36. Tranquility

"Of course, it's amazing! I'm sure it has flowers that Sister likes!"

Qian Renjue looked up with a smile and responded.

"The flowers I like?"

Qian Renxue was stunned for a moment, then smiled softly.

She hadn't expected that after all this time, Qian Renjue still remembered what she had said back then.

"Yes!"

Qian Renjue's eyes sparkled as he stepped forward and hugged Qian Renxue's arm.

He handed her the illustrated book, saying excitedly, "Sister, take a look too. Who knows, you might come across these flowers someday."

"No need. Sister will wait for you to give them to me."

Qian Renxue shook her head with a smile.

Making it a surprise seemed like a good idea.

"Then Jue willl definitely bring them to you!"

Qian Renjue assured her, with a serious expression.

"I believe in you."

Qian Renxue held Qian Renjue's small hand and smiled at him gently.

...

Evening.

As promised, Chrysanthemum Douluo arrived, pushing a long cart, stopping outside Bibi Dong's residence.

On the cart were various potted flowers.

Just as he reached the gate, even in the dim light, the vibrant colors of the flowers were still striking.

Bibi Dong watched Chrysanthemum Douluo enter.

Her eyes, filled with killing intent, also showed a hint of confusion.

Her cold voice made the night air even chillier.

"Elder Chrysanthemum, what is this for?"

"Your Highness."

Chrysanthemum Douluo gracefully bowed and respectfully said, "Young Master Jue was afraid Her Highness might be bored, so he specifically asked me to bring some flowers to lift your spirits and cultivate your temperament."

"Jue..."

Bibi Dong's red lips moved slightly, and her peripheral vision glanced at the flowerbed beside her, feeling a bit uneasy.

In the past, Jue would always deliver the flowers personally.

"Your Highness, where would you like these flowers to be placed?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo slightly bowed and carefully asked, lowering his voice to ensure the task would be completed smoothly.

Bibi Dong refocused her gaze on Chrysanthemum Douluo but didn't answer.

Instead, she asked in return:

"What did that child say to you? I want his exact words."

Chrysanthemum Douluo paused for a moment.

After some contemplation, he said truthfully, "Young Master Jue and Miss Xue came up with the idea together. 'Afraid Mom might be bored.'"

Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke concisely, always keeping an eye on Bibi Dong's expression.

From the last time, he had learned that Bibi Dong seemed to dislike, or even loathe, the word 'Mom.'

But surprisingly, Bibi Dong's face didn't show much additional coldness, and instead, her expression was much calmer.

"Do as you see fit."

Leaving that remark to Chrysanthemum Douluo, Bibi Dong turned, her graceful steps retreating back into the room.

"…"

Chrysanthemum Douluo was somewhat puzzled.

But it didn't stop him from smiling.

He turned and began unloading the flowers, working efficiently and meticulously.

The flowers that didn't like sunlight were placed near the walls, while those that did were placed higher, and those that liked moisture were placed lower.

Bibi Dong stood quietly by the window, watching.

The only reason she kept the flowers...

was because they were a gift from Jue to his 'Mom.'

Gazing at Chrysanthemum Douluo and the flowerbed, Bibi Dong's brows suddenly furrowed.

Then it relaxed.

Chrysanthemum Douluo did indeed notice the tri-colored carnations among the flowerbed.

But he merely paused for a moment.

It was only natural that Qian Renjue, who had mastered that knowledge, could cultivate the tri-colored carnations.

Qian Renjue's book... contained theories on pollination and crossbreeding, which captivated Chrysanthemum Douluo.

With that knowledge, not only tri-colored carnation but even the legendary seven-colored carnation could be cultivated.

He could hardly wait to start experimenting.

...

After receiving Qian Renjue's gift, Bibi Dong's residence was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers, lingering in the air.

In the early morning, as the first light of dawn fell, dew glistened on the delicate petals, making them appear radiant and translucent.

Bibi Dong, dressed in a simple white dress, held a watering can and tended to the vibrant flowers.

A breeze carried the floral scent, ruffling her hair and flowing dress, as it took away some of the cold murderous intent.

As the sunlight gradually warmed the surroundings, Bibi Dong sat under the pavilion by the pool.

Her gaze would occasionally sweep across the courtyard gate, seemingly unintentional.

After a while, a small head appeared as expected.

*pop*

Peeking out from the gate, looking at her with big innocent eyes.

"Big sister, Jue and Sister are here to see you. Can we come in?"

Qian Renjue cautiously asked, looking at Bibi Dong from a distance.

Behind him stood Qian Renxue, both of them slightly out of breath and sweating.

Bibi Dong looked up at Qian Renjue.

Unlike before, her gaze shifted unintentionally toward Qian Renxue for a moment.

She merely stared, without speaking.

Qian Renjue hesitantly said, "Since Big sister isn't saying anything, that means we can come in, right?"

Bibi Dong's expression remained unchanged.

Not wanting to talk, she lowered her head again and continued reading the book in her hands.

"Sister, let's go in."

Qian Renjue smiled, took Qian Renxue's hand, and ran into the courtyard.

"Jue..."

Qian Renxue was still a little worried.

After taking a couple of steps, she saw that Bibi Dong didn't react much, which eased her mind a little.

Together, they went to the pavilion.

"Big sister."

Qian Ren Jue stepped forward.

Just as he was about to sit next to Bibi Dong, her sharp gaze stopped him.

Bibi Dong raised her cold brows, noticing for the first time that Qian Renxue no longer carried her wooden sword but was instead holding a thick book.

Qian Renjue, on the other hand, was holding a rustic, heavy box.

"Don't be angry, Big sister. Jue won't sit there."

Sensing the coldness in Bibi Dong's purple eyes, Qian Renjue took two steps back, standing straight and obedient, with a hint of fear in his eyes.

Bibi Dong's breath hitched slightly, and the book in her hand bent slightly as she lowered her head again.

Silent.

After days and nights of torment, Bibi Dong no longer dared to show any trace of killing intent toward Qian Renjue.

She suppressed the unnameable presence that fueled her hatred deep inside, fearing to show that hateful side of her to him.

She was afraid of losing...

Losing this only source of warmth.

Qian Renjue was momentarily stunned, then looked back at Qian Renxue.

"Sister, why don't we just stay here for a while, okay?"

Qian Renxue glanced at Bibi Dong and nodded slightly.

"Alright, whatever Jue says."

As soon as she spoke, Qian Renxue exclaimed in surprise, "Jue, why are you sitting on the ground?"

"Sister, it's more convenient this way, no worries."

Qian Renjue smiled indifferently, bowed his head, and opened the box he had brought.

Inside were objects resembling ice or transparent glass, irregularly shaped, with a clump in the middle that looked like bird droppings...

The pendant and chain needed to be assembled.

Qian Renxue glanced at him in confusion and shook her head helplessly.

She looked up at Bibi Dong and, seeing no reaction from her, she sat by the pavilion's railing.

She leaned against the pavilion pillar, quietly reading her book.

Under the pavilion, the sound of Qian Renxue flipping through her book and the crisp sounds of Qian Renjue's tinkering the glass pendant filled the air.

Although Bibi Dong's eyes were on her book, her gaze was almost at the corner of her eye.

Qian Renxue, who was reading the book, was doing exactly the same.

A soft, fleeting smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face—light, yet filled with joy.

Only Qian Renjue remained unaware, focused on his work.

From time to time, when he looked up, both his mom and sister were engrossed in their books.

Their gazes would occasionally brush past each other subtly, without their knowledge.

But every now and then, they would settle their gaze on Qian Renjue's body.