Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1568 - 964: Three Men, One Show (Part 2)

"However, if I could have my dearest companion by my side, then winter would blossom with flowers and spring would be graced by the moon. Autumn would bring the warmth of a phoenix, and summer would witness snow."

Rong Lijun's gaze held no trace of Yin Baishuang, his interruption direct, delivered with an air of casual elegance that belied any indifference.

At this juncture, it wasn't just Situ Ye sensing an anomaly; the others too found the atmosphere decidedly peculiar.

Qin Lou, descending from the banquet, wore an even more unusual expression.

Observing the trio over there, she mused internally, weren't Rong Lijun and the God of Sparrows here to seek a marriage proposal for the Third Lady?

Why then were they now revolving around a single man?

Even her practiced, artificial smile struggled to remain in place.

"Whether you wish to admire flowers or the snow, a maid will be here shortly to guide you."

Yin Baishuang had never encountered a man as utterly shameless as Rong Lijun.

Yet, at this moment, she was herself disguised as a man, preventing any public assertion of her true feelings.

Thus, she could only suppress her ire, offering Baili An a cold smile and leaving the predicament to him: "So, Mr. Ji, do you prefer to admire the flowers or the snow today?"

Situ Ye was utterly bewildered.

Why was the God of Sparrows also interfering?

Did this ordinary mortal possess such formidable charm as to capture the attention of two Immortal Lords simultaneously?

He had anticipated that attending this banquet today would undoubtedly lead to a fierce contest.

But how had the prize shifted from Miss Fang to a man?

With a lingering sense of unease, Situ Ye cast a glance at the others, noting their expressions remained normal, even tinged with slight disdain. This observation brought him a measure of relief.

Then, with a sliver of unrealistic anticipation, he wished to gauge Mu Yunye's demeanor and perception concerning that young man.

Mu Yunye, possessing a deep and perceptive nature, swiftly detected Situ Ye's covert scrutiny, understanding his unspoken intentions.

Regardless of any attempt at restraint, being the subject of suspicion regarding his sexual orientation caused his countenance to darken. He, with noticeable irritation, flicked his sleeves and departed the banquet before the others.

In response to Yin Baishuang's query, Baili An promptly replied:

"In spring, we revel in the flowers; in winter, we gaze upon the snow – such is the natural cycle of the seasons.

Shifang City is enveloped in snow throughout the year, renowned far and wide as the icy Silver City.

Being here, one ought to embrace the local customs and truly appreciate the scenery unfolding beneath the swirling twilight snow at the entrance."

Upon hearing this, Yin Baishuang's expression softened slightly. She then shot Rong Lijun a fierce glare, tinged with a hint of triumph.

To her astonishment, Rong Lijun displayed no sign of embarrassment at being rebuffed; his audacity was truly remarkable.

Waving his fan, he sauntered closer, chuckling, "What a sight to behold, the swirling twilight snow at the gate. It certainly sounds more captivating than admiring mere flowers.

Since I am fortunate enough to receive such a gracious recommendation from Mr. Ji, I must indeed reciprocate and join Mr. Ji in appreciating the snow."

Having uttered these words, he feigned looking up at the sky outside, exclaiming, "Oh my," and continued, "Look, it appears to be snowing heavily outside. Later, Mr. Ji will still require someone to hold an umbrella for you."

This brazen yet seemingly reasonable conduct left everyone present stunned, unable to bear witness any longer, and they hastily made their departure.

Baili An too felt a disquieting chill emanating from Rong Lijun's persistent overtures of goodwill.

Were they not within the confines of Fang Geyu's estate, he might have suspected the person before him was a transformed fox spirit.

However, that was clearly not the case; this individual's cultivation far surpassed that of any mere fox spirit.

Furthermore, such a fox spirit could never articulate verses so poetically or possess such eloquence. Culturally, they would be inferior to this person, who only dished out cheesy lines.

Baili An remained uncertain of this person's true intentions.

Yet, one does not strike a smiling face, and moreover, Rong Lijun had just provided substantial assistance.

Despite the undercurrent of unease, Baili An did not adopt a cold demeanor, calmly stating:

"Thank you, Rong Lijun, for your kindness, but those who cultivate, true men, unlike delicate ladies, do not require an umbrella to be held for them."

Baili An spoke politely, his words subtly conveying a reminder to Rong Lijun.

He was a man, and such solicitous gestures and skills were best reserved for women.

With the matter clearly articulated and unwilling to engage further with a stranger, Baili An departed the banquet alongside Yin Baishuang.

Upon exiting the tower, Baili An accepted the paper fan, which had been thoughtfully prepared by a maid, intending to offer it to Yin Baishuang.

Witnessing Baili An's considerate gesture, Yin Baishuang's cheeks flushed slightly, her bearing remaining modest and reserved.

And precisely in that instant, the cat-like Rong Lijun seized his opportunity, bending down to insinuate himself beneath the umbrella.

He resembled a persistent specter, his narrow, affectionate eyes fixed upon Baili An with a mischievous glint.

"Mr. Ji, your consideration is truly heartwarming, but unfortunately, I am not as robust as you are.

From a young age, my health has been frail, suffering from a persistent abdominal ailment that makes me highly sensitive to the cold.

My ideal situation would be to have someone hold an umbrella for me while I admire the falling snow."

Outside, the snow continued its relentless descent, and as the afternoon wore on, the sun was all but hidden from view.

Through the dim, grey expanse, the snowstorm raged, blanketing the mortal realm. It settled softly, drifting down to land upon Rong Lijun’s lengthy, dark eyelashes like delicate flakes of frost.

Within his dark eyes, a captivating, soul-ensnaring smile resided, appearing misty, as if touched by Jiangnan’s tender spring rain, shimmering with an inner light.

These eyes bore a striking resemblance to the ones Baili An had observed at the banquet; they were almost identical.

However, in this moment, they seemed significantly more luminous, as if instantaneously revealing the authentic essence of the mountains and rivers.