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墨書 Inktalez
After the Dragon Boat Race, the atmosphere between Gu Lan and me seemed to become more delicate. He treated me as usual, attentive and considerate, but the occasional gentle glances and unintentional touches made my heart race. I also began to habitually rely on him, my gaze unconsciously following his figure.
One day, I was in the study copying a newly acquired Orchid Painting when Gu Lan walked in, holding a small, exquisite sandalwood box.
“Guess what I brought you?” he said, raising the box with a smile in his eyes.
Curiously, I set down my brush. “What is it?”
He opened the box to reveal a jade hairpin lying quietly inside. The pinhead was carved with a bud of Yulan Flower, its jade smooth and translucent.
“Wow! It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed, picking up the hairpin and holding it up to my hair. “Is it for me?”
“Mm-hmm,” he nodded, his gaze landing on my hairdo. “I think this Yulan Flower suits you very well.”
A sweet warmth filled my heart, as if it were overflowing with honey. “Thank you, Brother Lan!”
He stepped closer and took the hairpin from my hand. “Let me put it on for you.”
His fingers wove through my hair as he carefully secured the hairpin in place. His fingertips occasionally brushed against my scalp, sending shivers down my spine. I held my breath, afraid to move, feeling completely enveloped by his refreshing pine scent.
“All done.” He stepped back to admire his work, satisfaction evident in his eyes. “It looks perfect.”
I rushed to the bronze mirror and saw that the hairpin indeed made my hairstyle appear more refined, adding a touch of gentleness to my overall demeanor. I felt delighted and turned to him with a big smile.
Just then, a maid's voice came from outside: “Miss, Miss Biao is here.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a charming figure walked in. It was my distant cousin, Lin Ruohan. Today she wore a dress of pale yellow that accentuated her fair skin and beautiful features.
“A Mian sister!” Lin Ruohan called sweetly but was immediately drawn to the jade hairpin in my hair. “Wow! That hairpin is so pretty! Is it new?”
Before I could respond, she noticed Gu Lan standing nearby. A blush crept onto her cheeks as her voice softened even more. “Oh, so the Gu family Brother is also here.”
Gu Lan gave her a slight nod in acknowledgment, his demeanor polite yet distant.
Lin Ruohan seemed oblivious to his aloofness and walked straight up to him, tilting her face up with a soft voice. “Brother Gu, I finished reading that poetry collection you lent me last time. I wrote some reflections and would love your guidance.”
My smile faltered slightly at her words. A poetry collection? Reflections? I had no idea Brother Lan had lent her a book.
Gu Lan replied coolly, “Cousin Lin is too kind; guidance is not necessary. If you have any questions, just have a maid deliver them to my residence.” His tone remained courteous but clearly maintained distance.
Lin Ruohan appeared somewhat disappointed but quickly brightened again as she turned to me. “A Mian sister, that hairpin really looks better and better; it makes you seem so graceful. Did Brother Gu give it to you?”
I felt a twinge of discomfort but nodded nonetheless.
“I really envy you,” Lin Ruohan said as she took my hand with a hint of innocence in her tone. “Having someone like Brother Gu who cares for you so much is wonderful. Unlike me; even asking for advice feels difficult.” As she spoke, she stole a glance at Gu Lan.
I listened to these words, feeling an inexplicable heaviness in my heart. What did it mean to say "not like me"? Brother Lan seemed to sense the change in my emotions as he glanced at Lin Ruohan and said lightly, "If Cousin Lin likes the jade hairpin, I can have a few sent over from the shop another day."
Lin Ruohan's eyes lit up, and she quickly waved her hands. "No, no, I appreciate Brother Gu's kindness. I just think that Sister A Mian looks particularly beautiful wearing this one." She then turned her gaze back to me. "By the way, Sister, you will be attending the Flower Viewing Banquet at the Minister's residence in a few days, right? I heard they invited quite a few talented young men this time."
The Flower Viewing Banquet? I was taken aback for a moment before recalling that there was indeed such an event. However, I had never been fond of such occasions.
"I..." I was about to say that I wouldn’t go, but Gu Lan interjected with an undeniable tone, "She will go. I will accompany her."
I looked at him in surprise. When did he decide this for me?
Lin Ruohan's smile froze for a moment before returning to normal. "That's wonderful! With Brother Gu accompanying you, Sister will surely be the center of attention at the banquet."
While her words sounded like flattery, they only made me feel more uncomfortable. It felt as if my relationship with Brother Lan had become mere gossip for her to discuss freely.
After sending Lin Ruohan away, the atmosphere in the study became somewhat heavy.
I couldn't help but ask, "Brother Lan, when did you agree to accompany me to the Flower Viewing Banquet? I don't even want to go."
Gu Lan looked at me with a complex expression. "In such a setting, with so many people around, I can't feel at ease letting you go alone." He paused before adding, "Besides, some things need to be made clear to certain people."
Certain people? Was he referring to Lin Ruohan? What did he want her to see clearly?
I felt a bit confused but sensed that today’s Gu Lan seemed different from usual. The sweetness brought by the beautiful jade hairpin had been significantly diluted by Lin Ruohan's appearance and Gu Lan's last pointed remark.
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