Beauties in Simulation Cross over into Reality

Chapter 178: Chapter 160: And Yet, He Had Never Met Her

Xiao Mo and his entourage arrived at Bichun Lake.

As the largest lake in the Zhou Imperial City, it was already the number one destination for the city’s residents to visit and enjoy.

Not to mention, the flowers known as “Qiu’er Dao” were in bloom, attracting even larger crowds.

By the lakeside, willow trees swayed gently in the wind, their tender green branches like the meticulously braided hair of a young girl.

White-haired old men fished leisurely by the shores of Bichun Lake, laughing and chatting cheerfully with their fellow anglers.

Young women with their hair pinned up strolled leisurely by the lake, holding their children’s small hands.

There were also quite a few scholars and poets, seated in pavilions, warming wine and brewing tea as they discussed literature and composed poetry.

The flower called “Qiu’er Dao” resembled a chrysanthemum with a hint of a rose’s charm, but its stem wasn’t long and slender. Instead, it grew close to the ground, its shape like a small, delicate lantern.

Cluster after cluster of Qiu’er Dao dotted the green grass.

It was a truly beautiful sight.

As a summer breeze blew past, Xiao Mo felt himself involuntarily relax.

“Your Maj… Young Master… this old servant could find a place for you to sit. Enjoying the scenery with some wine would be a pleasant affair,” Wei Xun said respectfully.

Xiao Mo waved his hand. “No need. I’d rather just take a walk.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

’Since His Majesty has spoken, I can only follow behind him.’

The two guards from the Foundation Establishment Realm watched their surroundings vigilantly, while also keeping Xiao Mo under surveillance.

Xiao Mo knew very well that these two guards were Yan Shanao’s men.

’After I return, my every move will be reported to Yan Shanao.’

Xiao Mo walked along the lake’s edge with his hands clasped behind his back.

Because of Xiao Mo’s extraordinary bearing and handsome features, many people, especially women, would steal a few extra glances at him, wondering which family this fine young man belonged to.

As he walked, Xiao Mo looked up and saw a kite gradually rising into the sky.

But before it could get very high, the string snapped, and the kite dove into a parasol tree by the lake.

Xiao Mo lowered his gaze to look at the two women who had been flying the kite.

They walked over to the base of the tree and stared blankly up at the hundred-year-old parasol tree, which was a good four zhang tall.

The woman dressed as a maid looked very anxious, but the young lady beside her was quite calm, even comforting her. Reading her lips, it seemed she was saying, “It’s alright.”

’It’s them.’

Xiao Mo recognized them at once.

’It’s mainly because that woman is just too beautiful. Even back on Blue Sea Star, in an age of beauty filters and photo editing, she would still outshine everyone.’

Xiao Mo glanced at the guard beside him. “Go get that kite.”

“Yes, Young Master.” One of the guards leaped into the air, retrieved the kite in a few bounds, then flew back and presented it to his emperor.

The two women followed the guard’s path with their eyes and saw a dashing, elegant young man holding the kite and walking toward them.

Yan Ruxue looked at him, her eyes faltering for a moment. Her peach-blossom eyes blinked softly, her expression remaining very calm.

Xiao Chun, on the other hand, cried out in surprise, even pointing a finger at Xiao Mo. “I know you! You’re that Daoi—”

Halfway through her sentence, Xiao Chun suddenly remembered what her lady had told her that day.

’This Daoist is actually the current Holy Emperor…’

In an instant, Xiao Chun clamped her mouth shut, lowered her arm, and looked at her lady in a panic, her eyes seeming to say, ’Miss, what should I do? I’ve been rude again…’

“It’s alright,” Yan Ruxue said softly to Xiao Chun. “Just treat him as an ordinary young master.”

“But…”

Xiao Chun’s heart was in a flutter.

’Is that really okay?’

“Ladies, we meet again.” Xiao Mo walked over to them and bowed with his hands clasped. “Your kite seems to have a habit of breaking its string.”

“Greetings, Young Master.” Yan Ruxue curtsied gracefully. “It doesn’t break often. It’s just that when it does, we’ve been lucky enough to run into you.”

Xiao Mo smiled and held out the kite. “Here.”

“Thank you, Young Master.” Yan Ruxue took the kite and handed it to Xiao Chun.

“You have retrieved the kite for me twice now, Young Master. Allow me to offer you a cup of tea in return,” Yan Ruxue said with a small smile.

Xiao Mo nodded. “Alright. In that case, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“This way, please, Young Master.”

“After you.”

Xiao Mo followed her to a spot beneath a willow tree.

A cloth was spread on the grass, with a small tea stove set upon it.

Xiao Mo and Yan Ruxue knelt on cushions, facing each other.

Xiao Chun, Wei Xun, and the others stood behind their respective masters.

Yan Ruxue lit the tea stove, poured spring water from a gourd, and steeped and poured the tea. Her series of movements was elegant and practiced, a truly pleasing sight to behold.

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but be reminded of two lines of poetry: “A fair hand adding tea is like a painting,” and “Fine tea has always been like a fine lady.”

’Watching her today, it certainly seems to be true.’

“Please, Young Master.” Supporting the cup’s saucer with one hand, Yan Ruxue offered it to Xiao Mo with the other.

“Thank you.” Xiao Mo accepted the cup and took a sip.

“What do you think, Young Master?”

“Excellent tea.” Xiao Mo nodded. “The tea is good, but your skill in preparing it is even better.”

“You praise me too much, Young Master.” Yan Ruxue gave a gentle smile, drew back her sleeve, and raised the teapot to refill Xiao Mo’s cup.

Xiao Mo’s gaze fell on a few books nearby. “Do you enjoy reading, miss?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m exceptionally fond of it,” Yan Ruxue replied, her voice like a spring breeze. “It’s just that someone once told me that only through knowledge can one become reasonable, and that a woman must read often to become a true lady.”

“Is that so.” Xiao Mo nodded in approval. “In that case, I believe you have already succeeded.”

“I’m still far from it.” Yan Ruxue covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled softly.

Xiao Mo shook his head. “If you are not considered knowledgeable and well-mannered, then I doubt there are many in this world who are.”

“Since you put it that way, Young Master, I will accept your compliment.” Yan Ruxue bent over to pour more tea, the hem of her dress outlining her graceful and elegant figure.

“So, what sort of books do you usually read?” Xiao Mo asked after taking a sip of tea.

“I read a bit of everything, really. But if I had to say what I read most, it would be works of poetry,” Yan Ruxue said, straightening up, as poised and graceful as the willow tree beside her.

“Poetry, you say. And what poems do you like?” Xiao Mo asked again.

Xiao Mo felt he was being a bit too talkative.

But he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and closeness to her.

He couldn’t say why.

’Even though I’ve never met her before.’

“Hmm…” Yan Ruxue thought for a moment. “If I had to choose, there are four lines in particular.”

“Oh? And which four lines might those be?” Xiao Mo’s interest was piqued.

Yan Ruxue said softly, “Two of the lines are from the ’Guan Ju’: ’A fair and graceful lady, a Gentleman’s good match.’”

“And the other two?”

“As for the other two…”

The young woman gazed at Xiao Mo, pausing for a moment.

Her enchanting peach-blossom eyes were like the mirror-still lake, rippling softly.

“The other two lines are…”

“To hold your hand, and with you, grow old.”