The next day, I woke up early and carefully chose a Lake Green skirt. Standing in front of the mirror, I adjusted it from side to side. Xiao Tao, standing beside me, teased, "Miss, you're just going to watch a Dragon Boat Race, but with this outfit, you look like you're going on a blind date."
I felt my cheeks flush and retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about!" Yet, I couldn't help but wonder how Brother Lan would react to my appearance.
As the hour of Chen approached, Gu Lan indeed appeared at the door right on time. Today, he wore a Moon White robe that accentuated his tall figure and handsome features. In the sunlight, he seemed to radiate light. I found myself momentarily lost in thought.
His gaze lingered on me for a moment, and a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes before he smiled and said, "A Mian looks very beautiful today."
Such a simple statement made my heart feel as sweet as honey. I struggled to suppress the smile creeping onto my lips and feigned calmness. "Of course."
Qingfeng Lakeside was already bustling with people, colorful flags fluttering in the breeze and drums beating loudly. On the lake's surface, several beautifully decorated Dragon Boats were ready for the race.
Gu Lan expertly found a private room in a tea house with an excellent view. From the window, we could see the entire race unfold. He poured me some tea and ordered some delicate pastries that I loved.
"Look! It's about to start!" I exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the lake.
With the sound of a cannon firing, the Dragon Boats shot off from the starting line like arrows released from their bows. The sounds of drums and cheers filled the air instantly. I watched with rapt attention, clapping my hands in excitement. Gu Lan sat across from me, but most of the time he wasn't watching the Dragon Boats; he was watching me.
His gaze was gentle and focused, carrying a subtle smile. Under his scrutiny, I felt somewhat uneasy, and my cheeks began to warm. "Lan... Brother Lan, why are you looking at me? Look at the Dragon Boats!"
He withdrew his gaze, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip. "Hmm, the Dragon Boats are exciting, but..." He paused for a moment before his eyes returned to my face. "...it seems less interesting than watching you."
Boom! My face turned completely red as if it were on fire. My heart raced so fast it felt like it might leap out of my throat. What was he saying? Was it just an innocent remark or something more?
Flustered, I lowered my head and pretended to focus on eating pastries, but I couldn't even taste them.
The atmosphere in the private room became somewhat delicate. The noise from outside seemed to fade away, leaving only silence between us.
After a while, Gu Lan gently spoke again in his usual warm tone: "A Mian."
I looked up cautiously at him.
"Why have you been avoiding me these past few days?" he asked directly, his expression serious.
My heart raced at his question; I stammered, "I... I haven't... It's just... it’s hot outside; I didn't want to go out..."
He clearly didn't believe me but didn't press further; instead, he sighed softly. "If you have any worries in the future, you can tell me. Don't keep them to yourself." His tone carried an almost imperceptible hint of helplessness and... affection?
My heart stirred as I met his deep gaze. It seemed to hold countless unspoken words shrouded in a thin mist that obscured their clarity. Between us lingered this bittersweet feeling tinged with uncertainty that made me both hopeful and fearful.
After the race concluded, we left the tea house with the crowd. The streets were packed with people when Gu Lan naturally reached out and took hold of my wrist. "Stay close to me; don't get lost."
His palm was warm and dry as it enveloped my wrist, providing a reassuring strength. Instinctively, I didn’t pull away but allowed him to guide me through the bustling crowd. Where our skin touched felt like electricity coursing through me.
I stole glances at him; his profile was sharply defined as he focused on leading me forward. Sunlight glinted off his hair tips as if they were gilded with gold.
Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to be held by him like this all the time.
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