Blooming of the Red Spider Lily: The Enchanting Pavilion Master - Chapter 46 - A Sarcastic Smile

Feng Moqing couldn’t help but smile sarcastically to himself. He originally intended to refuse, but when he saw Li Bai’s hopeful, teary eyes, he felt a lump in his throat and, as if compelled by an unseen force, he nodded in agreement. Fortunately, Feng Mojin was also very interested in the celebration and did not refuse.

The six of them set off in grand style toward their temporary residence-the largest, finest, and most expensive tavern in Fengli City.

Li Bai walked at the front, her hands carefully cradling the gift for the celebration, her face radiating the shyness and genuine joy that love had nurtured in her. She cherished that gift as if it were her entire world.

Yet, this expression was the most painful to Feng Moqing’s heart, making him feel even guiltier and deepening his misunderstanding of Bi’an. To avoid Bi’an, he specially placed Feng Mojin in front of him, along with Hua Ning and Jiang Qing, trying to create distance. However, this very effort became an obstacle to their conversation. Turning to look at Bi’an, he saw her walking steadily, her gaze focused in the distance, her face still showing that detestable indifference.

That facade filled with distance was something he wanted to tear away completely. Suddenly, the memory of seeing Bi’an on the day Dream Return Incense was lit flooded his mind-the Bi’an who could smile, who could feel devastating sorrow, who could have moments of vulnerability; the Bi’an he longed for the most; the most real Bi’an-where had she gone?

As if sensing Feng Moqing’s gaze, Bi’an turned her head in the direction of his stare. Their eyes met; in Feng Moqing’s gaze, Bi’an saw questioning and nostalgia, while he could read nothing from Bi’an’s eyes.

Her glimmering eyes were like an unfathomable abyss, burying all emotions beneath the surface-were they a mask or genuine? No one could tell.

“Why did you silence me? Why didn’t you tell Li Bai about Le Zimu?” His eyes blazed with fury as he fired off his harsh questions. Bi’an looked at him quietly but, upon understanding his meaning, turned away again, as if silently expressing her rejection.

Just as Feng Moqing was ready to jump in frustration, he heard a familiar voice slowly say, “Because that’s the rule of the Pavilion of Rebirth; no one is exempt.”

Rules? What kind of rules could justify a life?

Feng Moqing desperately wanted to ask Bi’an if Mo Shang was dead. Did she not choose to save Mo Shang because of that so-called rule? Did she intend to erase her feelings for the sake of that rule? Unfortunately, these questions would never be voiced in front of Bi’an, and even if he did ask, she would not respond.

“It has nothing to do with you; you don’t need to know.” If he were to ask, she would likely reply in the same manner again.

Shaking his head gently, Feng Moqing decided not to speculate about Bi’an’s thoughts any further. They were fundamentally people from different worlds; he only needed to watch the end of these people’s stories, without needing to get too entangled in anything else.

A few people in the group had different thoughts, and before long, they arrived at the entrance of the tavern. Li Bai’s smile widened instantly as she bounced ahead, rushing up to a private room on the second floor. Feng Moqing and the others had no choice but to quicken their pace to catch up. However, to their surprise, the originally excited Li Bai suddenly froze at the door of the private room, afraid to take another step.

“What’s wrong, Li Bai?” Hua Ning asked, standing on her tiptoes and trying to see into the room over Li Bai’s shoulder. But before her gaze could focus inside, Li Bai had already lifted her smile again and walked boldly into the room.

Only then could the others catch up to Li Bai and see what lay ahead: the private room was exceptionally cozy, apparently decorated for the celebration.

The table was positioned by the window, allowing a clear view of the bustling market outside. Sitting at the table were two people. A red-clothed woman had her back to Li Bai and the others, resting her arms on the windowsill and gazing out with interest, seemingly amused by something outside, as she couldn’t help but giggle.

The other person, who wore a doting smile and directed his gaze at the red-clothed woman, was none other than the Le Zimu that Li Bai held dear.

Feng Moqing never would have imagined that he had seen such a gentle and indulgent expression on Le Zimu’s face before, but that was when he talked about Li Bai; now, it was directed at another woman. Could a person truly harbor the same feelings for two different people?

Calmly observing Le Zimu and the woman, Feng Moqing sat down with Bi’an and the others, while Li Bai quietly moved forward to find a casual spot across from them. She placed the carefully prepared gift aside nonchalantly, then shot an annoyed glance at the waiter, who immediately dashed downstairs to prepare the meal for them.

Oh my, he needed to hurry and inform the tavern owner that a big deal had just arrived! They had the second prince, Feng Moqing, the great general Jiang Qing, and the lavishly dressed young lady beside them, who clearly was the only princess of the Fengli Kingdom, Feng Mojin, since she called the second prince “brother”!

Moreover, among this group was the mysterious pavilion master of the Pavilion of Rebirth, Bi’an. Who was this young master of the Le Family? There were no reports of any connections between him and the royal family!

The excited and flustered waiter ran downstairs, ultimately tumbling down the stairs. However, Li Bai could no longer smile, for it was only when the sound of the waiter crashing to the ground broke the silence that the two by the window finally noticed their presence. They turned around to greet Feng Moqing and Bi’an, standing up to offer their respects, yet when it came to Li Bai, Le Zimu seemed oblivious to her.

Feng Moqing sensed something had transpired between the two of them, but looking at Li Bai, she seemed just as confused by the situation.

Just earlier, Le Zimu had been so gentle with Li Bai, even willing to give up his heart for her. How could it be that now he seemed to not recognize her at all? Glancing at Bi’an beside him, Feng Moqing thought perhaps she could understand Le Zimu’s feelings, but instead, he found her coldly staring at Le Zimu, silent as ever.

Her eyes, which usually glistened like water, were now veiled with frost, and the chill emanating from them made Feng Moqing shiver involuntarily.

“Li Bai, where have you been? Why have you only just returned? Is this perhaps the birthday gift you prepared for Zimu?” The red-clothed woman, after inviting everyone to take a seat, turned to Li Bai with a bright smile. Her eyes caught sight of the beautifully wrapped gift, and she immediately pointed to it, excitedly asking.

In contrast to the red-clothed woman’s enthusiasm, Le Zimu appeared much calmer. He gently tugged at her hand, giving her a reproachful glance, before guiding her to her seat. Then, he turned to Feng Moqing and the others with an apologetic expression. His behavior and demeanor gave off the impression that he and the red-clothed woman were the true family, while they, including Li Bai, were merely guests.

What a twisted reality! Watching Li Bai fidget with her clothes, unable to sit still, Feng Moqing felt an urge to stand up and confront Le Zimu. However, he quickly reminded himself that this was a matter among the three of them, and it wasn’t right for outsiders to meddle. He suppressed his inexplicable anger.

“By the way, are you two lovers? You seem like quite the match,” a suddenly envious comment dropped the temperature in the room to its lowest point. Feng Moqing glanced at Feng Mojin, who appeared unaware of her blunder, and immediately regretted their decision to stay. They should have left as soon as possible instead of succumbing to the momentary softness in their hearts and agreeing to attend this peculiar birthday celebration!

The room fell silent. Le Zimu let go of the red-clothed woman’s hand, his head bowed and speechless. The red-clothed woman was also entirely silent. Li Bai lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes, lacking the courage to even glance at the two perfectly matched people in front of her.

She had lost the courage to seek confirmation; she didn’t dare question Le Zimu, just as she didn’t want to admit that the two of them really did seem suited for each other.

The birthday celebration came to an uncomfortable end. Feng Moqing, fearing that Feng Mojin might say something inappropriate, decisively pulled her and Jiang Qing along, using the excuse that it was getting late and their families might be worried. This action startled the innkeeper and the waiter downstairs, who worried it was because the food didn’t satisfy the three esteemed guests.

Li Bai, finding an excuse to accompany Feng Moqing and the others, also hurried to leave, not daring to stay any longer. In contrast, Bi’an leisurely finished her Yunwu tea, then fixed her gaze on Le Zimu, casually remarking, “Those who harm others will ultimately harm themselves,” before gracefully leading Hua Ning back to the Pavilion of Rebirth.

In no time, the spacious private room was left with just Le Zimu and Hongxiao. Hongxiao watched as Bi’an and Hua Ning walked away until their figures completely faded from view. Then, she turned to see Le Zimu, who remained silent, and gently patted his back in a comforting gesture.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally mustered the courage to speak, “Zimu, is this really alright? If my presence causes a separation between you and Li Bai, I don’t think I could ever find peace in my life.”

Hongxiao was painfully aware of the feeling of longing and despair that came from wanting what was unattainable. She couldn’t help but turn her gaze toward the vague outlines behind the screen, her heart shrouded in profound sorrow. She had aimed to provoke a reaction but had instead inadvertently driven away the one person who shouldn’t have left. What had she done?

Why is it that someone I adore so much never looks my way? Why did I choose a private room to distance myself, and yet you never realized I existed?

Closing her eyes, Hongxiao felt an intense ache in her heart; the weight of her feelings threatened to crush her. If only it were possible to let go effortlessly.

“Hongxiao, it’s okay. I’ll explain things to Li Bai,” Le Zimu said, taking her hand and forcing a smile, trying his best to appear relaxed.

As he looked at Hongxiao, the girl he had grown up with, he reflected on how the once-crying child who clung to him had become so enchanting. He never imagined she would one day love someone so fiercely, prompting fond memories of Li Bai, who had steadfastly loved him despite their differences.

When he first met Li Bai, she was so innocent and unaware, more like a sprite who had stumbled into the human world than a demon. Li Bai often insisted that she had taught him many things, but in truth, it had always been her standing by his side, unwavering, from childhood to the present.

She was the one deserving of his gratitude and care, but sadly, he could not remain by her side forever.

Li Bai, if one day you learn the truth, I hope you won’t blame me.

“Young Master Lan, what’s wrong?” The wealthy businessman noticed the guest who had invited him to stay suddenly sporting a knowing smile. The young master’s gaze seemed to drift toward the adjacent room separated only by a screen. Unable to help himself, the businessman followed his gaze. Inside, he saw two figures leaning against each other, seemingly a man and a woman, their actions incredibly intimate.

“Is that woman perhaps your beloved?” the businessman asked playfully, earning a warm, gentle smile from the young master. However, there was a flicker of inscrutable meaning in his eyes. That smile was unmistakably kind and gentle, yet the businessman felt sweat bead on his forehead, and an involuntary shiver ran down his spine. He awkwardly chuckled and gestured for the young master and the other guests to eat.