With a drunken laziness, I closed my eyes again.
But not two seconds later, I suddenly opened my eyes wide, gripping my shoulders tightly: “Shuang’er? Shuang’er?”
Stunned, I realized he had mistaken me for Han Shuang’er, and my heart sank.
I pushed him away and turned to leave.
After a couple of steps, Jing Haobo hugged my leg tightly. Annoyed, I tried to kick him off, but couldn’t shake him loose. He was now crying out in desperation: “Shuang’er, Shuang’er, are you going to leave me again? Don’t be angry, okay? I didn’t mean to! I broke my promise. Will you take me away? I’ll forget, I promise!”
My heart ached upon hearing this. Had he hesitated to get close because of guilt towards his deceased lover? Was his attachment to a lost love causing this refined gentleman to break down?
I crouched down and turned his face towards me: “Look and see who I am.”
His hair was tangled, and his face covered in dust. He looked at me foolishly, his lips moving: “Shuang’er… why don’t you recognize me… you’re not Shuang’er. You’re Hua Xiaoxin… you are Hua Xiaoxin!” His voice rose to an almost feminine pitch at the end.
“Do you like me?
I looked at him softly. If he just nodded, this nightmare would end. Seeing him like this, my heart was conflicted. I liked his clean and gentle manner, the image of him playing the flute in the wind. That sense of peace was unique.
Jing Haobo gave a bitter smile, releasing his grip on my leg and falling back, staring at the dark ceiling. My heart sank with him.
I had been angry that he clung to a promise to a dead person, reluctant to acknowledge his feelings. Now, after finally speaking his heart and giving me hope, he faltered!
Time eroded my hope until it felt submerged, and he finally whispered: “I love you, very much.” Then he got up and staggered towards the inn’s door.
Watching his stubborn figure, my eyes welled up. Objectively, he was a good man—handsome, scholarly, talented, gentle-hearted, loyal in love. But was he destined for misery, unable to accept new love because of his past?
No, it shouldn’t be like this! I don’t want this!
I shouted at his back: “I love you too!”
I saw him shake but he didn’t turn back. He rushed out the door.
I smiled bitterly. Was this the end?
A loud bang startled everyone in the room.
Rushing over, I found Jing Haobo had fallen, his foot caught on the doorstep. It was just like a melodramatic scene on TV—the male lead tells the female lead “I love you, but we can’t be together” and then trips and falls. How ridiculous.
I helped Jing Haobo up, wiping away his nosebleed. He smiled, uttered “Fate’s will,” and then passed out.
My heart relaxed with a sweet and sour joy. Though his words were unclear, I understood. He was accepting me. Fate had made him fall at the moment of rejection—heaven kept him by my side.
I unexpectedly heard a hearty laugh: “Long time no see, Flower Sect Master. How have you been?”
“Tie Shuzhi?” I was surprised. If he hadn’t arrived, I would have forgotten about going to Cold Family Fortress—I’ve missed our half-month appointment! No wonder they came looking for me.
Jumping down from the carriage in shame, I glanced at him and screamed: “Master Tie, your hand—” I saw Tie Shuzhi’s entire left sleeve was empty from the shoulder, swaying gently in the breeze, mirroring the melancholy in my heart.
“You wretch! It’s all your fault!
The hot-tempered big man from before was now furious, glaring at me as if he wanted to devour me whole.
Tie Shuzhi raised his right hand: “What’s past cannot be changed, but the future can be pursued. Let bygones be bygones.”
“Does it… still hurt?” I felt terrible, knowing this elder had been punished because of me. It was my negligence to forget our previous appointment.
“Not painful anymore,” Tie Shuzhi laughed heartily. “I can even save some fabric making clothes now.”
Though it was a joke, I felt distressed, choking with emotion. I was too self-centered, always acting impulsively without considering the consequences for others.
Seeing my silence, the big man shouted: “Hua Xiaoxin! Hand over Jing Haobai! Cold Family Fortress might still spare your life!”
I ignored him. With my carriage full of companions, though I couldn’t fight an entire army, swatting away a few hundred would be manageable. His threats meant nothing to me. I looked at Tie Shuzhi, realizing the debt of gratitude I owed was far too large to be repaid with mere words or treasures.
Tie Shuzhi saw my sincere expression. His mood shifted as he smiled and nodded: “Flower Sect Master, don’t feel guilty. In the jianghu, how many can truly escape unscathed?” He continued, “My fortress master hopes you’ll return Jing Haobai. Previous grievances will be settled.”
“If you visit Cold Family Fortress in the future, you’ll be an honored guest.”
This statement put me in a difficult position. If they had come a few days earlier, before I became involved with Jing Haobai, I might have complied. But looking at Tie Shuzhi’s empty sleeve and determined eyes, I gritted my teeth, knowing I was about to disappoint him. I’d threaten Tai Bai later to ensure a good retirement!
“It seems my Herbal Gathering Sect is destined to be enemies with Cold Family Fortress,” I said, feeling guilty towards Tie Shuzhi. But guilt aside, I couldn’t hand over my husband.
Sighing deeply, Tie Shuzhi nodded: “Tie will take his leave. Flower Sect Master, please do as you wish.” He turned and walked away, and his companions quickly followed.
No fighting? Everyone knew each other’s capabilities, and fighting would only cause casualties, but couldn’t they at least do something to satisfy the readers?
Xiao Zizi pouted and gazed at me with a grievance that made my guilt skyrocket. I quickly picked up a chicken leg for him.
“So this is how I am,” Xiao Zizi said.
I hurriedly picked up a chicken heart for him: “You are my heart and soul, my darling.”
” As soon as the words came out, I felt embarrassed, quickly rubbing away my goosebumps, which provoked a snicker from a nearby cat.
Secretly flicking the cat on the head, I raised my glass: “Meeting is fate, let’s toast to our destiny!”
After a drink, Wuchen’s face turned red, clearly unable to hold his liquor. I asked the waiter to help him rest in the adjacent room. Turning back, I noticed Yi Qing still hesitating with his cup. My heart ached—he must be struggling with the word “fate”…
Suddenly, a hand grabbed Yi Qing’s cup and gulped down the drink—it was Wang Zai! Damn, wasn’t he just eating enough? I’ve corrupted a minor.
As I lamented, Wang Zai suddenly collapsed. We rushed to check—he had passed out! We couldn’t help but laugh and cry. This little guy really knows how to surprise people.
Mu Ji Yu had been drinking with Meng Yu and might have had too much. His cheeks were flushed, eyes misty, with a charming smile. Tapping the table, he slurred: “Xiao… New, I’ll… sleep over there.”
I nodded, handing Shi Ran to him: “Help me take care of him. The little one had a bit to drink too.”
Now only I, Jing Hao Bai, Xiao Zizi, Feng Qing Yin, Yi Qing, and Meng Yu remained. Heh, all my people… well, Yi Qing and Meng Yu are half each. Yi Qing wants me when I don’t want him; Meng Yu is the opposite.”
Ah, how complicated. I took a bite of food and saw Xiao Zizi yawn: “Why so sleepy?” His yawn was contagious, and we suddenly felt drowsy.
Meng Yu stood up: “We’ve been careless!” Then he collapsed.
We were shocked and quickly stood up. Soon, we heard two thuds—Jing Hao Bai and Feng Qing fell, and Xiao Zizi, unable to regain his consciousness, slumped back into his chair and fell on the table with a frown.
“Flower Sect Master, we meet again.” The door opened, revealing Iron Book Zi’s group, now led by someone of high status, as indicated by Iron Book Zi’s respectful demeanor.
