Fortune Across the World

Chapter 144: Gazing at the Moon, Longing for Each Other (Part 1)

Le Zhuyi's charm was innate. She didn't need to exert effort; a smile or a playful glare was immediately captivating. Yet, despite her allure, she was undoubtedly a rose with thorns, one that Ding Qiyu dared not admire too closely. Under her playful yet threatening gaze, Ding Qiyu quickly settled at the table, obediently setting to work on the Flaming Whip prototype.

Le Zhuyi was pleased to see Ding Qiyu diligently working on the whip, thinking to herself that her presence alone was enough to keep the little carpenter in line. How had her sisters been so easily charmed? Perhaps a stern demeanor was all that was needed. Shifting her gaze, she leaned back against the window frame, looking out at the vibrant mountains, lost in thought.

The atmosphere was distinctly different from previous days. Even when Sister Han quietly supervised, she always stayed outside. Today, a beautiful woman was inside, watching intently, acting as the most exquisite "security camera," making Ding Qiyu uneasy.

Unable to bear the tense silence, Ding Qiyu asked, "Yi Girl, what's your full name?"

Pulled from her thoughts, Le Zhuyi glanced at Ding Qiyu, noting she hadn't slackened in her task. "Le Zhuyi," she replied.

Ding Qiyu paused, recalling her master's murmured phrase, "Long bamboo stirs the clear ripples," confirming that Yi Girl was likely the master's child. From what Xiao Chun and the others said, Yi Girl was the biological daughter of the Palace Master, suggesting that her master had left behind a family in Qianli Palace when he went to Canghuan Academy... Pondering this, Ding Qiyu nodded, continuing to assemble the whip's mechanisms. "A beautiful name. I'm Ding Qiyu."

"So the feather in Mechanism Pavilion's logo represents your name?" Le Zhuyi asked instinctively, realizing she was letting her guard down. Hadn't the little carpenter charmed her sisters by striking up conversation? Determined not to be swayed, she resolved to stay silent, focusing on her task.

"Yes, it stands for Flying Feather Mechanics, a signature of my work!" Ding Qiyu replied with a smile, focused on her work. After her response, Le Zhuyi merely offered a courteous "Mm," and the room fell silent again. Ding Qiyu glanced at Le Zhuyi, sitting by the window, her radiant face bathed in the morning sun, resembling a fiery autumn leaf, a captivating spirit. Momentarily entranced, Ding Qiyu was caught off guard when Le Zhuyi turned to meet her gaze. Startled, she quickly looked down, resuming her work, accidentally shaving off more than intended. She had to carefully fix the mistake before completing the mechanism.

Amused by Ding Qiyu's fluster, Le Zhuyi smiled softly, closing her eyes to rest.

Reluctant to break the silence again, Ding Qiyu concentrated on her task. By day's end, she had efficiently completed the first Flaming Whip prototype, naming it "Xuanyuan Flaming Whip." Legend held that the fierce beast Taotie was a descendant of the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, so it was fitting for the improved whip to have a name even more impressive.

In the evening, Le Zhuyi came over to inspect Ding Qiyu's day's work, satisfied with what she saw. She thought to herself that managing the little carpenter required her personal touch. Softening her tone, she said, "Thank you for your hard work," before leaving the room, nearly reaching out to pat Ding Qiyu's head in approval.

That night, Ding Qiyu lay early on the bamboo bed, watching the moonlight spill through the open window, unable to sleep. She wondered if her letters had reached them, if they were still worried about her... Lost in thought, she heard a low, gentle flute melody drift from the mountains. The tune wasn't structured, more like a breeze through the bamboo, free and easy.