Siheyuan: tomb robbing? I am serious about hunting.

Chapter 1112 Leaves

He turned to look at Shen Yanqiu, his eyes filled with sincere admiration, "Compared to those famous orchids that are enclosed in the flower garden and carefully cared for, I think this one has more character." Shen Yanqiu stood behind him, looking at his drooping eyebrows. The sunlight fell on the top of Xie Linzhou's head, giving his hair a layer of gold. A few strands of hair hung in front of his forehead, swaying gently as he spoke. His profile was soft, his nose was straight, the curve of his lips was gentle, and even the skin on his neck had a light jade color. Somehow, Shen Yanqiu suddenly felt that Xie Linzhou was not talking about the orchid, but about himself. Aren't those famous orchids enclosed in the flower garden people like him, bound by family rules and worldly perspectives? And Xie Linzhou, like this orchid in the crevice of the stone, lived freely and with character. His heart suddenly skipped a beat, as if hit hard by something, beating non-stop, shaking his eardrums. He subconsciously glanced up at Xie Linzhou, only to meet his gaze. Xie Linzhou's eyes were bright, like washed obsidian, clear and open. There was no inquiry, no disdain, only pure admiration, as if he were looking at a priceless treasure. Shen Yanqiu saw a reflection of himself in that gaze, an uneasy, evasive self. "What do you think, Brother Shen?" Xie Linzhou asked softly, a barely perceptible smile trailing off. Shen Yanqiu snapped back to reality and quickly looked away as if scalded. His cheeks instantly grew hot, even to the roots of his ears. He lowered his head, staring at the tips of his shoes. They were a pair of cloud-patterned brocade shoes, delicately embroidered with dark patterns, but now they seemed particularly dazzling. "Brother Xie is right," he said, his voice as low as a mosquito's hum, a hint of panic that he himself was not aware of, and even a slight tremor at the end. Xie Linzhou seemed unfazed by his loss of composure. He stood up, dusted off the corner of his robe, and smiled as he spoke something else. He talked about a newly opened bookstore in the capital, which had many rare books; he talked about the teahouse in the west of the city, where the storyteller's interpretation of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was particularly wonderful; he talked about the acrobatics he saw on the street yesterday, where the artist could juggle copper coins like shooting stars. His voice was gentle, with a unique rhythm, like a spring flowing through a stone stream, pleasant to the ears. But Shen Yanqiu could not hear a word he said. That glance just now was like a stone thrown into the lake of his heart that had been calm for more than 20 years, rippling circle after circle of ripples that lasted for a long time. In his mind, he replayed Xie Linzhou's gaze over and over again, those clear and open eyes, that gentle and sincere smile, and the cool touch of his fingertips brushing against his cuffs. His heart beat faster and faster, as if it was going to jump out of his throat. He could clearly feel the blood rushing in his veins, the heat on his cheeks lingered for a long time, and even his breathing became a little rapid. He didn't dare look at Xie Linzhou again. He could only lower his head and stare at the bluestone pavement beneath his feet. The slabs, cleanly washed by the rain, reflected the shadows of the corridor and his panicked expression. "...Brother Shen?" Xie Linzhou's voice suddenly stopped, with a hint of doubt. Shen Yanqiu looked up suddenly and found that the two had reached the door of the study. Xie Linzhou was looking at him, his eyes tinged with concern. "What's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell? You look a little red." "No, no." Shen Yanqiu waved his hand hurriedly, his fingers accidentally brushing against the doorframe. The cool touch soothed him slightly. "Maybe I left in such a hurry, I feel a little hot." Xie Linzhou nodded in understanding, smiling and gesturing towards the study. "That's perfect, come in and have some tea. I heard Brother Shen has some excellent Rain-Previous Longjing tea hidden away; I must try it today." "Thank you, Brother." Shen Yanqiu stepped aside and watched Xie Linzhou walk into the study. His moon-white brocade robe swayed gently in the morning light, like a blooming magnolia. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pounding heart, but it drowned out the hum of the copper bells on the eaves, humming in his ears. He knew something was different. Like the orchid growing in the crevice of the stone, it had quietly sprouted in the most secret corner of his heart. What he didn't know was what kind of wind and rain this tender bud would experience, and whether it could bloom its own flower in the barren soil like the orchid. When Qingzhu came in with the tea box, he saw his son standing at the door, staring at Xie Linzhou's back in a daze, his cheeks as red as ripe peaches, and a smile on the corner of his mouth that he didn't even notice. Qingzhu was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and went to make tea lightly. He suddenly felt that today's sunshine seemed warmer than usual. There was a small flower bud on the top, green and full of vitality. "This orchid is quite interesting." Xie Linzhou walked forward, squatted down, and examined it carefully. His fingers gently brushed across a leaf, his movements so gentle as if he was afraid of breaking anything. "Growing in a barren land, without the care of a gardener, even the rain depends on the will of heaven, yet it can grow so vigorously and even produce flower buds." "Mr. Xie from the family of the Minister of Revenue will come to visit tomorrow. Master, please treat him well." Qingzhu put down the soup bowl, then remembered something and spoke hastily. Shen Yanqiu nodded but said nothing. He had met Xie Linzhou, the son of the Xie family, a few times. That was at several palace banquets and gatherings of noble families. Xie Linzhou was two years older than him, with a handsome face and a gentle temperament. It was said that he was talented and passed the imperial examination at a young age and served in the Hanlin Academy. He also had a very good temperament, was gentle and polite to others, and always had a faint smile on his face. He was the dream lover of many famous ladies in the capital. But for some reason, every time he saw that man's gentle smile, Shen Yanqiu would always feel inexplicably uneasy. He was afraid to see Xie Linzhou's clear eyes, as if those eyes could see through all his disguises and see the dirty secret in his heart. Once, at a banquet, Xie Linzhou took the initiative to come over and greet him, asking him what book he was reading recently. Shen Yanqiu was so nervous that his palms were sweating, and he stuttered, not knowing what he said. Xie Linzhou seemed to notice his embarrassment, and did not ask any more questions. He just smiled and turned away. From then on, Shen Yanqiu avoided Xie Linzhou even more deliberately. He was afraid of meeting him again, afraid that he would lose his composure in front of him. But now, Xie Linzhou took the initiative to visit him, which made him feel a little uneasy. He picked up the calming soup on the table and took a sip. The soup was warm and slid down his throat with a faint medicinal smell. But this medicinal smell could not relieve the anxiety in his heart at all. He didn't know how to face Xie Linzhou tomorrow, wondering if he would reveal his flaws in front of him. The rain was still falling outside the window, and the banana leaves crackled as they were hit. Shen Yanqiu put down his soup bowl and looked back at the unfinished landscape painting.