhibai back in the day, the type to not give more words even if you hit God knows how many sticks, never elaborating topics, only responding to what you ask.
Once Zhu Pingniang realized Yun Qian wasnât short-spoken because she disliked her, instead, she became quite experienced in dealing with girls who were reticent.
Since she wouldnât speak, Zhu Pingniang kept initiating topics herself.
"Yun..." Zhu Pingniang paused, then said: "Ms. Yun, has Changâan discussed with you today the matter of coming over?"
"Matter?" Yun Qian looked at her.
"I mean about cultivation... the cultivation technique matter," Zhu Pingniang reminded.
"Mm." Yun Qian nodded.
"Well then... Ms. Yun, give me your hand," Zhu Pingniang coughed, speaking seriously.
"...?" Miss Lu instantly became guarded, staring into Zhu Pingniangâs eyes.
[Sister, what do you intend to do to Miss Yun?]
[None of your business.]
After a brief exchange of glances, Zhu Pingniang said, "Since thereâs time... let me see the meridians on your Spirit Road, sister."
Yun Qian recalled what Xu Changâan said to her, blinked her eyes, and gently lifted her hand.
As Yun Qianâs fair and slender fingers were revealed, Zhu Pingniang felt a bit smug.
Humph.
She hadnât seen anything from Changâan, and couldnât very well grab his hand... but now, she could freely touch Yun Qianâs hand, to regain face.
Her fingers lingered gently on Yun Qianâs wrist for a moment, feeling as if the Spiritual Power she sent in sank into a bottomless well, her expression quickly grew more serious.
Miss Lu watching nearby, ensuring Zhu Pingniang didnât act indecent with Yun Qianâs hand, was relieved when Zhu Pingniang folded away her frivolous smile, yet felt her heart race again.
Itâs rare to see Ms. Zhu being so solemn.
Could there be something wrong with Miss Yunâs body?
She worried for Yun Qian.
"Just as Ah Bai said, it seems to be the Hundred Leaks Body, but not quite, a defect on the Divine Soul..." Zhu Pingniang furrowed her brow, muttering: "Thatâs not right..."
She had all kinds of guesses about Yun Qianâs Elixir Field before meeting her, but they were all logical assumptions, either the meridians leaked, or the Elixir Field was in trouble.
Yet everything about Yun Qian was normal, and oddly unable to hold Spiritual Qi, no wonder Ah Bai couldnât discern anything.
She now somewhat understood why back when Xu Changâan and Yun Qian first entered Beisang City, they consulted so many doctors yet none could regulate Yun Qianâs body.
Back then Zhu Pingniang merely considered Yun Qian as just physical, seeing her living well, she hadnât thought about it deeply.
Now, actually touching her, she found the strange spot.
How did Yun Qian, with her pulse and body in such poor condition, survive until now?
Put in a normal person, theyâd have long been buried.
Zhu Pingniang gently tugged at Yun Qianâs hand.
The touch was icy cold.
"Ms. Yun, has your body been weak like this since childhood?" Zhu Pingniang asked.
"Since childhood?" Yun Qian blinked and said: "I suppose so."
"Mm... did you ever use anything related to the Immortal Sect, something to prolong life during childhood?" Zhu Pingniang further queried.
Yun Qian watched her hand on her wrist, tilted her head.
This was the first time someone had continuously asked about her childhood.
Seeing Yun Qian not responding, Zhu Pingniang assumed she hadnât understood, so she elaborated: "I mean Spiritual Medicine, Heavenly Materials, Earthly Treasures... or letâs say, any treasures consumed."
"Treasures?"
"Mm."
Yun Qian nodded: "Ate many."
"Many?" Zhu Pingniang paused, instinctively asked: "What treasures?"
"His cooking, I really like it," Yun Qian calmly stated.
The celestial dishes, the desserts made by her husband, are the best treasures in Yun Qianâs heart, so of course, she ate them, and for many years.
"?"
After Yun Qianâs answer, the atmosphere noticeably cooled.
"Treasures?" Zhu Pingniang spoke.
"Mm, treasures." Yun Qian nodded, though her expression remained cool, Zhu Pingniang seemed to see a gleaming smile in her eyes.
Zhu Pingniang: "..."
Miss Lu: "..."
Yun Qianâs calm, matter-of-fact tone pierced through the two single women before her like a sharp sword.