Chapter 366: A Maiden’s Surrender
At this very moment, Xia Linglong was in the spacious and elegant study of the Spirit Boat, surrounded by books and ancient trinkets that emanated a faint aroma of ink and a sense of serenity.
She didn’t choose to sit with Yun Zhonghe and the others in the living room. Instead, she opted for solitude, immersing herself in the tranquil atmosphere of the study, engrossed in her painting.
Her long hair was loosely tied up, with a few loose strands framing her face, adding a touch of gentle warmth.
Silence filled the air as she sat quietly, holding a delicate brush that dipped gracefully in ink, then moved elegantly over the paper spread before her.
Since yesterday, she had found it hard to settle down. Even when she tried to focus on practicing sword techniques, that unrest persisted, haunting her every move. So, she sought solace in painting to soothe her turbulent heart.
Her fingers were slender yet powerful as she turned the brush lightly, creating a clear outline on the paper.
There seemed to be no particular theme; she simply let her thoughts and the brush dance together, sketching out vague yet mysterious images.
Gradually, the images grew clearer, revealing a portrait of the dashing Young Master wielding a sword.
He stood tall and majestic, exuding an indefinable aura in every movement, making him unforgettable. Upon closer inspection, one could see that he bore some resemblance to Yun Zhonghe.
Before long, Xia Linglong completed this painting.
In the picture, the Young Master stood amidst ruins, clashing fiercely with a terrifying enemy, holding his sword high. His eyes were resolute and bold, radiating a powerful momentum that was both charming and awe-inspiring.
Xia Linglong gazed dreamily at her masterpiece, then gently placed it aside to dry. She grabbed her brush and started another piece.
On this elegant paper lay the same elegant Young Master, but now the scene and ambiance were completely different.
In the new painting, the Young Master remained standing tall, but this time he held a finely carved folding fan instead of a chilling sword.
The setting changed from a dilapidated ruin to an ancient, graceful stone bridge spanning clear waters. Willows hung over the sides, adding a poetic touch.
The Young Master stood quietly on the bridge, letting the light rain sprinkle on him, droplets sliding down his chiseled face and wetting his hair.
Was he alone in this serene moment?
Nope.
After finishing the bridge scene, Xia Linglong added a female figure opposite the Young Master. With every stroke, her silhouette became more defined. She wore a light, elegant dress and held a delicate umbrella with intricate patterns. The umbrella slightly tilted to shield against the drizzle, just enough to hint at her bashful face.
Oddly, upon closer scrutiny, her facial expressions and slight smiles looked surprisingly similar to those of Xia Linglong herself—no, maybe even identical.
Could it be that Xia Linglong had integrated herself into the painting?
Why did she do this?
Maybe she wanted to get closer to the Young Master in the painting.
Pretty soon, the romantic rain scene on the bridge was complete.
In the painting, the girl with the umbrella met the unshielded Young Master as they crossed paths on the bridge, their gazes intertwining. Perhaps something romantic would unfold?
Xia Linglong gently set down her brush and stared at this imaginative creation.
A smile tugged at her lips, but it quickly faded into melancholy.
She sighed softly. If only reality was like this painting.
Just then, someone knocked on the study door, startling Xia Linglong. It was Yun Zhonghe’s polite voice.
Her heart raced, and she sprang to her feet in excitement. But in her haste, a gust of wind blew over her paintings, sending them to the floor.
Her cheeks paled as she scrambled to pick them up. If these private artworks were seen by Yun Zhonghe, she’d be mortified!
Who draws pictures of their Junior Brother so secretly without ulterior motives?
She imagined Yun Zhonghe’s disgusted and disappointed reaction.
Fantasy-yun: “Tsk, I thought Xia Senior Sister was a straightforward person, my fellow swordsman. But you seem to have such dishonorable intentions toward your Junior Brother! I’ve misjudged you.”
Gaaaaaa!!
Wait, no, Junior Brother Yun, that’s not what it looks like!
Xia Linglong screamed internally, feeling both powerless and panicked.
But this fantasy gave rise to another outrageous thought.
Maybe… maybe Junior Brother Yun wouldn’t mind?
Fantasy-yun smirked mischievously: “Senior Sister, I didn’t know you’d imagine such bold scenarios. Heh heh heh, if you don’t want others seeing these secret creations, better cooperate.”
Yun Zhonghe used this secret to corner her, pressing her against the wall and clasping her chest.
Clearly aggressive!
Ah ha ha, Yun Junior Brother, how could you be like that… but it feels so thrilling!
Viiii…
Xia Linglong struggled internally, caught between reason and fantasy, her brain going haywire!
Outside, Yun Zhonghe heard a startled sound from within the study, possibly something falling, followed by a prolonged silence. This made him hesitate about entering.
What was happening to Senior Sister Xia? Had she tripped? Should he go in? But… what if he saw something he shouldn’t?
Inwardly pondering this, he took a step forward but halted just before the door.
Since boarding the Spirit Boat, Yun Zhonghe noticed Xia Linglong acting oddly.
When she asked to be alone, claiming tiredness, there was something off in her expression.
Could it be…
She was channeling energy?!
This absurd thought flashed through Yun Zhonghe’s mind, breaking all norms.
Senior Sister Xia looked so dignified and composed. How could she do such crude things?
This notion vanished just as quickly, overshadowed by concern for her well-being. He gently knocked again. “Senior Sister Xia, need any help?”
“Ah, ah, no, Junior Brother Cloud, I’ll tidy up immediately,” she said hastily, recovering quickly.
Moments later, the study door opened slowly, Xia Linglong emerging with an apologetic smile.
“Junior Brother Yun, anything wrong?” she asked, avoiding his gaze and appearing somewhat sheepish.
Her hair was messy, with some strands sticking out.
Yun Zhonghe glanced around the room swiftly—everything seemed normal and orderly.
Maybe he worried too much.
He grinned, “Senior Sister Xia, does the Spirit Boat have a kitchen? I’d like to warm something up for Leling.”
“Oh… oh, yes, there is!” She managed to process his words, pointing to a corridor. “Straight ahead, the kitchen is clean, fully equipped. Need anything else for cooking?”
Yun Zhonghe smiled, “That’s all I need, thank you, Senior Sister. I’ll clean up afterward.”
Xia Linglong waved, “No worries, leave it. My boat has automatic cleaning. It’s spotless daily, effortlessly.”
Hearing this, Yun Zhonghe froze. Impressed, he thought, Amazingly convenient!
Initially, he worried about how massive and luxurious the boat might be, thinking it would be difficult to keep clean. Perhaps he’d need servants.
Now, amazed at its intelligence, he felt envious.
Besides the auto-clean feature, he could command anything via voice, and the boat would handle everyday chores.
Even driving itself!
Yun Zhonghe was astounded.
After learning the kitchen’s location, Yun Zhonghe thanked her and went off.
Watching his retreating back, Xia Linglong breathed a sigh of relief, glad her secrets weren’t exposed—yet.
She hastily hid the latest painting in a ring and checked the two pieces again once the door closed.
Her beautiful eyes lingered on the scenes, mesmerized by the captivating imagery, lost in the perfect world she created.
