Chapter 55 – The Tranquil Lake (2/2)

“Oh?” Shuiliu intentionally looked backwards, and smiled viciously, “Wow, with the first glimpse, I’m already obsessed with this woman. It’s a pity that she conceals her true appearance behind a veil.”

“No, that’s not true! Disguising her beauty under a veil has only made her more attractive. You know, the mysterious element adds to her charm.” Disregarding the occasionally glares received from Qinghan, Wuhen expressed his view on beauty.

“Wuhen, you have the potential to become a poet.” Hua Cao let out a soft sigh.

“Haha, I agree with you, Wuhen. It’s said that when a woman takes a shower, or strips her clothing off, that would be the most charming moments. However, I have to say, the curiosity that is aroused in us to unfold her beauty, is all due to her wearing that veil.” Feng Zi cut in with great enthusiasm.

“Right! You’re all intelligent people, who can describe women in the most beautiful way. Well, in my opinion, a woman with a veil should fall into two scenarios: she is either a beauty or a disfigured monster. However, I believe, that in this case, she is a beauty.” Shuiliu added.

Meanwhile, Qinghan remained silent, sniffing at their hypocrisy.

“Hey, Qinghan, do you have any opinions to share with us?” Feng Zi noticed the uninterested Qinghan, and asked in curiosity.

“No comment on that. I suggest we should set off right now, otherwise we might miss lunch.” Qinghan replied indifferently. The flattering, nasty conversation among these young lords made him want to vomit, especially the pretentious Wuhen, and the brazen Shuiliu. Right now, he was more concerned about his sister back in Grey City.

“Ah, alright. Niuniu, let’s go!” Yue Niang had been standing there for a while, but now she urged the veil-covered paddler to set off.

The paddler replied with a soft “Yes”, which, once again, grabbed the young men’s attention. They were almost out of their mind by hearing this crisp sound, which very much resembled a cuckoo.

The boat floated slowly on the lake, since there was still some distance from the island, Yue Niang patted on the paddler’s shoulder, and said, “Niuniu, why not sing a song for these young lords? They’ll feel relieved and soothed by your voice.” She then turned to the young lords, “Hey, guys, would you mind to hear a couple of songs from her?”

“Yeah! We can’t wait to hear it.” Shuiliu urged.

“We’re all ears!” Wuhen added, and both Feng Zi and Hua Cao replied with a smile, only Qinghan reluctantly nodded his head.

After a long while, the veil-covered paddler began to sing, “The sunset rays pour on the wall of the red mansion, and cast a shadow under the jade tree. Inside the silver decorated room, a woman with heavy makeup is tearing a piece of gold clothing with a pair of scissors. Embroidery decorations spread all over her bed. She let the pigeon carry a letter to her lover…”

Without any musical instrument, or any luminous lights, her performance already captured the young lords’ mind. Niuniu was really a vocal talent, because simply the quality of her voice made the young lords intoxicated in such an illusion: they now felt as if they were in a heavenly palace, surrounded by numerous beauties…

“Fabulous! Only the immortals in the heaven would have a chance to hear it. Barely anyone can convey such a beautiful voice in this nasty, mortal world. Niuniu, I’m your fan from now on! You know, my heartbeat has accelerated after hearing your song. Oh…” Shuiliu laughed out loudly, while he kept his eyes on Niuniu’s curved body.

- Pia! -

Wuhen folded his fan, and stood up, “I heard that mandarin ducks always appear in pairs, they’re famous for their solid affection for their loved ones. Niuniu, I hope you’ll soon find your Mr. Right. Based on your beautiful outlook and vocal talent, you aren’t supposed to be left alone. You know, we already have a crush on you…”

“Awesome! Although I know nothing about music, I believe this is an amazing song!” Feng Zi also flattered.

“Yeah, I agree.” Hua Cao followed.

Only Qinghan, holding a cup of tea, looked into the distance with blank eyes. No one knew what was really on his mind.

“Young lord Qinghan, don’t you like this song?” Yue Niang couldn’t retain her curiosity, and walked towards Qinghan.

Following her question, the other young lords also fixed their eyes on Qinghan, waiting for his response. They couldn’t understand Qinghan’s silence, after all, compared with their passion, Qinghan seemed so weird.

Under the gazes of all the people, Qinghan didn’t make a sound until he finished his cup of tea, “I like it, the melody as well as the lines. This is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. However… the artistic atmosphere created by this song was unfortunately ruined by some nasty morons! What a pity…”

“What? What does that mean?”

“Who are the morons he refers to?”

Feng Zi and Hua Cao were totally baffled; Shuiliu and Wuhen suddenly wore a surly face, as they knew what Qinghan meant; and Yue Niang managed an awkward smile, with the corner of her mouth slightly lifted…

On the other side of the boat, the mysterious paddler unexpectedly turned around, revealing a pair of piercing black eyes above her veil. She quickly stole a glance at Qinghan, as if she was rather interested in this young lord…

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