Then Yun Zhongge sent a thought to Yue Ziling: "Brother Ziling, there's no need to feel discouraged. With this excellent poem alone, you've already made a wonderful impression on Fairy Qin. That alone makes it worthwhile, doesn't it?"
How could Yue Ziling fail to understand that Yun Zhongge was reminding him not to take out his frustration on him—or renege on his promise—just because his poem had failed to open a leaf of the Immortal Song Tree?
He chuckled to himself at Yun Zhongge's pettiness and sent back a thought: "Don't worry, Brother Yun. Yue Mou has never gone back on his word."
Though they had failed to open a poetry leaf, Yun Zhongge had one thing right: at least Fairy Qin had a good impression of him. That made it worthwhile.
Yun Zhongge sent back a thought: "Then I thank you, Brother Ziling."
While the two exchanged thoughts, Young Master Zheng and the others all offered Qin Qing words of comfort.
Qin Qing said, "It seems the Immortal Song Tree can no longer unfurl its poetry leaves. Perhaps this is heaven's will. Thank you all for your efforts. I'll remember them." With that, she turned to leave.
"Wait." Yun Zhongge spoke up. "Perhaps Yun Mou has a way."
Young Master Zheng said coldly, "If you have a way, why didn't you bring it out sooner? You've wasted all this time for nothing. Even if the Immortal Song Tree's poetry leaves could stay open for just one more breath, that would be something..."
Qin Qing raised a hand to stop Young Master Zheng, then turned to Yun Zhongge. "Brother Yun, do you truly have a way?"
"I wouldn't dare say I do, but perhaps it's worth a try. Time is short, so I won't say more."
As soon as he