613 Thank You (1/2)
Shangguan Lingxiu was, as usual, clad in military wear, a white cape draped over her tall and delicate form. She had brought along a few guards and stood right in the middle of the street gallantly. Her eyes were trained on Yun Yang who was making a turn, her expression calm as if she was expecting him and was quietly waiting for his arrival.
”Oh, oh, Sister Lingxiu.” Yun Yang was delightfully surprised. ”What a small world it is! We meet again.”
Shangguan Lingxiu smiled faintly and said, ”Nothing to be surprised of. I was intentionally waiting here for your arrival, Young Heir Yun.”
The corners of Yun Yang's lips twitched involuntarily; he asked mildly, ”What instructions does Sister Lingxiu have, may I ask? Do speak of it. Yun Yang will forever be only Yun Yang, how could I have so many other identities?”
Shangguan Lingxiu, who already knew his true identity, could not help feeling tickled as she watched the youth sport a look of maligned irritation, and had to reply to her with words which carried a hidden meaning.
”I dare not give instructions. I really only wanted to talk to you and ask you a few things.”
”Ask away, Sister Lingxiu. This young brother shall answer to the best of my ability.”
”Mm,” Shangguan Lingxiu hummed and turned to walk. ”Accompany me for a walk, let's talk while we take a stroll.”
Yun Yang trailed behind nervously.
'What does this lady want with me? Why is she behaving so formally and with such urgency?'
Yun Yang was not a fool; at most, his emotional quotient was low at times. Despite having certain realizations, with the Nine Supremes' grudge on him in the past, he had to let it all go. However, how could he truly be unmoved, when he recalled the girl's devotion every time his mind was empty? Ji Lingxi was so, and so was Shangguan Lingxiu; Yun Yang was not an idiot, how could he not sense it?
Yun Yang's feelings regarding Shangguan Lingxiu were complicated. This lady was strong, brave, tough, and resilient. Qualities that most men in this world did not have, she had them all! In addition, she was beautiful, smart, levelheaded, could bear hardships, willing to serve, and dared to sacrifice herself. She had always known what she needed and what she wanted but she was willing to give them up due to the heavy responsibilities she had attributed to herself. It was all because she knew that she had no right to pursue her shot at happiness from the Shangguan Family's current situation.
Happiness, be it for her or the person she liked, would only be a burden! Therefore, she chose to endure it silently.
Faced with the coercion of her romantic enemy, Shangguan Lingxiu had been giving in. She retreated step after step from the romance that she could have developed by chance, despite possessing multiple conditions of convenience, assistance from social connections, and the blessings of the elders.
Furthermore, Yun Yang's feelings towards Shangguan Lingxiu included additional dimensions like tenderness, respect and the realization that he did cherish indeed... How unlucky it was for such a wonderful lady to be shackled with such a heavy load for herself and for others!
”Sister Lan hasn't been found yet?” asked Shangguan Lingxiu softly as she strolled forward.
”No,” Yun Yang said and heaved a long sigh.
”No news is good news….” Shangguan Lingxiu's words trailed off before she could finish them.
Shangguan Lingxiu's feelings towards Yue Rulan was complicated as well.
Pure-hearted Yue Rulan was the best candidate to be her closest friend, be it from her knowledge, mannerisms or any other aspect. Yet, she had also used all sorts of tactics without a care to match make for Ji Lingxi, forcing Shangguan Lingxiu to step back in discomfort.