Chapter 3: Borrowing the Umbrella
The following day, the rain had cleared, leaving the air fresh and the leaves sparkling with water droplets. Bai Suzhen could not stop thinking about the young man from the lake. She sat by the window of their temporary lodgings, the paper umbrella leaning against the wall.
"Sister, you've been staring at that umbrella for an hour," Xiaoqing teased, leaning against the doorway. "If you like it that much, why don't we go find the owner? He did give us his address, after all."
Bai Suzhen blushed slightly. "It is only right that we return it promptly, Xiaoqing. It would be rude to keep it any longer. Besides, I wish to thank him properly for his kindness."
Xiaoqing grinned knowingly. "Of course, 'properly'. Let's go then! I'm curious to see where this honest young man lives."
They made their way through the busy streets of Hangzhou until they reached a small, neat house near the city center. When they knocked on the door, Xu Xian opened it, his face lighting up with surprise and joy the moment he recognized them.
"Lady Bai! And Miss Xiaoqing!" he exclaimed, quickly inviting them inside. "I did not expect you to come so soon. Please, come in and have some tea."
"We have come to return your umbrella, Master Xu," Bai Suzhen said, handing it back to him with a graceful bow. "Your kindness yesterday saved us from a great deal of trouble. We are truly grateful."
Xu Xian poured tea for his guests, his hands shaking slightly from excitement. "It was truly nothing. I am just glad I could help. Please, stay a while. I would love to hear more about your travels."
As they talked, Bai Suzhen found herself even more drawn to Xu Xian's gentle spirit and humble nature. He spoke of his work with medicines and his desire to help the sick. Every word he spoke reinforced her feeling that he was a man of exceptional character.
"You speak with such passion about your work," Bai Suzhen observed. "It is a noble profession to heal others."
"It is all I have ever wanted to do," Xu Xian replied. "But I still have much to learn."
Before they left, Xiaoqing cleverly suggested that they meet again at the West Lake to enjoy the scenery when the weather was better. Xu Xian eagerly agreed, his heart racing at the prospect of spending more time with the mysterious and beautiful Lady Bai. As the sisters walked away, Xiaoqing whispered, "I think he's already under your spell, sister—and not the magical kind!" Bai Suzhen only smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in a thousand years.