The two stayed on the shores of Dongting Lake for nearly half a month.
"Leaving again?"
The Tea-Serving Lady stood beside the Thatched Cottage, watching the Verdant Green Maiden tend the courtyard.
At her words, the Verdant Green Maiden nodded slightly. "It's time to go! We were only passing through in the first place, stopping for a few days. But that lad liked the scenery here and wanted to stay longer, so what could I do? I showed a little generosity and stayed a few more days."
"Why must you indulge him?"
The Tea-Serving Lady muttered again.
She was rather envious, even jealous, of Liu Yong!
"You don't understand."
The Verdant Green Maiden smiled.
For a lyric poet, dwelling amid mountains and waters could be a powerful source of inspiration!
He could produce lyrics worthy of making the Verdant Green Maiden pause.
Naturally, she was willing to halt her steps for a single such poem, or even a single line.
She liked them.
"..."
The Tea-Serving Lady fell silent.
Only after a moment did she nod. "Very well. Then I'll take my leave? Lady Verdant Green Maiden, there's something I'd like to tell you. Would you come closer?"
Suspecting nothing, the Verdant Green Maiden rose and walked over to the Tea-Serving Lady.
Once she drew near, however, the other woman suddenly pressed close, gazing at her with bright, lively eyes.
"It's only now that I dare do this!"
"If you still had that divine, immortal body, I wouldn't dare."
"..."
"Oh, you!"
The Verdant Green Maiden sighed helplessly.
Only a finger's breadth separated them.
The Verdant Green Maiden raised a hand and tapped the Tea-Serving Lady's forehead.
"I'll take my leave."
So she said.
The Verdant Green Maiden nodded.
"Mm."
"Safe travels."
Some time after the Tea-Serving Lady left, Liu