The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 5

Shen Sijing glanced at Ling Qingyi, unsure what to say. She clutched the handkerchief in her hand. The original owner of the courtyard had given it a poetic name:

Dreamlike Pavilion, a name that perfectly mirrored her own dreamlike life. Shen Sijing frowned, resolving to find a chance to change it.

But just then, Ling Qingyi looked up and saw the three large characters hanging on the courtyard plaque. She smiled faintly. “Young Miss Shen has excellent taste. Such a lovely name.”

Shen Sijing listened to Ling Qingyi’s voice, as warm as a spring breeze, and looked up at the three characters again. They seemed more pleasing now. She smiled, the tassel pearls swaying gently as she nodded in agreement.

I’ve decided! I won’t change it! This is perfect!

Shen Sijing led Ling Qingyi inside. The maids in their uniform attire bowed respectfully as they saw Shen Sijing. They then turned to Ling Qingyi and performed a proper greeting before preparing tea and pastries according to the Prime Minister’s Residence’s hospitality customs.

Shen Sijing’s anxiety eased. As expected of the Prime Minister’s Residence. They don’t look down on anyone and maintain impeccable etiquette.

Ling Qingyi’s eyes indeed held less worry. Her crimson dress perfectly complemented her complexion. Shen Sijing wondered if she owned any clothes as beautiful. What if my own wedding gown isn’t as stunning as hers? That would be utterly humiliating!

“Young Miss… Young Miss Ling?” Shen Sijing began awkwardly. She didn’t really want to address her so formally; she longed to be Ling Qingyi’s friend.

Ling Qingyi seemed to sense Shen Sijing’s discomfort. Standing beneath the corridor, she gently took Shen Sijing’s wrist and smiled warmly. “Sister Shen, there’s no need for such formality. If you don’t mind, allow me to call you ‘Sister,’ and you may call me whatever you please.”

Shen Sijing hadn’t felt this comfortable having her thoughts read through in a long time. The maid beside her refilled her teacup with hot tea, while Yun Nian waited at the door. Seeing the two enter, she quickly closed the door, anxious that the autumn chill might give Shen Sijing a cold.

“Then, I’ll call you Qingqing,” Shen Sijing said, “it feels more intimate.” She had considered other names, but the original novel’s villainous male lead and scheming sisters had already used them all. Shen Sijing refused to share a name with such characters. Since Qingqing seemed unused, she ventured to ask.

Ling Qingyi paused, then smiled brightly. “I love it.” Shen Sijing’s anxiety finally eased. She warmly led Ling Qingyi to her bedroom. The chambers of a young lady of noble birth were typically spacious and well-lit, but Shen Sijing’s room, where she had been bedridden for so long, was kept so meticulously clean that it was a pleasure just to look at.

Even the unassuming bouquet of flowers by the door contained rare and precious blooms, uncommon for this time of year.

Ling Qingyi’s expression grew serious as she approached Shen Sijing’s dressing table. The most luxurious and beautiful cosmetics cases were neatly arranged beside the table, with a bronze mirror centered between them. The dressing table was positioned beneath the window, ensuring perfect lighting for applying makeup.

Shen Sijing noticed Ling Qingyi observing her room but didn’t stop her. After all, the female lead was destined to become her close friend. If Ling Qingyi liked anything, she was welcome to take it.

Shen Sijing’s thoughts were simple. She stood up to find clothes for Ling Qingyi to change into, letting Ling Qingyi quietly observe her.

Ling Qingyi appeared taller than her, but their figures were similar. The skirt might be a bit short, but the current era’s customs were open and unpretentious, so showing one’s shoes wouldn’t be improper.

After a moment’s consideration, Shen Sijing wondered what color Ling Qingyi would prefer. The original novel described her as gentle as a crape myrtle, yet trapped in romantic entanglements, with a fondness for noble, pale purples. The original owner of this body, like Shen Sijing herself, favored pure, moonlit hues and rarely spoke to others, resulting in a wardrobe filled with light-colored garments.

“Hmm… Qingqing, what do you think of this dress?” Shen Sijing held up a pale purple silk gown embroidered with gold thread. The fabric was pristine and wrinkle-free, likely untouched since its creation, making it perfect for Ling Qingyi to wear.

Ling Qingyi finally focused her attention, looking up at the gown in Shen Sijing’s hands. She reached out to feel the fabric, then suddenly said, “Sister Shen, this dress seems too precious. If I were to damage or stain it, I’m afraid I couldn’t afford to replace it…”

Though Ling Qingyi’s words didn’t betray any pettiness, they plunged Shen Sijing into deep thought. She struggled to find the right words to reassure Ling Qingyi about wearing her clothes. Her wardrobe was filled with custom-made garments commissioned by Madam Shen, crafted from the finest materials, including Shu Brocade personally gifted by the Emperor. There were likely no affordable dresses among them.

Realizing the futility of further deliberation, Shen Sijing simply pulled Ling Qingyi over to measure the clothes. “Don’t worry about that,” she said. “You’re a guest in our home and the Ling Residence sent generous gifts. What’s a small return gift from me? Since you call me ‘Sister Shen,’ there’s no need for such formality. Understand?”

Ling Qingyi looked up gratefully at Shen Sijing before taking the offered clothes and stepping behind the screen to change.

The somewhat soiled red wedding gown was draped over a wooden rack. Ling Qingyi wore no jewelry at all, saving her the trouble of removing any.

As Shen Sijing sat before her vanity mirror, listening to the rustling sounds of Ling Qingyi changing behind the screen, her mind unexpectedly filled with images of Ling Qingyi’s lotus-root-like arms and legs.

The impact of their first meeting had clearly been too overwhelming.

Ling Qingyi emerged, completely transformed. Her hair was slightly disheveled, likely from changing clothes, but she smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry for making you wait, Sister Shen.”

Shen Sijing realized she had been staring at Ling Qingyi for quite some time. She quickly stood up and gently smoothed a stray strand of hair near Ling Qingyi’s temple.

“Qingqing, your hair is a bit messy. Shall I fix it for you?” Shen Sijing’s voice brushed against Ling Qingyi’s ear like a feather. Ling Qingyi sat before the bronze mirror, examining her reflection. When had she ever looked so radiant? Feeling a little flustered, she realized Shen Sijing wasn’t particularly skilled at hairstyling. Shen Sijing simply recreated the updo Yun Nian had styled for her that morning, replicating it on Ling Qingyi.

She even adorned it with her own jade hairpin.

Ling Qingyi reached to remove it, but Shen Sijing stopped her. Smiling at Ling Qingyi’s reflection in the mirror, she said, “It suits your complexion perfectly. Consider it a gift. Remember to keep it safe, and don’t let anyone take it from you.”

Ling Qingyi nodded instinctively, but she sensed the unspoken meaning behind Shen Sijing’s words. She studied Shen Sijing’s face intently, but her expression remained perfectly composed.

“Thank you, Sister Shen,” Ling Qingyi said with a sweet smile. Shen Sijing, charmed by the sweetness in her voice, lowered her head, feeling pleased. Just then, Yun Nian knocked lightly on the door, her voice sounding urgent.

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