Long Aotian’s Beautiful Butler Has Run Away chapter 37

Chapter 37: Envying the Kindred Spirit

Led by the steward, Rong Xie walked into the long-renowned Blue Plateau Villa.

Entering through the side door, they were met with a screen of stacked rocks, upon which the characters “Blue Plateau” were carved in a bold, flowing style.

This wasn’t particularly unusual.

Rounding the artificial mountain, however, the scenery became surprising. On the other side was a row of glazed flower windows. The noon sunlight spilled onto the glass, refracting dazzling, psychedelic colors. Beams of colored light projected onto the ground, painting the enclosed space in bizarre, variegated hues.

Indeed, between the flower windows and the artificial mountain was a roofed waterside pavilion. Dense trees surrounded the steps, making the pavilion’s interior dark while the outside of the windows was bright. It was like a kaleidoscope; only by looking through the darkness on this side could one see the magnificent wonder on the other.

Rong Xie walked up the steps and approached the flower windows. The shimmering lake outside gradually appeared fully in his view. Along the winding shores of the lake were long bridges, corridors, docks, and embankments. Lush willows swayed in the breeze. In the distant mountains, pagodas and high terraces—architecture blending seamlessly with nature—came into view one by one. It was hard to believe this was a garden of limited space.

Rong Xie’s eyes widened. Seeing Blue Plateau Villa with his own eyes, he realized that Huanxue Villa could only be counted as a fully functional residence, while the garden before him was a masterpiece for the ages.

Seeing Rong Xie’s interest, the steward explained how the water was channeled, how the layout referenced legendary immortal palaces and famous paintings, and how many skilled craftsmen Grand Secretary Wang had sought out for this villa. Even so, Blue Plateau Villa wasn’t built in one go; the core was built first, followed by the East and West Gardens. There had been a shortage of funds in the middle, halting construction for a full two years…

On the day Blue Plateau Villa was fully completed, Grand Secretary Wang had looked at himself in the mirror, lamenting the fleeting nature of time. When he first planned the garden, he was a hot-blooded youth in the capital; now, his temples were gray. Life was short, and accomplishing anything was difficult—he had only been lucky enough to accomplish this one thing.

Rong Xie listened to the steward’s narration, entranced. The image of Grand Secretary Wang gradually became clearer, differing significantly from the aloof official he had imagined.

Unknowingly, Rong Xie and Shen Bingsi followed the steward into the heart of the garden. Walking among towering ancient trees, a powerful, resonant cry suddenly rose, shaking the listener’s spirit.

Rong Xie stopped and looked toward the source of the sound.

Someone was singing while beating a fou (clay pot instrument).

They sang in an ancient rhyme, distinct from daily vernacular. Within the aged, weathered singing voice, there was a lingering charm and a simple, clumsy beauty.

“What is this weirdo singing?” Shen Bingsi turned his face, leaning close to Rong Xie. “Why can’t I understand it?”

“Firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea… The Bodhisattva sits compassionately on the lotus terrace,” Rong Xie answered.

“The Immortal Lord is truly learned. My Master said that Layman Baishui sings in an ancient rhyme he deduced from old scores; ordinary people can’t understand it,” the steward praised.

Rong Xie froze, his heartbeat quickening. “The person singing… is Layman Baishui?”

“Exactly. Does the Immortal Lord know him?” The steward smiled. “What a coincidence. He happens to be a guest here these days, drinking with other retainers. However, he is used to coming and going alone. After eating and drinking his fill, he comes to the woods to sing by himself.”

“I don’t know him, I’ve only heard of his great name,” Rong Xie said.

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Hearing this, the steward intended to introduce them.

An arm extended from the side, blocking the steward.

“That won’t be necessary. We’re just here to tour the garden,” Shen Bingsi said. “If we delay too long and miss the city gate closing, we’ll be stuck here for another day.”

Rong Xie looked at Shen Bingsi in surprise. The man who usually acted on whim was actually considering the city gate closing time?

However, he wasn’t really ready to meet Layman Baishui either. Always unskilled at social networking, he didn’t know how to explain his purpose. Should he start by saying, Sorry I scared your daughter?

The steward led the two around the grove, continuing forward.

Along the way, Rong Xie kept his eyes glued to Layman Baishui’s back. The figure was as thin and bony as he had imagined, the loose white robe hanging somewhat empty on him. Yet, it wasn’t a frail thinness; when he raised his arms to beat the fou, every strike used great force, making the pottery ring out loudly.

Rounding past the woods, the steward led them into a guest hall. Lunch was already prepared and was being served.

“It was prepared on short notice; please forgive the simplicity, Immortal Lords.” The steward smiled apologetically, bowed, exited the hall, and closed the door.

Only Rong Xie and Shen Bingsi remained in the guest hall.

Shen Bingsi ate silently, not critiquing the food as he usually did. Rong Xie thought the food might actually be bad, but upon tasting a mouthful, he couldn’t help nodding.

“As expected of the Grand Secretary’s chef. Although light, it preserves the original flavor of the ingredients, and the seasoning is ingenious,” Rong Xie praised.

Normally, Shen Bingsi would follow up with a comment, but he didn’t.

Shen Bingsi finished his meal quickly in silence and slammed his chopsticks onto the rest with a clack.

Rong Xie paused and looked up at him.

“I think this garden is just so-so. The scenery is all much the same. We’ve seen what we needed to see; no need to walk the whole circle,” Shen Bingsi said. “Let’s leave through the nearest side door later.”

Rong Xie sensed his bad mood, wondering what had upset him this time.

“We finally made it to Blue Plateau Villa, and we’re leaving already?” Rong Xie felt some regret.

“I was wrong. I thought Wang Xuechuan was a man of high attainment, but he’s no different from vulgar commoners,” Shen Bingsi ignored Rong Xie’s comment, muttering to himself. “Gathering a bunch of inexplicable idlers in the garden, turning a perfectly good garden into a chaotic mess. I couldn’t even eat.”

Rong Xie glanced at his empty bowl. It didn’t look like he couldn’t eat.

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However, when Shen Bingsi was throwing a tantrum, it was best not to provoke him.

Rong Xie didn’t mention continuing the tour. After eating, Shen Bingsi asked the steward to lead them out, saying they were in a rush to return to the city.

Hearing they were returning to the city, the steward sent a carriage to escort them to Tangquan Villa to collect their luggage, and then on to the capital.

That night, they stayed at the Prosperous World Pavilion again. When they returned to the Courtyard of Mountains and Rivers, the sun hadn’t even set—much earlier than expected.

Shen Bingsi was still puffing with anger. If he hadn’t been speaking and hadn’t helped Rong Xie off the carriage, Rong Xie would have thought his Petrification Syndrome had flared up again.

Shen Bingsi returned to the courtyard and went to lie down on the bed in the room.

Rong Xie found it strange but didn’t disturb him. He took the Map of Blue Plateau given by the brokerage and lay down on the lounge chair under the corridor to read.

When he started, the sky was bright, but unknowingly, it grew dark. Rong Xie looked up to find a lamp, only to see two lanterns placed beside the orchid hot spring pool ahead.

Strange. Why put two lanterns by the pool? There were only two lanterns in the entire courtyard; wasn’t putting them there a waste?

Thinking this, Rong Xie got up from the lounge chair and went to retrieve the lanterns.

His eyes were fixed on the light, so he was startled to find a dark figure sitting in the pool when he got close.

“Ha!” Rong Xie stopped abruptly. “…Shen Bingsi? What are you doing here?”

Shen Bingsi was soaking in the water. Who knew how long he had been there? The water wasn’t even hot anymore. He sat at the bottom of the orchid pool, the water submerged his body, leaving only his head exposed. No wonder Rong Xie hadn’t seen him.

Shen Bingsi lifted his eyelids, glanced at Rong Xie, and closed them again. “Soaking.”

Rong Xie lifted the hem of his robe, squatted down, and touched the water. It was cold.

“It’s so cold, how can you soak? I’ll call the attendant to bring hot water.”

Saying this, Rong Xie stood up, but his wrist was suddenly grabbed.

Shen Bingsi looked up at him along his arm.

For a moment, Rong Xie thought Shen Bingsi was going to pull him in.

“It’s hot now,” Shen Bingsi gazed at him. “Touch it.”

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Guided by Shen Bingsi, Rong Xie’s hand reached into the water. The sky was dark, and only the orange light from the lanterns by the pool illuminated the rippling water, leaving the depths unseen.

touching the warm water, Rong Xie had the illusion he was touching warm skin. His fingertips twitched slightly, but Shen Bingsi held him tighter.

He had almost forgotten—Shen Bingsi didn’t need hot water added. He could make the water hot or cold at will.

Rong Xie regretted coming over to say those unnecessary words. He had intended to take the lantern and leave; he was already on the last page of the Map of Blue Plateau.

“I have something to say to you,” Shen Bingsi said in a low voice.

“Mn?”

Rong Xie looked down at him, but Shen Bingsi averted his gaze, staring at the water surface. “I was wrong today.”

Rong Xie almost thought his ears were playing tricks on him. Shen Bingsi was actively admitting a mistake?

“I don’t know why, I just can’t control myself,” Shen Bingsi lowered his eyes. His eyelashes weren’t very long but were very thick. When he looked down, the line of his lashes was like the tail feather of a phoenix, giving off a sense of youthful vigor and innocence. ” The moment I think of you making other friends, I just… feel uncomfortable all over.”

“…” Rong Xie had actually sensed it. “Is it because of Layman Baishui?”

“Yes,” Shen Bingsi admitted directly. “It’s him. Every time you mention him, your eyes light up. They don’t light up when you mention me.”

Rong Xie chuckled. “Just because of that?”

“And… you always say you want to leave.” Shen Bingsi lifted his lashes, his dark, deep eyes gazing at Rong Xie, actually showing a hint of grievance.

Rong Xie’s heart stirred. He sat down by the pool. One hand was still held by Shen Bingsi; with the other, he removed his wooden clogs, lifted the hem of his robe, and dipped his feet into the warm water.

“As long as you don’t chase me away, I won’t leave,” Rong Xie said.

As soon as the words left his mouth, he wondered if he had been too direct. What if Shen Bingsi sensed something? He averted his gaze.

“Really?” Shen Bingsi’s ecstatic voice rang out.

Rong Xie looked back. Shen Bingsi was looking at him with overjoyed surprise, his gaze burning with a hint of anxiety, as if waiting for further confirmation.

Rong Xie nodded. “Really.”

The next moment, he felt his shoulder sink, and a massive force pulled him into the water.

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Splash!

The orchid pool wasn’t deep—standing up, it wouldn’t even reach his thighs. But Rong Xie was pulled down completely off guard, getting soaked from head to toe. His layers of clothes were not spared. When he climbed up from the water, his expression was likely not very pleasant.

“Shen Bingsi!” Rong Xie was helpless. “Can you give me a heads-up next time…”

But before he could fully emerge, he was pulled into a burning embrace. Shen Bingsi pulled him onto his lap, and the hand on his waist moved to the outside of his thigh.