Fireworks

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Wan Sheng saw that the young master beside him remained silent, so he could only bury his head and continue driving the carriage diligently. Upon arriving at the Marquis’s residence, Chen Xianzhi swiftly jumped down from the carriage. He lifted his arm, and Shi Xu took hold of it as they dismounted together.

Before parting ways, Chen Xianzhi hesitated for a long moment before finally asking, “Shi Xu, what do you think of Lin Qingjing?”

Shi Xu was somewhat puzzled by the question, unsure why he wanted to know her feelings about Lin Qingjing. Though confused, she still nodded and said, “Young Master Lin is quite good.”

Hearing Shi Xu’s reply, Chen Xianzhi felt even more uneasy inside. His voice was somewhat heavy as he said, “Then you should rest early.”

After Shi Xu walked away, Chen Xianzhi furrowed his brows so tightly it seemed like he was trying to squeeze out a fly. Wan Sheng, observing his master’s somber expression, couldn’t help but feel a bit doubtful.

Chen Xianzhi then asked uncertainly, “Wan Sheng, what do you think of me? How do I compare to Lin Qingjing?”

Wan Sheng hurriedly replied, “You are definitely better, Master. In Wan Sheng’s heart, you will always be the best.”

Though Chen Xianzhi knew the truth behind Wan Sheng’s words might be questionable, he still felt a bit happier. Shaking off his worries, he strode toward his own courtyard.

Before he could step inside, a servant came running to inform him that the Marquis was calling for him to go to the study.

With a hint of apprehension, Chen Xianzhi made his way to Chen Yi’s study.

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Standing before Chen Yi’s desk, Chen Yi’s expression was resolute.

“Are you confident about the upcoming exam?” Chen Yi asked.

Chen Xianzhi felt somewhat guilty, his eyes darting about evasively.

Seeing his uncharacteristic demeanor, Chen Yi knew the exam was probably lost. He pinched the bridge of his nose and waved Chen Xianzhi away.

Chen Xianzhi stepped out of the study feeling a great weight lifted, exhaling a deep breath outside the door.

Inside the study, Qi Jingyun entered carrying a food box. She set it down and took out some soup, placing it in front of Chen Yi.

Then she moved behind him and gently massaged his shoulders.

Chen Yi raised his hand to rest on his wife’s shoulder, sighing weariedly, “When will that brat ever grow up? Now we’ve attracted the attention of the Third Prince.”

Qi Jingyun frowned deeply, fearing the Third Prince’s intentions were fierce this time. She grasped her husband’s hand in return and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, back in his room, Wan Sheng hurried over with urgency.

“Master, Miss Shi is not in her room.”

Before Chen Xianzhi could react, he dashed toward Shi Xu’s residence.

Sure enough, she was nowhere to be found. Calling over the maid who served Shi Xu, everyone shook their heads, saying none had seen Miss Shi.

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Chen Xianzhi grew anxious, a thin sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.

He instructed everyone in the residence to search for Shi Xu, but he himself could not wait a moment longer.

He searched the places Shi Xu frequented—the stone bench by the pond, the pavilion by the corridor—but no sign of her.

Finally, Chen Xianzhi prepared to return to Shi Xu’s courtyard and wait for news.

Just as he stepped into the courtyard, a clear, cool voice sounded from above.

“Chen Xianzhi, are you looking for me?”

Looking up, Chen Xianzhi saw Shi Xu bathed in the moonlight, breathtakingly beautiful, like an immortal descending from the heavens—too ethereal to disturb. She was seated atop the roof.

Momentarily stunned, Chen Xianzhi recovered and with a graceful leap of lightness, joined her on the rooftop.

“Why are you up here?” Chen Xianzhi asked softly.

“I don’t know,” Shi Xu replied, her voice tinged with confusion. “I just feel that my spiritual energy feels... off.”

Chen Xianzhi was equally perplexed. Once back, he resolved to examine that ancient tome again thoroughly.

They sat quietly together, feeling the gentle breeze and savoring the rare tranquility.

Suddenly, the sky exploded in a dazzling display of fireworks, so beautiful it was impossible to look away. It was the first time Shi Xu had witnessed such a lively spectacle filled with earthly warmth.

Her eyes shone brightly as she gazed at the distant blossoms of light. Chen Xianzhi glanced at her profile; illuminated by the fireworks, at this moment, she seemed even more radiant than the fireworks themselves.