Chapter 1657: Chapter 83: Heavenly Cry Saintess, Girl in the Purple Dress!_3
She stood by the railing, slender in form, her navel exposed, large areas of skin bare, her waist graceful, feet bare.
Their eyes met, and the girl gave Jiang Ning a strange smile across the distance.
"Marquis, what are you looking at?" Zhong Ling had been observing Jiang Ning’s expression and noticed the change in his complexion, so she curiously asked.
"Did you see her?" Jiang Ning asked.
"Who?" Ji Mingyue also curiously asked.
"A woman in a purple long dress with her navel exposed," Jiang Ning said.
Ji Mingyue glanced at the painting boat ahead a few times, then shook his head.
"Does the Marquis like such attire?" Zhong Ling suddenly asked.
Jiang Ning smiled and shook his head.
Then he saw the girl in the purple long dress slowly turn towards him, revealing her slender waist and back, and then entered the painting boat.
"Quite eerie!" he thought to himself.
He was sure that Ji Mingyue and Zhong Ling hadn’t seen this girl in the purple dress.
And just now, as they exchanged glances, he was sure that the girl in the purple dress knew him and was likely coming for him.
He trusted his intuition.
Just then, the conversation of several tea guests at the neighboring table drifted over faintly.
"...Did you hear? The Prince Pingjian Mansion has been closed for several days, even the morning meetings of the past few days have been halted."
"Indeed, it’s said that ever since Prince Pingjian returned from the south... ahem, anyway, nowadays the Beicang King frequents the palace more."
"Ah, the affairs of these big figures are beyond us common folks. Better to worry about our own grain prices, this spring’s weather has been a bit dry..."
"Yes, it was clear and scorching in the morning, now there are more clouds, it’s a bit cooler."
The discussion was kept low, but was clearly audible to Jiang Ning.
His expression remained steady, no longer bothered by the girl in the purple dress.
Facing an enemy like Wang Jixuan, known as the second throughout the world, such unseen presences didn’t seem worth too much concern to him.
His current strength gave him this confidence.
Then, he picked up his tea bowl and took a sip.
After resting for a while, Jiang Ning got up to pay the bill. Leaving the tea stall, they didn’t head to the bustling market, but instead slowly walked along the riverside.
Willow catkins floated gently like snow, with sunlight filtering through the clouds, casting sparkling golden rays on the river surface.
Little Dumpling held Zhong Ling’s hand with one and a half-eaten sugar phoenix with the other, hopping joyfully.
Ji Mingyue walked slightly behind Jiang Ning on his side for a while, then suddenly spoke softly, "Thank you!"
Jiang Ning turned his head to look at her.
Ji Mingyue’s gaze was on the shimmering river ahead, her voice soft, "I know you brought us out today on purpose. It’s a bit stuffy in the mansion. Seeing Little Dumpling and Sister Zhong Ling happy, I feel like it’s not so hard to bear."
"It’s good if you can feel happier," Jiang Ning said, "Though the world is full of turmoil, there are always some simple joys worth cherishing around."
Ji Mingyue showed a gentle, heartfelt smile and nodded, "Hmm, I’ll remember."
The sun gradually declined, stretching their shadows long.
After strolling for a while, Little Dumpling got a little tired and yawned, leaning on Zhong Ling’s shoulder.
Seeing it was getting late, Jiang Ning said, "Let’s go back, Qinghe and Hong Mian should be preparing dinner."
The four of them retraced their steps through the long streets gradually lighting up, heading towards the quietly standing National Master Mansion in the secluded area.
The only thing worth noting from the day’s leisure was the girl in the purple dress on the painting boat.
They walked to the last street leading to the National Master Mansion.
Less than a mile from the National Master Mansion, Jiang Ning suddenly stopped.
"What’s wrong?" Ji Mingyue also halted and looked at him.
"You and Zhong Ling take Little Dumpling back first! I’ll be back shortly!" Jiang Ning said.
Hearing this, Ji Mingyue gave Jiang Ning a glance.
After their eyes met, she nodded, "Alright!"
