After the earlier commotion, the little bit of distance remaining between Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin completely disappeared.
Luo Yuqingâs words were rightâwhen Luo Ziling recited the "Song of Everlasting Regret" with such emotion earlier, especially the famous final lines, something subtle shifted in both their hearts.
Coupled with Luo Yuqingâs teasing on the side, it really felt like a confession.
Thus, when Luo Ziling caught up to her, Yang Qingyin took the initiative to grab his hand.
Even in front of Luo Yuqing, the two continued to hold hands like this.
"It was wise of Ouyang Feifei not to come," Luo Yuqing remarked playfully upon seeing them like this. "Looking at you two, even I, as the older sister, feel a little jealous. Donât you think about the feelings of us single folks?"
Yang Qingyin immediately let go of Luo Zilingâs hand and instead took Luo Yuqingâs arm, causing Luo Yuqing to burst into laughter.
Yang Xiaodong, Lin, Wang Zhenjun, and Ye Xiaoli were tactful enough not to disturb them, trailing a short distance behind and minding their own fun.
After walking for a while, it was almost noon, so the group found a random spot to have lunch.
After lunch, they strolled around some more and visited the site of the "Xiâan Incident," effectively covering most of Huaqing Pool.
Luo Ziling originally wanted to check out the "Zhuojiang Pavilion," but the others werenât interested.
"Thereâs not much scenery on Li Mountain, so maybe we should skip it," Yang Qingyin suggested. "Letâs head straight to the Terracotta Warriors."
Luo Ziling had initially thought of suggesting that Yang Qingyin take the cable car up Li Mountain while he hiked, but after hearing her suggestion, he agreed.
After all, Ouyang Feifei had gone directly to the Terracotta Warriors. If they spent too long at Huaqing Pool, it wouldnât feel right to keep her waiting alone.
Luo Ziling believed Yang Qingyin felt the same way; otherwise, she definitely wouldâve wanted to linger at the Huaqing Palace for a while longer.
After all, reaching the high point of Li Mountain and overlooking the Huaqing Palace surely offered an unforgettable view.
From Yang Qingyinâs expression, Luo Ziling sensed that her state of mind had changed, though he couldnât quite pinpoint what that change was.
Luo Ziling, Yang Qingyin, and Luo Yuqing shared a car, with Lin acting as their driver.
"Are you a âlikeâ fanatic?" Luo Yuqing asked indignantly as they got into the car, holding her phone. "No matter what kind of post others share on their Moments, you always give it a thumbs-up."
"I think itâs worth liking, so I just like it," Luo Ziling replied seriously. "Iâm adding value to your social mediaâhow is that a bad thing?"
"Quit messing around," Luo Yuqing grumbled, annoyed. "Iâm going to block you from my posts in the future."
"You wouldnât be that cruel, would you?" Luo Ziling looked at Yang Qingyin, then at Luo Yuqing, his face full of frustration.
"Itâs true youâre quite annoyingâleaving random comments and acting like some kind of philosopher," Yang Qingyin joined in, acting just as united with Luo Yuqing against him. "Have you even looked at what youâve posted? Itâs polluting our Moments."
"I think my comments are pretty reasonable. Like the saying goes, âGood medicine tastes bitter, and honest advice is unpleasant to hear...â" Luo Ziling started to justify himself, only to be cut off by Luo Yuqing. "Luo Ziling, if you donât shut up now, no one is going to think youâre mute."
"Fine, Iâll shut up and be a mute. You two women carry on," Luo Ziling said, sensibly closing his mouth.
"Qingyin, you need to discipline him in the futureâteach him what womenâs equality in the 21st century means and what âThree Obediences and Four Virtuesâ are all about," Luo Yuqing said to Yang Qingyin, clutching her arm and giving her tips. "Oh, I forgot to make him kneel on a keyboard last nightâdonât forget to do it tonight no matter what."
Sitting in the passenger seat, Luo Ziling couldnât take it anymore. He turned his head angrily to retort, "Hey, hey, Luo Yuqing, what nonsense are you spouting? Womenâs equality, Three Obediences and Four Virtues, kneeling on keyboards... Are you a clown sent by the monkeys? And you call yourself my sister? Youâre more like my nemesis!"
"How dare you yell at Yuqing?" Yang Qingyin immediately sided with Luo Yuqing. "You have no gentlemanly manners at all."
"Exactly," Luo Yuqing pouted in protest. "Whoever marries him in the future will have to worry about domestic violence."
Luo Ziling was so exasperated that he simply ignored them.
Seeing Luo Zilingâs reaction, Luo Yuqing couldnât help but giggle. Yang Qingyin also burst into laughter, and the two of them ended up laughing uncontrollably together.
In an instant, the car was filled with lively joy.
Watching the two women laughing together in the back, Luo Ziling rolled his eyes at them but remained grumpily silent.
When they arrived at the parking lot of the Terracotta Warriors, Yang Qingyin unexpectedly hooked her arm with Luo Zilingâs. Luo Yuqing, meanwhile, held onto Yang Qingyinâs arm, and the three of them walked forward in this fashion.
Ouyang Feifei had arrived at the Terracotta Warriors earlier but hadnât gotten out of the car, waiting for them inside.
When she saw them approach, she finally stepped out of the car.
Noticing the trio walking arm in arm, her expression changed slightly. However, since she was wearing sunglasses, the change in her expression wasnât apparent. Upon spotting Ouyang Feifei, Luo Yuqing immediately let go of Yang Qingyinâs arm and ran over to link arms with Ouyang Feifei instead.
Watching from the back, Yang Xiaodong sighed to Wang Qing, who was beside him, "Luo Yuqing is such a clever girl."
Wang Qing glanced at Yang Xiaodong without saying anything.
Still, she agreed with what Yang Xiaodong said.
From the small action of Luo Yuqing alternately holding Yang Qingyinâs and Ouyang Feifeiâs arms, one could see her quick-thinking nature.
When Yang Qingyin linked arms with Luo Ziling, Luo Yuqing held onto Yang Qingyinâs arm to show her approval of Yang Qingyin and Luo Zilingâs relationship. After seeing Ouyang Feifei, she rushed over to interact affectionately with her, ensuring Ouyang Feifei wouldnât feel alienated.
Such small details revealed a lot about a personâs mindset.
And during the subsequent exploration, Luo Yuqingâs smooth and adaptable personality became even more evident.
She stuck close to Ouyang Feifei the entire time, sometimes holding her hand and always staying near Luo Ziling.
She even took out her phone now and then to take pictures of the group, including many of Luo Ziling, Ouyang Feifei, and Yang Qingyin in various combinations, and posted them in her social media feed. "A man everyone envies, alongside the legendary Yanjing Beauties." "Under the witness of Qinâs military formationâsome men are truly blessed."
"Does she hope that Luo Ziling ends up with both of them?" This thought crossed Yang Xiaodongâs mind, and he couldnât resist voicing it to Wang Qing, who was walking with him. "She seems to be trying to create an atmosphereâlook at how well the four of them are getting along."
However, this comment riled up Wang Qing. "Our young lady isnât that shameless."
Yang Xiaodong merely smiled, refraining from saying more.