Let's talk about Qingliu. Staggering and shivering, she finally managed to return to her room. As soon as she closed the door, several of her sisters rushed up to her, their eyes filled with envy.
"Sister Qingliu, you're really resourceful!"
"On our way back just now, I noticed that after this incident, these stubborn country bumpkins have finally softened their attitude towards us. From now on, it will be much more convenient for us to stay in the village and gather information for our master."
Qingliu took off her already soaked cloak and carefully wiped the water droplets dripping from her hair. There was also a hint of confidence in her eyes.
"Sister Qingliu, what should we do with this cloak?"
Qingliu raised her eyebrows and gently stroked the soft fur on the cloak. "Yes, such an opportunity must not be easily missed," she said calmly.
She lit a charcoal fire, carefully held up the cloak to dry it, and then took out a piece of storax she often used. She deliberately smoked the collar and cuffs of the cloak. The faint fragrance was so alluring that it could easily stir one's heart.
With this kind of smoking method, as long as Lu Xunguang put on the cloak, even if he just lowered his head or raised his hand, he could smell the faint fragrance, which could easily arouse his interest.
At the same time, it wouldn't seem too deliberate, lest he notice that she was deliberately trying to seduce him.
Qingliu folded the clothes, deliberately smeared some charcoal ash on her hands, and then carefully applied it on her face in front of the mirror. Although she looked a bit disheveled, she just seemed like a clumsy but charming beauty, arousing pity rather than annoyance.
When everything was ready, Qingliu walked out unhurriedly. She guessed that Lu Xunguang must have finished his meal, so she slowly carried the cloak and went straight out to find him.
After this commotion, many villagers really regarded her as a loyal person and put away some of their usual prejudices.
Therefore, Qingliu didn't take much time before she stood in front of Lu Xunguang shyly.
"Lord Lu..."
She hesitated to speak, her eyes red, and softly began.
When Lu Xunguang turned to look at her, Qingliu looked even more like a frightened rabbit, becoming even more cautious and respectful.
"Lord Lu... Qingliu doesn't mean to disturb you. It's just... your clothes..."
She took two cautious steps forward, holding the cloak with both hands, and gently presented it in front of him.
Lu Xunguang raised his eyebrows but didn't reach out to take it.
"Since I've given it to you, just keep it."
Not wanting to waste any more words, he left this sentence and turned to leave.
But Qingliu's eyes suddenly turned red. She raised her head and stubbornly looked at him.
"Lord Lu, Qingliu has no intention of being disrespectful. I'm just grateful for your kindness in saving my life today and for your guidance... Qingliu is not an ungrateful person. This cloak is very precious. How could I, a humble person, take it for myself?"
"Qingliu has dried this cloak until it's warm and fluffy. If Lord Lu doesn't want to take it back, is it because... you dislike Qingliu... because of my impure body... and feel disgusted with me?"
As she spoke, big tears welled up in her eyes. Against the dust on her face, she looked even more charming. There were still faint red marks on her fair hands, obviously from accidentally getting burned while drying the cloak.
"Lord Lu..."
Qingliu stared at him firmly, as if she wouldn't leave until Lu Xunguang took the cloak.
Lu Xunguang didn't want to entangle with her. Coincidentally, several strolling guests passed by. Seeing their tug - of - war, they gently advised, "Sir, I think this girl means well. Why do you have to hurt her feelings again and again? It's just a piece of clothing. Just take it."
Lu Xunguang raised his eyebrows, and a faint annoyance welled up in his heart.
But Qingliu knew when to back off. She quickly took a step back, and a look of embarrassment appeared on her face.
"Lord Lu, Qingliu doesn't mean to make things difficult for you. It was really my rudeness today. I'll leave now and won't bother you..."
With tears in her eyes, she turned and ran away, leaving behind a group of onlookers who sighed and secretly criticized Lu Xunguang for being insensitive.
It wasn't long before this incident spread back to the fishing village. A Man was, of course, furious again and couldn't help cursing Qingliu for her shamelessness.
Li Ying calmly sipped a cup of tea, but in her heart, she was already thinking.
Qingliu was using the strategy of retreating to advance. She didn't just blindly pursue Lu Xunguang, which showed that she was quite smart. She must have a follow - up plan.
The enemy doesn't move; I don't move.
She patiently waited until three days later, when it was the temple fair in the town.
A Man was invited. After the dragon and lion dance teams had dispersed, she would perform on stage and dance a few lively and festive dances.
As for the dancers, Li Ying naturally didn't dare to rely on people like Qingliu. A Man personally selected some girls from the local music workshops in the town. They were all honest and well - behaved girls from good families.
Lu Xunguang and Li Ying were invited to stand in the front row of the stage. Standing hand in hand, they were a perfect match, making the onlookers envious.
Just as the excitement was at its peak, unexpectedly, a delicate and slender figure squeezed out of the crowd and rushed straight towards Lu Xunguang.
"Ouch!"
The green - dressed figure was jostled by the crowd and staggered. She almost fell into Lu Xunguang's arms.
Li Ying immediately recognized that this uninvited guest was clearly Qingliu.
Lu Xunguang also recognized her. Before Qingliu could fall into his arms, he frowned and nimbly dodged without hesitation. He showed no sign of being chivalrous and let her fall towards the hard bluestone road!
A hint of subtle embarrassment flashed in Qingliu's eyes. With great difficulty, she managed to steady herself, then lowered her head awkwardly and bowed to them.
"Lord Lu, Boss Li, Qingliu didn't mean to offend. Please don't blame me."
Before they could say anything, she took out a black cloak from her bag and, without hesitation, knelt on the ground in full view of everyone.
"Lord Lu! Qingliu has been looking for you everywhere. I'm so glad I finally found you!"
She lowered her eyes, but held the cloak high above her head with both hands. Word by word, she solemnly and loudly said,
"Lord Lu! That day, if it weren't for your kind rescue when I tried to commit suicide by jumping into the sea, I might not be alive now! I really don't know how to repay you. That day, I dirtied your cloak, and you disliked me for being as insignificant as grass. You refused to take it back..."
"Qingliu doesn't want to be in your way. But... please, at least accept this newly made cloak. My sisters and I worked on it for three days, and we chose the fabric you usually like."
Seeing that Lu Xunguang had no intention of taking it, the sorrow in Qingliu's eyes deepened. "Lord Lu, do you still think Qingliu is too humble, and accepting my gift would be an insult to you?"
Before Qingliu finished speaking, the onlookers around them all started whispering to each other.
Li Ying sneered inwardly.
This Qingliu really had a sharp tongue!