第三十九回 情电逐踪来争笑甜蜜 小星含泪问故示宽宏 (Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Spark of Love Pursues Its Trace, Contending in Sweet Laughter; The Lesser Star Asks Through Tears, Deliberately Showing Magnanimity)

Now, ever since that meeting with Leng Qingqiu in the park the other day, Yanxi found himself unable to forget her. He began thinking of ways to see her more often.

For her part, Leng Qingqiu was somewhat moved by Yanxi's attentiveness. Yet, the thought of the vast difference in social standing between their families made her hesitate.

One day, Yanxi sent some gifts over through an intermediary. Mrs. Leng was naturally delighted to see them, but Leng Qingqiu felt uneasy about accepting them.

Learning that Leng Qingqiu enjoyed reading, Yanxi sent over several new novels. Flipping through them, Leng Qingqiu found them quite interesting.

Their correspondence gradually became more frequent. Yanxi often sent her poems, and Leng Qingqiu occasionally composed replies. A shared affection silently grew between them.

Over in the Jin Family, starting with Mrs. Jin, the sisters from various branches had all noticed Yanxi's mysterious recent comings and goings. He was often absent from home, which gave rise to some talk.

One day, Yufen, Peifang, and others gathered for a game of cards. The conversation turned to Yanxi, and they all laughed, suggesting he must have found a sweetheart.

Listening nearby, Aunt Cui said, "That seventh child has indeed been acting strange lately. He's always running out, and he won't say where he goes when asked."

Just then, Yanxi returned from outside. Seeing them talking, he smiled and asked, "What bad things are you saying about me now?"

Yufen said, "We were just saying, you've been so elusive lately. Have you found a girlfriend outside?"

Yanxi's face flushed. "Nothing of the sort," he said. "I've just been getting together with some friends for a poetry club, that's all."

Peifang laughed. "A poetry club? I suspect the drinker's heart is not in the cup." This set everyone off laughing.

Embarrassed, Yanxi excused himself on the pretext of having matters to attend to and retreated to his room.

Back in his room, Yanxi thought of Leng Qingqiu and wrote another letter, instructing Jin Rong to deliver it.

Jin Rong grinned. "Seventh Master, you've been sending letters quite diligently these days. The young lady at the Leng Residence must be nearly moved to tears by now."

Yanxi scolded him with a smile. "Stop your nonsense. Go quickly and come back soon." Jin Rong assented and left.

When Leng Qingqiu received the letter, she opened it to find it filled once more with words of admiration. Though she felt a sweet flutter, a sense of worry also crept in.

Noticing her daughter often lost in thought over letters, Mrs. Leng asked, "Another letter from the young Jin master?" Leng Qingqiu nodded without a word.

Mrs. Leng said, "Young Master Jin is a good man, to be sure. But his family is so wealthy and prominent, far beyond our station."

Leng Qingqiu replied, "Mother, I know that all too well. That's why I've been avoiding him. But he persists like this, making things so difficult for me."

Just then, Nanny Han entered and announced, "Young Master Jin has sent more gifts." Leng Qingqiu frowned. "What is it this time?"

Going out to look, she found several kinds of exquisite pastries and a box of candies. Yanxi had enclosed a note: "A few simple edibles to express my sincere feelings."

With no choice, Leng Qingqiu accepted them. Yet, her heart grew even more unsettled.

The next day, Yanxi came to visit in person. Song Runqing hurriedly received him. Yanxi then said he wished to invite Leng Qingqiu to the opera.

Unable to refuse, Leng Qingqiu had to consent. That evening, Yanxi came to fetch her in an automobile. They went to the theater together, and their familiarity deepened a little more.

After the opera, Yanxi saw Leng Qingqiu home. In the car, Yanxi seized the chance to confess his feelings. Leng Qingqiu lowered her head in silence.

Yanxi said, "I know what concerns you. But my feelings are genuine and true, without the slightest falsehood."

Leng Qingqiu sighed. "Our hearts know each other's intentions. But the ways of the world are unpredictable. It's better for us to be cautious."

Hearing this, Yanxi knew she was not indifferent to him. Overjoyed, he said, "As long as you are willing, I will take care of everything else."

From then on, their affection grew even deeper. Yanxi went to the Leng Residence almost daily, either delivering gifts or inviting her out for excursions.

Word of this gradually reached the ears of the Jin Family. Mrs. Jin summoned Yanxi to question him, and he could only answer evasively.

Mrs. Jin said, "You are grown now. While you should have a say in your marriage, it is best to find someone of comparable social standing."

Yanxi replied, "Don't worry, Mother. I know what I'm doing." But in his heart, he was determined to marry none other than Leng Qingqiu.

And so, in this chapter, the spark of love pursued its trail. Amidst the sweetness, undercurrents of trouble also lurked. Truly, the field of love is a battlefield, where only the heart knows its own gains and losses.