In the Flower Moon Building, the term "as close as brothers" inherently suggests a special bond between won, so Zhu Pingniang was taken aback for a mont when she heard Li Zhibai use it to describe her.
It was enough to be satisfied.
Being described this way, how could she not feel content?
Zhu Pingniang recalled the sensation of her own hair flicking across her face and nose as Li Zhibai carefully applied makeup for her earlier.
Ah Bai... truly has an exceedingly beautiful head of hair, and it slls delightful, like osmanthus or orchids.
To won, the fragrance of orchids holds very special significance.
The bond between a man and wife is often described as "cutting hair," while between won, it is "as firm as gold and stone."
Most people understand "as close as brothers" as deep friendship, a sworn sisterhood.
But the phrase "as firm as gold and stone," with its orchid-like scent, inherently describes a harmonious connection between two people. For won, they do not have the traditional "spousal" relationship, yet they are not willing to call it sothing else entirely.
Thus, "as close as brothers" is a fitting term.
It’s not only a cover, but it also represents their hope for recognition from the world.
So it can’t be said that Li Zhibai used the wrong word. After all, her Ah Bai is always inside the courtyard, not understanding the dialect between won is normal. And although Zhu Pingniang did not naively infer that Li Zhibai had extraordinary feelings for her due to the word...
However, it didn’t stop her from being happy about it for a while.
Even if it was a misunderstanding, she would still be delighted.
"Anyway, it’s a good on." Zhu Pingniang murmured in the direction of the screen, "I hope one day Ah Bai will say, understanding its aning, that we are... as close as brothers."
"Hmm?" From behind the screen ca Li Zhibai’s voice, "Tong Jun, what did you say?"
"Nothing." Zhu Pingniang cleared her throat, looking forward as Li Zhibai walked out in her changed attire, her eyes lit up.
Li Zhibai erged, slightly adjusting her waist with so discomfort.
The long dress, black from hem to waist, tied with a light-colored wide belt to highlight her slender figure, with her hair tied in a neat ponytail, truly did justice to her exceedingly beautiful hair.
"It’s a bit uncomfortable." Li Zhibai loosened the belt around her waist, finding it too tight.
"You’re used to wearing loose clothes; you’ll get accustod to it." Zhu Pingniang’s eyes sparkled.
"Really..." Li Zhibai pondered, twirling slightly, as the smooth skirt swayed: "Tong Jun, does this dress seem to show off too much?"
"It’s dark; it doesn’t matter. Ah Bai, you’ve checked the mirror yourself." Zhu Pingniang waved her hand, "Wearing this to et Chang’an is perfectly fine."
Li Zhibai frowned, then gradually exhaled after three breaths.
Indeed, that’s the case.
Compared to the previous bright gown, this black dress, while also form-fitting, exuded an overall solemn aura, fitting for formal occasions.
"I’ll wear this, then." Li Zhibai slightly lifted her skirt’s hem.
"Wait, I think... it’s a bit unsuitable." Zhu Pingniang frowned, walking around Li Zhibai in circles, suggesting: "Ah Bai, you’re going to a family feast, not to reprimand or cause trouble. What if this disrupts the harmonious atmosphere?"
She felt it should be more grounded.
Li Zhibai sensed Zhu Pingniang’s underlying aning, asking, "Am I... quite terrifying like this?"
"A bit." Zhu Pingniang nodded vigorously, "Feels like you’re ready to take out a ruler at any mont."
"Wouldn’t it be better if I didn’t bring it?" Li Zhibai placed a ruler taken from her waist onto the table.
"...???"
Zhu Pingniang was montarily stunned.
"Where did you get that ruler... wait, why bring it to a dinner?" Zhu Pingniang’s eyes widened.
"I’m still a teacher in Chang’an." Li Zhibai’s fingers lightly traced the pattern on the ruler, "A teacher visiting students, missing the ruler wouldn’t be right."
"...I can’t handle you sotis." Zhu Pingniang sighed, then took Li Zhibai’s hand, "Normally, I don’t mind, but today you’re on my turf, stick to my rules... Black doesn’t look too good, Ah Bai, you should leave a nice impression on my girls."
She didn’t want her girls to rember Li Zhibai as overly serious, austere, and without a sense of fun.
"What do you suggest?" Li Zhibai asked.
"Let think..." Zhu Pingniang pondered closely.
Having Li Zhibai dress coolly and brightly was impossible, and with Li Zhibai’s nature, it’s almost impossible to adorn her with jewelry, earrings, or hairpins.
She had to work on the outer clothing.
Zhu Pingniang walked over, picked a thin outer garnt, and presented it, "Ah Bai, try this on."
"...?" Li Zhibai took the garnt and asked, "Is this to be worn outside?"
Her current attire was a pure black dress; Zhu Pingniang suggested adding an outer garnt.
"Yes, give it a try." Zhu Pingniang smiled.
"...Alright." Li Zhibai nodded.
Actually, she usually wouldn’t wear a small garnt over a dress. Due to her figure, if a small garnt was worn outside, it would naturally create an abrupt difference with the dress, drawing more attention to her upper body.
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