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墨書 Inktalez
Being ignored once again by Le Yao Yao left Nangong Junxi feeling quite uncomfortable. It was as if there was a lump of cotton stuck in his heart that he couldn't expel no matter how hard he tried.
With a slight pout, Nangong Junxi's expression turned sour.
"Smiling so happily? As if the prize for this Talent Show is yours and yours alone. Do you really have what it takes!?"
His words dripped with disdain, though that wasn't his true intention. He was confused himself.
In the past, he never treated others with such sharpness, so why did he feel so differently when facing this little eunuch?
He enjoyed bickering with him, watching him get all worked up. Although it seemed like he always ended up losing to him in the end.
Yet, he couldn't stand the indifference that the other showed him.
This feeling was incredibly frustrating!
Thus, the words that came out of Nangong Junxi's mouth were rather harsh.
Upon hearing him, both Leng Junyu and Le Yao Yao furrowed their beautiful brows simultaneously. This time, Le Yao Yao truly couldn't hold back any longer.
After all, she had come from a very wealthy family and was indeed a young lady of privilege.
However, she had never been arrogant or overbearing because of her family's wealth.
Her father had always told her to be humble. So she kept a low profile whenever possible, but when faced with those despicable and annoying individuals, she never held back.
Just like now.
Although she had lost her powerful tragedy, her true nature remained.
Especially when encountering someone like Nangong Junxi, a complete wastrel, she had endured time and again, but now she could no longer hold back.
Thus, Le Yao Yao forgot that Leng Junyu was still present and turned to face Nangong Junxi directly. Her delicate face flushed red with anger at his condescending tone.
At first glance, she resembled a ripe red apple.
However, her beautiful eyes were now ablaze with two fiery flames of anger.
Then she spoke directly to Nangong Junxi.
"Seventh Prince, although I am just a lowly eunuch in your eyes, as insignificant as a speck of dust, I am still a person. I have feelings, I can get angry, and I have my own dignity. While I may not have read as many books as you or be well-versed in poetry and songs, I am not a fool; I can think for myself.
And why do you look down on me so much? Just because I was born humble does that mean I do not deserve respect? Yes, I was born humble, but that was not by my choice! Furthermore, Seventh Prince, let me speak some words that may sound rebellious: you are only slightly better off than me by birth. Without your noble status, what would you know? Have you ever earned a single coin through your own efforts? No, right? But I have!
Although I am just a lowly eunuch, I have earned money through my own hands and hard work. Because of this, I live with a sense of fulfillment.
So, Seventh Prince, if you want others to respect you, you must first respect yourself!"
After delivering this lengthy speech, Le Yao Yao felt her throat dry and her breath slightly disordered.
However, her furious gaze never left Nangong Junxi.
Because she was truly angry.
Moreover, since coming here, she had gradually accepted her identity as a eunuch. Here, she had no family or connections; everything required careful consideration. Living like this was incredibly awkward.
Now that she had spoken her mind, she felt a sense of relief in her heart!
After all, in this world, those who speak their minds without fear are the ones who are truly themselves!
However, Le Yao Yao was unaware that after she finished speaking, the other two people in the study were left in a daze.
Leng Junyu's proud and cold face showed a hint of surprise.
His narrow Cold Eyes reflected a trace of astonishment.
Although he knew that this little eunuch was different from others, he had not expected her to be so articulate.
Especially the last sentence she said.
If you want others to respect you, you must first respect yourself!
What a wonderful statement!
Thinking of this, Leng Junyu looked at Le Yao Yao with a gaze filled with appreciation. Then he glanced at his stunned junior brother, who was left speechless from being scolded, and his thin lips couldn't help but curve into a smirk.
In contrast to the amused Leng Junyu, Nangong Junxi was completely dumbfounded, unable to recover from Le Yao Yao's words for quite some time.
After all, Nangong Junxi had lived for seventeen years and it was the first time someone had spoken to him like that.
Although he felt that he had been somewhat excessive and disrespectful when he said that earlier, he never expected that this little eunuch would have the audacity to lecture him, the Seventh Prince of the Great Xia Kingdom!
For a moment, Nangong Junxi was stunned.
His handsome face appeared blank and somewhat foolish.
However, as he slowly regained his senses, he realized with annoyance that perhaps… what this little eunuch said did make some sense!
Although he really did not want to admit it at all.
However, what "he" said was true! If he lost this noble identity, he would not be able to be as carefree and untroubled as he was now, doing whatever he pleased.
Moreover, throughout his life, it seemed he had never earned a single penny through his own labor.
After all, he was born with a golden key in his mouth, surrounded by countless riches.
Money had never been a problem for him.
But none of that was earned through hard work.
At first, he looked down on this servant a bit.
However, upon reflection, it seemed that without this glamorous identity, he truly had no difference from this little eunuch.
Furthermore, what he had just said was indeed a bit excessive.
Yet, he didn’t quite understand why he always felt compelled to say things to attract the little eunuch's attention whenever they were together.
He wanted "his" focus to be on him rather than anyone else, even if that someone else was his senior brother; it felt strange to him.
At this moment, he couldn't sort out his own feelings. Why had he been acting so oddly lately? Was he sick!?
Or perhaps the recent travels had caused him to feel out of sorts!?
Now, unable to find a reason, Nangong Junxi could only come up with random excuses to deceive himself.
But right now, the person in front of him was clearly still angry.
Yes, he had just said something wrong. If possible, he should have apologized.
However, when he faced the angry expression of the young eunuch in front of him, Nangong Junxi hesitated.
After all, having lived for seventeen years, he had never apologized to anyone, so the words simply wouldn't come out.
In the end, Nangong Junxi merely pressed his lips together in silence.
On the opposite side, Le Yao Yao observed Nangong Junxi's struggle to speak and then his eventual silence. Perhaps she guessed something or thought of something else. Suddenly, she spoke up.
"Seventh Prince, how about we make a bet!"
"A bet!?"
Le Yao Yao's words left Nangong Junxi somewhat stunned and surprised.
After all, just moments ago, this young eunuch had been fuming with anger, leaving him at a loss. Yet now, in the blink of an eye, she was saying something so out of place that it was hard to grasp.
Not only was Nangong Junxi bewildered, but even Leng Junyu raised his handsome eyebrows slightly in surprise.
However, because Le Yao Yao had her back to him, he couldn't see her expression and couldn't figure out what she was thinking.
In contrast to the confusion of the two present, Le Yao Yao simply smiled lightly and said, "Yes, let's make a bet! This time, the Talent Show is fake, but the judges we invited are real. This time, both you and I will dress as the opposite gender and perform our talents on stage. Let's see who can win first place in this Talent Show!"
Driven by her unwillingness to back down, Le Yao Yao planned to win against Nangong Junxi openly through her actions.
That was just how Le Yao Yao was; if others looked down on her, she would use her abilities to earn their respect!
Moreover, she had confidence in herself and truly believed in her abilities.
After all, over the years, her talent for performance, along with her passion for singing, dancing, and acting, had flourished.
Her parents were very open-minded; as long as it was something she loved, they supported her unconditionally.
So throughout the years, whatever she liked, she would work hard to pursue it! She was determined to do her best.
Because this was not only a way to repay her parents but also a promise to herself!
Now, Le Yao Yao's heart was filled with confidence. She couldn't believe that after all her years of effort, she would lose to this wastrel who merely relied on his status to get by.
She had to showcase her true talents and make him admit defeat wholeheartedly!
With determination in her heart, Le Yao Yao gazed at Nangong Junxi with eyes that sparkled like flames—so bright and captivating that they were impossible to ignore or refuse.
And when faced with Le Yao Yao's unwavering spirit and fighting spirit reflected in her beautiful eyes, Nangong Junxi felt as if something had struck him hard inside.
This was the first time someone dared to challenge him so openly!
This eunuch was truly… special!
"Alright, I accept this bet. But what are the stakes?"
The young Nangong Junxi also possessed a competitive spirit.
Faced with Le Yao Yao's challenge, he felt that backing down would be cowardly!
He had never been one to shy away from losing; he enjoyed taking on challenges!
So, after a moment of shock, she readily accepted the challenge from Le Yao Yao!
Upon hearing Nangong Junxi's words, Le Yao Yao smiled confidently and said, "If one of us wins this time, the loser must agree to any condition set by the winner, of course excluding anything that goes against our principles!"
Nangong Junxi chuckled. "Interesting, truly interesting! You have some guts! You're the first person to dare challenge me!"
After hearing Le Yao Yao's words, Nangong Junxi suddenly smiled, his sword-like brows raised. His expression was filled with a charming and carefree demeanor, making him look incredibly attractive and exuding a simple yet unyielding charm.
In response to Nangong Junxi's words, Le Yao Yao also smiled back. "Haha, you're the first person I've encountered here who wants to challenge me!"
Moreover, he was someone she wanted to beat up...
Because of her bet with Nangong Junxi, Le Yao Yao had been diligently practicing for the competition over the past few days. The event would be something she excelled at—dancing!
Initially, she had considered singing. However, she soon felt that singing was too ordinary. After trying out some dance moves, she was astonished to discover just how incredible this body’s flexibility was.
It seemed that this body had once been able to dance, and very well at that.
After all, only those who have practiced dancing would have such a flexible physique.
Even the movements that had been quite strenuous for her body in the twenty-first century were effortless for this one.
Thus, Le Yao Yao grew increasingly puzzled about the identity of her current body.
If what Little Muzi said was true, that the owner of this body was a child from a poor family, then why was the skin so fair? And those delicate little hands—though they had become somewhat rough from doing chores over the past few days—Le Yao Yao was no fool. She had realized on her first day here that this body had undoubtedly been pampered and had never done any heavy labor.
But why did the owner of this body come here to serve as a little eunuch? What secrets lay behind this?
It was truly perplexing…
However, Le Yao Yao was not the type to waste too many brain cells on things she couldn’t understand.
After all, she believed that everything would eventually come to light. Perhaps in time, she would uncover the true identity of this body.
For now, what concerned her most was the Talent Show in three days!
She absolutely could not lose; she must not lose!
…
In contrast to Le Yao Yao's relentless efforts, Nangong Junxi spent his days either languidly sipping tea in Leng Junyu's study or wandering around aimlessly, looking utterly bored.
Leng Junyu, who had been deeply engrossed in military strategy, glanced at his idle junior brother with mild disinterest before returning his gaze to his work. Without turning back, he asked,
"Weren't you betting with the little rabbit?"
"Master Brother, don't worry! I have a lot of confidence in myself. Although that little rabbit is quite brave, he's still just a young lad. I don't think much of him!" Nangong Junxi said with full confidence. Leng Junyu, hearing this, merely glanced at the military book in his hands and calmly replied.
"Arrogant soldiers are bound to fail!"
"Cough, cough, Master Brother, why do you look down on your junior brother like that? Even if I can't match your intelligence, I can surely outdo that little eunuch! Yes, I admit that little eunuch is special; he has some brains and cleverness. But I've read countless books—how could I lose to someone who only knows how to engage in verbal battles?"
In response to Nangong Junxi's overconfidence, Leng Junyu simply shook his head in resignation while lowering his gaze.
However, when his eyes fell back on the book, his thoughts were already elsewhere.
These past few days, due to Le Yao Yao's bet with Nangong Junxi, Leng Junyu had generously given Le Yao Yao a few days off so she could prepare properly.
Moreover, every time he closed his eyes during these days, his mind was filled with thoughts of that petite and delicate Little One.
He thought of 'his' smile, 'his' defiant words to Nangong Junxi, and the faint fragrance that lingered around 'him'...
As for the changes within himself, perhaps even Leng Junyu had not yet realized them.
At this moment, Leng Junyu was contemplating what performance Le Yao Yao would showcase at the Talent Show.
Although he hadn't spent much time with that little eunuch, it was easy to discern 'his' personality.
'He' loved to play innocent and pitiful, had a strong desire for money, was competitive, articulate, somewhat clever, and unafraid of authority...
Such a 'he' was the most unique person Leng Junyu had ever encountered, which left him astonished and unexpectedly fond of 'him'.
However, his affection was purely for the sight of 'his' endearing smile and cute demeanor, along with 'his' humorous words...
At the very least, Leng Junyu told himself this. Otherwise, he truly could not explain why he was cold and indifferent to everyone else, yet treated this Little One differently.
As Leng Junyu pondered these thoughts, Nangong Junxi, unaware of what was on Leng Junyu's mind, found it rather dull to see his senior brother engrossed in reading. He approached the desk and slowly began to pull out the scrolls, opening them one by one to take a look.
Inside the frames were nothing but priceless ink paintings. However, feeling bored at that moment, Nangong Junxi patiently continued to examine them.
Yet, he merely glanced at each piece before quickly putting them away, his handsome face showing no signs of interest.
If the creators of these paintings were to know, they would surely be heartbroken and filled with despair.
It wasn't until Nangong Junxi randomly pulled out another scroll and began to open it that things changed.
He initially thought he would do the same as before—take a quick look and set it aside.
However, when Nangong Junxi finally saw the content of the painting, it was as if a thunderbolt had struck him. He froze in place, his previously dull Peach Blossom Eyes suddenly sparkling like a candle just ignited, wide open in astonishment.
"Senior Brother, what is this painting...?"
Hearing Nangong Junxi's astonished words snapped Leng Junyu out of his reverie.
When he noticed that Nangong Junxi was holding a scroll with a curious and surprised expression on his face, Leng Junyu's usually aloof features momentarily softened in surprise.
It then dawned on him that the painting Nangong Junxi held was one he had created himself not long ago. But...
"Senior Brother, why does the woman in the painting have no facial features?"
After realizing what was depicted in the painting, Nangong Junxi asked in confusion.
The brushwork was clearly from his senior brother's hand; after all, Nangong Junxi had seen Leng Junyu paint before.
Moreover, from the painting, he could see that the eldest senior brother was trying to depict a young maiden.
However, what puzzled him the most was that the eldest senior brother had not drawn her facial features, which truly felt strange.
As for Nangong Junxi's confusion, Leng Junyu did not respond immediately. Instead, with an ape-like arm, he took the scroll from Nangong Junxi's hands.
His pair of narrow Cold Eyes quietly focused on the unfinished painting he had created himself.
This was his first incomplete painting, and also the first one he did not know how to finish.
Because he had forgotten what the owner of this painting looked like...
He still remembered that night; it was the anniversary of his mother's death.
He, who always emphasized not getting drunk, allowed himself to drink to excess on that day every year. Because in doing so, he could suppress the pain deep within his heart.
He recalled that night; just like in previous years, he got drunk.
In his drunken state, he stumbled as he walked, unable to distinguish east from west.
At that time, all he wanted was to get drunk and numb himself.
But in the end, he realized that alcohol only deepened his sorrow.
The more he tried to forget something, the more he drank, and the clearer it became in his mind.
At that moment, he wanted to cry and laugh loudly, desperately needing to vent something.
Afterward, it seemed like he encountered a Little One, but what happened afterward? He had forgotten.
He only remembered that he seemed to have pinned the Little One beneath him, regardless of the Little One's cries and screams, which continued to spill out along with his own consciousness.
He vented his grievances and sorrow fiercely.
However, he could not recall what the person beneath him looked like; it was all a blur.
At that moment, his head was filled with a strong sense of dizziness.
Yet, faintly, he seemed to remember that the Little One had a pair of tearful big eyes that seemed somewhat familiar, but he could not recall where he had seen them.
What puzzled him even more was that in Duke Rui's Residence, aside from a few Aunts in the kitchen, there were no other women at all.
But he remembered that she was a very young maiden...
Who exactly was she!?
The more he thought about it, the more serious Leng Junyu's expression became. However, no matter how hard he tried to think, he still couldn't come up with any clues.
Until Nangong Junxi, who did not dare to be neglected, saw that Leng Junyu had not responded for a long time and felt extremely curious.
It wasn't that he was being nosy; if it were anyone else, he wouldn't find it strange at all.
But this person was his senior brother!
His senior brother, who was as unapproachable and cold as a block of Eternal Ice.
Moreover, it was no secret that his senior brother disliked girls. That stemmed from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his own mother when he was young.
Although he did not know how his senior brother's mother mistreated him, it was easy to guess that it must have been very cruel to lead his senior brother to detest women so much that they were to keep their distance within five steps.
But now, the Master Brother is actually going to draw a girl himself!?
Although this woman does not have any facial features depicted, it is still astonishing.
Who exactly is this woman!?
Could it be...
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