Chapter 263: I’m Afraid You’ll Run Away Again…

Lin Xun looked at the Little White Rabbit beside him.

Zhu Ling was looking left and right at the moment.

Although Zhu Ling was still tightly hugging Lin Xun’s arm, seemingly determined never to let go, Lin Xun could feel the Little White Rabbit’s softness (not a flat chest, but definitely a small hill).

But now, Zhu Ling was no longer afraid at all.

In fact, whenever Zhu Ling saw something delicious or fun, she would hug Lin Xun’s arm and pull him over.

Then Zhu Ling would raise her beautiful head, her pair of clear, watery eyes looking up at Lin Xun.

And then Lin Xun would buy it for her.

Street snacks, strange and novel roadside trinkets—Zhu Ling was extremely happy accompanying Lin Xun, seemingly forgetting about finding her Sister Nongqin and Sister Wangxing.

And the private savings Lin Xun had painstakingly accumulated flowed out like a broken faucet.

It could be said that Lin Xun spent all the money he had saved for visiting brothels for the next half year on Zhu Ling, this Little White Rabbit.

This couldn’t help but make Lin Xun curse these greedy merchants who took advantage of the festival to raise prices!

But looking at Zhu Ling’s satisfied smile, Lin Xun suddenly felt that the money he spent was completely worth it!

Damn it! Men really are creatures of beauty!

While searching for Nong Qin with Zhu Ling, Lin Xun would always look for an opportunity to sneak away for a while.

For example, when Lin Xun asked Zhu Ling to play the ring toss, he would take the freshly bought takoyaki from her, claiming, “I’ll hold this for you first.”

Then, while Zhu Ling was engrossed in her game, Lin Xun quickly took the takoyaki and went to find Sikong Wangxing.

Sikong Wangxing, who was waiting outside the Poetry Garden for Lin Xun, always had joy brimming in her eyes whenever she saw that scumbag.

“Sorry for the wait for the takoyaki. There were many people in line. Let’s go inside first,” Lin Xun said with a smile.

Sikong Wangxing nodded obediently.

They walked into the Poetry Garden.

Inside the Poetry Garden were artificial mountains and water, palace-dressed maids, and groves of winter bamboo.

Coupled with the clear moonlight and traces of white snow, the snow reflected the fiery red lanterns.

Everything was so elegant and tranquil.

There was none of the clamor and excitement found outside.

After all, this was a place where scholars and literati gathered. The Poetry Garden was filled with Luo City’s famous talented scholars and the young misses of various prominent families.

Talented scholars and beautiful women have been an eternal theme since ancient times.

Many of the talented scholars in the Poetry Garden were Provincial Graduate, holding official ranks and planning to travel to the capital for the imperial examination next year.

As for the beautiful women in the Poetry Garden, some were daughters of local wealthy merchants, and others were daughters of local officials.

It could be said that the Poetry Garden was a high-end matchmaking and socializing event.

Ordinary citizens couldn’t enter, but since Lin Xun was a School Teacher at Luocheng Academy, it was different.

The moment Sikong Wangxing and Lin Xun walked into the Poetry Garden, first one gaze fell upon Sikong Wangxing, then two, then three. Soon after, nearly half the people in the Poetry Garden were looking at Sikong Wangxing.

The reason was simple: when the Fairy who governs all flowers enters the garden, what business do the other hundred flowers have?

If judged purely on looks, the young misses in the courtyard weren’t even fit to be Wang Xing’s maids.

If looks weren’t the only factor, and family background and talent were included…

Never mind, let’s not mention it, lest these young misses lose the confidence to live.

After all, people cannot be generalized.

Lin Xun didn’t pay attention to these gazes. After all, Wang Xing was beautiful to begin with. What, was he supposed to gouge out other people’s eyes?

It was just that Lin Xun didn’t really like the Poetry Garden.

Although Lin Xun was a scholar, he was only a mediocre one.

To be honest, Lin Xun really couldn’t compose poetry.

Oh, but copying poetry? That he could do.

Although Wang Xing didn’t dislike the Poetry Garden, she certainly wasn’t fond of it.

All Wang Xing liked was being able to walk by Lin Xun’s side; that was enough.

“Mr. Lin.”

A young woman walked over and bowed to Lin Xun. Lin Xun was startled and almost tried to find a place to hide.

“Madam Wang.”

But there was no choice, since she was walking towards him, Lin Xun could only return the bow.

Madam Wang was the Secondary Wife of Wang Yuanwai, and she was deeply favored by Wang Yuanwai.

Wang Yuanwai and Lin Xun shared a friendship forged by visiting brothels together.

Madam Wang and Jiang Qingshang also knew each other and occasionally had tea together.

“And this is?” Madam Wang looked at Sikong Wangxing; the girl’s beauty stunned Madam Wang.

“Greetings, Madam Wang. This humble girl is—” As she was introducing herself, Sikong Wangxing deliberately glanced at Lin Xun.

Lin Xun was currently thinking about how to explain, and cold sweat was already beading on his forehead.

Otherwise, what if one day Madam Wang was having tea with Qinger and suddenly said, “During the Ice and Snow Festival last time, Mr. Lin seemed to be with a woman. She was very beautiful. Qinger, do you know her?”

Wouldn’t I be toast?

Sikong Wangxing glanced at Lin Xun, bit her lip lightly, then turned her head, speaking with a smile, dignified, elegant, and perfectly polite:

“My name is Lin Wangxing. I am Mr. Lin’s cousin. I have heard about the Ice and Snow Festival for a long time and finally have the chance to visit Luo City.”

“I see.”

Madam Wang affectionately held Sikong Wangxing’s small hand.

“Then you must enjoy your visit, little sister. Since you’re here at the Poetry Garden, why don’t we ask Young Master Lin to compose a poem? What do you think, Mr. Lin?”

Wang Yuanwai had more than ten concubines, but Madam Wang received his exclusive favor, and it wasn’t just because of her beauty.

From that glance Sikong Wangxing gave Lin Xun just now—that tightly suppressed affection—Madam Wang knew that this young lady and Young Master Lin were definitely not cousins.

But Madam Wang wouldn’t expose them. In fact, Madam Wang was even wondering if this endearing young lady could enter Mr. Lin’s household.

Perhaps due to her status as a Secondary Wife, Madam Wang secretly harbored a desire to help Sikong Wangxing enter Lin Xun’s household, then stage a counterattack against Miss Jiang Qing, resulting in Sister Wangxing successfully becoming the primary wife.

“About that, I really can’t compose poetry,” Lin Xun said, waving his hand.

He only knew how to copy poems; how could he possibly compose one?

“Young Master Lin is too modest. That line, ‘Clouds Think of Clothing, Flowers Think of Faces,’ is widely spread,” Madam Wang laughed. “If my husband hadn’t secretly told me, I wouldn’t have known that was Young Master Lin’s masterpiece.”

“That poem actually…”

“Alright, alright, Young Master Lin, don’t be so humble. Excessive modesty isn’t good, you know.”

Madam Wang smiled and flicked her handkerchief.

“This year’s Poetry Garden event is sponsored by the Wang Family. Talented scholars can compose a poem or lyric—five-character or seven-character regulated verse is fine. The best entry will be sung by a Songstress on Luo Lake during the final ice lantern release tonight.”

Madam Wang leaned close to Lin Xun and whispered softly.

“At that time, the Courtesan Queens of Luo City will all offer a toast to Young Master Lin.”

Lin Xun’s resolve wavered for a second, but he righteously refused: “No, no, I really can’t compose poetry.”

“There’s also five hundred taels of silver for the composition fee.”

Lin Xun’s heart trembled.

Five hundred taels!

Five hundred taels!

Lin Xun’s heart was shaking!

Based on the purchasing power of silver in Luo City! One tael of silver is equivalent to eleven hundred yuan!

Five hundred taels! That was five years of his salary!

“Madam Wang, I…”

Just as Lin Xun, his voice trembling, was about to refuse again, Madam Wang sighed softly:

“Alas, Young Master Lin is truly unwilling to give face? That’s such a pity. Originally, besides the composition fee and the favor of the Luo City Courtesan Queens, the winner would also receive a full year of free drinks at all major Mortal World establishments.”

Gulp!

Lin Xun swallowed, his expression gradually becoming serious.

“Madam Wang, I feel that things like the composition fee and free drinks are not important. What is important is participating in such a literary gathering. As scholars of our generation, we are duty-bound!”

“Well said.” Madam Wang clapped her hands. A maid walked over, holding a tray with both hands. Several sandalwood plaques were placed on the tray.

Madam Wang lightly rolled up her sleeve, took out one plaque, and handed it to another maid beside her.

“Tonight is the Ice and Snow Festival, so the theme requires the prosperity of the festival, as well as beautiful women and romance.”

“I understand,” Lin Xun accepted it. “But can I remain anonymous?”

Although copying poetry for five hundred taels of silver felt a bit shameful, as if he was letting down the Seniors of his previous life.

But…

This poetry gathering was offering way too much!

“Of course.”

Madam Wang smiled gently.

“However, there is only an incense stick time left. Within this incense stick time, please Young Master, conceive your poem carefully. Once you have finished, have Xiaofang write it down. Xiaofang will then take this plaque and bring your poem. The judging this time will be done by Lord Qi of the Hanlin Academy.”

As an official of the Qian Kingdom, Lin Xun naturally knew of Lord Qi.

It was said that Lord Qi was a man of integrity, deeply accomplished in poetry and lyrics, highly respected, and had served as the teacher for the previous Emperor and the current Empress of the Qian Kingdom when they were children.

“Sister Wangxing, why don’t we go have some pastries first?” Madam Wang pulled Wang Xing’s small hand, growing fonder of the girl the more she looked at her.

Sikong Wangxing glanced at Lin Xun. Actually, she preferred to take the position of a maid, staying by Young Master Lin’s side and watching him compose.

“It’s alright, Wang Xing. You’re not feeling well, so go rest inside. It’s only an incense stick time.” Hearing that Madam Wang was going to take Wang Xing away first, Lin Xun felt even more motivated.

He was just worrying about how he could temporarily slip away.

If he didn’t go find that Little White Rabbit soon, she would probably be crouched on the street corner sniffing pitifully.

“Then, then Wang Xing will wait inside for Big Brother Lin.” Wang Xing’s cheeks were slightly flushed, calling Lin Xun “Big Brother Lin” for the first time.

“Mhm, go ahead,” Lin Xun smiled and nodded.

After Wang Xing was led into the inner courtyard by Madam Wang, Lin Xun breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to run off.

“Is your name Xiaofang?” Lin Xun looked at the maid beside him.

“Yes, Young Master Lin.” Xiaofang, who had a ponytail, bowed.

“Well, Xiaofang, wait for me. I’m going outside to gather some inspiration and I’ll be right back.”

“Inspiration?”

“Yes, inspiration.” Lin Xun didn’t explain further and quickly left.

Watching Lin Xun rush out of the Poetry Garden, Xiaofang froze in place. There was only an incense stick time left, and all the scholars were refining their work. Where was Young Master Lin going for inspiration?

Rushing out of the Poetry Garden, using Shrinking the Ground into an Inch, Lin Xun quickly arrived at the street where Zhu Ling was.

Sure enough, Zhu Ling, who had already bought fried radishes, was standing tearfully at the street corner, her clear, watery eyes gazing around.

Several Constables maintaining order during the Ice and Snow Festival were questioning Zhu Ling, and Zhu Ling retreated even further in fear.

“Big Bad Guy!”

Seeing Lin Xun, Zhu Ling quickly ran over, hiding her delicate small body behind him.

The Constables maintaining order turned around, and they were also surprised to see Lin Xun.

Although Lin Xun was a School Teacher, thanks to his Erotic Drawings and various martial arts novels, as well as his easygoing and informal personality, Lin Xun had many friends in Luo City’s official circles.

“So it’s your person, Old Lin.” A Constable stepped forward and glanced at Zhu Ling behind Lin Xun. “We thought something had happened to this girl. When we questioned her, she just kept backing away and wouldn’t say anything.”

“Hahaha, my apologies for causing you trouble. She’s my distant cousin, here to visit Luo City today. I just stepped away to buy something.”

Lin Xun bowed in salute.

The Constables exchanged pleasantries with Lin Xun and then continued their patrol.

“Big Bad Guy, where, where did you go?”

Eyeing Lin Xun with tear stains still around her eyes, Zhu Ling looked at Lin Xun.

“I already told you the line for juice was too long,” Lin Xun argued.

“Then where is the juice?” Zhu Ling pouted.

“Uh… I saw there were too many people, so I didn’t line up. Wasn’t I worried about you?”

“What about the takoyaki?” Zhu Ling puffed out her small chest in anger.

“I waited too long in line, so I ate the takoyaki.”

“Big Bad Guy!”

Zhu Ling opened her mouth and bit down on Lin Xun’s arm.

Lin Xun shook his arm for a long time before he managed to shake Zhu Ling off.

“Hmph! Here, eat this!”

But even though Zhu Ling was very angry, she still handed the snack she had queued for to Lin Xun.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Looking at the well-packaged fried radishes, Lin Xun asked.

“This box is sealed and insulated. If I open it, it will be cold by the time you eat it,” Zhu Ling mumbled, pouting, still seemingly angry that Lin Xun had made her wait so long.

Hearing the Little White Rabbit’s words, Lin Xun’s heart softened, and he rubbed her head: “Silly Goose.”

“I’m not silly!”

“Okay, not silly, not silly.” Lin Xun ate the warm fried radish. “Let’s go, we’ll continue looking for Miss Nongqin.”

“You won’t run away this time, right?” Zhu Ling quickly hugged Lin Xun’s arm.

“No, would I be that kind of person?” Because the Little White Rabbit was hugging him too tightly, Lin Xun found it difficult to pull his arm out of her embrace.

Yes, Lin Xun felt that he was considering the feelings of this Little White Rabbit, and it was absolutely not because his arm felt comfortable enjoying her softness.

Continuing to stroll down the street, the Little White Rabbit beside Lin Xun quickly became lively again.

However, to prevent Lin Xun from sneaking away again, Zhu Ling kept hugging Lin Xun’s arm tightly no matter where she went.

Soon after, Zhu Ling was attracted by a hairpin.

“I don’t have money.” Lin Xun looked at the wooden tassel hairpin decorated with a Little White Rabbit cartoon; the outrageous price startled him.

A single wooden hairpin costs three taels of silver?

Damn it! Why doesn’t this vendor just rob people? How many Erotic Drawings would I have to draw?

“I, I have money. It’s in a small Storage Pouch in my belt at my waist,” Zhu Ling said timidly.

“Then take it out.”

“I… I’m afraid you’ll run away again.”

“…” Lin Xun’s eyebrow twitched slightly. “Should I get it for you?”

“Mhm.” The Little White Rabbit nodded innocently.

Lin Xun didn’t think much of it and simply reached out to take the silver from Zhu Ling’s waist.

But the moment Lin Xun’s hand touched Zhu Ling’s slender waist, his fingertips felt the slight trembling of her delicate body.

He looked up and saw Zhu Ling’s blushing face. Her eyes, already clear and bright, were now so shy they seemed ready to drip water.

Only then did Lin Xun realize that he had carelessly attempted to touch a young girl’s slender waist!

This was different from his previous life.

Most ancient women were conservative.

The waist, feet, and hands were absolutely not to be touched lightly.

Damn it, he had always treated Zhu Ling like a younger sister in his heart, and he had truly overlooked the fact that she was, fundamentally, a girl…

But why was Zhu Ling’s shy appearance so cute?

What to do? He really wanted to take a bite.