Fortune Across the World

Chapter 54: Whispering in the Woods, Sharing Secrets (Part 1)

Ding Qiyu waited outside with Lu Weixi's qin case on her back. Qing'er handed her a lantern with a mischievous smile, "It's getting late, take a lantern so you can see your way back. I'm not going with you, so take good care of Miss!" She winked playfully as she spoke.

Ding Qiyu gave Qing'er a grateful look, nodding firmly, "I will! Don't worry!"

"Hmm? Qing'er, you're not coming?" Lu Weixi asked as she stepped out, not wanting to delve into the teasing exchange between the two.

"Miss~ I've heard you play the qin since I was little. I don't want to disturb Young Master Ding's enjoyment. I'm sure he'll take good care of you~" Qing'er replied, tugging playfully at Lu Weixi's sleeve before darting back inside.

"Yes, Weixi, I'll take good care of you. It's fine if Qing'er doesn't come along," Ding Qiyu quickly added.

With their combined persuasion, Lu Weixi nodded in agreement. Qing'er, her plan successful, closed the gate with a grin.

Thinking she should further ally with Qing'er, her helpful accomplice, Ding Qiyu smiled warmly at Lu Weixi, "Weixi, let's go." She led the way.

Lu Weixi felt a flutter of nerves at being alone with Ding Qiyu for the first time. She tried to calm her racing heart as she followed Ding Qiyu's lead.

Navigating through several turns, Ding Qiyu led Lu Weixi to a secluded clearing in the woods, a place she discovered while out for a walk the previous afternoon. The clearing was surrounded by pine trees, with a small stream winding through it. Large, flat stones by the stream were perfect for placing the qin. The gentle breeze and the last rays of the setting sun filtering through the trees created a serene and tranquil atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by a bird's call.

"What do you think? Is it alright here?" Ding Qiyu asked with a smile.

Lu Weixi closed her eyes, basking in the evening glow, and opened them with a serene and joyful smile, nodding, "Yes, it's wonderful here."

Her smile captivated Ding Qiyu, leaving her momentarily speechless, lost in admiration for the beautiful woman before her. She had always known Weixi was beautiful, but each time it caught her off guard, leaving her spellbound.

Blushing under Ding Qiyu's intense gaze, Lu Weixi quickly lowered her head, softly calling, "Qiyu?"

Snapped back to reality, Ding Qiyu admired her flushed cheeks, suppressing the urge to kiss her. She steadied her emotions, took Lu Weixi's hand, ignoring its slight tremor from nervousness, and led her to the stones near the pine trees. After spreading the cloth she had borrowed from Qing'er, she turned to the blushing maiden for approval, "Weixi, is this spot alright?"

Distracted and flustered, Lu Weixi only glanced briefly before nodding.

Ding Qiyu carefully placed the qin on the stone, guiding Lu Weixi to sit before it. She then sat cross-legged beside her, silently waiting for her to play.

As the blush faded slightly from her cheeks, Lu Weixi glanced at Ding Qiyu, who had closed her eyes and seemed utterly relaxed, content in the moment. Frustrated by her own lack of composure, she exhaled softly, placed her hands on the qin strings, and began to play.

Having not played in days, Lu Weixi poured her heart into the music, expressing her emotions through the qin. The piece was long, and Ding Qiyu was completely immersed, feeling as though she was journeying through Weixi's open heart, experiencing her emotions and inner voice.

When the piece ended, Ding Qiyu lingered in its afterglow before opening her eyes to find the sky darkening. She turned to see Lu Weixi with her head slightly lowered, her expression obscured in the dim light. Moving closer, she asked softly, "Weixi, are you homesick?"