Chapter 117: The Token

“But I searched for a long time and finally obtained this Yellow Wenyang Azure Dragon Tiger Ringed Square Seal from Min territory in Nanliang. How is it that you, Lanlan, also have a similar one?”

“Just recently acquired? The Yellow Wenyang Azure Dragon Tiger Ringed Square Seal?”

Zhang Xiaolan was puzzled, her mind racing to find any connection between the two. Perhaps it was merely a coincidence. Before she could think further, Li Rui’s repeated calls pulled her back to reality.

“Lanlan… Lanlan, what’s wrong?” Li Rui called several times with no response; she remained dazed and silent. He did not understand what had come over her.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, he gently shook her. Only then did Zhang Xiaolan show a flicker of response, though she still seemed preoccupied with some silent worry.

“Could this truly be fate? Today, I finally learned the proper name of this seal.”

Li Rui’s interruption broke her train of thought, and she chose not to dwell on it any longer. Perhaps it really was just a coincidence.

“Is that so? What a remarkable coincidence. Yet, you never once mentioned it to me. I managed to find a seal similar to yours and had intended to give it to you, so that each of us would have one as a token.”

When Li Rui heard Zhang Xiaolan speak of fate, a joyful smile broke across his face. Perhaps they were truly destined—after all, the precious treasure he had sought so far had mysteriously appeared in her possession.

“Of course you must have it. Besides, I lost my previous seal some time ago. This time, I’ll take good care of it and never let it go.”

“That’s good. From now on, we must both preserve them carefully. We should use them to stamp our paintings and calligraphy.”

Li Rui was in high spirits. Though the situation differed somewhat from what he had imagined, giving away this token only strengthened his conviction that his bond with Zhang Xiaolan was predestined.

“However, that seal is a family heirloom of mine. The one you give me will one day become a treasured heirloom as well. You know, in a thousand years, it will be a true treasure.”

Zhang Xiaolan was moved by Li Rui’s words, the thought dispelling any lingering sorrow over the lost seal. Now that she had this one, she would cherish it even more—it truly was a priceless gem.

“Heh heh! Yes, yes!”

Seeing her delight, Li Rui felt a quiet pride swell within him. Watching the woman he loved so happy because of his gift, how could he not feel a sense of accomplishment?

That night, Li Rui and Zhang Xiaolan sat hand in hand atop the roof, gazing at the stars. They nestled close together, perched high above. Zhang Xiaolan had insisted on climbing up, saying that to see the stars properly, one must be high up.

This was all her idea—she recalled scenes from TV dramas where lovers spoke sweetly, drank wine, composed poetry, and fought duels atop tiled roofs. She wanted to try it for herself. Li Rui, ever obedient, simply followed her lead, indulging her curiosity.

“Ah…” A long yawn escaped Zhang Xiaolan, tears streaming down her cheeks. Xiao Lian offered her a towel to wipe her face.

“Miss, what’s wrong? You’ve yawned several times since you woke up.”

“I stayed up late last night and woke early today. I’m just sleep-deprived.”

Zhang Xiaolan forced herself to stay alert but still felt exhausted. It was all due to watching the stars so late. Li Rui was probably just as tired.

“Then you should sleep a little longer to recover.”

Xiao Lian watched as Zhang Xiaolan yawned again and again. Clearly, she was utterly exhausted, yet insisted on waking early. It was tiring just to watch her.