Chapter 111: How Beautiful Am I?

The other horse also had a name called “Hou Fu”, which meant that one would definitely be blessed after surviving a disaster.

Fu Fu could already stand up. When it saw Chu Qingzhi, it trotted over.

Chu Qingzhi touched the two horses gently. Then she took out a five-colored thread. “Jinghong, extend your hand. I’ll put it on for you.”

The five-colored thread was mainly used to pray for blessings and ward off evil spirits.

It also had a nice name—Longevity Thread.

Tang Jinghong glanced at the colorful thread on Chu Qingzhi’s wrist and stretched out his hand for Chu Qingzhi to put it on for him.

However, his gaze secretly landed on Chu Qingzhi’s eyelashes.

Chu Qingzhi’s eyelashes were long and curled. They fluttered gently and were very beautiful.

He felt like his heart was tickled by those fluttering eyelashes. His heart felt itchy, and it was throbbing uncontrollably.

At this moment, he really wanted to hug the girl in front of him.

He called out softly, “Qingzhi…”

Chu Qingzhi looked up. Her fair face faced the sunlight and one could see her fine hair. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Jinghong clenched his fists. He swore that tonight, he would definitely express his feelings to the girl in front of him, but at this moment, he only said, “Nothing.”

However, Chu Qingzhi was suddenly in the mood to tease him. “Jinghong, let me ask you a question.”

Tang Jinghong was a little curious. “What is it?”

Chu Qingzhi touched her face and deliberately leaned closer to Tang Jinghong. They were only a foot away. “Do you think I’m beautiful?”

The young girl’s nice smell assaulted his nose. Tang Jinghong looked at Chu Qingzhi’s clear eyes in a daze. He said sincerely, “Beautiful.”

In his heart, she was the most beautiful.

Chu Qingzhi revealed a shyness that only young girls had. She cupped her face and asked, “How beautiful am 1?”

Tang Jinghong looked around and saw a bright sunflower. He walked over and picked it. “It’s as beautiful as this sunflower.” As he spoke, he inserted the sunflower into Chu Qingzhi’s bun.

Chu Qingzhi blushed for the first time. Her face turned slightly red. The pink color made her skin look tender and even more tempting.

When Tang Jinghong saw Chu Qingzhi like this, he couldn’t help but be tempted. Not only was Chu Qingzhi beautiful, but she was also very cute.

The atmosphere became more and more lovey-dovey. Even the two horses seemed to sense it and turned their faces away.

After a while, Chu Qingzhi stopped joking around. “1 called you here for something serious.” She turned around and looked at the two horses.

Tang Jinghong turned his head slightly. “What is it?”

Chu Qingzhi handed a piece of paper to Tang Jinghong. “Take a look. Do you like this layout?”

Tang Jinghong unfolded the paper. On it was the design of the house. Previously, Tang Jinghong had asked Chu Qingzhi to help him design it.

It was a two-story bungalow with a small courtyard in front. It was unique and beautiful.

Tang Jinghong liked it at a glance. He thought for a moment and asked Chu Qingzhi, “Do you like this house?”

Chu Qingzhi blurted out, “I designed it, so of course I like it.”

A trace of joy flashed across Tang Jinghong’s eyes. “When will your house be built?” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“According to the current progress…” Chu Qingzhi calculated in her heart. “It’ll probably take another two months.”

Tang Jinghong thought for a moment and said, “Then you can start building my house after your house is built?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “There’s no need to wait. If you want to build it, I can get people to start doing the ground work immediately.”

Tang Jinghong looked at Chu Qingzhi. “Then where do you think I should build the house?”

Chu Qingzhi thought about the layout of the village. “There’s a place beside the wasteland that’s backed by a mountain and has good feng shui. You can consider it, but the problem is that the land belongs to someone else.”

“I can buy it,” Tang Jinghong said straightforwardly. “Bring me to take a look. If it’s suitable, I’ll talk to the land owner after the Dragon Boat Festival.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Alright, let’s go.”

After informing her family, Chu Qingzhi brought Tang Jinghong out.

The entire village was busy celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival at home. There was no one outside, but fragrance wafted out of the houses. The festive atmosphere was very strong.

Today, the construction workers were also on leave. The wasteland was relatively quiet. There was a rectangular piece of land beside it that was planted with sorghum. The sorghum was as tall as half a person, but because of the lack of water, the leaves were curled up and the plants were turning yellow.

Chu Qingzhi pointed. “It’s that sorghum field.”

Tang Jinghong looked up. The sorghum in the field had already dried. Even if it rained now, the harvest would not be good. He could try to negotiate the purchase with the landowner. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ll build a house here.”

Chu Qingzhi joked, “Sure. In the future, we’ll be neighbors. You can come over to my house to eat everyday.”

Tang Jinghong laughed. “That’s a good idea.”

Chu Qingshuang had just returned from sending her master a gift. When she saw two figures on the wasteland, she walked over. “Fifth Sister, Brother Jinghong, what are you doing here?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Jinghong wants to build a house here, so 1 brought him over to take a look.”

Chu Qingshuang’s round cat eyes immediately widened. “Then, does that mean we are going to be neighbors in the future?”

Tang Jinghong smiled and said, “Yes, am I welcome?”

Chu Qingshuang quite liked Tang Jinghong, but she only treated him as a big brother. She felt that Tang Jinghong was especially reliable. “Welcome, welcome. That way, we can take care of each other.”

Tang Jinghong said, “I still have to talk to the land owner. Let’s go back first.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingshuang walked over and held Chu Qingzhi’s wrist. They returned home together.

Upon returning home, they saw many villagers gathered at their house.

Third Uncle took the lead. “Your family has helped the village a lot. This is everyone’s token of appreciation. Don’t reject it.”

Grandpa Chu stood in front of the villagers happily and felt proud. “Thank you, everyone.”

Third Uncle took the lead and placed a chicken in his hand in the central room. The chicken was tied up and could not escape. “I have to go back. There are still things to do at home.”

The villagers placed their things in the central room and bade farewell.

After everyone left, Chu Qingzhi looked around curiously. There were people who sent crispy peanuts, fried chicken drumsticks, and fried crispy meat. There were simply all kinds of food.

She took a piece of fried crispy meat and tasted it. It was crunchy and delicious. “Grandpa, this is not bad.”

Grandpa Chu immediately handed the plate to Chu Qingzhi and said dotingly, “If you like it, you can eat it all..”

Chapter 112: Finding Fun

Chu Qingzhi took the plate and gave a piece to everyone.

The fried crispy meat was really delicious. They clearly hadn’t had enough of it. Seeing this, Granny Chu suggested making it on their own. Soon, the fragrant smell floated out of the kitchen.

When it was almost noon, Grandpa Chu came out with a stack of bowls and poured some yellow wine. “Come, everyone has to take a sip to avoid illness.”

This was the custom of the Dragon Boat Festival every year. Everyone had to drink it.

Chu Qingzhi had drunk all kinds of spiritual wine, but she had never drunk mortal wine. Now that she drank it, she did not expect it to have a different flavor. It was quite delicious.

After drinking the yellow wine, it was time for lunch.

Needless to say, it was a feast today.

The women at home worked all morning and made a lot of dishes. Everyone helped to bring the dishes to the table.

The rectangular table that Chu Qingzhi had asked Chu Rong to make was already done. They had originally planned to use it in the new house, but it was a special occasion today, so they took it out to use.

There was a layer of cloth on the table. There were sixteen chairs, and dishes were placed on the table.

Mushroom roasted chicken, braised pork, meatballs, pork with preserved vegetables… There were more than ten dishes. Of course, rice dumplings were indispensable.

Everyone took their seats.

Grandpa Chu smiled brightly. “Everyone, eat. Jinghong, Yuting, don’t stand on ceremony.”

Tang Jinghong smiled and replied, “Okay.”

Ning Yuting also nodded.

They carried him out to eat. Otherwise, he would be lonely in the room on such a joyous occasion.

Today, he was wearing that green and white robe, making him look even more elegant and genial.

At noon, everyone in the Chu Village had a sumptuous meal, and the happy chatter and laughter came out of every house.

Chu Xuyao nibbled on a fried chicken drumstick and licked his fingers as he said, “This year’s Dragon Boat Festival is the best we ever had.”

Chu Xuyuan immediately agreed. “I remember that we only had one bite of meat at the Dragon Boat Festival last year. Compared to now, it was too shabby back then.”

Li Qingyu looked at his two sons. “Then you have to thank your Fifth Sister. Otherwise, we would still be living in poverty.”

Chu Xuyao said seriously, “Of course. I’ll always be grateful to Fifth Sister.”

Chu Xuyuan hurriedly said, “Me too.”

Everyone knew that they had what they had today because of Chu Qingzhi.

Ning Yuting looked at Chu Qingzhi, who was his savior, and thought to himself that she was really capable.

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “The best way for you two to thank me is to study well.”

The two children nodded in unison. “We definitely will.”

In the past, after dinner, everyone would go to the river to watch the dragon boat race. Flowever, this year, there was a drought and the water level in the river had decreased greatly, so the county magistrate canceled the dragon boat race. However, finding fun was not difficult for Chu Qingzhi.

She took out a chessboard and two boxes of chess pieces from the room. “Everyone, let’s play Gomoku.”

No one had ever heard of Gomoku, so they were very puzzled.

“Fifth Sister, what’s Gomoku?”

“Never heard of it.”

“Is it fun?”

When the items were placed on the table, everyone gathered around. Chu Qingzhi said with a smile, “One person is holding the white chess piece, and the other is holding the black chess piece. No matter if it’s horizontal or diagonal, as long as the five chess pieces are connected into a line, it will be considered a win…”

After she finished speaking, she looked around at everyone. “Who wants to play first?”

Everyone looked at each other and felt a little restrained. No one replied. Tang Jinghong walked to the opposite side of Chu Qingzhi. “I’ll play the first round with you.”

Chu Qingzhi sat on the chair. “Do you understand the rules? If you don’t, I’ll tell you again.”

Tang Jinghong smiled faintly. “1 understand. Who’s going to make the first move?”

Chu Qingzhi pushed the chess box containing the black chess pieces to Tang Jinghong with a smile. “The one with the black chess pieces makes the first move.” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Tang Jinghong reached out and placed a chess piece on the chessboard.

After the chess piece was placed, the atmosphere in the central room changed. It was quiet and tense. The onlookers could not help but hold their breaths, as if they were doing something serious.

Ning Yuting, who had grown up in the capital, was quite knowledgeable, but he had never seen anyone play chess like this, so he watched seriously.

After Tang Jinghong placed his chess piece, Chu Qingzhi also placed a white chess piece.

Tang Jinghong continued to place his second chess piece…

Ten minutes later, the chessboard was filled with black and white chess pieces, but there was still no winner.

Chu Qingzhi touched the chess piece box. “There are still three left. I’ll definitely beat you with these three.”

Tang Jinghong looked at the chessboard and frowned. He placed a piece.

Chu Qingzhi smiled confidently and placed a piece.

Tang Jinghong watched as Chu Qingzhi placed her piece a little further away from the cluster of chess pieces and was a little puzzled as to why she did this. However, when he looked at the overall situation on the chess board, he quickly realized something and said, “I lost.”

Other than Ning Yuting, the others were all confused.

Chu Xuyuan tugged at Tang Jinghong’s sleeve and hurriedly asked, “Brother Jinghong, how did you lose?”

Tang Jinghong smiled and placed another piece. “You’ll know in a while.”

Chu Qingzhi placed another piece.

Tang Jinghong had one last piece left. After placing it, he waited for Chu Qingzhi to explain to everyone.

Playing Gomoku was very simple. Everyone could understand it, but they did not understand how Chu Qingzhi had won. At this moment, they were staring at the chessboard and guessing.

Chu Qingzhi picked up the chess piece with her slender fingers and placed it in a position.

“Wow…” Chu Xuyao exclaimed. “You actually connected five pieces horizontally and vertically at the same time. Fifth Sister, you’re amazing.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled at Chu Xuyao. “Do you want to try?”

Chu Xuyao said humbly, “Let Brother Yuting try first.”

Tang Jinghong stood up from his seat and walked to Chu Qingzhi’s side. Ning Yuting was eager to try, so he did not stand on ceremony. He sat opposite Chu Qingzhi and placed the black chess piece on the chessboard.

Chu Qingzhi maintained an elegant smile and placed her piece calmly. She gave people a feeling that she would not frown even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of her.

Chu Xuyao went to get some snacks for everyone. “Everyone, eat some. It’ll be fun to watch while eating.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at Chu Xuyao and smiled.

After a round of exchanging moves, Ning Yuting lost without any suspense. His chess skills were not bad, but when he encountered Chu Qingzhi, he still lost.

Ning Yuting said humbly, “Miss Chu is well-versed in this field. There is no way we can’t beat her.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “You are exaggerating it.” She moved aside. “Eldest Brother and Third Brother, play a round.”

The two of them also wanted to try, so they did not refuse. They walked to the side of the chessboard and started playing.

Everyone watched with relish and waited for their turn to play.

Grandpa Chu said excitedly, “Aiya, he’s going to lose.”

Granny Chu glanced at Grandpa Chu. “Be quiet. Don’t speak and disturb people’s thoughts.”

Grandpa Chu immediately covered his mouth and stopped making a sound..

Chapter 113: A Farce

After playing chess for the entire afternoon, when the sun set in the west, the Chu family got ready and went to the county restaurant to eat.

Ning Yuting’s legs were still injured, so he stayed at home.

However, before Li Qingyu left, she heated up the food for him and prepared a lot of snacks before leaving.

Shuiyun County.

The golden light of the setting sun shone on the rows and rows of buildings, making them look coated with a layer of gold paint.

The wide street paved with bluestone was bustling with traffic.

Today, Shuiyun County was several times livelier than usual. Every shop was filled with customers.

The front door of the shop was hung with calamus and wormwood. Even the air was filled with the faint fragrance of wormwood. It was refreshing and filled with a happy festive atmosphere.

In this joyous festive atmosphere, a farce was playing out at the entrance of Hongyan Restaurant.

In order to attract customers, the Hongyan Restaurant hung a notice outside, on which an unfinished couplet, a riddle, and a zither score were written. Everyone had one chance. As long as they could answer the latter half of the couplet, guess the riddle, or play the zither score, they would be allowed to eat for free today.

This gimmick attracted a lot of people. Now, the entrance of Hongyan Restaurant was crowded. All the scholars were prepared to give it a try. However, the question was too difficult and no one had answered it yet.

At this moment, an extremely sharp voice sounded from the crowd. “Hey, isn’t this Second Young Master Rong?”

Hearing this, everyone’s attention was instantly diverted.

It was a natural reaction because the news about Rong Yupeng was too wide-spread. After many days, the discussion about him in the county still did not die down.

Rong Yupeng had been hiding at home for a few days. On this day, he could not stand being alone in the house and came out to take a walk. He had already dressed very low-key, but he was still recognized.

Rong Yupeng was the young master of a big family after all, and he was usually arrogant. However, at this moment, his face had already begun to turn red.

“Are you surprised to see me?”

Sheng Jiaping’s gaze moved down and landed on a certain part of Rong Yupeng’s lower body. “Hey, how did it feel? Tell us about it.”

He was an ignorant and incompetent second-generation heir who was at odds with Rong Yupeng. Now that he had an opportunity, he naturally would not give Rong Yupeng an easy time.

Everyone looked at him with disdain. Rong Yupeng had never been treated like this before. His eyes darkened as he shouted, “I was set up. The rumors are fake.”

“Fake?” Sheng Jiaping laughed. “Many people saw your miserable state. Who would believe you if you told us that it was fake?”

Rong Yupeng staggered. A strong sense of humiliation enveloped him. He was about to faint from anger.

One of Sheng Jiaping’s friends said, “I even heard that you were in tattered clothes that day.”

“I said it’s fake, it’s fake. Don’t push me!!!”

“Aiyo, why are you refusing to admit it. Actually, this is not a big deal.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Yeah, we understand if you want to try something new, but we just didn’t expect you were actually into men.”

Rong Yupeng roared, “I said it’s fake! It’s fake!”

“Hahaha, you’re angry because we’ve hit the nail on the head, right?”

“Young Master Rong, it’s really not a big deal. It’s just seeking fun. Every man does it. But the price you have to pay is kind of heavy.”

“I heard that Yunfei School wants to remove him. They said that they can’t let such a student ruin the school’s reputation.”

“Doesn’t that mean that he won’t be able to take the examination and become an official in the future?”

“That’s right. Hahaha, the price of seeking fun is too high.”

“Hahaha, hahaha…”

When Rong Yupeng heard that he had been expelled from the school and lost his future, he was so angry that he spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. He fainted from anger…”

When the servant hiding at the side saw that his young master had fainted from anger, he hurriedly took out a mask and covered his face before dragging his master to the side.

“I told you not to come out, but you insisted. Great, now, you also made me feel humiliated.”

“Forget it, let’s end the master-servant relationship today. I’ll go and resign tomorrow. It’s too embarrassing to be your servant.”

After Rong Yupeng was dragged away, people quickly forgot about him.

Chu Qingzhi stood outside the crowd and watched this scene with interest. Her lips curled up into a mocking smile.

Tang Jinghong stood beside Chu Qingzhi and turned to look at her side profile. The light of the setting sun shone on her face, making her look exquisite.

Rong Yupeng would probably never have thought that he would be ruined by a little girl.

Li Qingyu looked up. “Why are there so many people here?”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “Mother, the boss of the restaurant put up a notice, saying that as long as anyone can answer one of the questions correctly, the meal will be on him.”

Li Qingyu immediately encouraged her sons. “Xuyuan, Xuyao, go and try.”

The two little boys replied, “Okay.”

At this moment, a clear voice came from the side. “I’m Xu Guannan. Greetings, Miss Chu and two junior brothers.”

Xu Guannan was 20 years old. He was handsome, scholarly, and thin. He was the youngest and most talented scholar and was deeply loved by the dean. At this moment, he was studying in the school and teaching.

He was from a poor family. It was all thanks to his father who sold the land to pay his tuition that he could study. Later, the dean of the school discovered his talent and waived his tuition fees. Only then could he continue studying.

Now, not only was he deeply trusted and nurtured by the dean, but he could also work at the school to earn some money. He was an example of someone who relied on knowledge to change his fate.

Everyone looked at Xu Guannan..

Chapter 114: A Couplet

Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao hurriedly bowed to Xu Guannan. He was a famous figure in the school and they could not see him even if they wanted to. Now that he took the initiative to greet them, they were simply flattered.

When Chu Qingzhi answered the question at the entrance of the school that day, Xu Guannan happened to see it too, so he remembered Chu Qingzhi and was very impressed by her. Now that he saw Chu Qingzhi, he naturally wouldn’t miss the opportunity to greet her.

There were a few people behind Xu Guannan. It seemed that they were good friends with Xu Guannan.

Chu Qingzhi smiled faintly. “You’re here for those questions too, right?”

“That’s right,” Xu Guannan said politely. “Miss Chu’s poems and answer to the question that day broadened our horizons. Please enlighten us this time as well.”

Chu Qingzhi said humbly, “You are exaggerating it.”

As an influential figure, there were many people in the county who knew Xu Guannan, especially the students who regarded him as their idol. When they saw him coming, they made way for him with admiration in their eyes.

Xu Guannan made an inviting gesutre and said humbly, “Miss Chu, please.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded slightly. “Please.”

Chu Qingzhi and Xu Guannan were escorted to the entrance of Hongyan Restaurant.

There were three oval red lanterns hanging there. Each lantern had a question written on it. The red lanterns were lit, and the bright light clearly reflected the words on the lanterns.

On the first lantern was written the first half of the couplet.

The requirement for the answer was that it had to be centered on the Dragon Boat Festival as the topic. Otherwise, it would not count.

Xu Guannan raised his head slightly and looked at the lantern. “The first half of the couplet is ‘The grass in front of the hall is green.’ Miss Chu, do you have any clues for the latter half?”

In this era, there were very few people who were serious about literature, let alone couplets. Most of them only cared about politics.

Everyone looked at Chu Qingzhi. What a beautiful girl. However, since ancient times, studying had always been a man’s business. Could a girl answer the unfinished couplet?

Chu Qingzhi smiled faintly and said, “The durian on the stone is dazzling red.”

Tang Jinghong stared at Chu Qingzhi. At this moment, the sun was already close to the horizon. The sunlight turned fiery red and reflected on Chu Qingzhi’s face, making her look as warm as a pomegranate flower.

Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao looked at Chu Qingzhi in admiration, thinking to themselves that their Fifth Sister was even more knowledgeable than the teachers in the school. They were sure that even the teachers could not answer the couplet.

Xu Guannan thought for a moment and showed an admiring look. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The crowd burst into applause. They looked at Chu Qingzhi with admiration. A girl actually came up with an answer so quickly.

Chu Qingzhi retracted her gaze and looked at Xu Guannan, who was dressed in white. “It’s your turn, Young Master Xu.”

Xu Guannan smiled and said, “Miss, you’ve already perfected the unfinished couplet. I know the one 1 come up with will not be as good as yours so 1 won’t embarrass myself. Why don’t you give me a new couplet?”

Chu Qingzhi sized up Xu Guannan. This person was very confident in his knowledge. In that case, she wouldn’t stand on ceremony. “Then 1 will give you an unfinished couplet to answer…”

Her gaze fell on the handful of wormwood on the door. A moment later, she said, “Green wormwood hanging on the door is auspicious.”

Xu Guannan remained calm. He glanced at Chu Qingzhi, and his gaze also fell on the handful of wormwood.

When the onlookers saw him thinking, they quietened down. When Shopkeeper Qian heard that it was quiet outside, he almost thought that everyone had left. He was so frightened that he hurriedly came out to take a look.

Further away from the crowd, someone discussed, “Can you answer the couplet?”

“If I had that ability, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today.”

“Then do you think Xu Guannan can answer it?”

“Xu Guannan is very famous in Shuiyun County for being knowledgeable. He should be able to come up with the latter half of the couplet.”

Under everyone’s gaze, Xu Guannan spoke. He looked at the calamus beside the wormwood, and a smile appeared in his eyes. “Green calamus smells as fragrant as wine.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Good answer. Young Master Xu is indeed a student of Yunfei School.”

Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao clapped happily. “Senior Brother Xu is amazing.”

Tang Jinghong smiled. Chu Qingzhi was really like a luminous pearl shining in the night. She could always attract all his attention.

Xu Guannan cupped his hands at Chu Qingzhi. “I’m impressed.” He was sincerely impressed. Chu Qingzhi was smarter than he had imagined.

Chu Qingzhi smiled lightly. “Let’s look at the other question..”

Chapter 115: Overshadowed the Garlan

There were simple and complicated zither scores. Shopkeeper Qian naturally would not take out a simple zither score. This was an extremely difficult zither score.

It was the work of a zither master. Until now, no one had been able to play it. It was a mountain in the zither world that hadn’t been surmounted until now.

Chu Qingzhi asked Shopkeeper Qian, “Do you have a zither?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Shopkeeper Qian hurriedly called out to the shop assistant. “Bring the zither out for this girl.”

The table and chair had already been set up. The zither was carried out and placed on the table.

Chu Qingzhi walked over and sat on the chair. Her light and beautiful figure was agile and dazzling, attracting everyone’s attention.

She stretched out her slender fingers and gently brushed the strings. Her movements were gentle and elegant, as if she was working on a painting.

“What a beauty!”

“So beautiful!”

“Which family is this girl from? Why haven’t I seen her before?” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Xu Guannan’s eyes were fixed on Chu Qingzhi. He thought to himself, “A beauty that outshines the lotuses. Miss Chu is simply beautiful to the core. Even her movements are elegant.”

Tang Jinghong’s eyes had never left Chu Qingzhi. He looked at the girl who was like a pearl and thought to himself, Qingzhi is too outstanding. I have to make a move quickly. If I’m late, she’ll be taken.

After tuning it, Chu Qingzhi took the score and read it carefully.

The score was called Xiaoxiang Water Cloud.

After Chu Qingzhi looked at the music score, she closed her eyes and let it sink in for a while. Then, she opened her eyes and slowly played.

The notes she played were full and well-proportioned, clear and gentle.

As the notes spread to everyone’s ears, a hazy and pleasant scene of a lake gradually appeared in everyone’s eyes. Slowly, ripples appeared on the surface and became larger. The melody slowly sped up, causing the water to surge. In the end, the melody gradually slowed down, and the lake calmed down.

Chu Qingzhi removed her hands from the zither. The notes dissipated and there was silence.

Suddenly, the crowd erupted in applause.

“Good!”

“It’s nice!!!”

Xu Guannan was in awe. “Miss Chu, hearing your music, I felt like I saw a lake. I’m impressed.”

Chu Qingzhi said humbly, “Young Master Xu, you flatter me.”

Chu Xuyao rushed over. “Fifth Sister, your music is too good. I was mesmerized by it just now. Even the best senior brother in the school can’t compare to you.”

Chu Qingzhi patted Chu Xuyao’s shoulder.

She looked at Xu Guannan and smiled. “Young Master Xu, do you want to play?”

Xu Guannan shook his head with a smile. “Miss Chu, your music is unparalleled. There is no need for me to embarrass myself.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t say anything else. Otherwise, people would think that she was showing off. “Then I’ll go eat with my family.”

Xu Guannan said, “Please, go ahead.”

Chu Qingzhi stood up and looked at Shopkeeper Qian. “Shopkeeper, have you arranged a private room?”

Shopkeeper Qian hurriedly said, “Yes, yes. Please come in.”

A rich young master went forward and blocked Chu Qingzhi’s path. He looked at Chu Qingzhi with admiration. “Miss, why don’t we eat together?”

Chu Qingzhi raised her eyebrows. Who is this person?

Before she could reject him, Tang Jinghong walked over and said possessively, “This girl is with me.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and looked at the tall figure beside her. She did not deny it.

Xu Guannan turned to look at Tang Jinghong. After confirming that he was not someone he could afford to offend, he said resentfully, “Then I’ll treat you to a meal next time.” With that, he left with his men.

The shop assistant led the way enthusiastically. “Please, this way.”

When they arrived at the private room, there was a huge table with neatly arranged chairs.

Everyone took their seats.

Shopkeeper Qian followed in. “Miss Chu, what do you want to order?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Shopkeeper Qian. “I solved the questions. Will this meal be free?”

“Yes, Miss Chu, order whatever you want.” Shopkeeper Qian was worried that they would waste food, so he added, “However, you have to finish the dishes you ordered. Otherwise, you still have to pay.”

Chu Qingzhi reahced out. “Let me see the menu.”

Shopkeeper Qian pointed at the wall. “There’s a menu pasted there.” He called a servant in. “Take down the dishes Miss Chu ordered and inform the kitchen to prepare them first.”

The shop assistant quickly replied, “Yes, shopkeeper.”

Chu Qingzhi asked Tang Jinghong, “What do you want to eat?” She said generously, “Order whatever you want.”

A faint smile appeared in Tang Jinghong’s eyes. “Then I won’t stand on ceremony…”

Grandpa Chu and Granny Chu had lived for most of their lives. This was the first time they had come to a restaurant to eat. They were extremely happy.

The dishes were served very quickly and everyone began to eat.

As the sun set below the horizon, the entire Shuiyun County fell dark. Every family hung up the lanterns one after another. Looking down from the sky, the beautiful night scene of the county was like that of the starry sky.

After dinner, Chu Qingzhi and her family decided to split up and walk around before gathering.

“Be careful.” Tang Jinghong shielded Chu Qingzhi in front of him.

Chu Qingzhi looked up at Tang Jinghong. His gaze was very gentle. Seeing such a gaze, her heart couldn’t help but skip a beat. “Jinghong, thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” Tang Jinghong said gently. Then, he protected her and walked to a bridge with fewer people.

A young girl selling garlands walked over. “Young Master, do you want to buy a garland for the beautiful lady beside you?”

Tang Jinghong bought the most beautiful one in the flower basket without hesitation. Then, he turned around and walked towards Chu Qingzhi. “Qingzhi, can I put a garland on you?”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze landed on the garland. There were a few bright purple-red peony flowers on the garland, giving off a gorgeous feeling. “I’ve never worn it before. Will it look good on me?”

“You’ll know once you put it on.” Tang Jinghong carefully put the garland to Chu Qingzhi’s head and commented, “You overshadowed the garland.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Let’s go there