55 Everything Beautiful Will Fade (2/2)

”A flower's appeal is in its contradictions - so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect.”

Lixue listened to the young man's gentle words as she stared at the lovely flower in her palms.

The lovely flower's fragile petals flutter gently in the calming wind in the garden. The light scented fragrance radiating off of it, drifting into the girl's button nose.

”It's so pretty!” Lixue's eyes sparkled. ”For now on Lixue's favorite flower are the chrysanthemums! Pretty big brother, Lixue will keep this flower forever!”

Smiling gently at the little girl's kind words, Rin releases a soft chuckle.

”Young Miss Lixue, although they're pretty they won't last forever. Everything beautiful will occasionally fade.”

The little girl looked into the young boy's lovely eyes with a puzzled gaze.

Wasn't pretty big brother beautiful? Does that mean he'll fade one day?

With a pouting frown, Lixue shakes her head rapidly.

”Even so, Lixue will make sure to love and care for it until its end! That way, the flower will have meaning and purpose, just like pretty big brother!” Lixue's childlike voice said earnestly with a tinge of fierce determination.

Unknowingly, Lixue's words startled Rin somewhat as her eyes widened slightly. Suddenly, Rin laughed a melodic sound. The little girl keenly watched the young man laugh, his enchanting face glowing even further.

Pretty big brother was really handsome when he laughed!

Once Rin finished laughing, she flashed a kind smile toward the little girl.

”En, I believe young Miss Lixue will take good care of it.” Rin gently patted the girls head. ”Now run along, your mother will be worried about you.”

Nodding her plump head, Lixue carefully holding the delicate flower in her palms, hops away from the estate garden. Smilingly watching the little girl bounce away, Rin stands up with an indecipherable expression on her face.

With her hands placed behind her back, the girl looks toward the blooming chrysanthemums on the tree. A gentle gust of the wind quietly blows through the fragrant air - the area was once again silent.

Love and care for it until its end.

Recalling those words, a crooked smile forms on Rin's rosy lips - the sound of a mocking laugh descending through the air.