Chapter 7 (2/2)

At this moment, the two have already entered the third floor of XuanXiao Pavilion. The third floor resembled a library, bookshelves filled with various texts took up almost half the floor. Looking past the screen/ part.i.tion, one would notice that the other half of the floor was occupied by ma.s.sive cabinets and shelves, upon which were placed numerous items of all shapes and sizes. Alongside the cabinets there appeared to be a large bed, and by the looks of it, it had been recently used.

“Come,” with this XiaoBao quickly led CaiXiao inside, next to the bed. “Sit on the bed for now, I will go and get your gift.”

This behavior of leading a young maiden to the bedside, telling her to sit, and then promptly leaving the room ultimately created an indescribably awkward atmosphere which was dyed just the slightest shade of pink. Together with the dim lighting, if XiaoBao came back and said “Scream, even if you screamed until you lost your voice, no one would come save you.”  Then her fate would be sealed.

“Xiao… XiaoBao where are you going?!” Suddenly CaiXiao felt anxious. In this dark and isolated place, with just herself and another young man… it took but a second for CaiXiao’s face to burn up. Various possibilities involving one man, one woman and a dark room instantly sprung into her mind, all of which only intensified the heat in her cheeks. In spite of this situation, CaiXiao trusted XiaoBao’s character and believed that he wouldn’t do anything immoral… right?

As XiaoBao returned, he naturally replied: “When trying on new shoes, one has to be sitting right?” XiaoBao placed the pair of boots he was holding in CaiXiao’s hands, “Take a look CaiXiao, these boots have a flat sole and high heels, makes horse riding very comfortable. These heels make it much easier to hook the stirrups.” A slight smile was seen on XiaoBao as he continued to explain. “However these shoes aren’t only for horse riding, as you wear them more and more they will improve your figure and stature, pretty good right?”

CaiXiao took the boots in her hand and carefully inspected them, she realized that these boots were very finely made with no roughness of imperfections. In a small voice CaiXiao asked “These boots, what material are they made from?”

“Well that would be a secret, but since CaiXiao is someone very close to me, I don’t mind tell you.” XiaoBao pointed to the treads of the shoe, “The bottom is made from a single piece thousand-year-old red willow tree, carved and sculpted to be tough and flexible. The color and texture come naturally from the wood.” Pointing to the top of the shoe, “The rest of the shoe is made nimble cow-hide leather which has a similar shade of red as the red willow. The material is soft, comfortable and very breathable.” XiaoBao summed it up by saying: “It is definitely well made, perfect as a gift for you.”

Hearing his explanation, CaiXiao had her mouth agape… “Thousand-year-old willow, and nimble cow-hide leather. Both of these materials are terribly expensive.”

“That would be correct, just the materials themselves cost 8000 silver.” (XiaoBao)

“8000 silver!” CaiXiao was shocked, “For one pair of boots?”

“Of course,” seeing that CaiXiao was happy with the gift XiaoBao explained, “For me to give something mundane to a genius like CaiXiao, it would only make me lose face.”

However, 8000 silver for a pair of boots. This gift is quite extravagant indeed – in comparison, a normal household’s expenditure would average out to be 50 silver per year. With 8000 silver, it would be enough to purchase a house about the size of a small village.

“Quite a smooth talker aren’t you,” despite that CaiXiao seemed very pleased. It’s no lie that everyone likes to be flattered. “Well, quickly leave.”

With a perplexed expression, XiaoBao asked “Huh? Out? Where should I go?”

“A maiden is changing, as a man do you insist on watching me?” With red cheeks, CaiXiao said “We still haven’t been married yet you know…”

This is REALLY REALY LONG… took me 3 hrs to translate ._. (2266 chinese characters)

Next regular release is scheduled for Sat.u.r.day.

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