Chapter 34: Parting Sorrows Amidst a Summer Garden Stroll

Returning to Crescent Residence, Lu Jin waited throughout the night, yet no one came to seek him out. He gradually let go of his worries; perhaps he had overthought things.

The next day, Lu Jin was still sleeping soundly when Caiyun woke him with persistent shaking and calls.

“What’s the matter?”

“Master, Miss has arrived.”

Lu Jin was bewildered; it was still so early. “Why has she come so soon?” This woman was becoming increasingly unpredictable—almost as if she were coming daily to pay respects.

Was it about yesterday? Had she come to settle accounts with him?

Still half asleep, Lu Jin allowed Caiyun to help him dress and wash his face. Only then did he make his way to the receiving hall.

Today, Shen Yanxi appeared particularly radiant. She wore a pale green, wide-sleeved blouse with a slanted collar, a flowing white silk skirt, and a patterned sash cinched at her waist, from which two orange ribbons fell gracefully. Her hair was less formal than usual, loosely tied at the back with a casual knot, a stray lock drifting across her cheek.

This was the relaxed and natural Shen Yanxi, the lively daughter of the Shen family, as vibrant as the summer day.

Watching Lu Jin emerge from his chambers with a dazed expression, Shen Yanxi felt a surge of delight. Her efforts had not been in vain.

“Miss Shen?” Lu Jin masked his embarrassment as he asked.

“Since you entered the manor, you haven’t familiarized yourself with its grounds. Today, the flowers are in full bloom. Would you honor me with your company?” Shen Yanxi spoke with a gentle smile.

Honor you? I’m planning to escape soon—who wants to tour the gardens with you?

“That’s hardly necessary, Miss Shen. I’ve already gotten to know the estate quite well,” Lu Jin replied with a forced laugh.

“Oh, really? Tell me, which places have you visited?” Shen Yanxi’s interest was piqued.

…Why is she so persistent? Can’t she tell I’m refusing?

“You seem troubled—do you have other plans today?”

“Yes, yes, I…” Lu Jin was about to seize the opportunity.

“Are you working on your storybook?” Shen Yanxi looked at him expectantly.

Of all things, why mention the storybook? I’m hardly writing anything!

“I haven’t settled on the story yet,” Lu Jin replied evasively.

“So there’s something else you’re doing—something you can’t tell me?” Shen Yanxi’s smile faded.

…

Life in the Shen manor was transparent; what serious matters could he have? The most important thing was wandering about with his two companions. Yet he couldn’t use that to refuse her—it would be too disrespectful.

“It’s not that I mean to waste your time. Last time, you promised Grandmother you’d compose that ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’ piece. She’s asked me several times, and I can’t keep putting her off. So I thought, perhaps we could compose it while touring the gardens, and I’d have something to report to her…”

Lu Jin was embarrassed; the matter of the composition had long slipped his mind, consumed as he was with thoughts of escape.

Thinking of the kind old lady—one of the few in the Shen manor who treated him kindly—he felt he ought not neglect her.

“It was my oversight,” Lu Jin apologized.

Shen Yanxi smiled inwardly; if not for Grandmother, she wouldn’t have been able to press him.

Who would have thought that Shen Yanxi would go to such lengths for a man—and that man was her nominal husband.

“But…” Lu Jin hesitated.

Shen Yanxi sat there, smiling at him without speaking. Let’s see how long you can hold out.

Lu Jin was awkward; why didn’t she respond, so he could follow her lead? What did her silent gaze mean? He was at a loss.

“Pfft!” Seeing Lu Jin lower his head, Shen Yanxi was delighted; he truly was a fool.

Lu Jin couldn’t understand why, in front of Shen Yanxi, he felt so lacking in confidence—he didn’t behave this way elsewhere.

“Go on, what is it?” Shen Yanxi restrained her laughter and asked.

“I can play the piece, but I can’t compose the score,” Lu Jin admitted, embarrassed.

“How can that be?” Shen Yanxi was about to ask how someone who could play couldn’t compose, but remembered his amnesia and let it go.

“Then you must rely on memory for your compositions—what if you forget them?” Shen Yanxi asked curiously.

“I’ve devised a simple method for writing music, but it’s only useful to me,” Lu Jin said, thinking of his knowledge of modern notation.

“Oh? You know other methods?” Shen Yanxi’s eyes sparkled.

Lu Jin saw her expression and knew trouble was brewing—she was a genuine expert in music; how could she not be curious?

“It’s just something I fool around with,” Lu Jin replied, forcing himself.

“Hmm…” Shen Yanxi didn’t press further.

Lu Jin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Musician, fetch paper and brush. Shuqing, send someone to summon Qingyin with her instrument to meet us at the Brook Garden…”

Lu Jin found himself captivated by this version of Shen Yanxi—her actions were effortless, calm, and graceful. If only she were wearing stockings and heels, he’d be over the moon.

After giving her orders, Shen Yanxi turned and noticed Lu Jin’s foolish expression, blushing as she glared at him. She saw the light in his eyes; so he wasn’t as innocent as his appearance suggested.

Lu Jin awkwardly picked up a tea bowl from the table and took a sip, nearly choking in his haste. This tea was far too strong.

“Drink slowly…” Shen Yanxi watched his clumsy attempt at concealment, stepping forward to gently pat his back.

Lu Jin felt an illusion—as if the woman beside him was truly his wife. But when had they become so close?

“Cough, cough… Miss Shen, I’m fine now. Shall we leave immediately?”

Unable to bear the awkwardness, Lu Jin hurriedly stood.

Shen Yanxi was also a bit embarrassed—not sure why she’d acted so impulsively.

“Yes, let’s go.” With a blush, Shen Yanxi led the way toward the door.

Along the path, Shen Yanxi carefully described the features of the Shen Garden and the stories behind them. Her explanations flowed like a gentle stream, nourishing every corner of the landscape. Lu Jin immersed himself in the beauty before him, moved deep within. Although he knew little of other aspects of the Shen family, this garden alone revealed their rich cultural heritage and family glory—a secret garden filled with treasures.

In his past life, Lu Jin had visited many places. Northern gardens were known for their grand scale and bold spirit, yet the Shen Garden, though embodying the delicate elegance of southern gardens, far surpassed any he remembered in size, offering a broader visual feast.

Following behind, Shuqing watched Miss and Master together, sighing inwardly—they truly seemed a match made in heaven.

The two appeared destined for one another. Miss spoke incessantly, her cheeks aglow with happiness, while Master listened with a gentle smile, nodding in response to her words.

Amidst the scenery, they themselves outshone the beauty around them.

“That rockery is called Qingxu. Grandfather built it years ago with Taihu stones from Huzhou. When I was young, my sister, elder brother, cousin, and I often played there…” Shen Yanxi pointed to a massive rock garden ahead.

Lu Jin listened at first without concern, but at the mention of Pei Yunrui, he felt uncomfortable, as though his place had been usurped.

Yet, since he planned to leave, why should he care? People are always full of contradictions—sometimes even their own desires are unclear.

Parting always brings lingering regrets, spreading quietly from the heart. Life rarely achieves perfection.

Perhaps, on some future sunset, as a carriage and a horse pass each other, the evening breeze stirs the curtain, and a familiar face appears.

He thinks to greet her after so long, but as his lips begin to move, he sees the smiling face of a man inside the carriage.

Pausing on his horse, he realizes in that moment—they have become strangers.