第七十七章 颊有遗芳半宵增酒渴 言无余隐三字失佳期 (Chapter Seventy-Seven: A Lingering Fragrance on the Cheek, Midnight Thirst for Wine; Words Without Reserve, Three Words Miss a Fine Chance)

Now, Yang Xingyuan had been feeling rather downcast since parting with Li Yun that day at Pine and Bamboo House. On this particular day, while attending to official duties at the newspaper office, he suddenly received a letter. Upon opening it, he found it was from Li Yun. It read: "To Mr. Xingyuan: Since we parted the other day, I have missed you dearly. A fragrance lingers on my cheek, intensifying my thirst for wine at midnight. My words conceal nothing, yet three words have caused me to miss a fine opportunity. If you have time tonight, please come to my humble abode for a chat. I shall brew tea in anticipation."

Upon reading the letter, Yang Xingyuan felt his heart stir. He wished to go immediately. But upon second thought, he considered that although he and Li Yun were fond of each other, their acquaintance was but a chance encounter. It should not be taken too seriously. Moreover, with his official duties so busy recently, it was inconvenient to be away for long. After hesitating for a while, he ultimately could not put it out of his mind. He then ordered his attendant to prepare a carriage and set off for Pine and Bamboo House.

Upon arriving at Pine and Bamboo House, Li Yun was already waiting in her room. Seeing Yang Xingyuan enter, she stepped forward to greet him. She said with a smile, "Master Yang, why have you come so late today? You have kept me waiting." Yang Xingyuan replied, "There were some delays on the road. Please forgive me." Li Yun then led him to sit down. She personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to him, saying, "This is newly brewed Longjing tea. Please taste it, Master Yang."

Yang Xingyuan took the tea and sipped it. He found its delicate fragrance pleasing, feeling comforted in his heart. He then asked Li Yun, "What did you mean by 'three words miss a fine opportunity' in your letter?" Li Yun lowered her head and smiled softly. She whispered, "Those three words are 'I love you.'" Upon hearing this, Yang Xingyuan was startled. He did not know how to respond.

Li Yun saw his silence and continued, "Master Yang, you need not be troubled. I know my humble status and dare not entertain improper thoughts. But after our conversation that day, I felt you were a sincere gentleman. That is why I revealed my heart. If you find it presumptuous, please pretend I never said it."

Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "How could I not know your feelings? But I am adrift in life, with an uncertain future. I fear I might let you down." Li Yun replied, "I ask for nothing. I only wish for you to visit often, to share a few heartfelt words. That would be enough for me."

As they were speaking, they suddenly heard a commotion outside. It turned out to be several guests barging in, looking for Li Yun. Li Yun had no choice but to rise and attend to them. Yang Xingyuan sat alone in the room, his heart filled with endless reflections.

Before long, Li Yun returned, her face slightly weary. Yang Xingyuan said, "Since you have guests, I should not linger. I will come another day." Li Yun took hold of his hand and said, "Master Yang, why must you leave in such a hurry? I have already sent those guests away. Tonight, I only wish to speak quietly with you."

Yang Xingyuan saw her earnest affection and sat down again. Li Yun ordered some wine and dishes to be prepared. The two drank together. After three rounds of wine, Li Yun's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, making her all the more enchanting. Yang Xingyuan gazed at her, unconsciously captivated.

Li Yun whispered softly, "Master Yang, do you know that since you left that day, I have often recalled it? I feel the lingering fragrance on my cheek, tossing and turning at midnight, thirsting for wine unbearably. Seeing you today has finally eased the pain of longing."

Yang Xingyuan grasped her hand and said, "Your affection is engraved in my heart. But with the world in turmoil now, I am not my own master. When things settle down in the future, we can plan for a lasting arrangement."

Li Yun nodded and said, "I am willing to wait for you, no matter how long." They drank a few more cups until late into the night. Yang Xingyuan, fearing gossip in the quarters, rose to take his leave. Li Yun saw him to the door, reluctant to part.

Yang Xingyuan returned to Guild Hall and lay on his bed. Recalling the events of the night, his heart was filled with both joy and sorrow. Uncertain of the future, he could only set it aside for now.