All that could be seen was that handsome young man: an oval face, skin like ice and jade, eyes shimmering like autumn water, lips red and teeth white, holding a white folded paper fan, dressed in a long white robe, exuding a gentle elegance—truly the very image of a delicate pretty boy.

A Korean?

Even someone like Kevin Thompson, who never watched Korean idol dramas, knew that Koreans liked these effeminate boys who looked neither male nor female, lacking any trace of masculinity. Born with perfectly ordinary features, yet insisting on making themselves look like women.

Behind that young man stood a servant holding a short sword, who also looked just like a woman.

Could it be that there were already gays in the Song Dynasty?

The handsome young man stepped forward, cupped his hands and praised, “Brother, such literary talent! I am truly impressed, truly impressed.”

Kevin Thompson was slightly taken aback, but imitated the gesture and replied, “You flatter me, not at all!”

The handsome young man looked expectant and asked curiously, “May I ask, what is the name of the song you just sang? Would you be willing to teach it to me?”

Kevin Thompson shook his head and smiled, “I wouldn’t dare claim to teach you. The name of the song is—‘Chrysanthemum Withers’!”

Every elementary school teacher has taught that when copying someone else’s work, you shouldn’t just copy it word for word; you need to add your own creativity. Even a single character’s difference can change the meaning entirely.

Of course, Kevin Thompson didn’t think this handsome young man would understand the ultimate meaning of “chrysanthemum.”

“‘Chrysanthemum Withers’?”

The handsome young man softly repeated the name, then suddenly snapped his fan against his left palm, exclaiming with a hint of excitement, “What a song, ‘Chrysanthemum Withers’! Brother, you truly are a master in disguise!”

A trace of displeasure flashed in Kevin Thompson’s eyes. What master in disguise? Isn’t that just a veiled jab at my shabby clothes? But he still smiled and said, “There’s no master here. I’m just a commoner. That little tune just now was sung on a whim, nothing serious. Please don’t take it to heart.”

As he spoke, Kevin Thompson had already claimed “Chrysanthemum Terrace” as his own creation. But this hardly counted as plagiarism—after all, Brother Fang and Brother Zhou only wrote “Chrysanthemum Terrace” in 2006, while he had sung it here in 1122 AD, more than 900 years earlier! Even if you took him to court, the judge would probably charge you with false accusation.

The more Kevin Thompson downplayed it, the more the handsome young man admired him. He savored the song “Chrysanthemum Withers” again, and his expression suddenly dimmed, as if moved by the song, letting out a soft sigh. “I suppose you were thinking of a beloved lady just now.”

Sheesh! If Brother Fang traveled back here, he’d definitely be a great talent too. Any lyrics he wrote, no matter the era, would move people to tears. Heaven, you really picked the wrong person!

Kevin Thompson didn’t deny it, just gave a wry smile. “I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you.”

“Not at all, not at all. Brother, every word is a gem. I, Henry Clark, have learned much. May I ask your esteemed name?” Henry Clark cupped his hands, his rosy cheeks almost dewy.

Kevin Thompson saw his humility and felt some goodwill toward him. After all, he couldn’t find anyone to talk to here. He smiled and said, “My surname is Li, and my given name is just Qi.”

“So it’s Brother Li! My apologies!” Henry Clark bowed.

Seeing him bow again, Kevin Thompson felt his head spin. My goodness! Do ancient people really have to go through so much trouble just to talk?

Chapter 0004: A Pure Embrace

Henry Clark and Kevin Thompson chatted for a while. Noticing his odd way of speaking and unfamiliar accent, Henry Clark said, “It’s truly my great fortune to meet a talented man like Brother Li today. May I ask where you are from?”

They say ancient people were reserved, but it seems all those history books are just lies. Who asks where someone lives the first time they meet? Really, not reserved at all. You’re not a girl— even if I told you, I wouldn’t invite you up for coffee.

Before meeting his wife, Kevin Thompson was rather flirtatious, but you couldn’t really blame him. He was young and wealthy, and faced with the temptations of the world, how many men could truly remain unmoved?

“China!” Kevin Thompson answered casually.

“China?”

Henry Clark frowned, glancing at his servant with a questioning look. The servant was just as confused and shook his head slightly.

“Forgive my ignorance, but where is this ‘China’ you speak of, Brother Li?” Henry Clark asked, looking a bit embarrassed.

Sigh, another kid who can’t even pass English Level 3!

Kevin Thompson chuckled, “My hometown is just a small village to the north. It’s no wonder you haven’t heard of it.”

“I see!”

Henry Clark smiled slightly, and two shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks, utterly charming.

Kevin Thompson couldn’t help but feel his heart skip a beat.

Seeing Kevin Thompson staring blankly at him, Henry Clark frowned and called out several times, “Brother Li, Brother Li!”

Kevin Thompson snapped out of it and asked, “Huh? What is it?” But inside he was muttering, Why am I staring at a man? Could it be—? The thought made Kevin Thompson shiver.

Henry Clark forced a slight smile and asked, “May I ask if Brother Li has obtained any official titles?”