She stood up and waited for Alaric.
His footsteps came calmly to Pearl's side. Her eyes fell on his painting. She had seen his work before in the study, and she was deeply impressed. She was very curious about the technique he used.
As she looked more closely, the style seemed very familiar to her, even though his style was different from hers.
Alaric stopped painting and looked at Pearl with a smile. "Wife, how do you find my painting?"
"Pretty good," Pearl replied lightly.
Alaric smiled wider. "This is the technique I learned from you. I hope I didn't disappoint you."
Hearing this, Pearl confirmed her guess but didn't know what to say. She hadn't learned his painting method yet, but he had already learned hers.
Should she praise him for being smart and learning after watching her only a few times?
She still said calmly, "Pretty good."
Alaric smiled even more happily. "To have my wife's praise makes me very glad."
"Help me find a painter. I want to learn," Pearl said.
Alaric looked surprised. "Wife, you want to hire a painter?"
"Why not?" Pearl looked at him sharply.
Alaric smiled. "If my wife wants to learn, I can teach you. I have studied many famous painting methods. Though I can't say I mastered them all, I can teach you enough."
"No need. Just help me find someone," Pearl refused.
If she wanted him to teach, she would say it directly. She knew he would agree, but she just did not want to learn from him.
"Do you not trust me?" Alaric looked hurt.
"No," Pearl said quietly.
"Then let me teach you," Alaric said again.
"No need," Pearl said softly. She regretted bringing up this topic. Knowing his personality, it would end with her learning from him, and she did not want that.
She turned to put away the painting and tools, then returned to the study to put them in place.
Alaric came in, put away the painting in his hand, wrapped his arm around her slim waist, and whispered, "Wife, are you angry?"
"No," Pearl tried to break free from his hold.
"Wife, if you're not angry, why won't you let me teach?" Alaric rested his head against her back and whispered.
"I don't want to learn anymore. Don't bring it up again." Pearl forced his hand away but he held on tighter.
"Wife, why don't you want to learn anymore?" Alaric kept asking.
"No reason, I just don't want to. Let me go. I want to go out." Pearl couldn't break his grip and sounded annoyed.
"Where do you want to go? I will go with you."
"To the bathroom," Pearl said angrily.
"All right." Alaric reluctantly let go.
Pearl hurried back to the bedroom and hid inside the bathroom.
After a while, Pearl came out and saw Alaric sitting on a stool, seemingly waiting for her.
Pearl passed by him and sat on the bed.
Alaric came over and half lay beside her. He smiled and said, "Wife, I heard the blue snowflowers and fiery blackflowers in Yunshan Temple are blooming well. Are you interested in going to see them?"
Hearing this, Pearl felt tempted. She had wanted to find a time to go out and experience the bustling city of Dongling, but had been too busy and forgot.
"Really?" Pearl looked at him.
"Of course, how could I lie to you?" Alaric smiled.
"Alright, then we will leave soon."
Pearl stood up and went to get the men's clothes she bought earlier, but Alaric stopped her. "Madam, please wear the dress you chose before."
Pearl looked at him confused and asked why.
"You look better in women's clothes," Alaric said with a smile. He took out a pink and blue embroidered long dress and showed it to her.
Looking at the dress, Pearl thought there was no need to argue about this and said, "Fine."
She put the men's clothes back, took off her clothes, and opened the dress.
Looking at the many pieces of fabric in the dress, Pearl was momentarily lost. She didn't know which piece to wear first.
"Madam, what's wrong?" Alaric asked quickly, noticing her expression.
"Nothing," Pearl said, picking up the corset.
Alaric smiled but didn't say anything. "Let me help you wear it."
His big hand took the thin shirt, lifted her arm, and helped her put it on. The thin shirt made her pale and delicate skin faintly visible. Alaric's eyes deepened.
Then calmly, he took the long skirt and helped her put it on. He tied the belt at her waist and finally helped her wear the corset.
"Madam, I will do your hair for you," Alaric said softly.
Pearl didn't mind and let him. Alaric was very skilled and quickly finished a beautiful hairstyle. He added a hairpin shaped like a lively butterfly.
He wanted to put on earrings but found she had no ear piercings. He looked at Pearl with surprise but said nothing and instead looked closely at her current look.
Unlike her usual plain style, she looked more delicate and pretty now. Though she wore no makeup, her fair and rosy face and moist pink lips looked even more attractive than if she had.
Alaric swallowed hard and felt a dry throat.
Seeing him dazed, Pearl got annoyed. They still had to go out. Why was he daydreaming?
She looked at herself in the mirror, frowned slightly, took out her small bag, and applied some things on her face.
She also rubbed some on her neck and hands where the skin showed.
The delicate and pretty look instantly became plain and ordinary. Even the nice hairstyle couldn't make it stand out.
After finishing, Pearl looked satisfied at the mirror. She stood up and said to Alaric, "Let's go."
Alaric watched her change like a magic trick and smiled at her.
Hearing her call, he smiled and said, "Alright, madam." He came forward, wrapped his arm around her slim waist, bit her earlobe lightly, and laughed softly.
Pearl felt awkward being held like that. She pushed him away and said, "Walk properly."
Alaric smiled, let go, and held her small hand instead.
They went from the backyard to the carriage and headed to Yunshan Temple.
When the carriage reached a busy street, Pearl couldn't help but peek through a gap to look outside.
She didn't know which street they were on, but it looked completely different from the day they entered the city. The houses were grand and neat. People wore fancy clothes.
The shop signs were stylish, and there was no shouting to sell goods.
After a while, more carriages appeared. People dressed plainly, and small stalls and vendors lined the street.
It was clear they had reached the city gate. People were lining up to leave the city.
Pearl pulled down the curtain. The carriage did not stop and passed the city gate, heading outside the city.
The road outside was smooth with no bumps. After about half an hour, the carriage stopped.