Chapter 2: Meeting at the West Lake
Capítulo 2: Encontro no Lago Oeste
The West Lake in Hangzhou was even more beautiful than the sisters had imagined. The spring breeze carried the sweet scent of peach blossoms, and the famous Broken Bridge stretched gracefully across the shimmering water. However, the clear sky suddenly darkened, and a gentle spring rain began to fall, turning the vibrant landscape into a misty, dreamlike painting.
O Lago Oeste na primavera era uma visão de tirar o fôlego. A superfície da água brilhava como um espelho, refletindo a beleza dos salgueiros que margeavam a orla. Bai Suzhen e Xiaoqing passeavam pelo caminho à beira do lago, aproveitando a atmosfera fresca e vibrante.
"Oh no, sister! We are going to get soaked," Xiaoqing cried, trying to cover her head with her wide sleeves. "We should have brought an umbrella!"
De repente, a chuva começou a cair pesadamente. As pessoas corriam para encontrar abrigo, mas as duas donzelas não tinham guarda-chuva. Enquanto procuravam um lugar para se esconder da chuva, um jovem bonito se aproximou com um guarda-chuva na mão.
Bai Suzhen looked around the crowded lakeside. "Do not worry, Xiaoqing. Let us find a place to wait for the rain to pass. Look, there is a boat near the shore."
"Senhoritas, com essa chuva forte, por favor, usem meu guarda-chuva", disse o jovem com uma voz gentil e educada. Ele era Xu Xian, um jovem estudioso de bom coração.
As they hurried toward the shelter, they noticed a young man standing near the edge of the lake. He was dressed in simple but clean robes, holding a sturdy paper umbrella. This was Xu Xian, a kind-hearted young man who worked at a local herbal medicine shop. Seeing the two beautiful ladies caught in the sudden downpour, Xu Xian stepped forward without hesitation.
Bai Suzhen olhou para o jovem e, instantaneamente, seu coração disparou. Ela sentiu uma conexão profunda e estranha, como se já se conhecessem de uma vida passada.
"Excuse me, ladies," Xu Xian said politely, bowing slightly. "The rain is getting heavier. Please, take my umbrella. I would not want you to fall ill from the cold."
"Muito obrigada, o senhor é muito gentil", disse Bai Suzhen com um sorriso encantador.
Bai Suzhen looked into his eyes and felt an instant, inexplicable connection. His eyes were honest and full of genuine concern. "That is very kind of you, sir," she replied, her voice soft and melodious. "But then you will be the one getting wet. We cannot possibly accept such a generous offer at your expense."
Xu Xian também ficou atordoado com a beleza de Bai Suzhen. Ele nunca tinha visto uma mulher tão bonita e elegante antes.
Xu Xian smiled warmly. "I am used to the rain, and my home is not far from here. Please, I insist. A lady of your grace should not be caught in such weather."
"Meu nome é Xu Xian, sou apenas um estudioso comum. Prazer em conhecê-las", ele se apresentou.
Xiaoqing giggled, nudging her sister. "See, sister? The humans here are quite helpful! Thank you, kind sir. We shall accept your kindness."
"Meu nome é Bai Suzhen, e esta é minha irmã Xiaoqing", respondeu Bai Suzhen.
As Xu Xian handed the umbrella to Bai Suzhen, their fingers brushed against each other for a brief second. A spark of destiny was ignited in that moment. The rain continued to fall, but for Bai Suzhen, the world seemed to have stopped. She watched the young man walk away into the mist, already wondering when she would see him again. The simple act of lending an umbrella had set the stage for a love story that would be told for a thousand years.
Os três caminharam juntos sob o mesmo guarda-chuva, conversando e trocando histórias. Apesar da chuva forte, seus corações se sentiam aquecidos e iluminados. Esse encontro não foi coincidência, mas o destino que os uniu no Lago Oeste.