The faint chatter of suppressed conversations tinged with a romantic layer of charming ambience.
Sentimental violins sang of bygone love and melancholy peace before fading out with a helpless sigh of defeat. Earning a round of praises and applauses as the person on the stage bows in return.
Candle lights flicker as it casts an amber glow on the petals of a single rose on each table. Highlighting its fragile but delicate appearance that blooms so captivating before wilting from time.
The tip of a lithe index finger nudges at the edge of that blossomed flower.
Obsidian irises reflect the flicker of flames and curl of petals that quiver under her leisure touch. Earning a light tug of the lips on Yan Beiqing's face as she rests her chin upon a hand.
Head tilts to one side as vision observes the liviness of the city at the rise of the moon. Through the wide glass windows could the young woman see the blinking of radiant lights.
Pink, blue, green, red, a mixed variety of colors that she witnesses for the first time. Along lines of entwining roads that look like nothing else but the twisting of snakes from high above.
Despite the darkness of the sky, flying objects that blink with a scarlet light could be seen piercing the clouds.
"... …"
Sharp eyes blinked once to constrict as irises focus on the vague profile of Jiang Zuoqing mirrored on the panel of glass.
Posture straight but laced with a sense of indolence, the young man leaned against the chair. Legs crossed as well-structured fingers flipped through the menu under the patient wait of the server.
The expression on the man's face is vague as Yan Beiqing traced his features through the glass with her eyes.
Boredom persists while the young woman awaits for the young man to finish ordering.
Jiang Zuoqing: "This… and this… also, can you…"
Minutes later with the return of the menu, the youth finally raised his sights to observe the condition of the young woman.
Wearing an ochre colored ankle length one-piece that covers both arms and neck. The shade of the material compliments well against the color of pale skin.
Waist long hair is bound together on the top of her head, leaving only a few strands which fell to frame the curve of her face.
Even while sitting in an unfamiliar environment, the young woman revealed not even an ounce of unease. Rather, the indolence and calmness shown in every leisure action emits a type of grace.
Elegance that stems from knowledge and years of standing at a realm others could not easily achieve.
Her presence is quiet, tranquil even.
But at the same time, dominating.
Yan Beiqing was like… what is she like?
Akin to the bloom of ginger lilies during fall.
Jiang Zuoqing: "Do you know what the meanings behind ginger lilies are?"
Yan Beiqing met the young man's gaze from across as sharp eyes curve in response. Soft lips open to speak in an interested tone, "what does it mean?"
Noticing the arrival of a server, the youth observes as crimson liquid is being poured into the confines of his glass.
It swirls with an enchanting hue before settling into a faint round of ripples.
The server is professional and steady, trained from numerous times of similar occasions. He replaced the cork onto the bottle before setting it aside to open another.
A faint pop echoes too low to be noticed as the server prepares to pour into Yan Beiqing's glass.
"Wait."
The young woman acts quickly, refusing the server's notion of pouring wine. Recalling the sour and arid taste of the liquid so unlike any wine she has ever sampled.
Yan Beiqing is not at all interested in a second glass of this seemingly sophisticated but highly discouraging liquor.
Water is just fine, even better if it's hot thank you.
But the young man seemed to have other thoughts as he gave an affirmative nod to the waiter nonetheless.
"Go ahead."
Jiang Zuoqing flitted a glance at the server before locking his sights with the young woman. Their vision merely connected for a few moments before Yan Beiqing removed her slender fingers from the rim of the glass.
A helpless breath released as she shrugged her shoulders in defeat.
Obsidian irises stare at the ripples of burgundy shown through the transparent container in absentminded scrutiny.
Waiting until the server has left, lithe digits motioned to push the glass further away. "What were you saying before?"
"... …"
The glass on Jiang Zuoqing's right was lifted up by his left hand as it hovered in front of his sight.
Looking past the whirl of scarlet glass and liquid is a leisure expression of the young woman. Tilting her head at the man while revealing an amused expression that resembles a hen looking at its egg.
A strange comparison but affectionate nonetheless.
"Ginger lilies…"'
The young man drawls while pondering on the wording of his sentences. "They represent elegance and-"
Pausing for a split moment, Jiang Zuoqing widened his eyes in surprise before lowering his gaze. The glass in hand drew close to his lips as it was then raised for a drink.
"... …"
Placing the container back down, the young man notion with his chin in the direction of the approaching staff.
"Food is here."
It was an enjoyable dinner in which Yan Beiqing was able to experience a variety of different flavors.
Although the spices on the dishes were a little on the heavier side than what she is used to. The young woman does not dislike it at all. She rather relishes in the discovery of such novel cuisine.
Jiang Zuoqing: "I ordered this for you."
Placed in front of the young woman as the last item for this meal is a glittering strawberry tart. Resting as the centerpiece of the plate with a streak of strawberry sauce and garnished with a piece of mint on the side.
This tantalizing desert receives a gasp of awe from the surprised woman as eyes widen at the same juncture. "What is this called?"
"It's a tart." Jiang Zuoqing explains while leaning back on the chair with a pleased expression.
Yan Beiqing: "Is it something similar to that mouse cake you gave me before?"
"Yes, just like that mou-" the young man was about to agree before halting with a twitch of his brow. "...Please just eat."
Yan Beiqing: "Thank you, I will."
Jiang Zuoqing: "Try the glass as well, you haven't touched it yet."
It turns out that grape juice was poured in the young woman's glass all along.
The sweet and sour taste of the drink went well enough with the delicate dessert.
Bringing this delightful dinner to an even better finale.
_____
The drive home was comfortable as the duo basked in the quietness of the night where faint music plays in the car.
Yan Beiqing leaned against the leather seating with a languid yawn while looking out at the passing scenery.
Obscure shadows dashes by amongst the blur of orange lamps flickering above the bustling roads.
This world is so peaceful.
Without threats of invasion and worry of starvation.
Here, Yan Beiqing does not have to stress or receive pressure from officials of the court. Do not have to wake early before dawn nor sleep late into the twilight for work.
Her life here is as the elderly Jiangs promised, serene.
It's not bad.
The young woman released a faint chuckle to herself which received a curious glance from Jiang Zuoqing.
But the young man did not probe, he merely continued to focus on the road.
"... …"
Eyelids turn heavy under the rhythmic motion of the vehicle as Yan Beiqing leaned against the side of the door. A curtain of moisture veils the woman's sight as her consciousness floats between oblivion and reality.
The music in the car along with the faint roll of vehicles outside became a lulling spell for the comforted woman.
Perhaps she can rest for a while?
Just a little bit before they return back to the mansion…
Yan Beiqing: "... …"
Minutes later, the young woman sat up from the seat as brows furrowed in confusion, "this isn't the way home?"
Blurred eyes blink in confusion as the gears in her head begin its slow return to clarity.
Jiang Zuoqing slanted a glance at the young woman before explaining, "the place we were staying at before is the main estate. Only my grandparents and a few workers live there."
"Since my grandparents have left the estate, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to keep staying there. Plus, I gave all the workers a long vacation as appreciation for their continuous hard work."
"There is no one at the place currently who can attend to the two of us."
Pondering for a few seconds, he proceeds.
"Therefore, I decided to return home with you, to my house. The residence you will be living at from now on, with me."
Yan Beiqing revealed an expression of surprise as soft lips open, unable to speak from this sudden discovery.
"... …"
Thin lips curve into an inexplicable smile whilst the youth taps on the steering wheel as a show of good mood.
Jiang Zuoqing flitted another glance at the young woman before bantering in a low tone.
"We'll be roommates from this second onwards, wife."
His faint chuckle resounds within the interior of the moving vehicle.