CHAPTER 392: CHAPTER 325: THE STORY OF THE BLACK BUTTERFLY

In the jungle, those two folk singers had sung countless songs, yet they remained completely absorbed in their performance.

The gentle music flowed around like a babbling brook.

Li Jing sat leisurely on a wooden stump seat, while Huang Qin, after a moment of contemplation, gazed into the distant night and began to slowly recount the story of the Black Butterfly engraved upon her heart.

"Once upon a time, a butterfly lived pleasantly and comfortably in the dreamy Butterfly Kingdom.

The companions around it showed it love and care, and everything seemed perfectly flawless.

However, in this kingdom, there was an unwritten rule—every butterfly had to be resplendently colorful.

The Black Butterfly once also had a splendid appearance, but deep within its heart, its most cherished color was pure black.

Its parents had high hopes for it, fervently wishing it to become the most vibrant and striking butterfly of all.

In order to not let down its parents’ eager expectations, the Black Butterfly made countless efforts, gradually becoming an exceedingly beautiful and brightly colored butterfly."

Listening to Huang Qin’s story, Li Jing couldn’t help but glance at her, only to see her lost in thought. Her face, with a hint of mature womanly charm, seemed slightly less mature and had gained a bit of youthful innocence.

"Yet beneath its dazzling appearance, a hidden secret was buried.

Every night, when the world fell asleep, the Black Butterfly would quietly paint itself entirely black, then gaze at itself in the mirror in silence.

At that moment, its eyes glistened, for it very much adored its all-black form.

Occasionally, it would even take advantage of the night, sneaking out in this form to play with other companions who also loved the color black.

In its heart, it knew that doing so might not be right, but it couldn’t bear disappointing its parents while also not being able to discard the passion it felt deep inside.

Thus, every so often, painting itself black and going out to play became a precious opportunity for it to catch a breath in its life."

Huang Qin narrated gently, her voice soft and soothing.

She then softly sighed, looked at Li Jing, and with a faint smile said, "Alright, my story is over."

"It ends just like that?"

Li Jing slightly raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised, not expecting the story to end so abruptly.

He roughly guessed that the Black Butterfly in the story might be a reflection of Huang Qin herself, so he deliberately joked:

"I thought, in the end, the Black Butterfly’s secret would be discovered by its family, and then it would be confined at home, never allowed to go out again.

Or it would enjoy the freedom and joy so much with its friends that it would completely forsake its comfortable life at home and choose to run away, wandering the world ever after."

At these words, Huang Qin couldn’t help but laugh softly, her laugh as crisp and melodious as silver bells:

"The real world isn’t as idealized as fairy tales depict.

For that Black Butterfly, if it can always maintain its current state, it would already be content.

What it worries about is the possibility of being unable to maintain this state for long because its parents are likely to discover everything sooner or later. But even so, it is working hard to maintain the status quo, and it feels quite satisfied with the present."

After hearing this, Li Jing originally intended to discern something from her eyes, but Huang Qin was undeniably adept at concealing her thoughts.

Even after telling this story, he couldn’t see any hint of vulnerability in her eyes.

Li Jing pondered briefly, then nodded with a smile, "It truly is a good story."

At his words, Huang Qin chuckled with delight, her chest gently heaving with her laughter, exuding infinite charm, making one inevitably indulge in flights of fancy.

Li Jing’s gaze instinctively lingered there for a moment, and Huang Qin, keenly aware of his gaze, did not feel the usual annoyance, instead, she gracefully inquired, "It seems you enjoy looking at people’s chests?"

Though Li Jing was caught red-handed, he showed no trace of embarrassment and responded with composure, "Everyone has an appreciation for beauty.

President Huang’s figure is so perfect; if I could resist that, then perhaps there’s something wrong with my orientation."

Huang Qin gently chided, "President Li, I didn’t expect your skin to be so thick."

"Thick skin is fine, as long as it doesn’t cause offense," Li Jing shrugged.

Huang Qin raised an eyebrow, asking with interest, "Why are you so sure that I wouldn’t be offended by your behavior?"

Li Jing’s expression was calm, unhurriedly saying, "If you’re offended, then I simply won’t look."

Huang Qin didn’t expect such a response from Li Jing; she was momentarily taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh.

At this moment, the folk singers on stage were in the throes of passion, reaching the climax of the song.

"Black wings hide the secrets of dreams, solitude beneath the glamour, breathing in the night, yearning for freedom, seeking in contradictions."

The compelling lyrics struck the hearts of the audience like an invisible force.

Listening, Huang Qin felt an inexplicable sense of emotion welling up inside, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

Li Jing too was stirred by the lyrics, prompting memories of his own journey from that quiet little town to the prosperous big city.

He slightly squinted, nodded, and said, "This song is quite nice, a good song."

Huang Qin turned her head to glance at him, her eyes carrying a shade of agreement, softly saying, "I also think it’s a good song. I didn’t expect our tastes to be quite similar."