The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 153
Translated by Pure (ko-fi)
Chapter 153 Long Live the Little Marquis (2)
"Little Marquis," Wen Yantong attempted to dissolve the awkward silence, choosing a random topic for conversation, "I heard this banquet was organized with the intention of finding you a wife?"
Chi Jingxi was stunned, "Who told you this?"
"I heard some people from the Qin Department talk about it during practice." Wen Yantong answered. "Is it true that after a man’s coming of age, he will have to prepare to marry a wife?"
"Majority does as such," he said.
Wen Yantong ventured to ask, "Is the Third Young Lady of the Fu Residence also in attendance?"
Chi Jingxi regarded her with a quizzical expression. "Why would it concern me whether she's here or not?"
In the original book's storyline, Chi Jingxi was meant to harbor a one-sided affection for Fu Tanghuan. However, due to the deviation at Nian'an Temple, that narrative thread was never pursued, and Chi Jingxi had limited encounters with Fu Tanghuan thereafter. As a result, he held no special sentiments for her.
Wen Yantong believed this deviation from the original plot was for the better. Chi Jingxi had chosen his own path that night. Besides, according to the original book, Fu Tanghuan and Cheng Xiao were deeply in love, rendering Chi Jingxi's feelings inconsequential.
With a smile, Wen Yantong inquired, "Among the young ladies you met today, did any of them catch your eye?"
Chi Jingxi rested his chin on his hand, as if pondering the question with great seriousness. Wen Yantong watched him, awaiting his response with anticipation.
Unexpectedly, Chi Jingxi turned to Wen Yantong and remarked, "Why is this any concern of yours? If you persist with these inquiries, I’ll have you escorted out."
What the heck! This was my room though!
Wen Yantong hummed softly, conceding to Chi Jingxi's request for no more questions. However, that didn't prevent her from speculating silently.
After a while, a delivery of hot water arrived. Wen Yantong used the teapot in the room to brew her floral tea. Adapting to Chi Jingxi's preferences, she refrained from adding candied fruit. Once the tea was ready, she poured it into two cups and set them on the table to cool.
"Did you brew those flowers?" Chi Jingxi, unfamiliar with this practice, couldn't help but ask in amazement.
Wen Yantong nodded. "Dried flowers are very fragrant when brewed, I think it’s better than those tea leaves."
Chi Jingxi pondered for a moment, then inquired, "Is this also a common practice in your hometown?"
Wen Yantong swiftly recalled her tried-and-true explanation; she often attributed her peculiar habits to her hometown's customs. Thus, she nodded with assurance. "Yes, many people in my hometown enjoy this brew."
Chi Jingxi remarked, "Your hometown sounds quite extraordinary."
Thinking back to the technological marvels of her time, Wen Yantong couldn't help but respond with a smile.
Though life in ancient times presented more challenges, the wisdom of the ancients was boundless, making it hard to determine which era was superior.
Wen Yantong extended the tea to Chi Jingxi. "Give it a try."
Chi Jingxi took a small sip.
The tea possessed a subtle flavor, akin to drinking pure water. However, after swallowing, a delicate floral aftertaste lingered. Surprisingly, there was also a touch of sweetness that graced his palate.
Chi Jingxi raised his eyebrows in curiosity. He hadn't anticipated that dried flowers could impart such a unique taste to the tea.
"This is called floral tea," Wen Yantong explained, "Tea leaves invigorates the mind. If one drinks too much, it would be hard to fall asleep at night. If Little Marquis does not need the mind invigorated, just drink this scented tea in the future. It’s much more fragrant."
Chi Jingxi declined to comment as he continued to drink his tea slowly.
Wen Yantong also quieted down, she sat down and began to enjoy her tea, sip by sip.
The atmosphere seemed much more peaceful now that both of them remained silent. Compared to the past, where she was terrified at the sight of Chi Jingxi, Wen Yantong was now able to deal with him calmly; she finally figured out the knack on how to get along with him.
Gotta give myself a pat on the back!
Wen Yantong gave herself a thumbs up, and rewarded herself with another cup of scented tea. Just as she was about to ask Chi Jingxi if he needed more tea, she saw him dozing off with his eyes closed while holding the teacup.
Perhaps he had been quite busy these days. Now that he was finally at peace, Chi Jingxi was immediately hit with the urge to sleep.
Wen Yantong gently took the teacup away with his hand. Her light movements only caused Chi Jingxi to slightly open his eyes, he looked at her with a lauguid expression before he closed his eyes once again.
Concerned that he might feel cold, Wen Yantong fetched her padded coat and gently draped it over him. Satisfied that he was now comfortably warm, she returned to her seat, keeping watch over him.
Initially, she intended to keep an eye on the time, but the room's warmth and stillness soon lured her into slumber as well. It wasn’t until a gentle knock on the door roused her from her restful state.
As her eyes fluttered open, they met Chi Jingxi's gaze—dark, tranquil, and profound.
Wen Yantong rubbed her eyes, her voice was a little hoarse, "When did the Little Marquis wake up?"
Chi Jingxi replied, "It doesn't matter. I awoke just a bit earlier than you did."
Observing the cotton-padded jacket that had somehow found its way onto her, Wen Yantong yawned softly. "Then, what time is it?"
Chi Jingxi informed her, "The performance is about to begin. If we leave now, we'll arrive just in time."
Wen Yantong hastily rose and carefully placed the padded jacket on the chair. It seemed likely that Chi Jingxi had instructed his attendants to monitor the time when he entered, hence the knock on the door as a prompt.
Following Chi Jingxi, they arrived at another venue—a structure adorned with blue tiles and long decorative tassels dangling from the eaves. Even from a distance, it exuded an air of elegance.
The building stood at about two stories tall, serving as a dedicated opera theater. Cleverly concealed mechanisms adorned the roof's darkness, typically used for dramatic high-altitude scenes.
The seating arrangement appeared casual, lacking uniformity, yet each seat was strategically placed to afford a clear view of all actors on the stage.
After Chi Jingxi entered the door, he brought Wen Yantong to Cheng Xin's side. Sitting on the other side was Mu Yang.
Seeing him, Mu Yang straightened up and questioned, "Brother Xi, where have you been?You’ve been gone for a while now."
Chi Jingxi answered, "I was invited to drink tea."
Seeing Wen Yantong, Mu Yang added happily, "You brought Wen Yantong?"
Chi Jingxi pointed to his seat, "You sit here."
Wen Yantong hesitated, noticing there was only one seat available. She shook her head gently. "But where will the Little Marquis sit?"
"I have some matters to attend to," Chi Jingxi explained. "You take this seat. I'll return after the play."
Wen Yantong was stunned, but didn't ask any more questions. She knew that Chi Jingxi had his own reasons for his actions, so she quickly nodded and sat down accordingly. Looking past a couple of people on the side, Wen Yantong spotted Cheng Yanchuan not far away.
Cheng Yanchuan's eyes happened to meet Wen Yantong's. He offered a warm smile in greeting. She lowered her head respectfully, not holding his gaze for long. Soon after, she felt Chi Jingxi's hand gently rest on her head, his voice close to her ear. "Stay here, I'll be back shortly."
Wen Yantong acknowledged with a soft sound, watching as Chi Jingxi turned and departed.