Chapter 450: Day 15 into the Farming Story

Chapter 450: The Fifteenth Day of Transmigrating into a Farming Story

Young Master Zhao's attention quickly returned to An Yi, as if Di Qingji were merely part of the background.

"Young Master An is heading home?" Young Master Zhao rekindled a warm smile and said to An Yi, "I wonder if Young Master An has a moment to spare? Shiqing Xuan has just received a new batch of fine brushes and ink, along with several excellent Duan inkstones of superb quality."

"The owner there is an old acquaintance of mine and specifically invited me over to appreciate them. Young Master An has a refined taste for literature and ink, and is deeply learned. If you don't mind, would you care to join me? I hear the courtyard behind Shiqing Xuan is serene and picturesque, with a few late-blooming osmanthus trees that are presently releasing their fragrance—perfect for brewing a pot of fine tea, appreciating new ink, and discussing calligraphy and painting. Wouldn't that be elegant?" He extended the invitation, his eyes expectant, his body unconsciously leaning slightly forward.

This Young Master Zhao, whose given name was Qian, was the only son of the owner of the largest tavern in the county town.

He had been sent to study from a young age and had managed to pass the tongsheng examination, the first level of the imperial exams, but afterward found the path too arduous, lost interest in pursuing a scholarly career, and instead returned home to help manage the family business.

He prided himself on refinement, enjoyed associating with literati and scholars, collected calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, and often regarded himself as a scholar-merchant.

A month prior, he had happened upon An Yi, who was browsing books in a calligraphy and painting shop in the county town, and was struck by his extraordinary presence.

Afterward, he made extensive inquiries and learned that An Yi had recently moved there, living alone as a young scholar of remarkable bearing. This only fueled his fascination, and he repeatedly staged chance encounters in an attempt to forge a connection.

An Yi had consistently maintained a distant attitude toward him, explicitly declining all unnecessary banquet invitations. Unfortunately, this Young Master Zhao seemed undeterred—or rather, he selectively overlooked the coldness and boundaries that An Yi's words and actions conveyed, interpreting them merely as a scholar's aloofness and reserve.

An Yi's expression remained calm, his gaze resting on Zhao Qian's face as he was about to decline.

Beside him, Di Qingji took in Zhao Qian's fervent, almost intrusive gaze and An Yi's coldness in full.

It dawned on him instantly—Young Master An had no desire to befriend this man.

Di Qingji suddenly let out a soft hiss, not loud, but perfectly audible in the relative quiet between the three of them.

At the same time, his brow furrowed slightly, a subtle grimace crossing his face as if in pain, and his left hand came up to rub his right shoulder area.

This sudden, subtle movement and sound successfully caught the attention of both An Yi and Zhao Qian.

An Yi stopped mid-sentence, turning to Di Qingji, his gaze falling on the arm being rubbed. "Captain Di, is something...?"

Zhao Qian also looked over, his brow furrowing slightly, seemingly annoyed at the interruption.

Di Qingji immediately lowered his hand, as if the gesture had been purely automatic.

A smile tinged with apology and slight embarrassment returned to his face. He shook his head and said casually, "It's nothing, nothing at all. Perhaps yesterday while practicing in the courtyard behind the escort agency, I moved a bit too vigorously and pulled a muscle. Just now, somehow, when I lifted my arm, it felt a little sore. A minor thing—nothing serious. No need to worry, Young Master An, Young Master Zhao."

He brushed it off, and even, to prove he was fine, deliberately raised the arm he'd just been rubbing and stretched and rotated it a few times in the air, looking perfectly fine.

After finishing his little "demonstration," Di Qingji naturally lowered his arm, then turned to Zhao Qian with a smile. "Young Master Zhao's invitation just now—appreciating fine brushes and inkstones, brewing tea, and discussing painting—is truly elegant and admirable. Young Master An's learning is exceptional and his bearing distinguished; he is sure to have a delightful conversation with a man of taste like Young Master Zhao and find a kindred spirit."

However, his tone then shifted, and he looked at An Yi with concern, his eyes carrying a knowing thoughtfulness that suggested he knew An Yi's habits well. "It's just..."

He paused, speaking more slowly. "Young Master An went out for a stroll today, walking all the way from the East Market—no short distance—and has been standing and chatting for a while now. Though autumn days are pleasant, walking for so long must be tiring, right? Young Master Zhao's gathering is sure to be wonderful and captivating, but if it ends up tiring Young Master An, that would be a shame and spoil the whole experience."

"Of course..." he immediately added, his smile open and sincere, "this is entirely up to Young Master An's own wishes. Young Master Zhao's earnest and sincere invitation is truly rare. I just mentioned it in passing—please don't let my little discomfort influence your decision, Young Master An."

To Zhao Qian's ears, these words left a distinctly bitter aftertaste.

What did he mean, "walked for so long" and "somewhat tired"?

He, Zhao Qian, was inviting someone to appreciate fine brushes and ink, brew tea, and discuss painting—that was an elegant affair. How could that be "tiring"?

Was this Captain Di implying that his invitation was inconsiderate, that he only cared about his own refinement and not Young Master An's physical state?

Moreover, this Di Qingji spoke like someone intimately familiar with Young Master An's daily habits and physical condition... Were they really that close? In all his own invitations, Young Master An had never shared such details with him!

Zhao Qian looked at Di Qingji's face, which wore a sincere smile and seemed utterly guileless, then glanced at the composed An Yi beside him. A surge of frustration and annoyance welled up inside him.

This Captain Di looked like a straightforward, rough-and-tumble martial artist—so why did his words sound so irritating and obstructive?

A flicker of amusement crossed An Yi's eyes. He narrowed them slightly, letting his gaze rest for a moment on Di Qingji's face, which was written all over with genuine concern, without denying the man's words.

"Captain Di is right." An Yi followed Di Qingji's lead smoothly, turning to Zhao Qian, whose smile was already becoming strained: "Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master Zhao. Shiqing Xuan's brushes and ink are renowned, and your refined taste is admirable. However, I am indeed a bit weary today, with low spirits. I fear I would be slow-witted and dull in conversation, which would only spoil the pleasure for you and your friends, and also waste those fine brushes and ink. So I shall not impose."

Zhao Qian's smile could barely hold.

"Th-then... in that case..." Zhao Qian struggled to maintain his last shred of decorum, the corners of his mouth twitching as he said to An Yi, "Then please take good care of yourself, Young Master An, and rest well. Appreciating brushes and ink truly requires a calm mind and full spirit to grasp their true essence. Well... I shall take my leave then."

He gave Di Qingji a nod, his smile so faint it was nearly invisible, and cast a complex look at Di Qingji before turning and walking away, his retreating figure carrying an air of dejection.

Once Zhao Qian's figure had disappeared, Di Qingji let out a soft breath of relief.

He turned to look at An Yi, a smile returning to his face along with a slightly sheepish expression. "Young Master An, just now... did I speak out of turn? It's just that I saw how insistent that Young Master Zhao was, and you seemed to..."

He paused, as if weighing his words. "...seemed not to be inclined. I was worried you might find it hard to refuse, so I butted in carelessly. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble?"