Chapter 161: Proofreading

"Although I also think 'Water Margin' isn't as good as before, it's only just begun—who knows how it'll turn out? Didn't every new elegant text from Marquis Wen always face skepticism at first?"

"That's true."

……

"Have you heard? Marquis Wen plans to adapt the elegant text 'Dream of the Red Chamber' into a performance?"

"Really? Like an opera?"

"It's true—this news is spreading everywhere. They're already searching for actors to portray the characters in the book."

"Wonderful! If we could bring the world of the book to life on stage, it would surely be fascinating. Marquis Wen truly is a chosen one—how could he even think of this?"

……

Marquis Wen's mansion.

Lu Fang sat at his desk, furiously writing 'Water Margin,' when Lu Ling entered with Xiao Tao carrying a tray.

"Brother, I had the kitchen prepare chicken soup. You've been locked in your room writing elegant texts since you got back—you must be exhausted. Let me pour you a bowl."

Although their relationship had changed now, she'd called him that for twenty years and couldn't bring herself to change it so suddenly.

So she simply did as she pleased—it was only a term of address anyway.

While Lu Ling ladled the soup, Xiao Tao smirked: "Young Master, the Young Lady personally cooked this chicken soup—tastes wonderful."

Lu Fang took the porcelain bowl from Lu Ling, sniffed the aroma, and smiled: "Smells great. Thank you, my Ling'er. But next time, just tell the kitchen—it's no need to go through all this trouble."

Before Lu Ling could speak, Xiao Tao interrupted: "I told her the same thing, but she said she wanted to do something for Young Master."

"Silly girl," Lu Ling scolded Xiao Tao, then turned to Lu Fang with a smile: "You're working so hard writing elegant texts, and you're leaving for Luo Sha soon—you must take care of yourself."

"I can't do much else for you except brew you chicken soup."

"By the way, Brother, have you visited Li Yu since you got back? In a few days you'll be leaving for Luo Sha—you won't have time then."

"Won't it make Li Yu feel neglected if you don't see her now?"

Lu Fang scratched his head, cautiously watching Lu Ling's expression. Seeing no hidden meaning, he sighed: "I've just been too busy."

On the way back from the Western Buddhist lands, Li Yu and Lu Ling had been together the whole time—he hadn't spoken much with Li Yu at all.

And soon he would be departing for Luo Sha.

So these past few days he'd been busy transcribing 'Water Margin.'

He hadn't thought of it before, but now that Lu Ling mentioned it, he realized he might have truly overlooked Li Yu's feelings.

During the Buddhist trial, when the moment was right, he'd openly expressed his true feelings—almost as if he'd said "I love you."

Suddenly cutting off communication with her now would be inappropriate.

Lu Fang cautiously asked: "Ling'er, when we returned, I saw you talking a lot with her—what did you two discuss?"

He loved Li Yu—that was certain.

Otherwise, the usually composed Lu Fang would never have spoken so boldly and openly during the Buddhist trial.

He also loved Lu Ling and didn't want her to be unhappy. She always seemed cheerful, but he feared she might resent him or feel hurt, so he treaded carefully.

On the journey back, he'd sent Fang Chun to find out what Li Yu and Lu Ling had talked about—but as soon as Fang Chun approached, they switched to casual chatter.

Even now, hearing Lu Ling's words, he wasn't sure of her true thoughts.

This kind of situation was agonizing—imagine if the person you loved told you she loved two people. What would you think?

You'd be heartbroken!

Lu Ling couldn't help overthinking—he knew it was wrong, but he couldn't stop himself. So since returning, he kept himself constantly busy, because the moment he slowed down, these thoughts returned.

In short, he cared too much about them.

It had robbed him of his calmness and confidence.

Lu Ling covered her mouth and giggled: "It's a secret—just between me and Sister Li. But I'll give you a hint: though Sister Li never said anything, I'm certain she likes you too."

Lu Fang opened his mouth, wanting to ask many things, but ultimately said nothing.

He clearly sensed that though she spoke with a smile, a flicker of sorrow passed through her eyes.

"You might be mistaken."

Lu Fang finished the soup with a smile and asked: "Ling'er, do you have anything planned later?"

"Nothing planned," Lu Ling replied, puzzled. "Why?"

Lu Fang smiled gently: "If you're free, sit beside me and help me proofread my elegant text—check for typos, okay?"

"Okay."

Lu Ling beamed, pulled up a chair beside Lu Fang, and picked up the draft of 'Water Margin.' She whispered: "Brother, before you leave for Luo Sha, find time to visit Sister Li."

"Will you be upset?"

Lu Fang blurted it out—and immediately regretted it.

That was a stupid question.

How could she possibly be happy?

Lu Ling pouted at Lu Fang and nodded: "I'll be upset—not because you're going to see Sister Li, but because you're too careful about my feelings. It makes me think too much."

"I wonder if I'm holding you back."

She sighed and smiled: "Go see Sister Li. If it's possible, living together would be nice—but don't forget me once you have Sister Li."

Lu Fang had just lifted his teacup to hide his embarrassment, but at these words, he spat out the tea.

Lu Ling laughed merrily: "Look how happy you are! Oh, this character's wrong—I'll fix it for you. I'll come proofread often—don't get tired of me."

"How could I ever tire of you?" Lu Fang patted her head. The conversation had made him tense, but he also felt warmth.

Lu Ling's bright eyes curved into crescents: "Good. Then I can stay by your side longer."

"Mm." Lu Fang nodded firmly.

Just for Lu Ling's words, he decided he wouldn't use the Book Spirit Yan Chixia to write his elegant texts anymore. If updates were slow, so be it.

If something came up, he'd pause the serialization for a few days.

Only now did he realize he'd been rushing—eager to finish the texts from the Ink Brush Realm and claim the rewards.

That's why he'd had Yan Chixia help write them.

He disliked this impatience. He decided to follow his own pace—why push aside important things just because of deadlines?

It was fine to pause the serialization for a few days.

This world held many things more important than writing elegant texts—like seeing Li Yu and talking with her.