After bursting out of the study, Yan Qing walked all the way to the Shuixie Pavilion of the Governor's Office, where he often stayed.
The lake was as placid as a mirror, and even the fish in the lake, probably having been fed, were quietly resting in the corners.
Yan Qing stood in the pavilion, looking at the calm waters. The stillness of the lake contrasted sharply with the pounding heartbeat in his chest. With his hand still pressed against his chest, he wondered if his heart might leap out of his body and into the lake if he didn't keep pressing it down.
It probably would, right?
Ling Hua didn't walk as quickly as Yan Qing. After hurrying out of the study, she only saw the hem of his robe disappearing through the courtyard gate. She quickly followed, and saw a glimpse of his robe passing through the hanging flower gate. By the time she reached the hanging flower gate, he was nowhere to be seen.