He originally thought that after moving out, life would become more and more peaceful.
But Xiao Zhan never expected that there would be many guests in his house.
Cui'e brought a cup of tea and stood beside him respectfully without speaking. Xiao Zhan was also a little embarrassed. He glanced at Cui'e, who winked at him and quickly lowered her head.
The other person sitting at the table never spoke. He took a sip of tea and put it down again. His every move was very leisurely.
This leisure made Xiao Zhan feel uncomfortable.
"Prince Chen Yu, you came all the way to see me, but is there something wrong?" Xiao Zhan cleared his throat and asked.
The person who finished the tea handed the teacup to Cui'e, "Master Xiao, the tea here is really good."
"Thank you for the compliment, Prince."
"Yi Bo really protects you. He sends you all the good things, for fear that you will be wronged."
Chen Yu smiled and looked at Xiao Zhan.
Hearing him mention Wang Yibo in this tone, Xiao Zhan's expression began to feel uncomfortable. Although he had already accepted Wang Yibo, he always felt that it was difficult to speak in front of others, especially in front of people like Chen Yu.
"Prince, what's the matter with you?" No matter how good his temper was, he couldn't stand it. Xiao Zhan asked again. He was halfway through making incense and came out to greet the guests. He really felt a little annoyed.
"I want to ask you to do me a favor."
"What favor?"
"Please help me persuade Zeng Qin." Chen Yu didn't seem to be afraid of his relationship with Zeng Qin being known to others. He spoke openly. Cui'e, who was next to him, took a breath with a plate in her hand.
Chen Yu glanced at her, as if he thought she was making a fuss.
"This..." Xiao Zhan looked embarrassed. He was really not a person who liked to be a peacemaker. To put it nicely, he didn't meddle in other people's business. To put it bluntly, he didn't care about these things. "How can I say anything about your relationship with Master Zengqin?"
"I just can't get through to him. Seeing that you are on good terms with him, at least you can talk, I want to ask you for help." Chen Yu said this with a frown on his face, looking really troubled.
"But..." Xiao Zhan was really embarrassed, but he didn't know how to refuse. He glanced at Cui'e, looking like she was watching the fun. After thinking for a while, he said, "I've been busy opening a shop recently. I'm really too busy with the things on hand. Besides, Master Zengqin is still in Wang's house, so it's not convenient for me to go in and meet him."
Chen Yu looked at him with some strange eyes.
"What's wrong, Prince?"
"Why is it inconvenient for you to go in and out of Wang's house? Aren't you a young lady?"
"Prince...Prince."
Cui'e opened her eyes wide, and she was frightened and muttered softly. Chen Yu looked like nothing happened. He looked at Cui'e in confusion, and then looked at Xiao Zhan, whose face was flushed.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
Xiao Zhan sighed helplessly, he stood up and said to Chen Yu: "Prince, the one who tied the bell must be the one who untied it. It's useless for you to look for me."
"Then teach me how to untie the bell between you and Yi Bo." Chen Yu was used to being a prince, and he didn't know how to read people's faces. He was still sitting even though Xiao Zhan had stood up to "drive him away."
Xiao Zhan paused, turned around and said to Chen Yu: "I untied it myself."
It was almost evening when Chen Yu was sent away.
Old Chen took Xiao Zao out to do some work, saying that he would be back at night. Cui'e cooked two dishes and ate with Xiao Zhan.
At the dinner table, she remembered what Chen Yu said in the afternoon, thought about it, and said: "Master Xiao, don't be unhappy."
"Huh? What am I unhappy about?" After sending Chen Yu away, Xiao Zhan buried his head in making incense again, exhausted.
The shop has been almost decided. A place a few steps away from the commercial street was chosen. Because it is not in the central area, the price is not that expensive. Lao Chen visited the landlords all day and finally negotiated it.
"It was today. Prince Chen Yu said you are the young lady. Are you unhappy? Last time I secretly told you that the young master was drunk and said you were a princess, and you were also unhappy." Cui'e said tentatively while observing Xiao Zhan's face.
"Cui'e, if you don't say it, I will forget it." Xiao Zhan put down his chopsticks, "Also, your young master said that he didn't say it."
"He lied! He was obviously drunk last time and asked me to fetch water and send it in, and asked me." Cui'e was so angry that her face was red and her heart was beating, and she immediately began to refute.
"What do you want me to ask you?" Xiao Zhan did not show any angry expression, but just looked at Cui'e calmly.
"Ask me if I think you look like a princess. Why is the young master like this? How can he forget what he said? I'm so angry." Cui'e was so angry that she kept muttering and didn't want to eat. After all, she was a girl under 20 years old and couldn't stand a little "wrong".
Xiao Zhan waved his hand and said, "Okay, okay, I'm tired. Go and bring the medicine."
Since living here, Xiao Zhan still needs to take medicine every day. This medicine is indeed different. The suppression time is much longer than before. At least he won't be in heat when Wang Yibo doesn't show up. In the evening, Cui'e packed up her things and was still angry. She brought the medicine in without saying a word. It happened that Lao Chen came back and talked to Xiao Zhan about the shop. Cui'e couldn't "get angry" and could only wait for Xiao Zhan to finish drinking, make the bed for him, and leave. Xiao Zhan sat alone on the bed, holding the contract handed over by Lao Chen. The amount on it was a little shocking to him. It's not that he didn't know that the land price in Beijing is high, but he didn't expect that it would be so expensive even if it's not in the central street.
The money brought from Xucheng is only enough to pay the rent for the first three months, and he has to buy things...
Thinking of Lao Chen running around with Xiao Zao to find a shop these days, Xiao Zhan felt a little guilty.
Suddenly, he was thinking and heard some noise in the yard. It seemed that Cui'e was arguing with someone.
But besides him, there were only Lao Chen and Xiao Zao here. These two people would not quarrel. Could it be that a thief came?
Xiao Zhan was startled and walked into the yard wearing a thin shirt.
"Master, this is good. In Master Xiao's heart, my image is completely ruined."
Under the moonlight, Cui'e stood there, seemingly talking to someone, calling Master. Xiao Zhan turned his head and saw Wang Yibo, half of his body blocked behind the tree.
"What image can you have in his heart?" Wang Yibo's voice sounded low and disapproving.
"A cute and innocent image." Cui'e was so angry that she kept chattering and her voice became louder.
"Do you have any misunderstandings about yourself?" Wang Yibo's voice was still cold. He took a look and saw a white figure standing at the door of the house. He coughed and said, "Besides, I wonder who is your young master?"
"You."
"Then why do you care so much about your image in his heart, but you are disrespectful to me?" Wang Yibo glanced at Xiao Zhan again. It was obvious that Xiao Zhan also saw him, but he had no intention of participating in this "farce". He just leaned on the door railing and watched the fun.
"It's different. Although I am a servant, I grew up with you. But Young Master Xiao, I don't know what he is thinking. I am always afraid that he will suddenly get angry and ignore me." Cui'e seemed to be really thinking.
Wang Yibo hadn't come to see Xiao Zhan for several days. He really didn't want to deal with Cui'e's meaningless words. He glanced at her and said, "Didn't you secretly tell me last time that you carefully observed him for a few days and felt that his personality was indeed very much like a princess?"
"...Master, keep your voice down!" Cui'e was frightened and covered her mouth, looking at Wang Yibo.
"Okay, go and rest. I have something else to do and don't have time to waste with you." Wang Yibo waved his hand, trying to get rid of Cui'e, "Also, don't say these things in front of him in the future. He doesn't like to hear it, but you keep mentioning it."
"Oh, I know, I didn't mention it." Cui'e was obedient, nodded, turned around and prepared to leave. Thinking that it was wrong, she looked at Wang Yibo again and asked in confusion: "Master, why do you always have to climb over the wall? Isn't there a door?"
"...I'm afraid it's not good for Lao Chen and the others to see it." Wang Yibo was a little embarrassed and coughed.
"They all know. You don't think that no one knows every time you come, do you?" Cui'e stared at Wang Yibo in disbelief. "Several times, Lao Chen waited for you to enter the room before telling Xiao Zao to tie your horse again."
"..."
Wang Yibo walked to Xiao Zhan's side after Cui'e left. Xiao Zhan, who had watched a "comedy", still had a smile on his face and looked at Wang Yibo with a bright glow.
"It's cool outside, why don't you go in and wait for me."
It's autumn, and the wind is not as hot as in summer, but with some coolness.
"Watching a show." Xiao Zhan lowered his mouth, looked at Wang Yibo, and sighed: "Cui'e is really good."
"she's so noisy all day long, what's good about that? Don't you like quiet the most?" Wang Yibo was puzzled and followed Xiao Zhan into the room and asked.
"She often makes me feel that if you don't think too much in life, you will be happier." Xiao Zhan sat down on the bed, and Wang Yibo also leaned over, put his hand in his palm, and rubbed it repeatedly.
Xiao Zhan has small hands and feet, which Wang Yibo finds very cute, and is completely different from his usual temperament.
"Cui'e said that she never knows what you are thinking, and is afraid that you will suddenly get angry and ignore her.
Xiao Zhan raised his head and looked at Wang Yibo, thinking for a moment, and then he sighed: "People have said this since I was a child, saying that I look easy to get along with, but in fact it is difficult to figure out. My mother also taught me not to be too restrained."
He had never said these words to anyone, but unconsciously, he opened his mouth to Wang Yibo.
"You are very good; this is very good." Wang Yibo held his hand, and replied in a low voice with reluctance.
The incense candles on the table exuded a pleasant fragrance, which slowly spread in the air, and the smell was very good.
"This fragrance is different from what I usually see." Wang Yibo noticed and leaned over to smell it.
"I made it. Incense can blend with candles. I blend the fragrance into candles, so I can kill two birds with one stone." Xiao Zhan's tone was a little proud.
"It smells good. Do you have a name?" Wang Yibo turned his head to look at Xiao Zhan again, nodded as if he understood, "If this is done well, it will definitely sell well."
"Shadow in the Water."
"The name is also very nice." Wang Yibo sat up straight, looked at Xiao Zhan, and clenched his hands a little more, "You are really amazing, I am ashamed of myself."
It's not that Xiao Zhan has never been praised like this. From childhood to adulthood, people have always said that he is good.
But today, sitting here, in this autumn colour and candlelight, he was full of emotion because of Wang Yibo's simple words.
The feeling that slowly expanded from the heart attacked his numb fingertips and tear glands.
"What's wrong?" Wang Yibo saw him staring at him, with light in his eyes, somewhat puzzled.
"My mother told me before that there was a time when she always wanted to cry when she saw my father. She originally thought that she was cowardly and not strong enough." Xiao Zhan whispered and said slowly: "Later she realized that she loved my father too much."
Wang Yibo listened, did not speak, and was stunned for a long time before raising his hand and touching Xiao Zhan's face, his fingertips touched a tear that had escaped his eyes.
"Because of this body, I have been stronger than others since I was a child. I always thought that if I could be stronger, no one would look down on me because of this body, but it was really tiring."
Xiao Zhan said, lowering his head. He had clearly made up his mind to talk to Wang Yibo about the location of the shop tonight, but he inexplicably talked about these.
"..."
"I'm used to rejecting people, and I don't know how to accept it well."
Wang Yibo's heart moved, and he reached out and hugged Xiao Zhan, holding him tightly in his arms, and his hand slowly stroked his trembling back.
"There are always many rules in this world, for humans and animals, even a peach blossom can only be seen in spring. Sometimes when I think about it, I always feel that struggling is useless."
"Speak slowly, I'm listening." Wang Yibo heard Xiao Zhan's hurried tone and patiently comforted him.
"But you appeared, you told me that being selfish would make me happy, you pulled me to face myself without reservation..."
Wang Yibo was startled, thinking that Xiao Zhan was going to say those awkward words again, so he pulled away a little, took a deep breath, and looked at him.
Xiao Zhan just put his hand in Wang Yibo's hand and whispered: "It will be much easier to walk on the road of life with someone to walk with."
After speaking, he raised his head and looked at Wang Yibo firmly, and there was no more tears in his eyes: "Fortunately, it was you who met me in the carriage that day."
"Why are you suddenly telling me this?" Wang Yibo asked in a low voice with a dry throat.
"Nothing." Xiao Zhan smiled, his eyes still filled with tears, curved into a beautiful arc, and his beautiful face was full of calmness: "Some things should be told to you."
When he saw Wang Yibo quarrelling with Cui'e today, he suddenly figured it out for some reason.
In his life, perhaps there will never be such a person who is willing to ask again and again, and wait again and again. He is clearly a person who can do whatever he wants, just like Chen Yu did to Zeng Qin, but he never really "forced" himself.
His pride and awkwardness became "not worth mentioning" at this moment. In front of the love and respect given to him by Wang Yibo, they were all insignificant. Nothing made him feel more real than the company of those lonely nights.
Xiao Zhan stood up, took out the contract, put it on the table, and said with a smile: "Show me quickly, is this price cheating me, a stupid businessman from outside the province?"
His mood changed a little quickly, but he really didn't want to immerse himself in the atmosphere just now. After all, his heart was now open.
"Well, there is a little bit. The price can be negotiated." Wang Yibo is an expert. After taking a look, he saw the clue: "The commission is too high, as high as the commercial street. Do you want me to ask for you?" After saying that, Wang Yibo felt that he shouldn't say it again - Xiao Zhan didn't like him helping him with these things the most. He was also worried that if he intervened, Xiao Zhan's proud heart would feel "lost face" and rely on him.
"It's okay if I don't ask. There's not much difference in price. Your incense is good, and it will be good if the business is good." Wang Yibo added. The person opposite thought for a long time, raised his head, and said, "Then ask for me."
"Hmm?" Wang Yibo thought he didn't hear clearly.
"It's not someone else anyway." Xiao Zhan used to look very good when he smiled, his eyes slightly narrowed, there were fine smile lines, and the arc of the corners of his mouth was just right, but at that time, his smile always carried some defence and bitterness. Now he sat next to Wang Yibo and smiled again, but that smile seemed to have no burden at all.
"If you dare to fool me in the future, I will turn you into incense." A pair of hands reached out and placed in Wang Yibo's arms. The owner of the hands was cold and said "harsh words".
"Then don't be awkward anymore." Wang Yibo held his hands and kissed Xiao Zhan.
"Don't call me princess either."
"..."
"What are you looking at me for?"
"Why haven't you turned the page yet? I really didn't call you that."
The autumn weather was clear and the courtyard was quiet at night. Only in the candlelit room could you hear two people talking.
"Don't climb over the wall, it's scary, just walk in through the main door."
"Got it."
"Chen Yu asked me to persuade Master Zeng Qin, but I don't want to care."
"Don't bother."
"I still want to eat the vegetables you got from somewhere last time."
"Okay, I'll find it for you."
"Cui'e, I've been thinking about finding her a good family, but I'm a little reluctant."
"If you don't want her, she'll cry and faint."
"Xiao Zao is very good, a good child."
"Well, open your legs a little."
"Well... accompany me the day after tomorrow, accompany me to see that shop, ah..."
"Okay, lift your butt, dear, are you comfortable?"
"Why, why is it so...hard today." The last word, the voice was as low as it could be.
"Because it knows you like it to be so hard, relax a little."
"Ah..."
Cui'e, who was sleeping at the other end, had a good dream.
In the dream, she had an extremely gorgeous house, the kind that would never collapse easily no matter how you looked at it.