Chapter 5: Good Girls

Seeing his steadfastness, Xiao Lian found it inappropriate to persuade him further. She could only repeatedly advise him before taking her leave.

Looking at the table filled with an exquisite breakfast, Zhang Lei and William disregarded their image in front of the beautiful woman, devouring the food like a whirlwind. In just a few sips of tea, their plates and bowls were already empty. Then William finally remembered something and said, "My master hasn't eaten yet"

Watching the performance of these two lively characters, Xiao Lian couldn't help but smile, her delicate fingers gently covering her rosy lips. Her willow-like eyebrows arched slightly, resembling a crescent moon on the first day of the month. Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, seemingly possessing an enchanting charm that instantly captivated both of the big men.

"If I treated you like my own daughter, why would I send you out to solicit clients?" Zhang Lei said

"Since Young Master Zhang has said so, I will listen to you, Xiao Lian. It is getting late today, so I will head back first." Xiao Lian lowered her head, gently biting her lip, and her voice was so soft that it was difficult to hear clearly

"You are Xiao Lian's savior; it would be too disrespectful to call you that," Xiao Lian said, lowering her head

"No, Xiao Lian is still pure." Xiao Lian seemed a bit angry and quickly clarified before Zhang Lei could finish speaking

Xiao Lian's eyes flickered with a hint of dim light as she said, "Xiao Lian is an orphan, having lived in Chunxiang Pavilion since childhood. The madam is like a foster mother to Xiao Lian, teaching her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, treating her as her own daughter."

Xiao Lian said: "I am merely out performing for a living. Although I come from a place associated with entertainment, there is no difference between me and those who perform on the streets; I only have one customer. Aside from singing, I have not done anything else. Liu Xiang was the first customer I encountered who was hands-on, but you, young master, intervened and stopped it."

"When did you enter Chunxiang Pavilion?" Zhang Lei asked casually, looking around.

When Zhang Lei learned that Xiao Lian was still pure and innocent, he felt an overwhelming excitement. However, upon calming down and reflecting on his own limited means, he realized that it was utterly impossible for him to redeem the top courtesan of Chunxiang Pavilion. Consequently, his mood became even more despondent.

He went out to find an engraving shop, gave some instructions, and spent a total of more than 20 taels of silver. Not only did he print two sets of three books, but he also bought the printing plates back, so that he could make impressions himself if needed in the future

Xiao Lian is exceptionally intelligent; how could she not perceive the hidden meanings in Zhang Lei's words? Yet, she finds herself helpless, as the time has not yet come. The pain in her heart can only be swallowed down, while on the surface, she remains as serene and elegant as when they first met

During this period, Zhang Lei completely transformed into a student, as if he were preparing for the graduate entrance examination in his previous life, either in the classroom or on the way to the classroom

Zhang Lei said: "Yes, didn't you say you wanted to translate the works? If you teach me Latin, then I can translate with you. Look at Matteo Ricci; wasn't he also translating with a Chinese person before?"

Then he said, before this, you had always... Zhang Lei inexplicably became excited

Xiao Lian still comes every morning to deliver breakfast to the three of them. After spending some time together, she has become a bit bolder, but she still feels somewhat restrained in front of Zhang Lei. When she learned that none of the three big men, including Zhang Lei, had anyone to serve them for lunch and dinner and needed to go to a nearby restaurant, Xiao Lian even offered to come over and cook for them, which startled Zhang Lei into quickly declining her offer

After several attempts, Xiao Lian remained resolute, so Zhang Lei gave up and said, "Come on in, take a seat; it's quite windy outside"

Zhang Lei selected several books, one of which is "Elements of Geometry," along with another discussing Galileo's telescope, and a third that appears to be about world geography, totaling three books. He said to Caesar: "As a good student, one should always have their own textbooks. I will take these three books to have them printed and then return them to you"

She brought out several exquisite small plates and said: "This is date paste cake, this is jade bean cake, golden silk dumplings, Huiren rice porridge, Changchun rolls, and chrysanthemum Buddha's hand pastry"

After sitting for a while, Zhang Lei suddenly ran into Caesar's room and said: "I would like to become your disciple; please teach me Latin."

"You are right, then fine, during this period I will teach you Latin, and then we will translate together, and afterwards you will take me to meet your emperor." Caesar indeed had long-term plans.

William gazed at her silhouette and said with longing, "She is truly an intelligent and perceptive young lady, and so beautiful as well..."

Oh my, you two really are in sync. He was just talking about you this morning, and here you are.

The red bamboo woven lacquerware is adorned with many colorful patterns, clearly indicating that it is an item used by girls. A fragrant aroma emanates from within, making one salivate. Zhang Lei said, "No need to call me 'young master' or anything like that; just call me Zhang Lei."

Go home

"Miss Xiao Lian, you speak too harshly. Since I decided to take action at that time, I naturally considered the consequences. You need not persuade me; I know my own limits. I really enjoyed today's breakfast, thank you." Zhang Lei said politely, cupping his hands.

Here you go, I knew you would be like this, Xiao Lian specially saved a portion. Xiao Lian smiled as she brought the food box to Caesar

Xiao Lian's face turned red with embarrassment from her words, as she lowered her head to look at the hem of her clothes, following Zhang Lei closely. Zhang Lei waved his hand and said to William: "Go on, go on, if you don't speak, no one will take you for a mute. Xiao Lian has brought me food, so don't overthink it."

The geisha said: "Xiao Lian has lived here since she was little, never leaving even a step. She is very familiar with every blade of grass and every tree. Finding you should not be a difficult task."

William clutched Zhang Lei's thigh: "Please, no, I was wrong, I even messed up my underwear, I shouldn't have spoken out. Although it expressed your true feelings, it was still not subtle enough. I have deeply recognized my mistake, so just let me have a taste."

"It is truly incredible that God has created such a beautiful woman; praise the Lord," William exclaimed.

Zhang Lei also realized that such a remark was somewhat abrupt, and quickly changed the subject by saying: "I will be leaving in a few days"

Xiao Lian felt a tightening in her heart and asked, "Where are you going?"

Zhang Lei touched the tip of his nose and said, "It is indeed quite unexpected. I do not know how you found your way here"

Caesar thought for a moment and said that it was a fact; translating such matters requires that both parties involved, like in a book, must have a command of the language to ensure a smooth translation. However, the reason Caesar ultimately agreed to let Zhang Lei teach him Latin was that if he did not keep Zhang Lei by his side, no one would pay for their daily meals for the two of them.

"What are you going home to do?" Xiao Lian asked

"I feel quite guilty that you come every morning to bring me meals. How can I trouble you to run here every day? It would be better not to, since there is a restaurant right at the entrance, and it is very convenient for us to go out to eat," said Zhang Lei. After such a long time together, Xiao Lian's gentle and meticulous nature had already been deeply etched in his mind. Coupled with her beauty, her feelings for him were also evident, making her indeed a rare and extraordinary partner. However, Zhang Lei harbored a persistent knot in his heart, which caused him immense pain. He knew that if this knot remained untied, accepting Xiao Lian's affections recklessly would not only make him uncomfortable but would also harm her. To prevent their feelings from intensifying, Zhang Lei could only continually refuse and evade Xiao Lian's kindness.

"Oh, you want to learn Latin?" Caesar, who was repairing his beloved book, adjusted his glasses and turned to look at Zhang Lei

While sunbathing with books, he glanced through them; all were related to technology, including the design of Galileo's forty-fold telescope. Thus, he resolved to learn Latin in order to master these techniques

After about a quarter of an hour, Caesar finally finished eating. Xiao Lian came out to tidy up the dishes on the table and said to Zhang Lei: "It is getting late, Xiao Lian must return. Young Master Zhang, Liu Xiang is quite a tyrant in this area. Given his penny-pinching and vengeful nature, he is likely to come looking for trouble with you. It would be better to take refuge at my place for a while. After all, Chunxiang Pavilion has been established here for a long time and has some connections; he wouldn't dare to do anything to you."

Xiao Lian shook the food box in her hand and said, "These are some snacks made by me, Young Master. Please enjoy them while they are still warm."

Zhang Lei involuntarily recited: "The fragrant cheeks are tinged with red, and the pearl earrings sway gently. The cloud-like hair is soaked in ink, and the phoenix hairpin seems to soar. The spring-green fingers resemble orchids, and the three-inch golden lotus looks like a yuanbao. The cloud sleeves lightly flutter, inviting the butterflies to dance, while the slender waist slowly twists, trailing silk ribbons."

The streets were bustling with people, and this was Zhang Lei's first time observing this world from three hundred and eighty years ago under the guise of shopping. The stone-paved streets and the green brick houses on either side, even the unicycles passing by him, all seemed so stylish in his eyes

Xiao Lian felt a bit shy from the compliments, placing the food box on the table, and said: "I did not expect Young Master Zhang to be so talented and eloquent. It is truly a stroke of luck for me to have the opportunity to meet Young Master Zhang. Please, do try my cooking."

Wow, is there something delicious? Xiaolian, I adore you; you know I haven't had breakfast, right?" William rushed over but was kicked aside by Zhang Lei, who said, "This is for her; you have no share. If you want to eat, go buy it yourself.

Uh... that... Xiaolian... you came to find me, is there something you need?" Zhang Lei glanced down, the white, ample bosom was almost bursting forth, making him unable to resist swallowing his saliva

"Alright, alright." Upon hearing Zhang Lei say this, Xiao Lian's eyes lit up, and she immediately became exuberant.

How is it that I see Xiao Lian here unexpectedly? The person outside the door is none other than the courtesan who had just escaped from the clutches of the local tyrant yesterday

Zhang Lei said, "Let's go out for a walk, take me to explore."