Chapter 35: That Hurt, Didn’t It?

Tang Xi made her way to Wanchao Pavilion.

Tang Qiushuang had warned her that Gu Yu was scouring the world for her, with people even stationed outside the Tang residence around the clock. Yet, no matter how far Gu Yu’s reach extended, it could not touch this place.

Steward Luo opened the door and said with a smile, "I didn't think you would come today, Miss Tang."

Over the past few days, he had grown accustomed to her daily visits. Sometimes she would stay all day, reading in the library, and other times she would only arrive in the evening. There was a small daybed in the library where she would often sleep. Steward Luo, who usually kept watch over the vast Wanchao Pavilion alone, was delighted to have someone around to keep him company and chase away the monotony.

"Apologies for the intrusion, Steward Luo. I brought you some sugar-free pastries from Jinji."

"Thank you, Miss Tang." Steward Luo accepted them happily. The young lady was truly thoughtful; even without much interaction, she had noticed his poor sleep and high blood sugar.

Tang Xi went to the library and, seeing paper and pigments laid out on the desk, felt an urge to paint. The spot looked directly out onto the courtyard, where winding covered bridges and lush greenery made it feel as though she were in the backyard of an ancient official’s estate. Picking up a brush and spreading out a sheet of paper, she began to paint with focused intensity.

Because she was so absorbed, she did not notice someone standing behind her.

It wasn't until she felt tired and stretched her arms wide that her left hand struck something solid and warm. She whirled around to find Zhou Jingchuan standing there in black, her hand having collided with his chest.

Tang Xi’s face flushed instantly, and she scrambled to her feet. "Mr. Zhou? I’m so sorry—did I hurt you?"

Zhou Jingchuan smiled. "Not at all." Her cat-like fist, even at full strength, would have been nothing more than a tickle to him. "I saw how focused you were and didn't want to disturb you. Did I startle you?"

"No," Tang Xi replied, shaking her head. "When did you get back?"

"Just arrived." Zhou Jingchuan did indeed look a bit travel-worn. "I had some business to attend to."

With Zhou Jingchuan here, Tang Xi felt it would be inappropriate to stay. She didn't know if he had a wife or a girlfriend, and it was always best to be cautious.

"I’m just here to pick up something and will be leaving immediately," Zhou Jingchuan said, reading her thoughts. "By the way, I received the incense you sent. It’s excellent. Thank you."

"I’m glad you didn't mind it, Mr. Zhou." Coming from a man as well-traveled and knowledgeable as Jingchuan, Tang Xi assumed he was merely being polite; she hadn't expected him to truly appreciate her humble gift of incense.

Zhou Jingchuan found a brocade box in the library and opened it to reveal a scroll. "It's for a friend’s mother’s birthday," he said, unrolling the scroll to show her. "What do you think of this as a gift?"

Tang Xi’s eyes lit up like stars the moment she saw the painting. She stepped closer, unable to hide her surprise. "This is Li Daqian’s copy of *Nine Sons Celebrating a Birthday*."

Zhou Jingchuan looked at her with genuine admiration. *Nine Sons Celebrating a Birthday* was originally the work of the Song Dynasty painter Li Zhuo. Many artists had created copies over the years, and Li Daqian was one of them. Yet, with just a glance, she had identified it as an authentic piece by Li Daqian. As a modern master of traditional Chinese painting, even Li Daqian’s copies fetched astronomical prices.

Tang Xi examined the painting closely, her delicate brows furrowing in hesitation, her soft, vibrant lips pressed into a thin line. "The meaning behind this piece is wonderful, but..."