Chapter: 065 out of 513 – Half of five gold taels (2) (2/2)
Ning Mingjie explained, “It’s a great honor for you to receive Luoyan Pagoda’s token.”
It was just a token. Wasn’t it the same as a membership card? What was there to feel honored about? Ji Man snorted twice, then she had the waiter bring some more snacks in the passing. Since this wouldn’t cost her any money, could she get those snacks wrapped up to go?
Sitting near her, Ning Mingjie carefully looked over Nie Sangyu for a long time.
Ji Man outwardly pretended that she didn’t notice, but she inwardly scolded him. No matter how much you look at me, I still can’t make flowers blossom out of nowhere. You’ll have a better chance if you go back and look at your female lead.
(T/N: Just in case that sounds too nonsensical, Ji Man is probably saying this because it’s very common for artists to draw blooming flowers around the female lead in manga/manhua.)
A while later, Errong and Nie Qingyun also came up to the fifth floor. The two of them seemed to be getting along well. Errong’s eyes were full of stars. She approached them, tugged Nie Sangyu’s sleeve, and whispered, “Will you find it awkward to call me older sister-in-law in the future?”
Their birthdays hadn't even been looked at* and she was already thinking about this. Ji Man stroked Errong’s head. This little girl was three years younger than Nie Sangyu and she would actually have to call her older sister-in-law. But, this would be pretty good. When Errong and Nie Qingyun stood next to each other, they looked very well matched. Nie Qingyun also wasn’t half-hearted person. The other women at home were all easy to get along with. Errong wouldn’t suffer any grievances.
* (T/N: In historical times, before a couple could be married, a matchmaker would have to check if two people were compatible by looking at their birthdays and birth hours.)
“When you get engaged to my older brother, I’ll embroider your wedding dress for you.” Ji Man said.
Ning Errong felt even happier. She skipped over to Ning Mingjie’s side and circled around him once before she suddenly stopped, “Eh?!”
“What’s wrong?” Ning Mingjie lowered his head to look at her.
“Older brother, you seem to be in a very good mood. What happened recently?” Ning Errong asked in surprise. “I haven’t seen you with that expression in a long time.”
Ji Man thought, the mask hid half of Ning Mingjie’s face. How could Errong see his expression?
“I was thinking that scenery here is pretty good. Let’s continue going up.” Ning Mingjie didn’t mention what had recently happened or even look at Nie Sangyu again before he went towards the stairs.
Ning Errong thoughtfully looked at Nie Sangyu. Her sensitive teenage heart felt there was something wrong.
Her older brother acted courteous towards everyone, but she could tell that he distanced himself from everyone. He originally didn’t have any good impression towards Sangyu, ah. Why did it seem like they had become good friends during today?
Anyways, her older brother was always sensible. She didn’t have to worry about him. Instead, she should be focusing on figuring out how to get Nie Qingyun to think highly of her.
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During the rest of the day, Ji Man created countless opportunities for Nie Qingyun and Errong. The two of them seem liked they were getting along well. But, when Nie Qingyun was bringing them back home, the courteous words that he said made people feel alienated, “Junzhu, you should go to rest early. Sangyu, behave in the marquis’s residence and don’t cause trouble.”
Ji Man looked at the disappointment in Errong’s eyes and followed his words with a sigh.
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Reading the half written poem that was hanging on Louyan Pagoda’s fifth floor, the onlookers clicked their tongues in admiration and spread the news. Ji Man wouldn’t have anticipated that this simple poem would later end up attracting a huge commotion.
Translator Ramblings: I really like the little snippet from Errong's POV where she's the only one that notices something different about her older brother and how close these siblings are. I almost wish the rest of the story is just Errong, Ji Man, Mingjie, and Qingyun going out on double dates.