Chapter 132

Avril mused for a moment, then smiled—a bewitching, seductive expression. She cast a sultry glance at the man, produced a goblet from somewhere unknown, poured some red wine, and handed it to him.

With a crisp "clink," the two glasses met.

"It’s a deal, Dr. Bentley!"

Italy, Rome, Water Lily Garden.

The lake remained as beautiful as ever, and the familiar gondola was still there. Sitting in the violet-hued boat was the man with the dimples, someone who was known but not truly familiar.

The man’s slender frame was perched in the gondola, his head topped with a white fishing hat. Between his hands, he held a silver-white fishing rod, the fine line disappearing into the water. The lake was so clear that the scenery at the bottom was visible. The man lay half-reclined in the small boat in a graceful, elegant posture that brought a sense of profound serenity to anyone watching.

Suddenly, a white speedboat approached the small craft, pulling up alongside the gondola with swift, steady precision.

The man in the violet gondola did not react, his gaze fixed on the tranquil water as if patiently waiting for a bite.

The man on the speedboat did not break the silence either; he simply stood with his head respectfully bowed, awaiting instructions.

I know not how much time passed, but the once-still line finally tugged at the rod. Beneath the brim of the hat, the man’s dimples deepened, and his lips curled into a pleased arc. He reeled in the line at a measured pace until it broke the surface. Dangling from the hook was a vibrant, crimson koi, thrashing wildly and struggling to break free.

A slender, long-fingered hand reached out, and with a few deft, light movements, the fish was unhooked and released back into the water, quickly swimming away from the "villain" in the gondola.

Watching the fish disappear into the distance, the man elegantly stowed his rod and leaned back into the small, comfortable boat, asking lazily, "Speak. What interesting things have happened over there?"

"Master, Miss Waiting and the family doctor have reached a consensus. They will make their move on the day of the banquet," the man on the speedboat replied, his tone crisp and efficient, devoid of any hesitation.

The man in the gondola let out a soft chuckle, his voice faint, as if he were drifting off to sleep. "Very well. Let them do as they please. You should simply 'cooperate' accordingly from the sidelines."

The man on the speedboat twitched at the corner of his mouth but dared not look at the figure in the gondola. He merely bowed and replied respectfully and concisely, "Yes, Master." As he spoke, the soft hum of the engine faded into the distance, leaving only the exquisite gondola drifting on the water, along with the man who seemed to have already fallen into a dream.

"We will meet soon."

The whisper vanished into the breeze.

China.

In a traditional, antique-style mansion, within a grand and imposing courtyard, sat an octagonal pavilion perched atop an artificial hill. A rosewood round table was set with matching, exquisite stools. On the table sat a tea set made of top-quality mutton-fat jade, intricately carved with lifelike, intertwined dragons. The most peculiar feature was that on the pristine white jade, the dragons' eyes were a striking violet, and a faint violet haze seemed to shroud the creatures, bringing the carvings to life. One could not tell whether to marvel more at the sculptor's superior skill or at nature's own "favoritism."

A pair of rough yet powerful hands entered the frame, performing a series of tea-brewing motions with such familiarity that one could only admire the practitioner's artistry.

Before long, a wisp of white steam curled upward, and a delicate, crisp aroma of tea filled the pavilion. The owner of the hands set down the teapot and poured the liquid into a jade cup. The tea, clear as jasper, paired with the mutton-fat jade cup, instantly cleared the mind and refreshed the spirit.

"Sir, your tea." The sun-kissed, rough hand carefully extended the cup.

"Shuyi, how many times must I tell you? We are soulmates; there is no need for such formalities." A voice, aged and authoritative yet tinged with helplessness, drifted over. The speaker took the cup. His hand, no longer fair or smooth, appeared all the more weathered and powerful, especially the thick calluses on the fingertips—the telltale marks of a man who had spent a lifetime holding a calligraphy brush.

"Sir, etiquette must be observed." The man addressed as Shuyi stood with his head bowed, his tone filled with deep reverence.

"Sigh," the old man sighed helplessly, giving up on his attempt to persuade him. He took a sip of the tea and murmured, "After all these years, I still find that Lushan Cloud Mist suits my constitution best."

"If you like it, Sir, when the tea season arrives in a few days, I shall make another trip to Lushan to pick fresh leaves for you," Shuyi said, his lowered eyes flickering.

"We aren't as young as we once were. Do you still fancy yourself a twenty-year-old lad, thinking you can trek to Lushan to pick tea for an old man like me?" The old man’s chest vibrated with a hearty laugh.

"Sir, although my bones are not as sturdy as a young man's, I am still capable of such a small task," Shuyi defended himself immediately.

"Enough, enough. You should just stay by my side and keep me company; leave the physical labor to the youngsters." The old man dismissed the topic and asked, "Any news from that brat recently?"

"Young Master says that everything is ready; he is only waiting for the east wind." Shuyi maintained his respectful tone.

"Hmph, that rascal. I only asked him to handle a small matter, and he’s been gone for years without even coming back to see this old man. Now he’s telling me he’s 'waiting for the east wind'?"

"A few years ago, Young Master said the 'time was not yet ripe,'" Shuyi said, a faint smile coloring his words.

"Hmph, he thinks he’s a fortune teller, does he?" The old man clearly disapproved.

Shuyi’s eyes crinkled with hidden amusement, but he remained silent.

"Very well, I’ll give the boy a few more days. If not, I’ll go myself! And don't let him say I didn't show him any mercy. Hmph, that brat!" Though the old man’s words were sharp, the underlying doting was unmistakable; clearly, the "brat" held a special place in his heart.

"Yes, Sir," Shuyi replied respectfully.

"Sigh," the old man sighed again after a pause.

Shuyi could not help but ask, "Sir, are you worried about the young master?"

"Yes... it has been so many years. How could I not worry about that child?" The old man’s voice was heavy with sorrow.

"Rest assured, Sir. Since the Young Master has taken action, that child will surely return to your side soon. Please, do not fret." Shuyi offered his comfort gently.

"Mm, I suppose that is all I can do." The old man sounded exhausted.

Waiting Castle.

After being in a coma for several days, Eva finally woke up.

Every day, Yuwen Xi’s routine had been to sit by her bedside, wiping her skin and praying for her to wake, for he had good news to share.

Eva’s long, curled eyelashes cast shadows on her cheeks, making her skin appear even more translucent and fair. Yuwen Xi looked at her with heart-wrenching affection, leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead, and whispered, "Eva, please wake up soon, won't you? If you don't, I’m going to go on a backpacking trip all by myself!" With that, he gently rubbed his stubbled chin against her delicate cheek.

"Are you serious? You’re going without me?" A hoarse, low voice sounded in his ear, filled with deep dissatisfaction.

Yuwen Xi stiffened. He didn't speak or pull away, remaining pressed against her face, feeling the tickle of her warm breath against his skin.

"Are you really going to go backpacking alone? Are you really going to abandon me?" The petulant voice continued, and before he could answer, she added imperiously, "I won't allow it!" A sharp, stinging pain then radiated from his chin.

Yuwen Xi jerked back, his expression a mix of surprise and doting tenderness. He rubbed his chin and looked at the girl on the bed, who was now "grimacing" at him. He realized why his chin felt so strange—the little thing had bitten him!

"You really have a biting habit, don't you?" Yuwen Xi shook his head helplessly.

"Hmph, try me! If you dare to leave without me, see if I don't bite you to death!" Eva, though still bedridden, declared with full authority.

Watching her feisty display, Yuwen Xi chuckled inwardly but feigned great distress. He muttered, "Actually, I’m not afraid of you biting me..." He glanced up at her, then lowered his head, whispering, "It’s just... you haven't brushed your teeth in days, and this—" He stopped mid-sentence, bowing his head further, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Realizing that she had been in a coma for days and indeed hadn't brushed her teeth, Eva’s eyes widened in fury. She glared at his bowed head and roared with all her remaining strength, "Yuwen Xi, get out of here!"

Yuwen Xi looked up, his eyes shining with irrepressible, hearty laughter!

"Hahaha—"

"Go to hell!" Eva shouted, her face turning crimson. Unfortunately, weakened by her long coma, her "roar" lacked any real power. As Eva’s yelling subsided, Yuwen Xi stopped laughing, looked at her with misty eyes, and said softly, "Eva, actually, I have something I need to tell you."