Flowers in full bloom

"Look, how beautiful this lotus is. Looking from this distance, the lotus leaves seem to be connected to the horizon." Zhenzhu pulled the flower bud, pointed at the scenery in front of her, and sighed.

"Yes, the lotus leaves reaching the sky are endless and green, and the lotus flowers reflecting the sun are so red!" Hualei blurted out involuntarily.

Little did he know that a single word he said casually would lead to many things that happened later.

"Wow, Sister Hua, you are so eloquent!" Pearl exclaimed.

"I didn't say that. I read it in a book." Hua Lei smiled embarrassedly. She didn't dare to plagiarize. What if there was someone here who knew this Tang poem?

"You also have a photographic memory." Zhenzhu continued to flatter her, looking at Hualei with admiration. "Sister Hua, which book did you read this from? How come I have no impression of it at all?" Rong Jin came over and asked curiously.

"Uh, I forgot." Hua Lei evaded the question, thinking: Should I tell you that I'm a time traveler? "Oh..." Rong Jin looked at Hua Lei, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still nodded. He felt that Sister Hua seemed to be hiding something from him and was keeping something from him.

"Oh, got it, got it, we caught it." Cheers came from the cabin.

We guys couldn't catch any fish, so from now on, we listened to the boatman's advice, abandoned our fishing rods, and used the fishing net on the cruise ship to put it on the side of the boat's bow to catch fish. Just over a quarter of an hour later, we heard the crackling sound of fish jumping in the net bag.

Pearl and Jade also gathered around curiously.

"Here." Rong Jin handed a plate of seeded watermelon to Hua Lei. The watermelon had been carefully seeded and cut into small pieces. A few silver forks were inserted into the watermelon pieces to make it easier for Hua Lei to take them.

With a sigh in her heart, Hualei took a small piece of watermelon, moved a few steps to the side as if unintentionally, put the watermelon into her mouth, and chewed it slowly. Rong Jin handed the plate over again without making a sound. It was still this not-too-far distance.

"Why is Sister Hua..." "I'm so envious of Zhenzhu." They both said in unison. Then they stopped at the same time.

Rong Jin looked at Hualei and asked, "What does Sister Hua envy Zhenzhu for?"

"I envy Zhenzhu... she has... a family that dotes on her, and a brother that dotes on her. I'm really envious every time Zhenzhu calls you big brother. Mr. Pei, can I also call you big brother like Zhenzhu in the future? Can you also treat me as your own sister?" Hua Lei asked with a smile.

"No, no matter whether she is my biological sister or my cousin, she will leave the Marquis' Mansion and marry someone else in the future. But you... I don't want you to leave the Marquis' Mansion and marry someone else." Rong Jin stared at Hua Lei and said slowly.

"Boom..." Hua Lei felt her face getting hot, she was speechless, her heart was pounding, and she didn't know how to respond.

Rong Jin raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "It doesn't matter. If you don't want to open your heart, I will show you my heart."

I allow you to remain silent and avoid me because you have no choice, but I do not allow you to remain silent and avoid me until you escape.

"Mr. Pei, you're joking. I will decide my own marriage." Hua Lei said with a dry laugh.

The boat passed through a narrow river. Rong Jin was quick-eyed and quick-handed. He leaned over gently and picked a beautiful lotus flower in his hand. "Here," he handed it to Hua Lei.

Seeing that Hualei didn't take it, he didn't rush, just held it in front of Hualei. Hualei retreated slightly, and Rong Jin moved forward slightly.

"You, how can you pick flowers casually?" Hualei was a little shy, afraid that Rong Jin would keep holding it, and the pearls and jadeite in the cabin would see it and cause misunderstanding. But then, she felt something was wrong and was in a dilemma.

Rong Jin smiled gently, took Hualei's hand and gently placed the lotus into Hualei's hand.

"I didn't pick the flowers randomly. Look, there are thousands of lotus flowers in this pond, and I only picked one, to please it and cherish it." Rong Jin's voice was low, slightly magnetic, and meaningful.

For no reason, Hualei was reminded of the classic poem, "Three thousand rivers of water, but I only take a sip."

The flower bud gently turns the lotus in his hand, silent.

"Here," Rong Jin handed over another freshly picked lotus leaf. Hua Lei glared at him, "You have a bad habit. Why are you picking leaves randomly again?"

"Don't they say red flowers go well with green leaves? Look, this is so beautiful." Rong Jin raised the corners of his mouth and explained.

Hua Lei couldn't help but turn away her eyes, her cheeks slightly red.

"It's really beautiful." Rong Jin beside him added in a clear voice, "She is more beautiful than the flowers."

"You're so smooth-talking." Hua Lei glared at Rong Jin.

"No way. I thought the lunch dishes were very light, and I rinsed my mouth after lunch. How could I be so greasy?" Rong Jin looked at Hua Lei innocently and defended himself seriously.

"You." Hualei was dumbfounded.

Rong Jin stood by and smiled, his eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

Every time I see Hua Meimei frowning slightly and opening her almond eyes wide, she looks so adorable that I want to reach out and pinch Hua Lei’s face.

The boat slowly circled along the river, and it was almost time. We had a great time and returned to Yingfeng Courtyard, chatting and laughing.

That day, everyone in the Marquis' Mansion returned to the mansion before dark. Later, it was heard that Han Qingge cried bitterly in front of Madam Han.

That night, Hua Lei was alone in bed in Qihuayuan, unable to sleep all night, with her heart in turmoil.

She thought of what happened during the day, and a complex emotion surged in her heart. She thought about her current situation and how to deal with possible problems. Before moving out of the Marquis' Mansion, she also hoped to find a balance that would protect herself and maintain a good relationship with the Marquis' Mansion, but not including her relationship with Rong Jin.

After a sleepless night, Hualei decided to face it calmly. Although the future is full of uncertainty, she believes that as long as she sticks to her sincere ideas, she will be able to solve the problem.

After admiring the lotus, Hualei returned to her life as a stay-at-home girl, staying in the Qihua Courtyard and not coming out.

A few days later, Pei Manou, the married daughter of the Marquis's mansion, returned to her parents' home. After returning to the Marquis's mansion and meeting Madam Pei and Madam Han, she went directly to Qihuayuan with Zhenzhu, saying that she wanted to find Hualei for something.

Hualei hurriedly invited Manju and Zhenzhu into Qihuayuan. After serving tea, the cheerful Manju explained the purpose of their visit.

"Sister Hua, I'm here today. Actually, I have something to ask of you."

"What's the matter? Just tell me, sister." Hualei said to Agate.

"I heard that the skirt that Pearl made last time was the pattern you gave to the embroiderer. I wonder if Sister Hua is willing to sell this pattern to me?" Agate said while teasing her son in her arms.

"Sister Hua, you don't know! Ever since Pearl wore the dress you made for her, many young ladies from wealthy families have come to my shop and specifically requested to order that style.

But I can’t just sell it, after all, this is the pattern you came up with! So I wanted to ask Sister Hua what she thinks, if it’s possible, I’m willing to pay for this pattern.”