CHAPTER 285: CHAPTER 285: A SONG FOR YOU—"LIVING FREE

Shen Qinglan blushed, "You use this yourself, I have mine!"

After speaking, she gulped down the wine in her bowl.

Duan Yunfei chuckled, "Alright then!"

He picked up the wine jar and poured a bowl of Osmanthus Brew for each of them.

"It’s been a long time since I’ve drunk so happily. If only my brother and..." Xuan Ying paused, then said, "If only my brother were here!"

Duan Yunfei and Shen Qinglan exchanged a glance and shared a knowing smile.

It was clear who Xuan Ying was referring to, without needing to say it.

It seemed Xuan Ying did have some feelings for Le Zhao after all.

"Finally, things are out in the open!" Xuan Ying raised the wine jar and said to Duan Yunfei, "Young Master, I toast to you!"

Duan Yunfei curled his lips, raised his wine bowl, and clinked it with his.

After finishing his drink, Xuan Ying said to Shen Qinglan, "Miss Shen, I wish your teahouse business success in advance!"

Shen Qinglan smiled, "Thank you for your good wishes!"

After three rounds of drinks, the three finally stopped.

Zi Yun led people over to clean up the bowls and chopsticks, then left early.

Xuan Ying said he was a bit tipsy and went back to his room.

Duan Yunfei leaned lightly against the chair, with a faint mist in his eyes.

He wasn’t really drunk; it was just that the tension from the past days finally loosened, making him appear somewhat fatigued.

Shen Qinglan folded her hands on the table, rested her head on the back of her hands, tilted her head towards him, and recited, "Like carving a jade, like polishing a stone."

Duan Yunfei propped his head with his hand, looked at her with a gentle smile, and said, "I didn’t expect you to have such a high opinion of me."

"Not evaluating you!" Shen Qinglan got up and said, "I’m just reciting poetry."

"Reciting poetry?" Duan Yunfei said, "Can you play the flute?"

"Flute?" Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No, I can play the zither."

There was a time in high school when she was fascinated by the ancient zither. She even bought one online and taught herself for two years. Not excellent, but passable.

"Oh?" Duan Yunfei raised an eyebrow, "Can you play a piece for me?"

"Sure," Shen Qinglan readily nodded, "But, do you have a zither?"

"Of course!" Duan Yunfei stood up and led her indoors, "Come with me!"

Shen Qinglan followed him into the inner room, where he took down a zither covered with black cloth from a wooden shelf.

He placed the zither on the low table in front of her, brought a mat for her to sit, and then said softly, "It was a birthday gift from my sister when I was fifteen. I haven’t touched it all these years. Could you try it for me?"

Shen Qinglan plucked a few strings on the zither, then smiled at him and asked, "Would you like a song from Jianghu?"

"You can sing as well?" Duan Yunfei asked with interest, raising an eyebrow.

"I haven’t married into the Duan Family yet, stop calling me wife all the time," Shen Qinglan glanced at him and said softly, "I’ll sing ’Let It Fly Freely’ for you."

This song, although a bit old, she still quite liked.

"’Let It Fly Freely’?" Duan Yunfei quickly sat across from her, resting his chin on his hand, watching her with a smile, "Listening with utmost attention!"

Shen Qinglan cleared her throat, her crimson lips parted, and a crisp and melodious singing voice, accompanied by the sound of the zither, began:

Let it hurt me or let it make me regret

I hate that the heavens don’t understand

Let it make me suffer or let it tire me

Drifting with the wind, the world flies freely

Heroes fear not humble beginnings

Aspiring high, one day they’ll have pride

For the word ’fate’, love bound hard to end

A lifetime trying to catch, yet never could hold

Love deep so even the heavens can’t see

Grudges burn in hearts through generations

With love and passion, can’t live to old age

How can I forget your kindness?

......

As the song finished, applause immediately followed.

"Heroes fear not humble beginnings, aspiring high, one day they’ll have pride." Duan Yunfei sincerely praised, "This song is truly wonderful, the tune great, the lyrics excellent, and the singing even better!"