Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Shen Qinglan felt guilty for intentionally breaking his promise last time, and meeting Han Zhang again today made him uneasy, afraid to see him angry.

Would Han Zhang be angry?

Of course not.

He would only make his benefactor feel even more sorry for him.

Han Zhang forced a weak smile and cupped his hands in thanks: "Long time no see. Thank you, Worthy Brother Wang, for helping me out earlier."

As he raised his hand, he accidentally showed the callused, rough skin on his palm from doing rough work.

Shen Qinglan, already smitten with him, felt a pang of distress at the sight.

He couldn't help but ask with concern: "It was nothing, Brother Han, no need to be polite. But Brother Han... why are you doing such menial work here?"

Han Zhang was silent for a moment, turning his head to the side.

The sunlight hit just right, casting a warm glow on the handsome contours of his face, and also revealing the dirt stains on his shabby clothes.

It was somewhat disheveled, yet also moving.

After a few moments.

He gave a gentle smile again and explained casually.

"Worthy Brother Wang knows my family background. Someone like me, born into such circumstances, has never seen how to pair a purple clay pot with a bonsai pine, nor do I know which flowers should be matched with sandalwood stands. I don't even fully know the varieties of orchids and peonies."

"A few days ago, when I was talking with my classmates from the academy about this year's trendy weeping plum bonsai, I couldn't keep up with the conversation. Everyone laughed at me, and I realized how little I knew."

"I figured that if I'm lucky enough to pass the imperial exams in the future, I'll definitely have to attend refined gatherings like flower-viewing banquets."

"So I just came to this flower shop to help with odd jobs and learn from the shopkeeper about the art of gardening. That way, I won't end up not knowing the difference between night-blooming jasmine and epiphyllum and get laughed at again."

His words made Shen Qinglan's heart ache even more, and he admired him deeply.

Most poor students back then either deliberately avoided their circumstances or pretended to be refined. Few could face their shortcomings so honestly, let alone try to remedy them in such a down-to-earth manner.

Though Brother Han came from a humble background, he was truly resilient and hardworking, with a natural integrity of character!

Shen Qinglan wanted to help, but the scene of Brother Han being ridiculed by his classmates because of his family background was still vivid in his mind, and those harsh taunts still echoed in his ears.

If he suddenly offered financial help now, it might hurt Brother Han's pride, like rubbing salt in a wound.

Thinking this over.

Shen Qinglan put on a bright smile and praised him admiringly: "Brother Han, to come up with such an idea—you're so smart!"

The young lad's smile was radiant, trying in his own clumsy way to cover up the earlier embarrassment.

It was both awkward and endearing.

"You're too kind, Worthy Brother. It's just a simple idea, nothing worth praising."

A faint smile curved at the corner of Han Zhang's lips, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he deliberately drawled his teasing question.

"Oh, by the way, Brother Han, I went to the bookshop to look for you a few days ago. Shopkeeper Wang said you had gone on a long trip on business for your master. How come you're here today?"

Shen Qinglan's smile instantly froze: ...

He suddenly realized that Brother Han did have a flaw—he asked questions he already knew the answers to!

Seeing the clear playful teasing in Han Zhang's eyes, Shen Qinglan felt both embarrassed and flustered.

Finally, he gave in and replied dejectedly.

"Brother Han, last time I intentionally stood you up. It's all my fault, I admit it and I'm ready to accept any punishment. But there really were other circumstances—I just... I really can't tell you the specifics."

"However! Please believe me, Brother Han, it's absolutely not because I mind your background. It's entirely my own issue. I am truly happy to be friends with you..."

At the end, he showed a pitiful, pleading look. "Brother Han, please don't be angry with me?"

He looked exactly like a kitten that had done something wrong, trying hard to rub its head against its owner's pant leg, whimpering and begging.

It was enough to soften anyone's heart, both pitiful and adorable.

Seeing him like this, the amusement in Han Zhang's eyes deepened, and he laughed.

"What kind of grown man acts like a young lad like this? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at? Alright, since you've said as much, if I, as your older brother, still held it against you, wouldn't it be a waste of your calling me 'worthy elder brother'?"

"I knew you'd be generous, Brother Han."

Having been forgiven, Shen Qinglan jumped up joyfully.

As for acting like a young lad—well, he was one. Let others laugh if they want.

As long as Brother Han was still willing to befriend him!

The boy's happy, bouncing frame was so eye-catching that a few passersby on the street turned to look.

Han Zhang sighed helplessly and reached out and flicked his forehead. "Alright, the street is crowded, not a good place to talk. I still have unfinished work I promised the flower shopkeeper today. Go on home now, and we'll talk another day."

"No!"

Shen Qinglan immediately protested.

He grabbed Han Zhang's sleeve, reluctant to let go. "Who knows when we'll meet again... Brother Han, I have so much to tell you."

Han Zhang looked troubled. "But I already agreed with the shopkeeper to do an hour of chores every day. I can't break my word..."

"I'll talk to the shopkeeper. Brother Han, wait here for me—I'll be right back!"

Shen Qinglan quickly covered Han Zhang's mouth to stop him from refusing, then rushed off to the flower shopkeeper to ask for his release.

Han Zhang watched his eager back, and a soft, warm smile unconsciously spread across his face.

After speaking with the flower shopkeeper,

The two found a nearby wonton stand and sat down.

Shen Qinglan didn't mind the street-side stall at all. Instead, he greeted the vendor warmly.

"Boss, two bowls of small wontons, extra dried shrimp and seaweed, and a plate of your white sugar cake!"

His tone was very familiar.

Han Zhang looked surprised, as if he hadn't expected someone of his status to be so familiar with street-side snacks.

Shen Qinglan blushed and stammered, "Brother Han, why you giving me that look? Sure my family's got money, but I'm no spoiled little lord. I'm not that delicate—street food's fine by me."

"Besides, even young lords from official families don't just eat fancy stuff. It's not fancy, but it's delicious."

"Especially this wonton stand—it's been around for ages. Every time I come to this street, I have to get a bowl of their wontons and white sugar cake. It's really, really delicious. Brother Han, just wait till you try it!"

By then, Shen Qinglan had forgotten his embarrassment, just drooling over the food.

He really earned his rep as a fun-loving foodie.

Han Zhang nodded with a smile in his eyes, "If my good brother recommends it, it's gotta be good. I'll be sure to enjoy it."

As they talked, the vendor brought over steaming bowls of wontons and white sugar cake.

Han Zhang took a taste, and the flavor was indeed good.

The spices weren't as fancy as in modern times, but the fresh, quality ingredients made it tasty, just as good as any restaurant he'd visited before the apocalypse.

Shen Qinglan was eating, cheeks stuffed, and finally let out all the chatter he'd been storing up for days.

"Brother Han, the food recipe you gave me last time, I had the cook try it. The cotton candy was amazing—melted in my mouth, just like clouds..."

"Brother Han, that bubble solution you gave me? I totally played with it. Qiao Dong, Qiao Xi, and I blew bubbles all over the yard—so colorful and pretty."

"And that music box—it's like magic, it really plays by itself! But the tune's way too sad..."

"Also! Brother Han, you're too mean. How could you make the rest of 'Tale of Two Souls' so tragic?"

"Why can't Scholar Zhang and Le Geer end up together? In their past lives, they were torn apart, and in this life, they meet only to be separated by death. It's heartbreaking..."

When it came to that story, Shen Qinglan was bitter.

Why did his Scholar Zhang and Le Geer have to suffer like that?

The thought upset him so much he grabbed Han Zhang's sleeve and started whining.

"No way! Brother Han, you have to change the ending, or I won't let up! I'll haunt you every day, nag you, and annoy you till you give in!"

Han Zhang: ...

Uh oh, looks like he went too far.

He hadn't expected that in this young man's heart, he'd lose to a story's ending!

But changing the ending? No way. The whole point of a tragedy is that it sticks with you.

Han Zhang shook his head with a smile, "No, the plot's already set. If I force a change, it'll lose what makes it special."

"But Brother Han, Scholar Zhang and Le Geer are too tragic. I've cried like, a bunch of times already!"

Shen Qinglan looked pitiful.

Han Zhang was stone-hearted. No matter how he begged or threw a fit, Han Zhang wouldn't budge.

Finally, seeing him truly upset, Han Zhang comforted, "Worthy Brother, don't be so upset. Sure, their story is a tragic loss, but sometimes regrets make us value what we have now. Isn't that true?"

"But I really love Scholar Zhang in that story!"

Shen Qinglan sulked.

Then, as if something occurred to him, he asked shyly, "Brother Han, if you were Scholar Zhang and got torn apart like that, what would you do?"

His tone and eyes were full of anticipation.

Han Zhang laughed helplessly, "Worthy Brother, why ask such a question? I don't have a sweetheart yet. Since I haven't experienced it, how can I say for sure what I would choose? After all, when one hasn't reached that point, no one knows whether they will be brave or cowardly."

"Take those mothers and fathers for example. They seem gentle and soft on ordinary days, but if anyone dares to hurt their children, that protective instinct can give them the courage of tigers and wolves."

"That's true..." Shen Qinglan nodded.

Then he secretly peeked at Han Zhang, his cheeks slightly flushed, and said, "Then Brother Han, what kind of young man do you like?"

He only asked about young men, not women.

Because Brother Han *has* to like young men—he said so!

The young man tugged at his clothes, nervous and anxious, waiting eagerly for an answer.

Han Zhang laughed inwardly, then pretended to ponder for a moment before slowly smiling.

"...Probably like Le Geer in the book. Though not well-versed in poetry and books, he is kind-hearted, lively, and adorable. If I could marry such a young man and spend my days with him, the years ahead would surely be fun and joyful."

"Really? Brother Han has great taste! I, I also like such young men the most!"

Shen Qinglan's eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up, almost reaching his ears.

His heart was blooming with joy, and he wished he could jump up and spin around a few times.

Every point Brother Han mentioned, he matched!

That's right, he was exactly such a simple and kind-hearted, lively and adorable young man!