144, Misunderstanding (Part 4)
The gatekeeper was hesitating.
When suddenly, clad in white, Li Hengyi stepped out.
He immediately suppressed his smile, stood up straight, and bowed deeply, “I have seen the master!”
“…”
Xie Zhinuan pulled her hand back from the basket and turned to look.
“…”
The man in white had the air of a celestial being, with deep and tranquil eyes, perfectly arched eyebrows, and slightly pursed thin lips.
His white outer coat fluttered over long white sleeves and robes, billowing in the wind.
This man was truly handsome, truly aloof, and truly imposing.
That sort of celestial aura made him seem untouchable by the profane.
After the initial shock of his stunning appearance, she calmed down and was not particularly moved anymore.
Xie Zhinuan pursed her lips, gave him a light smile, neither servile nor overbearing, without flattery, and quite indifferent.
Her eyes were clean, clear, and gentle, “Young Master Li!”
Li Hengyi grunted in response.
Not apt at dealing with women, and being accustomed to his high status, he also did not know how to speak with Xie Zhinuan.
He stood silently to one side, watching her.
In truth, he hoped Xie Zhinuan would take the initiative, as the ladies in the capital were quite forward. Even if he remained silent for long periods, they would find topics and chatter incessantly, sometimes irritatingly so.
“…”
Seeing this, Xie Zhinuan thought that Li Hengyi might not like her, and hurriedly said, “Our oranges have ripened, I picked a few good ones for you to try, and these cucumbers are great for quenching thirst and relieving hunger when eaten raw!”
She handed over the basket.
Li Hengyi reached out and took the basket, the orange peels slightly yellow and the cucumbers crisp and tender. His heart softened a bit, and he tried to make his voice gentler, “Thank you very much!”
“It’s nothing, don’t mention it, I’ll be going then!”
Having said that, Xie Zhinuan waved her hand and walked towards her home.
“…”
Li Hengyi stood holding the basket, momentarily stunned.
She’s just leaving like that?
Shouldn’t she linger by his side, chattering away?
And then take the opportunity to walk around the house, checking everything out…
Xie Zhinuan had walked a few steps before she remembered something she hadn’t mentioned yet, stopped, turned her head, and called out, “Oh right, Young Master Li!”
Li Hengyi’s heart tightened upon hearing her, and his tense face immediately softened, “Hmm!” he answered, with a hint of delight that even he himself hadn’t noticed.
“About those orange peels, don’t throw them away. Leave them in the basket and have Yuanbao send it back to me. I can use them. Thank you!” Xie Zhinuan finished speaking and waved her hand.
She walked away with ease, without dragging her feet or splashing water.
Li Hengyi stood there, his face gradually darkening. Holding the basket, he turned and left.
Only after Li Hengyi had walked far away did the gatekeeper let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Looking at the orange in the palm of his hand, he smiled, found a place to peel it, and popped a segment into his mouth, “Hmm, delicious!”
Sour and sweet, juicy, leaving no residue; he had never had such a good orange before.
Miss Xie is truly kind.
Beautiful and gentle, and even generous; surely she will marry a husband to her liking.
Li Hengyi returned to the courtyard with the basket, sat at the table, picked up an orange and began to peel it slowly and carefully, leaving the peel intact.
He placed the orange peel on the table and wiped his hands, then slowly savored the orange.
“…”
He had eaten plenty of tribute oranges before, but he had never tasted this particular flavor.
After consuming two, Li Hengyi finally looked at the remaining seven oranges in the basket.
“Did she give me nine in total?” Li Hengyi mused.
Odd numbers…
Why would it be an odd number?
He had no way of knowing that there was one more; Xie Zhinuan had given it to the gatekeeper.
After some thought, he ate another orange.
But the more he ate, the more delicious they seemed, and he couldn’t stop himself. By the time the basket was empty, Li Hengyi was still left wanting more.
Chapter 146
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