Chapter 010: Rain on the Lotus Leaves, Wind among the Smartweed Flowers, Autumn's Regret for a Few Branches of Red

Xu Zhijie's smile faded, "Where else could he go? Think about how well he and Linghua treated you in the past... Ha, thinking about it now, he and Linghua really are a match made in heaven, a perfect pair! Huan Yan, you should stop worrying about him, he simply... does not deserve you!"

He secretly observed the joyful expression on her face, a faint blush appearing on his own, and his voice unconsciously lowered, "Otherwise, you following me all the time would make..."

Xu Zhijie pulled back the quilt, took an outer robe, and draped it over her. He angrily said: "What is there to be afraid of in the cold? It is not only Xu Zhilan who will prepare warm clothing for you!"

The Buddhist temple remains tranquil, and many bamboo plants have been planted in the backyard. Beyond the backyard lies a hillside, entirely covered with bamboo forest. Although the bamboo leaves have not yet withered, they exhibit a dull gray-green hue, and the ground is strewn with dry leaves, trembling softly in the wind

With a lackluster expression and no interest in appreciating the surrounding scenery, Xu Zhijie was greatly disappointed

Xu Zhijie disdainfully said: "Punish me if you must. Are you going to kill me? I do not possess the ambition and aspirations of San Ge and the others, so why should I stay there pretending to shed crocodile tears?"

Unknowingly, early winter has arrived

Xu Zhijie knew that she still could not let go in her heart. Seeing her expression wilted, her once round face had become narrow, pale and wan. Unconsciously, he felt both anger and heartache.

Huan Yan ultimately followed Xu Zhi Jie out of the door

With a smile, she paused for a moment, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, and the dark depths of her eyes quickly became misty, yet she bit her lip and said not a word

Huan Yan was silent for a while before asking, "The Third Young Master must also be in the palace, right?"

He said with a smile: "Moreover, Second Brother is still there; he naturally knows that I came to see you. Even if someone inquires, he will help cover for me."

He and Huan Yan are of similar age, having grown up together as childhood sweethearts, and he has always harbored youthful feelings for her. In the past, Huan Yan's thoughts were solely focused on Xu Zhi Lan, which he could not express. Now, seeing Xu Zhi Lan betray Huan Yan, he feels a mix of anger and a hint of secret delight, and he certainly does not want to miss this opportunity

He abruptly pulled Huan Yan up from the bed and said, "Who said to laugh? Get up, I will accompany you for a walk. It is not good to always be cooped up in the room, aren't you afraid of getting bored!"

Huan Yan smiled brightly and said, "Fifth Young Master, you jest!"

She is a woman of status, and thus it is inappropriate for her to make a grand entrance from the front; instead, she quietly emerged from the back door

Indeed, it was not only Xu Zhilan who prepared clothing for her; it was either Xu Zhiyan or Xu Zhijie who had already provided her with a thick cotton coat and a large woolen cloak, which kept her warm. However, her face felt as if it were covered with dried tears, and the cold wind made it sting painfully.

Huan Yan struggled, burrowing deeper into the quilt, and said: "I won't go out. It's very cold, and I'm afraid of catching a chill. You should go back early too, don't let them find any incriminating evidence against you."

Cien Temple is located in Dongshan. Although it is not high, it is much cooler than in the capital.

Xu Zhijie ran his fingers through her hair, suddenly holding her in his arms, and spoke gently: "Huan Yan, you can rest assured that not everyone is like Third Brother. Second Brother and I will take good care of you until you find a young man you like again..."