Fortune Across the World

Chapter 122: Strolling the Fragrant Sea Together (Part 1)

The dancing golden dragon was lifelike, vibrant in color. Its dragon head, reminiscent of a majestic lion, had a fierce expression with gaping jaws, flaring whiskers, long mane, and eyes as bright as torches. Its sinuous body was as strong as iron, with a belly as soft as a silkworm and a tail elegantly poised like a fish or a nimble serpent.

The more Fu Ruqing watched, the more fascinated she became. Recalling the descriptions from her books, she mentally counted and found the numbers matched. She looked up to Ding Qiyu behind her, excitement in her voice, "Twenty-four segments in the dragon's body, lion head, fish tail, serpent belly, and eagle claws—this is the unique Ruyi Wanxiang Dragon of the western regions!" Her tone carried a hint of pride as if awaiting Ding Qiyu's praise.

"Hmm?" Ding Qiyu looked down into Fu Ruqing's sparkling eyes, always touched by the moments when Fu Ruqing's youthful innocence peeked through. Obliging her little girl, she praised with a smile, "Haha, so it's called the Ruyi Wanxiang Dragon. My Qing'er knows so much!" This praise was genuine; Qing'er had identified the specific type of dragon just by looking. Despite having seen many dragon dance performances, Ding Qiyu had always thought they looked the same. From her knowledge of the "Compendium of Mountains and Seas," it was clear that the little girl was well-read in natural history.

Receiving the praise she desired, Fu Ruqing felt a surge of happiness and sweetness, turning back to watch the thrilling performance without blinking. Ding Qiyu rested her chin on Fu Ruqing's shoulder, inhaling her subtle fragrance, and whispered in her ear, "What does the Ruyi... Wanxiang symbolize?"

"Mm. The twenty-four segments represent the twenty-four solar terms; the myriad forms of the dragon symbolize all benevolent life forms in the world. Together, the Ruyi Wanxiang Dragon is a prayer for favorable weather and prosperity throughout the year." Enthusiastically, Fu Ruqing explained, "The routine they're performing is called 'Strolling the Fragrant Sea,' usually only performed at flower festivals."

"Ah, I see," Ding Qiyu said, glancing around before kissing her cheek, "Being with Qing'er is like reading ten years' worth of books."

Why was she being so forward in front of so many people? Fu Ruqing, initially engrossed in the performance, was flustered by Ding Qiyu's actions, her pale face turning crimson. She frowned, intending to scold her, but Ding Qiyu, sly as ever, tightened her embrace, pressed her face against Fu Ruqing's, preventing her from turning, and quickly changed the subject, feigning excitement, "Wow, look at the dragon! Amazing!"

The crowd around them clapped and cheered, redirecting Fu Ruqing's attention back to the mesmerizing display, momentarily forgetting Ding Qiyu's boldness. The drumbeats accelerated as the Ruyi Wanxiang Dragon chased the golden orb embroidered with a hundred flowers, its movements lively and unpredictable. The twenty-four performers worked in perfect harmony, the dragon's body twisting and turning with the rhythm, exuding an aura of power and grandeur.

As the splendid performance concluded, the audience was left wanting more. Even Ding Qiyu, accustomed to countless shows, found it exceptional. Naturally, the little girl in her arms enjoyed it immensely. As the crowd dispersed, Ding Qiyu led Fu Ruqing out, finding Yinsuo waiting nearby. Poor Yinsuo had been unable to squeeze in, forced to wait idly amid cheers and applause.

Fu Ruqing, realizing Yinsuo hadn't been able to watch, felt a bit guilty, "Yinsuo, you don't have to follow me."

Ding Qiyu, also feeling sheepish, having focused solely on the little girl, added, "Sister Yinsuo, go have fun yourself or rest if you like. I'll take care of Qing'er."