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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Qingmo lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks in the distance was particularly deafening in the stillness of the night. To Lin Qingmo, it resembled a swarm of mosquitoes buzzing incessantly by his ear, a persistent annoyance that stirred his restless heart. His bed faced the window, which was open, revealing a large, round moon hanging in the night sky like a lump in his chest—he knew it was there but could neither touch nor grasp it. After waking up, all he could remember was being thrown against the side of the boat by a massive wave and losing consciousness; how he returned unscathed remained a mystery to him.
He wanted to find Lin Xiao, but Mother Lin sternly stopped him, recounting Lin Xiao's and Lin San's injuries and the uproar caused by Lin Xiao's mother when she came to their home. She forbade him from associating with Lin Xiao again. This was the first time Mother Lin had ever shown such anger that left no room for rebuttal; it must have been due to Lin Xiao's mother being overly domineering. Yet, what puzzled him was that after learning from Lin Qingmo about Lin San and Lin Liu's malicious intentions, Mother Lin did not inquire how he had returned safely. However, Lin Xiao's injury cast a heavy shadow over Lin Qingmo's heart.
"I have to go see him," Lin Qingmo murmured to himself. For the first time, he disobeyed his mother’s orders. Quietly dressing, he slipped out of the house and headed straight for Lin Xiao's home. Their houses were on opposite ends of the village, separated by its entirety. Once outside, he ran quickly; it was his first time doing something "bad," and anxiety gnawed at him as he stumbled along. Fortunately, the moonlight tonight was splendid; the winding alleys appeared dusted with white frost.
Lin Xiao's residence was not large but charmingly exquisite, resembling a summer retreat built by wealthy families amidst a cluster of simple thatched cottages, making it stand out conspicuously.
Due to his family's poverty, Lin Qingmo had always been thin and frail from inadequate meals. However, years of fishing had toughened his body beneath that exterior; it only showed when he exerted himself or lifted heavy objects. He nimbly climbed over the high wall and jumped down gracefully. In the moonlight, he spotted a dark figure in the yard—an imposing presence that loomed large even in a crouched position—it was Da Hei. Da Hei clearly recognized him but did not bark; it remembered his scent. After squatting for a moment, Da Hei suddenly turned around and began walking towards the back yard, pausing with each step. Lin Qingmo understood—it wanted to lead him to Lin Xiao.
Da Hei stopped in front of a window where several Monthly Roses grew nearby—flowers that Lin Qingmo adored. He had told Lin Xiao that Monthly Roses were vibrant yet not gaudy; they were humble yet resilient and thrived even in poor households without holding back their brilliance.
Lin Qingmo pulled at the window until it clicked open from inside. He lowered his voice and softly called out, "Lin Xiao." He hadn’t expected Lin Xiao to hear him; however, surprisingly, a low voice responded from within: "Wait for me to open it." After what felt like an eternity filled with faint sounds akin to gasps for air, the window finally opened. As he leaped onto the windowsill, he accidentally stepped on something soft—a startled gasp caught in his throat as he rolled aside in shock.
In the moonlight, he turned back to see Lin Xiao lying on the ground, panting heavily. He hurriedly helped him up and noticed that white cloth was wrapped around his chest in layers from under his arms down to his waist. In the bright moonlight, the cloth appeared even whiter against his skin—like bones exposed after flesh had rotted away. A wave of bitterness surged within Lin Qingmo as he choked out words tinged with tears: "It's all my fault, Lin Xiao. If it weren't for this clothing... I won't wear it tomorrow."
Lin Xiao tightened his grip on Lin Qingmo’s hand; his palm was still clammy with sweat while Lin Qingmo felt only coldness on his own hand. "I can carry you to bed," he offered.
"No need," Lin Xiao shook his head but held onto his hand tighter. "It's not your fault. It’s Lin San and Lin Liu who had ill intentions; if they hadn’t set their sights on your clothes, they might have targeted me instead. You see? I should be thanking you."
Ignoring Lin Xiao’s protests, Lin Qingmo carefully lifted him onto the bed. As soon as they settled down, Lin Xiao chuckled and joked: "Do you know why I didn't want to get into bed? Because I could lean against you on the floor for a while."
Lin Qingmo didn’t grasp the implication behind those words and simply asked: "Who saved us that day?"
Lin Xiao sighed and replied: "Strangely enough, I can’t remember clearly either; I vaguely recall it was the Dragon God who rescued us—a Golden Dragon. And there was a child... who must have intervened upon witnessing Lin San and Lin Liu’s wickedness... Qingmo, my mother blames you for my injuries; she stormed into your house and forbade us from seeing each other again. But that's her decision—not mine. Qingmo, will you really ignore me? Will you stop playing with me?"
"How could I!" Lin Qingmo firmly grasped Lin Xiao's hand in return and said: "If I were to ignore you, why would I sneak out at midnight to check on you? I'm really worried about your injuries. We will always be good partners and friends! Just explain to your mother that it was Lin San and Lin Liu who intended harm; she won’t stop us from seeing each other."
Lin Xiao shook his head with a smile: "My mother has long disapproved of our friendship; you know her... she looks down on poor families." As he spoke these words, a flush crept across his face—such sentiments combined with their clandestine meeting painted them as star-crossed lovers unable to be open about their affection.
He paused before continuing: "Are you planning to tell any adults about what happened with Lin San and Lin Liu?"
Lin Qingmo pondered for a moment before shaking his head: "Forget it; let them go this time. They’ve lost their minds too. Their parents are good people; it's just... letting them off feels unfair to you."
"It’s fine; I’m okay as long as you don’t ignore me; nothing else matters."
"I won’t ignore you—I promise."
Their conversation was overheard by two figures perched atop the roof nearby. Bathed in moonlight with feet feeling as if they were treading on snow, Ao Yan turned away abruptly as if swept by wind while Fox King Liu Lan followed closely behind him mimicking their voices: “It’s fine; I’m okay as long as you don’t ignore me; nothing else matters.” “I won’t ignore you—I promise.”
Suddenly halting in his tracks, Ao Yan turned back as if intending to jump down when Fox King hastily grabbed him: “Xiao Yan, are you really thinking of killing him?” With narrowed eyes glinting mischievously like someone relishing misfortune at Ao Yan’s jealousy-fueled turmoil, Fox King added: “What if killing him makes Qingmo hate you? Even if he doesn’t hate you—I’ll still mock you for letting a mere mortal provoke such wrath! I’ll save this joke for when I drink with Xue and Xiao Lang someday—it’ll be quite flavorful.”
Rolling his eyes playfully closer to Ao Yan’s face while grinning widely: “Qingmo will eventually be yours—your wife—that’s destined! Why rush? Heaven is on your side; he won’t escape even if he tries! Now think about how to win his heart once married so he'll follow you devotedly! There’s an old saying: fate is predetermined but effort is required! I'll keep an eye on things here—if necessary I'll stir up some trouble so that little brat doesn’t take advantage of your little wife! Meanwhile—you should start planning your wedding because four years pass quickly!”
Ao Yan felt heat rise to his cheeks at such words but managed to transform anger into amusement.
Afterward, Lin Xiao began learning about fish trading from home since this was one way for him to maintain contact with fisherman Lin Qingmo. Four peaceful years passed until both reached marriageable age. The fish business flourished for Lin Xiao's family while Mother Lin grew dissatisfied with solely selling fish; she rented a silk shop in town intending to settle there permanently.
However, despite her plans for expansion into town life due to her son’s fondness for fishing partner Lin Qingmo—he stubbornly remained in Lin Family Village continuing as their fish merchant despite all odds against him.
Mother Lin contemplated arranging a marriage for her son focusing her sights on Ge Mansion across from relatives' homes—a wealthy family owning two large taverns in town alongside considerable farmland outside.
She believed both families shared similar affluent backgrounds having roots both urban and rural thus ensuring compatibility.
The object of her interest was Ge Xiaohua—the only daughter of Ge Family whose maternal relatives resided within lin Family Village—her uncle being none other than village elder Lin Dahai.
Yet unbeknownst to Mother Lin—Ge Xiaohua spent nearly every summer at her uncle's house within lin Family Village.
This seemingly perfect match held one flaw—being an only child Ge Family sought an incoming son-in-law but given equal standing between both families neither wished for such arrangements.
Additionally—what Mother lin failed to anticipate was Ge Xiaohua’s affections lay firmly with none other than lin Qingmo himself.
Ge Xiaohua's appearance was in stark contrast to her name. If one were to describe her using a flower, it would undoubtedly be a peony the size of a bowl. She had a face that radiated wealth and fortune, with prominent features and a round, fair complexion. Her large, dark eyes were deep-set with double eyelids, and her nose was big and round, giving her a charmingly innocent look. When she wasn't smiling, her expression was dignified and graceful, but once she smiled, it revealed her carefree nature. She had the personality of a silly big sister; after getting close to Lin Qingmo and Lin Xiao, she affectionately called Lin Qingmo "Mo Mo" and Lin Xiao "Xiao Xiao," following them around without a hint of concern about being annoying. The scheming Lin Xiao often used outings as an excuse to meet Lin Qingmo. Whenever there was an opportunity to see Lin Qingmo, Ge Xiaohua was more than willing. She liked Lin Qingmo for his gentle and soft nature; although he wasn't particularly outstanding, he was kind-hearted and very tolerant of her silly self. Unlike the clever and sharp-tongued Lin Xiao, who would scold her for being stupid, fat, or ugly, Ge Xiaohua felt that her heart was not in her throat but rather hung decoratively from her waist like a pouch.
For reasons unknown, Mother Lin had been wanting to abandon the sea and fishing for the past two years and move the family to the city. She noticed Ge Xiaohua's feelings for Lin Qingmo and didn't mind if Lin Qingmo became a son-in-law by marriage; although it was rather unkind, she still hoped to use this as a stepping stone to distance herself from Lin Family Village. While Ge Xiaohua didn't fully understand her mother's actions, Lin Qingmo had no objections at all, including the idea of marrying into the Ge Family. He believed in obeying his parents' wishes and matchmaking arrangements. Filial piety towards his mother was his sentiment; starting a family was merely a step in his life journey. In his nineteen years of life, he had only lacked love.
Ge Xiaohua was overjoyed by this decision, but Lin Xiao felt as if he had fallen into an ice pit, frozen and numb. He abruptly pulled Lin Qingmo aside and coldly said, "Come out tonight; I'll be waiting here." He pointed at the beach beneath their feet. Seeing Lin Qingmo's puzzled expression, he forced a smile and asked, "Do you know what day it is today?" Lin Qingmo thought for a moment before replying, "Today is July 7th." "Exactly! Come out tonight to see the Cowherd and Weaver Girl meet!" Lin Xiao clapped his hands excitedly. Ge Xiaohua was squeezed aside, glancing back and forth between Lin Qingmo and Lin Xiao. Upon hearing that they were going out tonight, she hurriedly squeezed between them and exclaimed loudly, "Take me with you! I want to sneak out too!" Lin Xiao shot her an annoyed glare and snapped back harshly, "Go away! The Cowherd and Weaver Girl will be so scared by your big mouth that they'll fall off the Magpie Bridge into the Milky Way." Ge Xiaohua had long been accustomed to Lin Xiao's hostile remarks; she narcissistically attributed it to her lack of interest in him, leading him to choose revenge against her.
The night sky was devoid of stars, only a large strange moon hung above—so big it resembled a piece of cloth or a veil made of cool yellow silk that faintly shimmered with red hues. Lin Xiao rubbed his eyes to dispel any fanciful thoughts. As promised, Lin Qingmo arrived, filling Lin Xiao with joy as he felt he had overshadowed Ge Xiaohua in importance in Lin Qingmo's heart. He pulled Lin Qingmo down to sit beside him and asked directly, "Qingmo, do you really like Ge Xiaohua? Are you willing to 'marry' into her family?" Lin Qingmo turned to look at him before lowering his gaze again; his fingers traced circles in the soft dry sand as he replied thoughtfully, "Xiaohua is a good girl. Plus, if I marry into her family, my mother can go with me. She has suffered all her life; I haven't been able to give her a good life yet—at least at the Ge Family she can enjoy some comfort. Of course, I won't just be living off them; I'll take good care of Xiaohua and work hard. My father doesn't want me or my mother; he's definitely remarried outside and has other children now—so I don't have to carry on the family line for the Lin family anymore."
Lin Xiao grabbed his wrist urgently: "Qingmo! I'm asking if you truly like Ge Xiaohua!" Lin Qingmo chuckled lightly as he brushed off Lin Xiao's hand: "Do you like Xiaohua? Is it my fault for taking her?" Seeing that Lin Qingmo didn't seem to grasp his point yet hesitated to break through their unspoken barrier directly due to understanding his somewhat bookish nature—soft-hearted but not very adaptable—Lin Xiao held back his emotions but spoke with urgency: "Qingmo! Promise me you'll wait two days until I gather enough money for both of us to live comfortably for the rest of our lives—I’ll take you..." Before he could finish his sentence, they were interrupted by a haunting melody that seemed to drift from somewhere like thin smoke curling into the air—a sound imbued with mystery and allure. They exchanged glances before turning their attention toward the sea where the music originated.
Near the beach stood two dark rocks separated by some distance; if folded in half they would appear symmetrical. Perched on each rock sat a mermaid resembling twins with long silvery hair trailing into the sea water—though still they evoked an ethereal gracefulness. Their fish tails shimmered like scales adorned with pearls woven into blankets. They tilted their heads slightly with closed eyes while delicately plucking at a harp with fingers that moved in perfect harmony. "Qingmo! Quick... Qingmo... run!" Lin Xiao trembled as he reached out for Lin Qingmo's hand. Suddenly, however, he saw Lin Qingmo slowly stand up beside him as if entranced—his eyes vacant while his hands hung limply at his sides as he began walking toward the sea. "Qingmo—" Lin Xiao jumped up trying to pull him back: "Come back!" But then an invisible force knocked him away from where he stood. The water gradually engulfed Lin Qingmo’s calves, thighs... “Qingmo! Don’t go back! Come back!” As he crawled forward on the sand after falling down again only two steps before being lifted by that unseen force again—thrown high into the air before crashing down once more. “Qingmo...” Exhausted from trying to crawl forward again while unwillingly extending his hand wide-eyed in fear that if he blinked once more he'd lose sight of Lin Qingmo.
Hiding behind one of the rocks, Ge Xiaohua could no longer remain concealed; summoning all her courage she stood up abruptly shouting loudly: “Qing—Mo—Qing...” Suddenly darkness enveloped her vision as she fainted away. Moments later she regained consciousness on the ground; brushing off dirt from herself she hurried over to where Lin Xiao was kneeling beside him just as he cried out sharply: “Qingmo!” At that moment dark waves swallowed up Lin Qingmo entirely beneath their depths—the music abruptly ceased while both mermaids sank beneath the surface too. In despair Ge Xiaohua frantically shook the tear-streaked face of Lin Xiao: “Don’t cry! I’m still here! Don’t cry!”
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