#s2-3

@keyasaurus:

In 2023, Mr. Fell, fourth generation owner and proprietor of A. Z. Fell and Co., made the only known update to the book shop's appearance in its 223 years in business.

EXT - DAYTIME - WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE PAINTING CHARACTERS: CHANGHENG, RONGHAO

△ The figure in the boat is Changheng, dressed in flowing white robes, handsome and dashing.

△ He holds an open, exquisitely crafted brocade box, inside which lies a handkerchief, carefully placed. Gazing at the handkerchief, Changheng's expression softens, a departure from his usually cold and solemn demeanor.

Ronghao: (V.O.) Changheng, what are you doing hiding within the painting?

△ Changheng snaps out of his reverie, tucks the handkerchief into his sleeve, and turns around.

△ Ronghao has already gracefully landed on the boat with a smile.

Ronghao: Yunshui Pavilion is holding a grand victory celebration banquet, lively as can be, and you, the main character, are conspicuously absent. Putting up quite the airs, aren't you?

Changheng: Aren't you also not there?

Ronghao: (His expression darkens, but he still smiles, his tone light) Since Master's passing, the Fairy Realm is filled with hypocrites as far as I'm concerned. I have no desire to partake in wine and laughter with them. You know that.

Changheng: That's just it then. I'd also rather accompany these desolate mountains and quiet rivers.

△ Changheng and Ronghao exchange a glance with perfect understanding, their words left unsaid.

Ronghao: (Looking around) Speaking of which, Wushan is truly a beautiful place. The goddess Wuyao of yesteryear must have been absolutely stunning; it's just a pity…

△ Ronghao's sharp eyes spot the brocade box.

Ronghao: What's in this box?

Changheng: Nothing.

Ronghao: (Nosily) A token from your sweetheart?

Changheng: What nonsense are you spouting?

Ronghao: Alright, stop pretending. You can fool others, but you cannot fool me. I knew that you had someone in your heart long ago. What's wrong with telling your good brother? You and the goddess are engaged in name only; you've never even met, and she has been missing for 30,000 years…

△ Changheng swiftly interrupts Ronghao as his words become increasingly absurd.

Changheng: (Slightly somber tone) Ronghao.

△ Ronghao stops obligingly, subtly observing Changheng's expression, and clears his throat.

Ronghao: Alright, alright, I shan't say anymore. (In a pitiful, pleading tone) Alas, I'm just a lowly wandering immortal, all alone and helpless. If I anger you and lose your protection, I won't be able to live such a carefree life anymore.

△ Changheng shakes his head helplessly.

△ Ronghao picks up the wine pot, shakes it, and offers it to Changheng.

Ronghao: Here, I specially brought back some fine wine from Yunmengze. Are there any good wines among your brother's rewards to you for trade with me?

Changheng: (Smiles slightly) Of course, I won't disappoint you.

△ As Changheng reaches for the wine jug, Ronghao raises an eyebrow and, taking advantage of the situation, snatches the handkerchief from Changheng's sleeve.

△ Changheng is startled and tries to grab the handkerchief back. Ronghao has already retreated a few steps, waving the handkerchief triumphantly.

Ronghao: How about that? All's fair in war!

Changheng: Give it back now.

△ Ronghao grins and unfolds the handkerchief.

Ronghao: Today I'm going to see just who this beloved of our mighty Shuiyuntian War God, Fairy Lord Changheng, really is… huh?

△ This is a plain white handkerchief, devoid of any poetry, embroidery, or patterns.

Ronghao: (Confused, muttering to himself) What does this mean? Could it be that this Fairy is naturally reserved, and thus uses this seemingly simple handkerchief to conceal a deeper meaning?

Changheng: (In a helpless, exasperated tone) Stop fooling around.

Ronghao: (Slapping his forehead) No, no, I get it! It must be because this Fairy is not skilled in needlework and is not adept at embroidery. Ah, then there's no doubt she's absolutely the most beautiful woman in our Shuiyuntian, the Fairy Danyin!

△ Changheng, listening to Ronghao's increasingly nonsensical ramblings, cannot bring himself to get angry. He sighs, steps forward, takes back the handkerchief, and carefully tucks it back in the lapels of his robes.

Changheng: (With a stern expression) Enough. My engagement with the Goddess of Wushan is still in effect; I'm fighting on all fronts, searching for her. Stop talking nonsense; it tarnishes Fairy Danyin's reputation.

Ronghao: (His tone calming down) Why are you doing this? You won't relax for even a moment. I feel exhausted just looking at you.

△ Changheng remains silent.

△ Ronghao doesn't say anything more, pulling Changheng to sit down by a small table on the boat and pouring him wine.

Ronghao: Find the goddess soon and break off the engagement; then you'll be free.

△ Changheng does not reply, raising his wine cup and drinking it all in one gulp.