Chapter 360: The Gift
“Grrr…”
When he first started, Chen Leling unconsciously squirmed and hunched her neck a bit. It was probably because she wasn’t quite used to it. After all, she had always let her hair air-dry naturally.
Yun Zhonghe chuckled, “Just bear with it for a bit. It’ll be over soon, and you’ll get used to it.”
Obediently, Leling stopped fidgeting, only slightly tensing up as she closed her eyes, feeling the warm air flow through her strands.
Yun Zhonghe adjusted his palm gently, ensuring the breeze was soft and even, letting the warm wind dry her long, silky tresses slowly.
Whenever he dried a small section of her hair, Yun Zhonghe would softly stroke her head affectionately.
Watching him expertly and tenderly at work, Tao Jiu’er couldn’t help but smirk boastfully, “Oh~ I mean, come on, don’t tell me my man hasn’t got the hang of this! He’s a pro!”
Even Chen Leling, who was initially uneasy and occasionally would cringe and flinch, gradually relaxed, her face now expressing nothing but contentment and comfort.
Yun Zhonghe’s popularity was well-deserved. Who doesn’t love a capable and attentive man?
In response to Tao Jiu’er’s compliment, Yun Zhonghe simply chuckled and humbly said, “It’s all thanks to Sis Jiu’er educating me.”
“Right, right—so strict is good, otherwise how could I make you such a stand-out guy?” Tao Jiu’er held her cheeks, resting her arm on the neighboring table, grinning from ear to ear. “In the future, if you have a woman, remember to thank your dear old sister!”
Yun Zhonghe gave her an amused look, half-joking, “Then why not just marry Sis Jiu’ er instead? It’d save trouble taking care of two people.”
Tao Jiu’er just laughed it off with a shake of her head, “Forget it—marrying me wouldn’t stop you from looking after others. Besides, what a ripoff that would be. Nah, I don’t want that.”
She joked around, not taking Yun Zhonghe’s words seriously.
Yun Zhonghe was used to her antics, quickly refocusing on Leling’s hair and smoothing out her strands like when combing her hair.
Chen Leling: “Awoohoo~♪”
With the last bit of moisture gone, Yun Zhonghe ceased his magic.
Leling’s hair had turned dry and smooth. Then came the final touches.
Yun Zhonghe carefully extracted “that” item from his pocket.
Opening a box, there nestled delicately a magnificent hairpin.
Tao Jiu’er was instantly captivated by the pin. “Wow, it’s so pretty! Where did you find it?”
Yun Zhonghe responded with a smile, “While I was buying some cultivation notes the other day, I passed some hairpin store and picked an eye-catching pair. Sis Jiu’er, you have one too.”
As he did so, he took out another identical hairpin and handed it to Tao Jiu’er.
“Heh, really? Impressive talent you have for winning women’s favor, Young Master.”
She took the hairpin from Yun Zhonghe, inspecting it closely, growing more fond of it with every glance.
It was very beautiful, precisely her taste. Clearly, Yun Zhonghe knew her preferences well, caring deeply for her.
Tao Jiu’er let out a joyful hum, happiness radiating from her.
Soon, Yun Zhonghe completed Leling’s grooming, deftly inserting the exquisite hairpin into her hair.
An excited Tao Jiu’er pulled Leling before a mirror. “Leling, take a look—your reflection looks so elegant.”
Standing in front of the mirror, Leling examined herself, furrowing her brows thoughtfully. “Ugh… uhh…?”
Tao Jiu’er reassured her, “It fits you perfectly, Leling. You look so pretty now.”
“These… these… are… me?”
“Who else could they be?”
“Oh… Oh…”
Was this her first proper look at herself, seeing clearly? She stared curiously, tilting her head back and forth to scrutinize her reflection, every subtle expression revealing her intense focus.
Then again, maybe the hair job wasn’t great.
Yun Zhonghe looked worried.
But then Leling burst into laughter. “So pretty…”
Tao Jiu’er echoed happily, “Right? Quite pretty!”
“Hairpin… pretty…”
Said Chen Leling, blissfully.
That exquisite hairpin shone brilliantly in her hair, as if crowning her beauty.
Seeing her moved, Yun Zhonghe felt the hairpin purchase was worth every penny.
The emotional payoff was immense!
Tao Jiu’er commented, “Looks like it’s been ages since she looked this pretty…”
“Maybe so.”
Yun Zhonghe nodded, though he’d only brushed her hair briefly as well.
Tao Jiu’er suddenly remembered something important. She took out from her storage ring a brand new set of clothes:
“So, let’s put these on while we’re at it!”
Girls ought to look pretty after all! Over these last few days, Tao Jiu’er had been making clothes for Leling by hand.
Though ordinary, possessing no defense like a robe, they were beautifully designed, reflecting Tao Jiu’er’s craftsmanship.
After all, Jiu’er had once been a fashionista at Zhen Baoge. No outfit went amiss under her touch.
Moreover, the fabric was top-notch, soft and breathable, so comfortable Leling wouldn’t mind wearing them for hours on end.
Yun Zhonghe quietly admired the clothes imbued with Tao Jiu’er’s efforts, admiring them intensely.
“It’s a gift, Leling—Sis Jiu’er’s gift.”
“A gift?”
She whispered the word delicately and quickly caught its meaning.
She brightened up, warming up their hearts.
“Cloudy Crane, Jiu’er… Thank you~”
That soft, melodious voice filled the room, leaving Yun Zhonghe and Tao Jiu’er feeling profoundly comforted.
Parental feelings might be akin to this—seeing a child grow from a wobbly toddler to someone standing tall. With every step, every moment of companionship, finally finding sweet solace in a simple “thank you.”
Every bit of effort bears fruit.
Thinking so, Cloudy Crane glanced at Tao Jiu’er.
To him, raising him was Jiu’er’s doing.
He was mostly raised alone in his parents’ absence, until Jiu’er took him in, taught, and cared for him.
Despite having been together just days, he understood how taxing it was to care for someone.
Lost in thoughts, Cloudy Crane noticed Jiu’er’s gaze, meeting it in the air.
“Master,” she narrowed her eyes, beckoning him back to reality.
She pouted. “I need to try on the clothes with Leling. Could you step outside?”
Yun Zhonghe smiled silently, nodding as he rose to leave.
