"Aren't you going to the Daxiangguo Temple to pray today?"
"I’m not going anymore, there are too many people there. The whole journey will take a full day, so by the time you wake up, I won't be able to come back in time. I thought about it and it didn’t seem like a good idea."
Daxiangguo Temple wasn’t just a Buddhist temple. At the same time, the area was extremely prosperous. The whole street outside the temple was filled with vendors, and there were many shows and theaters around. It was very happening.
The ladies from other manors asked Mu Mingtang to head to Xiangguo Temple with them, which was a very strategic idea. They didn’t have to worry that their reputation would be at risk as they would be praying. Besides, in Xiangguo Temple, they can’t just leave right away after praying, they’ll have to stroll around the temple first. If they could get along with each other, then they could easily ask her out to restaurants and tea shops. Also, the area surroundingDaxiangguo Temple was very busy, so they didn't have to worry about killing time.
Xie Xuanchen turned around and looked at the bare branches outside: "My illness is not that troublesome, I won't die if you leave. If you want to head out, go ahead. You have been in the house for a few months, I’m afraid that you’ll fall sick soon if you stay any longer.”
"I'm not bored." Mu Mingtang picked up an orange and slowly peeled it. "I don't know those women, and their intentions behind inviting me won’t be anywhere good. I don't want to be looked at like a monkey. Rather than being accompanied by them, I would rather stay here with you."
While peeling the orange, Mu Mingtang walked to the window and said, "It's windy outside, you should be careful. Close the window first."
Xie Xuanchen was still looking at the distance, he didn’t even budge. After a while, he mocked himself and said: "I can’t even enjoy the breeze. They trapped me with chains, and now I’m being trapped by you. Actually, I’m part of the chain."
"Don't say that." Mu Mingtang put the half-peeled orange on the side table next to the window and said to Xie Xuanchen, “Those who are locked in against their will, now that’s being locked in. However, if I’m willingly here, now that’s my own choice. Besides, I don’t feel bored, and I don’t want to go out. I’m at ease when I look at you."
"You are only fifteen. At your age, you should be in the garden, enjoying the flowers, going to party banquets in glamorous outfits, or watching young men your age play polo. All these, instead of staying with a patient and being imprisoned in this lifeless manor."
Mu Mingtang’s eyes widened and she kept staring at Xie Xuanchen, but he kept looking out the window, showing his cold side profile to her. Mu Mingtang’s fingertips still smelled of fresh oranges. She wiped off the remaining juice from her fingertips and said, "Turn around, I have something to tell you."
Xie Xuanchen closed his eyes, obviously not cooperating with her. Mu Mingtang grabbed his clothes and said, "I’m willingly doing this. I’m already married, why would I want to watch other men play polo?"
Xie Xuanchen closed his eyes, only bleak darkness was left visible to him. Mu Mingtang was still young. She was only a teenager, she doesn't understand the meaning of love and what it entails. She, including what she had said to him before, was actually just blinded by the gratitude she had towards her life-saving hero. She thought that this was love, but in fact, it was just gratitude.
Real life and one’s vision are very different. She was still young, so she stuck around him, but this was not a healthy relationship at all. A normal 14, 15 year old relationship should be impulsive and shy. The young boy expresses his love and the young girl stands in the distance, too embarrassed to even approach, but doesn't want to stay away either.
Rather than their deformed relationship, mixed with gratitude, fantasies and appreciation. When he rescued Mu Mingtang, she survived a near death experience, she was nervous, afraid and she trusted him. She naturally shifted all these emotions onto him. She thought that this was love, but it wasn't at all.
She was still young and couldn't tell the difference. When she really understood one day, she would definitely suffer. He can't give her the love and company of a normal husband, nor could he even accompany her outside, she even had to take care of him. She put her whole life here for him, this endless blackhole.