Resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at the refreshed and radiant Lou Xiyan before her, Zhuo Qing was puzzled: "Let Jing Sa decide these matters. The celebration is approaching, aren't you very busy?"
The tea on the table had long been carefully brewed. Lou Xiyan picked up a porcelain cup, poured her a cup, and handed it over. Then, lowering his head, he poured one for himself, casually remarking, "I'm not that busy after all. Last time you said you wanted to choose the style of the dress yourself. I suppose you wished to personally select everything for your wedding. It seems I hadn't considered it thoroughly enough before."
"Xiyan…" The warmth of the cup transmitted gently from her palm straight to her heart.
"By the way, among your relatives in Haoyue, are there any you are particularly close to? I will send for them to attend the wedding."
Lou Xiyan's sudden offer plunged Zhuo Qing from gratitude into distress. She replied hesitantly, "I... honestly don't recall many familiar relatives. Since my parents are no longer alive, I think there's no need to invite anyone."
How could she possibly know if the Qing family had other relatives? Lou Xiyan gently set down his cup, looked at Zhuo Qing earnestly, and said, "I want your family to witness you becoming my lawful wife, Lou Xiyan's bride."
Zhuo Qing's hand trembled slightly. Was he trying to help her shed the stigma of being a mere 'gift,' to grant her a dignified wedding and allow her to hold her head high before 'family'? She was not Qing Ling, so naturally she didn't care about such matters, yet he thought of Qing Ling on her behalf. She nodded, finally ceasing to refuse and smiled, "Alright, I'll ask Qing Feng."
Among the three Qing sisters, only Qing Feng knew the Qing family's particulars—and she and Gu Yun were on equal footing…
"Mr. Lou, the dishes are ready. Shall we serve?"
From outside came a man's slightly raised voice. Lou Xiyan glanced at Zhuo Qing, who nodded. He then whispered, "Bring them in."
The door opened again. Zhuo Qing saw a steady stream of people. Soon, the large round table was piled high with dishes and seven or eight pots of wine.
The man approached the table and warmly introduced, "Mr. Lou, these are the finest dishes from Lengyue Pavilion. The jars of wine are all aged vintages. Please, you and Madam enjoy at your leisure."
Lou Xiyan replied with refined courtesy, "Very well, you may withdraw now."
"Yes, sir." The man quickly stepped back.
The round table, which could seat twenty, was now overflowing with food. Zhuo Qing couldn't help but chuckle, "Is this really necessary? With so many dishes, tasting just a bite of each will surely fill me up!" No wonder they didn't serve the dishes one by one; at that rate, the meal would last until nightfall!
Lou Xiyan cast a glance at the feast and a faint helpless smile flickered across his face. This situation was apparently beyond his expectations as well. He picked up several bamboo skewers from the table and handed them to Zhuo Qing, smiling, "Then just pick whatever looks appealing to you and try it. If you like it, simply place a skewer beside it."
"Alright," she replied, resigned.
Zhuo Qing circled the table, overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of dishes, some of which she couldn't even identify. She resolved to eat casually, following convenience.
As she chewed, Lou Xiyan poured a small cup of wine, lifted it to her lips, but Zhuo Qing shook her head, "I'll pass on the wine. I don't usually drink much. You choose for yourself."
She was naturally not fond of alcohol, and since becoming a forensic doctor, she abstained entirely. Even if asked to savor it, she could discern nothing but bitterness. Better to forgo it.
"Very well." Lou Xiyan did not insist, sipping the wine himself while staying by her side.
Seated at the outer edge of the table, Zhuo Qing hadn't yet placed a single skewer but eyed the sumptuous dishes warily. Frowning, Lou Xiyan gently draped his arm over her shoulder and inquired, "What's wrong? Not to your taste? Shall we try another place?"
Shaking her head, Zhuo Qing replied reluctantly, "No, I've sampled over thirty dishes, all quite good. It's just too difficult to choose."
She was nearly full and hadn't settled on a single dish. She couldn't possibly take everything. Seeking help, she smiled imploringly at Lou Xiyan, "Why don't you choose then?"
Lou Xiyan set down his glass, returning her chopsticks and skewers with a smile. Zhuo Qing felt relieved. He picked up a piece of meat and brought it to her lips. Though puzzled, she accepted and bit into it. After chewing a few times, Lou Xiyan asked, "How is it?"
She nodded, "Delicious."
Another slice of lotus root was offered. Furrowing her brow, yet touched by his gentle feeding, she swallowed it whole.
"This one?"
Crisp and refreshing, Zhuo Qing nodded eagerly, "Mmm!"
"And this?"
A fragrant, tender chicken wing promptly followed.
"Good."
"This?"
The chrysanthemum fish roll was tender and flavorful.
"Also good."
"And this?"
The osmanthus cake was sweet and smooth.
"Not bad."
When a spoonful of lotus seed soup approached her lips, she was utterly full. Turning away, she plaintively asked, "Weren't you supposed to choose? Why am I still eating?"
Spreading her hands, she noticed over half the skewers were already used. Lou Xiyan looked innocent, "I'm selecting."
Looking over the table, indeed, a dozen or so dishes bore skewers — apparently, his method was to judge by her expression after tasting! Such a trickster!
She resolutely shook her head, refusing to eat more. "I really can't eat another bite."
Choosing dishes was evidently no easy task.
"Then stop eating. These dishes you like will be the main courses. The rest I will have the manager select and send over."
Lou Xiyan no longer pressed her, setting down his chopsticks and guiding her to the bench by the window, where Zhuo Qing finally exhaled in relief.
"Someone, serve tea."
The waiter outside promptly responded, "At your service. What are your orders, Mr. Lou?"
"Bring hot tea."
The tea on the table had grown cold.
"Yes, sir."
Soon, a steaming pot of fragrant tea was delivered. Lou Xiyan poured a cup and handed it to her softly, "Have some tea and rest for a moment. We'll select the jade pieces later."
Zhuo Qing's hand trembled as she grasped the cup. Not again! Still more selecting? If they kept this up, she might have a full-blown case of choice paralysis!
Clearing her throat, she spoke earnestly, "Xiyan, you're so busy. I think you don't have to personally handle every detail of the wedding. I have no objection if Jing Sa manages some of it."
"Tired?"
Sighing, Zhuo Qing decided to be frank, "Not exactly. It's just overwhelming. Last time with the dress, I insisted on choosing it myself because I feared it'd be too ostentatious and exhausting to wear. For the rest, I'm not picky; anything simple will do."
Lou Xiyan frowned at her casual remark. She hurried to add, "I mean, I like whatever you pick!"
At that moment, a waiter's voice came from outside, "Mr. Lou, the owner of the Ning Cui Pavilion has arrived."
So he had already arranged everything. Very well, let the selection proceed. Lou Xiyan said nothing, lost in thought. Zhuo Qing took the initiative to call out, "Please come in."
"Greetings, Mr. Lou, Madam."
A tall, slender middle-aged man entered cautiously. Two young men behind him carried two large wooden boxes. They opened them on a low table near the bench, revealing pearls and exquisite jade. The lustrous sheen alone spoke of rare treasures.
Lou Xiyan waved lightly, and the middle-aged man smiled knowingly, "These are the finest treasures from Ning Cui Pavilion. Madam, please take your time choosing."
The trio withdrew. Zhuo Qing casually picked up a piece of dark green jade, turning it over in her hands before setting it down again. She never liked wearing jewelry, especially on her hands, as it hindered her forensic work.
About to pick a few pieces perfunctorily, her eyes caught a pair of white jade gourds lying in the corner of the box—one large, one small.
Holding them, she admired their translucent, polished surface. The smaller was just a bit smaller than a peanut; the larger was slightly bigger than a thumb. Their rounded, delicate, and adorable shapes won her heart.
"You like these?" Lou Xiyan watched her expression carefully. Most women adored beautiful adornments, but she had seemed indifferent until noticing these tiny pieces.
Zhuo Qing smiled warmly, "Yes, very cute."
The gourds were of above-average quality, with simple carving; their charm lay chiefly in their appearance. She liked them, which was enough.
Beside the wooden box, Lou Xiyan pulled out a slender dark green cord and tied a knot through the gourds, gently placing them around her neck. The cool jade resting against her chest felt comforting.
Zhuo Qing picked up the smaller gourd, turning it over in her palm. Lou Xiyan raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Isn't that one for me?"
She paused, amused by his forlorn expression, and teased, "I thought you despised wearing jewelry."
He opened his palm toward her, and Zhuo Qing reluctantly handed him the other gourd. She pulled out a cord and helped fasten it. Lou Xiyan swiftly tied it around his neck, sighing softly in resignation, "No choice—after all, they're a pair."
Honestly, this little gourd seemed somewhat incongruous with his refined, otherworldly aura. Zhuo Qing laughed unabashedly into his arms, and Lou Xiyan could only helplessly hold her, chuckling until nearly out of breath.
After their laughter subsided, Zhuo Qing tucked the little gourd into his lapel, thinking it best kept out of sight for his image's sake—this treasure was hers alone.
The two sat by the bed, playfully teasing each other. Zhuo Qing glanced out the window and unexpectedly caught sight of a faint, distant, and aloof white figure.
"Su Mufeng?"