Dream of the Red Chamber: A Refined and Elegant Young Man in a Turbid World

Jia Cong, sitting to the side, sighed at the opportune moment. "Second Brother meant well, but he didn't consider Miss Lin's feelings. She's never liked sharing things with others, especially this lipstick, which I specially chose for her. I spent half the night pondering it, worried that a dark color would look vulgar or a strong fragrance would overwhelm her. Only then did it barely suit her taste. Your suggestion to replicate it and give it to someone else makes it seem like you don't appreciate this thoughtfulness. No wonder Miss Lin is angry." His words, seemingly meant to comfort, actually amplified his own attentiveness to Daiyu by highlighting the details of "pondering half the night" and "precise matching," contrasting it with Baoyu's carelessness and perfunctory attitude. He deliberately emphasized "not appreciating the thoughtfulness," both striking at Daiyu's grievances and leaving Baoyu with no room for rebuttal.

Baoyu then suddenly realized what was happening, and patted his forehead.

"My dear sister, I was wrong! I was foolish! I shouldn't have thought of sharing with others. From now on, I will only make this for you! I won't give it to anyone else. Don't be angry, take care of your health."

But Daiyu was furious and wouldn't listen to his explanation. She felt that Baoyu's apology was too perfunctory and just a hasty response in the heat of the moment.

"No need! If Second Master wishes to make it for someone else, he can simply do it; there's no need to specifically ask me! I can't accept such a unique gesture from Second Master!"

After saying that, she suddenly raised her hand and vigorously wiped the lipstick off her lips with a silk handkerchief. The force was so great that her lips turned red, but she didn't care at all.

Seeing her like this, Baoyu panicked even more and tried to step forward to hold her hand, but Daiyu pushed him away: "Don't touch me!"

Just as the two were arguing fiercely, a maid announced from outside the door: "Second Master, Miss Bao, Third Miss, and Madam have arrived."

As soon as she finished speaking, Baochai, Tanchun, and Li Wan walked in. The three of them immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere in the room. Daiyu's eyes were red and her face was still wet with tears. She looked cold. Baoyu was flustered and his face was flushed. He was at a loss and looked guilty and panicked.

Jia Cong stood aside, his expression indifferent, as if he were an observer.

Seeing this, Baochai quickly stepped forward, took Daiyu's hand, and asked softly, "Good sister, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Has someone upset you?"

Tan Chun frowned and stepped forward. "Bao Yu, have you made Miss Lin angry again? She's perfectly fine during the first month of the lunar year, why are you throwing a tantrum?"

Li Wan stood aside and said gently, "We're all brothers and sisters, let's talk things out and not hurt our harmony."

When Daiyu saw the three arrive, although the grievances in her heart had not yet dissipated, she could not easily argue with Baoyu in public. She simply raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, pulled away from Baochai's hand, and stood up.

"I'm not feeling well, I'm going back to rest."

Seeing this, Baoyu quickly stepped forward to try and stop her: "Good sister, don't go, let's talk this out..."

"No need," Daiyu interrupted him, not even turning her head once. "I have nothing to say to Second Master." With that, she turned and walked out, her steps hurried, without looking back, clearly furious.

Zijuan followed along at a brisk pace, carrying Daiyu's cloak and hand warmer.

"Young lady, be careful, it's windy outside. Catching a cold would be terrible!"

Baoyu wanted to chase after him, but Tanchun stopped him:

"Don't chase after her! Miss Lin is angry right now. If you chase after her now, she'll only become more annoying! It's better to wait until she calms down before you apologize."

Baoyu stopped and watched Daiyu's departing figure, his heart filled with guilt and anxiety, yet he was helpless. He could only sigh heavily, his face full of frustration.

Baochai shook her head. "Honestly, Miss Lin is so delicate. You should be more considerate of her. Why did you make her angry again?"

Jia Cong, standing to the side, spoke up at the opportune moment to smooth things over.

"It's all a misunderstanding. Second Brother meant well, but he said the wrong thing and didn't think about Miss Lin's temperament. I think Miss Lin will calm down after she goes back and rests."

After Tan Chun and the others understood the reason, Baochai found it both amusing and curious, and couldn't help but turn to look at Jia Cong.

"I never imagined it was all for a box of cosmetics. But according to Brother Bao, the lip rouge that Brother Cong makes is actually better than the ones you can buy outside?"

Baochai, being in her prime, was naturally interested in such things.

Jia Cong smiled and waved his hand.

"It's nothing but a strange skill, not something to be proud of. I hope you ladies won't mention it in front of the master and mistress, otherwise they'll say I'm wasting my time on frivolous things."

Tan Chun stepped forward with a smile and spread her hands.

"In that case, why don't you quickly bring us the 'filial piety' token and show us what it's all about!"

Of the lipsticks made, only one box was given to Daiyu; several more remained in the house, so Jia Cong had to ask Li Rong to fetch them.

A moment later, he took the small boxes from Li Rong and handed them to Baochai and the others one by one.

"This is it."

Baochai's beautiful eyes lit up, and she picked up the box again and sniffed it.

"What a great product! It's even more moisturizing than what I use before!"

"If Sister Bao likes it, this box will be yours. I've noticed that you always use plain-colored cosmetics, so I suppose you don't like those gaudy things. If I can find some more that suit your taste, I'll have someone send them to you." His words seemed casual, but they were actually flirtatious, showing that he was paying attention to her and giving him a reason to continue their relationship.

Baochai's heart skipped a beat, but she calmly began to put down the small box.

"How can I accept such a valuable item from you for nothing? Besides, you put a lot of effort into making these." He declined verbally, but the cunning in his eyes was unmistakable.

Seeing this, Jia Cong took a half step forward, lowered his voice, and avoided Tan Chun and Li Wan, who were studying the lip rouge nearby, saying, "What's a little effort if it can make Sister Bao smile? Even the best object has to be worthy of someone who understands it, otherwise it will not be a waste."

Baochai was two or three years older than him and Baoyu, so she naturally understood what he was saying. However, she was also more shrewd and immediately just smiled without answering, but then she gripped the box tightly in her hand.

At this moment, Baoyu temporarily forgot about Daiyu's unhappiness and leaned in to look at the lip rouge in Tanchun and Li Wan's hands.

"Let me see it clearly, and I'll have one made and send it to Sister Lin tomorrow!"

Baochai was the most perceptive; with a gentle smile, she pointed at Jia Cong.

"Then why don't you try to curry favor with your good brother? Once you get the recipe, what kind of lip rouge can't you have?"

Baoyu slapped his forehead and hurriedly came over with a grin.

"Yes, my good brother! Just tell me, and I'll send you two paintings by Tang Yin tomorrow!"

Seeing so many people present, Jia Cong couldn't keep anything to himself any longer. Since Baoyu was already taking the blame, he simply smiled and raised his hand.

"As your brother, how could I disobey your orders? Please have someone bring me pen and ink, and I will write down the prescription right away."