Seeing her looking serene, Cheng Xiran didn't want to disturb her. She softened her tone and said, "Close the window gently. We don't want her to catch a cold."
Helian Duo did as she asked.
Then Cheng Xiran took off her brocade cloak and gently draped it over the girl. "Liyin is really like a child. It's just that Xue Lianyu and this guy don't appreciate her..."
She mumbled to herself, but soon regretted what she'd said.
Seeing Helian Duo's lips curving slightly, she bit her lower lip gently and forced a smile. "Although you and Young Master Xue are good brothers, this kind of thing is quite private for us girls. I'd like you to keep this secret for me because Liyin doesn't want Xue Lianyu to know yet."
Helian Duo's face showed a smug look as if he'd caught her in a trap. "I can promise to keep your secret, but you have to agree to one condition of mine."
He paused for a moment and added, "Of course, you don't have to worry. I won't ask you to die."
What was this? It was clearly a domineering clause! If she agreed, she'd have to be cautious about everything related to him in the future. She wasn't going to put herself in an awkward situation.
"What secret? You two are hiding secrets from me?"
Suddenly, Xue Lianyu popped up in front of them, scaring the sleeping Chu Liyin into a little tremble.
Helian Duo's gaze got closer and closer. Seeing that he was about to speak, she had no choice but to nod.
Then she complained to Xue Lianyu. "Did you just leave Liyin like that before? Didn't I tell you to take good care of her?"
Xue Lianyu gave a sly smile. He wanted to come closer but was stopped by Cheng Xiran's look. He had to stand there bowing and explain, "We met Ruoyue then. I said we should all play together. Who knew this girl went crazy and refused. That's why I left them behind."
As he was speaking, Xue Lianyu took out his hands that had been hidden behind his back. In his hands were several budding twin hibiscus flowers. He flattered, "It's hard to find hibiscus at this time of the year, let alone twin hibiscus. I thought you'd like them, so I got them for you. If you put them in your room and keep them in water, they can last for ten or fifteen days."
Cheng Xiran thought they were really nice and reached out to take them. "Liyin likes hibiscus. She's staying at my mansion these days. I'm sure she'll like them when she wakes up."
Xue Lianyu was about to explain when Cheng Xiran interrupted him. "Alright, sit down and rest. We'll go back to the mansion when Zhuque and Yun'er come back."
Xue Lianyu pretended to be sad and went to Helian Duo's side, but Helian Duo dodged him in disgust.
The three of them chatted idly and sometimes got up to watch the gorgeous fireworks outside. Although it was getting late, the hustle and bustle on the long street showed no sign of waning. Instead, there seemed to be more people than before when it just got dark. Most of them were ordinary people and scholars from all over the world.
At this time, if there were any well - born young ladies still wandering outside, they'd probably be looked down upon.
When Zhuque and Yun'er came back, they were both carrying big and small bags in their hands, and there were also servants from Cheng's mansion following them. These servants should be from the courtyard of Cheng Xiran's grandmother.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss. I was helping Yun'er pick hairpins, so I'm a bit late."
Cheng Xiran yawned and shook her head gently. Then she called Chu Liyin several times in a row.