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墨書 Inktalez
After taking a ride from Wuzhu City to Troop City, and once the farewell vehicle had departed, Jufeng stood at the bustling entrance of the station, making a decision that left Zhu Yao utterly astonished.
"I think we should stay here tonight. It's rare to find such a tranquil place; staying for a night wouldn't hurt."
This was not a complete statement; in other words, it felt unfinished. What wouldn't hurt? The ongoing war between the North and South? The company that had finally found its footing? Or perhaps the training plans for the Azure Wind Antelope laid out by his adoptive father, along with the political identity issues awaiting him back in Washing City? Zhu Yao could not know, nor did she wish to. She merely stood two steps behind Jufeng, immovable and as refreshing as the wind.
In truth, Jufeng himself was unsure why he wanted to linger here. It was partly instinct, but not entirely so. He believed someone would come to visit him soon—a long-lost acquaintance. Though they hadn't seen each other in years, he couldn't quite determine if this person was a friend. Spending one night here might not guarantee their meeting, but if they were destined to cross paths, he preferred it to happen in this serene location. Some situations might spiral beyond his control, and he didn't want to drag those around him into such circumstances. Even if they did meet after all, he felt somewhat prepared.
However, this was merely hopeful thinking; there wasn't enough reason to justify Jufeng's prolonged stay here, so it would only be for one night. Yet that night felt somewhat absurd; ultimately, it still hinged on intuition. Situ Yu's reflections on life and future during their time in Wuzhu City had subtly shifted Jufeng's mindset. He didn't want to leave irresponsibly without seeking some resolution.
Would it be a city of prosperity or just a ray of sunshine?
Without immediately choosing a place to stay, Jufeng took Zhu Yao's hand and began aimlessly wandering the streets. Zhu Yao's hand was soft; despite having a layer of calluses from years of wielding a blade, it blended seamlessly with her palm, not detracting from its beauty.
They strolled through bustling commercial streets lined with famous shops, shopped in opulent department stores, watched the latest blockbuster at a grand cinema, and indulged in street food under the neon lights. For that afternoon, Jufeng and Zhu Yao resembled a couple deeply in love, exuberantly celebrating their youth in every vibrant and fashionable spot they visited. These were experiences they had never encountered before—activities that young people their age were most passionate about. They even found themselves laughing at their own antics from time to time. But what did it matter? Zhu Yao's previously icy demeanor began to thaw under Jufeng's influence; her smiles that afternoon might have been more radiant than all her previous twenty years combined.
After their wild escapades, Jufeng and Zhu Yao checked into a luxurious hotel—not out of desire for indulgence but simply to put a perfect end to their day of madness. In the lavish suite, they collapsed onto the bed almost immediately after entering; their bodies felt more exhausted than after last night's battle.
"Looks like enjoying youth is quite a physical endeavor. I really admire those city folks; I wonder how they manage to party all night and still wake up full of energy?"
Jufeng sprawled across the bed like a giant, leaving little space for Zhu Yao. The girl seemed still caught up in the frenzy of their day or perhaps this was her true self emerging at last. She pushed and pulled at him playfully, but Jufeng remained unmoved. When he voiced his thoughts aloud, she finally surrendered her struggle.
Regaining her composure and calming herself, she sat on the edge of the bed. Zhu Yao returned to her cool demeanor once more; yet there was something different about her now—something even she hadn't noticed.
Her golden hair fell loosely behind her while strands clung to her cheeks due to perspiration, adding an alluring charm to her coolness. After expressing his thoughts, Romain fell silent while she found it hard to remain quiet.
Zhu Yao wasn't skilled in sentimental expressions; under Chang Guohong’s tutelage, such topics had never been part of her curriculum. Yet at this moment, she felt an urge to comfort Jufeng; she wanted him to know that he truly wasn't alone.
"Young Master, I will always be here with you!"
This was Zhu Yao’s first time calling Jufeng "Young Master," as well as her first time referring to herself as "Yao."
Yao had never been called that by anyone else; it was exclusive to Jufeng.
Jufeng got out of bed and looked at Zhu Yao's frail back, turned away from her. The clothes were looser now, and she seemed to have lost weight.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you stay with me."
...
The night was dark and windy; even in spring, it wasn't particularly pleasant. Jufeng, already lying down, suddenly opened her eyes at some point. A moment later, Zhu Yao on the sofa reacted in the same way. She tried to get up but heard the sound of wind rushing into the room. Without thinking much, Zhu Yao swung her hand toward the darkness, only to be easily caught by an unknown object. A finger, seemingly appearing from nowhere, pressed against her wrist, and the Lunar Blade she had never let go of faced a similar misfortune.
"Clang!" The sound of the Lunar Blade hitting the ground echoed as the lights in the room suddenly turned on.
Under the bright light, Jufeng held a fruit knife against a stranger's throat, while the man pointed a gun at Jufeng's chest.
"Crazy one, you seem well!"
"You too."
The two men, who hadn't seen each other for a long time, exchanged polite greetings while their weapons remained aimed at each other's vital spots. Zhu Yao had no time to ponder how this man had climbed up twelve floors and broken in through the window because she was shocked to find that she couldn't move an inch.
The young man named Wu smiled as he holstered his gun and turned to Zhu Yao. "Don't worry; it will only be a moment. You'll be able to move soon." He then walked over to a chair in the room without caring that Jufeng wouldn't kill him just because he put away his gun. His nonchalance and calmness made Zhu Yao feel anything but calm.
Jufeng shook her head with a wry smile, setting aside the fruit knife. She walked over to Zhu Yao and held her wrist gently, rubbing it softly. After a moment, Zhu Yao regained her ability to move.
She had never been afraid before; even when infiltrating the Unification Alliance's headquarters in the northwest to assassinate the Northwest Alliance Leader, she had never felt this kind of helplessness. This mysterious stranger seemed harmless enough with his sunny demeanor; how could someone like him be associated with a martial arts master?
Worriedly, she looked at Jufeng, who unexpectedly pinched her taut cheek. "Don't worry; your Brother Wu not acting rashly proves that tonight is safe. Go to the front desk and order some late-night snacks; your Young Master is hungry."
Still shaken, Zhu Yao picked up the Lunar Blade and steadied herself before slowly walking out of the room. As she passed by Wu, he playfully gestured at her, which made Zhu Yao furious; however, she ultimately lacked the courage to confront him.
Once Zhu Yao left, Wu grinned at Jufeng and said, "You know me best; you knew I hadn't eaten since coming here late at night. You're always so good to my stomach."
Jufeng sat down at the table for five, smiling in return. "The moment I saw you, I knew you were still the same as before. Since you haven't changed, it's hard to change habits."
"Is that so? But I remember you didn't use to smile much. Just like that ice queen, always wearing a stern face as if everyone owed her money. Back then, when you all provided me with food, I secretly sighed, wishing the master would arrange for at least two smiling servants."
Recalling the past, Jufeng's gaze softened even more, especially with memories from campus life. Although filled with bitter struggles, it was also when he forged his closest friendships.
"If Snow Moon knew how you evaluated her, she would probably regret offering her help back then."
Five made a shushing gesture, his smile brewing and then retracting. His voice suddenly took on a different tone. "Yes, if it weren't for your help back then, how could I have survived to this day? How could I have shouldered that burden for you?"
A sudden chill swept through the room, as if Five had forgotten to close the window when he entered.
(To be continued)
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