"The reason for this, if told, might invite laughter, so it's better left unsaid. In summary, it's simply a matter of unwillingness."
"If not for the helplessness of the world, why would one willingly live under concealment, in disguise, with darkness everywhere? How could one live freely and openly?"
Qian Renxue sighed. Perhaps those unaware wouldn't notice, but Xin could hear that Qian Renxue's words likely contained her own feelings about years of disguise in Heaven Dou Royal Academy:
"I just don't know why Teacher Xin prefers to live behind a mask rather than reveal his true appearance."
Actually, the reason is quite easy to guess.
Firstly: He has powerful enemies he cannot afford to offend, and he wishes to avoid being recognized. However, Teacher Xin doesn't even seem to care much about my Spirit Hall, so I can't imagine what kind of enemy would make Teacher Xin hide his appearance.
Secondly: His face has flaws, and Teacher Xin is quite particular about it, unwilling to show his flaws to others. From my understanding of Dean Xin, he shouldn't be someone who judges by appearance, so he wouldn't do this for that reason.
Then there is only the third reason: The exact opposite of the second. Teacher Xin's appearance is extremely good, and he has a sense of self-respect, unwilling to show his appearance to others, so as not to gain a reputation where his looks are valued more than his talent."
Qian Renxue truly lived up to her reputation as someone capable of disguising herself for so many years within the Tian Dou Royal Family. She was indeed intelligent. Although her guesses had slight flaws, the direction was correct.
Xin was speechless. How was he supposed to answer that?
"However, I do think that the opportunity to be oneself is very rare. Teacher Xin, why must you conceal yourself so tightly, so impenetrably? Doesn't that mean you're limiting yourself, sticking to old ways, and not living as yourself?"
Seeing that Xin did not answer, Qian Renxue spoke. It wasn't that her insights were particularly profound, but rather her own monologue from years of disguise:
"So, Teacher Xin, why not be yourself again, take off your mask, and let Xue'er see you?"
Qian Renxue revealed a faint smile, a sweet smile that looked like a golden angel. The falling white orchid petals were perfectly in sync with the moment.
Qian Renxue's words might have been unintentional, merely wanting a glimpse of Xin's appearance.
She had once, in Heaven Dou City, as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, asked the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Ning Fengzhi:
Why Dean Su always wore a mask and never took it off.
Ning Fengzhi's face, however, showed a mysterious smile, his eyes seeming to sink into some vortex, and he only told her one sentence:
Unfathomable, do not be curious.
This, instead, planted a seed of curiosity in Qian Renxue's heart.