A Strange Emotion

Shi Xu nodded at him, her gaze immediately drawn to the delicacies on the table. Yesterday’s banquet had been far too refined, lacking the inviting, rustic charm of authentic fare. Her eyes sparkled with genuine anticipation for the food before her.

Chen Xianzhi caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye and couldn't help but find her delightful. Despite her eagerness, she maintained such an elegant posture that no one else would have guessed her excitement.

With a smile, he said, "Everyone, please, let us begin."

As he spoke, he served a piece of Eight-Treasure Duck to Shi Xu. She looked up at him with clear, limpid eyes, shining so brightly that it was impossible to look away.

Chen Xianzhi felt a sudden twinge of self-consciousness under her gaze. Then, it occurred to him that she had seemed to enjoy the sweet osmanthus wine the day before. He summoned the waiter and ordered a bottle.

The Lin brothers were puzzled. Chen Xianzhi was known for never touching the sweet fruit wine; they wondered what had come over him today. When the wine was brought out, Chen Xianzhi noticed that Shi Xu’s eyes brightened even further. He picked up the bottle and poured her a shallow glass.

The Lin brothers were astonished to see this; the local ruffian was showing such attentiveness to his cousin. They had never seen him treat the young ladies who fawned over his handsome face with such care. They were curious about what kind of charm this mysterious cousin, whom they had never heard of, possessed.

Chen Xianzhi moved the wine bottle further away. Though the fruit wine was mild, he knew she shouldn't overindulge. Seeing she was only given one glass, Shi Xu showed no sign of displeasure. She tasted the food with grace, yet with a palpable, quiet anticipation.

The other two men at the table watched her, feeling that Shi Xu was entirely different from the other young ladies of quality they had encountered. Lin Qingjing looked at her, his heart pounding faster than it ever had in all his years. Watching her every move, he felt as if his pulse were slipping beyond his control.

A crumb from a pastry clung to the corner of Shi Xu’s lips. Without a moment’s hesitation, Lin Qingjing offered his own handkerchief. Shi Xu looked up, surprised, to find the young man across from her blushing, his eyes darting away as he stuttered, "Miss Shi, there is a crumb on your lip."

Shi Xu tilted her head slightly, took the handkerchief with slender fingers, and thanked him softly. Seeing her accept his token, Lin Qingjing was so pleasantly surprised he didn't know where to put his hands.

Beside her, Chen Xianzhi frowned in confusion. Why would the usually reserved and proper Lin Qingjing suddenly offer his handkerchief to Shi Xu? Lin Qingyu was equally baffled; his brother, who usually lived only for his books, was actually doting on a young lady.

While the two brothers were lost in their own bewilderment, Shi Xu remained oblivious, entirely focused on the delicious meal. For some reason, Chen Xianzhi found himself distracted throughout the rest of the dinner.

After the meal, they discussed the upcoming imperial examinations. Lin Qingyu sighed carelessly, "I’m not cut out for reading. I don't think I have a chance at this exam."

Chen Xianzhi, peeling an orange with lean, nimble fingers, replied with equal indifference, "The old man at home keeps forcing me to take that blasted test. It’s truly a trial for me." Once peeled, he naturally handed the orange to Shi Xu.

Lin Qingjing said nothing, merely smiling warmly.

As the day drew to a close, the group prepared to part ways. Chen Xianzhi prepared to take Shi Xu home. Once she had boarded the carriage, he was about to follow when he heard Lin Qingjing calling out to him urgently. Chen Xianzhi slowed his pace and stopped.

Lin Qingjing trotted over and stood before him. Shyly, he asked, "Xianzhi, if I may ask, what is Miss Shi’s family background?"

Chen Xianzhi was stunned. For some reason, a heavy, stifling sensation filled his chest. "I would have to ask my mother about that," he replied, his tone clipped.

Lin Qingjing let out an "oh" of disappointment. He then turned toward the carriage and said, "Miss Shi, farewell."

"Young Master Lin, farewell," came Shi Xu’s clear, gentle voice.

Chen Xianzhi watched Lin Qingjing’s retreating back, his heart churning with emotions he had never felt before. He composed himself in the cold wind before climbing onto the outside of the carriage.

Seeing him stay outside, Shi Xu asked in confusion, "Why don't you come in?"

"I’d like to catch some air," Chen Xianzhi replied.

Wansheng, the servant, was puzzled to see his young master sitting beside him, but seeing that Chen Xianzhi remained silent, he could only focus on driving the carriage in heavy silence.