Homebody Fairy Chapter 6

Linlin told the truth, but Youqun didn't want to hear it. "It's fine. Let's stop talking about this. You're just too dense!"

Linlin didn't care about his insult. Her eyes rested on the inkwell again.

The deep and dark ink was made from stormy clouds, and if the person who used it was her grand general, wouldn't it just be marvelous? Linlin felt enchanted by the image.  

Thinking of how tall and lean he was, writing as forcefully as if he was using a sword, his eyebrows furrowed intensely in concentration, as the wind swept his long hair . . .  Linlin felt herself swoon.
 
She tried to hide her thoughts and chased away the scene in her mind. The general was such an amazing man. How dare she fantasize about him in such a profane way . . .

Youqun noticed Linlin's wayward gaze, only he self-absorbedly thought she was crushing on him and was too obsessed to even look away. He had no idea she had replaced his face with another man and was deep in fantasy.

Linlin stared some more before deciding to tell the truth. She coughed and looked toward Youqun. She said, "Hm, I have a request."

Youqun raised his brows and put down the brush pen in his hand to look at her.

"It's . . ." Linlin bit her lower lip. "Could you give me some of that ink?"

Youqun was surprised. This little fairy was interested in writing and poetry? He was intrigued enough to smile. "You know this kind of stuff?"

She shook her head in honesty. "No, no. I just love how the ink looks and want to collect it." Dear gods of the Nine-Level Heavens, please don't let him discover my lie.

Youqun grinned. "What's so great about the ink? It's just one deep color."

Linlin decided Youqun was not appreciative of the finer things and was really just wasting them! The ink was made from dark clouds and water from the seven-color lake and a peacock feather had made the pen, and he would ask, What's so great about it?

Linlin felt indignant about his waste of precious things, but still controlled her irritation and urge to tell the truth. "If the Heavenly King doesn't like the ink that much, would you mind . . . giving it to me?"

So Linlin wasn't completely without artifice . . .

But Youqun enjoyed playing games . . .

He smiled. "I don't love it, but I don't have to give it to you."

This was not how it was supposed to turn out! Linlin was so disappointed. Shouldn't the Heavenly King be generous with things, giving out gold, silver, and Buddha beads like candy to his underlings? This one was acting strange.

Linlin pushed down her frustration and pretended to act guilty. "If that's the case . . ." She paused. "I really do cherish the ink a lot. Is there something I could do in exchange for the ink?"

"Do something? You mean you'll do anything I ask?"

Linlin nodded gravely.

Youqun rubbed his chin and considered. A moment passed and nothing came to mind. He sighed. "It's all right. I can't think of anything right now. Just leave the condition off for now."

Linlin looked up at him with eyes full of hope.

Youqun shrugged. "Just take the ink and get out of my sight."

"Eternal thanks to the Heavenly King!"

Linlin kneeled again. She had to express her gratitude somehow.

Sure, she had to do a favor for him now, but she had the ink, and she could just visualize the handsome way the general used the ink. It was all worth it.

So worth it!

Youqun watched Linlin's excited expression as she backed out of his chamber. He sat back, crossed his legs, and frowned.

Today, Linlin wore a light lavender dress that was perfect for her shape. Every step she took made her dress bloom like a flower. Her dark hair, twirled up in a chignon, had a few loose strands framing her face . . .  From the back, one could never tell she was such a rule-follower.

Youqun thought she really was too pretty to not be used.

Chapter end