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墨書 Inktalez
She was a girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old, wrapped in a flowing water-blue long robe that accentuated her lanky figure perfectly.
Her long black hair, still dripping with water, was casually draped behind her. The glistening droplets trickled down the ends of her hair, falling onto her body and face, adding an air of delicate charm to her appearance.
Her complexion was as fair as a lotus flower, her skin smooth like fine cream, and her eyes sparkled like stars. With a delicate nose and cherry-red lips, she was undeniably beautiful! However, paradoxically, this girl had a pair of very contradictory eyebrows.
At that moment, she wore an expression that seemed fierce and intimidating, yet her brows were slightly furrowed together, giving her a pitiful look that made anyone who saw her feel an instinctive sympathy.
When Le Yao Yao and Dongfang Bai first laid eyes on this girl, they were both taken aback.
After all, from the way she spoke earlier, they had expected to encounter a very fierce woman. Instead, they found a girl who, despite her fierce demeanor, looked quite pitiable.
This girl truly embodied a contradiction of beauty and fierceness mixed with vulnerability; it was quite perplexing!
However, while Le Yao Yao and Dongfang Bai were observing the girl, she was clearly sizing them up as well.
Upon seeing Le Yao Yao, the girl paused for a moment before her gaze shifted to Dongfang Bai.
With elegant brows furrowed and a small mouth opening wide, she shouted at Dongfang Bai in an unfriendly tone.
“Hey, old man! Who are you? Why were you spying on me while I was bathing?!”
“What!? Who are you calling old man!?”
Hearing the girl's words, Dongfang Bai felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He stood there in shock, frozen like a statue.
His handsome face was now filled with disbelief and astonishment; he clearly could not accept being addressed in such a manner by the girl.
After all, Dongfang Bai had always been known for his gentle demeanor. Although he didn’t care much about appearances, it didn’t mean he was indifferent to how others referred to him. How could he possibly accept being called "old man" by this girl standing before him!?
In contrast to Dongfang Bai's disbelief, looking utterly defeated, the girl appeared completely unfazed. She blinked her starry eyes and innocently said, "Uncle, your question is so pointless. Here, besides you being a man, are there any other men present? Or perhaps, Uncle, you... aren't a man!?"
"Damn it, what are you saying!?"
The girl was doing this on purpose!
Moreover, her words were clearly laced with sarcasm! Even a saint would be angered by such provocation, let alone Dongfang Bai!
As Dongfang Bai's forehead bulged with veins, his expression one of fury, he found himself at a loss against this girl.
Le Yao Yao, standing nearby, could only stifle her laughter.
She could tell that the girl meant no harm; clearly, she had caught Dongfang Bai peeking while she bathed and was merely venting her frustration by teasing him.
Thus, Le Yao Yao chose not to intervene but instead stood by, enjoying the standoff between the two.
After all, witnessing the usually gentle and refined Dongfang Bai in such a flustered state was a rare opportunity!
Hehe, perhaps she was reveling in their misfortune a bit too much.
Just as Le Yao Yao was lost in her thoughts, a soft female voice came from behind.
"Bai'er, what happened to you?! Why are you drenched?!"
The newcomer was Fang Ruxin, who must have hurried over after hearing the commotion.
Upon seeing his mother, Dongfang Bai's furious expression softened instantly. He opened his mouth to explain but was interrupted when the previously defiant girl furrowed her brows upon seeing Fang Ruxin approach. Immediately, her striking face transformed into a pitiful expression that evoked sympathy.
"Auntie, this uncle is bullying me!"
With the pitiful tone laced with tears, the girl immediately collapsed weakly into Fang Ruxin's arms, looking utterly helpless.
She resembled a little deer being bullied, seeking her mother's help.
However, when Dongfang Bai heard the girl's words, the anger he had finally managed to suppress flared up once more, reaching a boiling point.
After all, the girl called Fang Ruxin "Auntie" and now referred to him as "uncle." What kind of relationship was that?
Was he really that old!?
Dongfang Bai was so furious that he felt like his hair might stand on end. Yet, years of upbringing taught him to breathe deeply and regulate his nearly explosive emotions.
Seeing her son’s face turning green with anger, Fang Ruxin felt both amused and helpless.
She lightly cleared her throat and gently patted the girl's shoulder as if comforting a child. After a pause, Fang Ruxin smiled gracefully and said, "Yingying, perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding. This is my son, and over there is my precious daughter."
Upon hearing Fang Ruxin's introduction, the girl slowly peeked out from Fang Ruxin's embrace. Her sparkling eyes first looked at Le Yao Yao beside her, then she smiled politely and said, "So this is the Sister Yao Yao that Auntie often talks about! Sister Yao Yao is so beautiful!"
"Hehe..."
Everyone has a love for beauty; hearing the compliment made Le Yao Yao smile in return.
Moreover, she had always found this girl interesting and fun.
After all, she must be the first person to drive Dongfang Bai crazy!
As Le Yao Yao was thinking this, she saw the girl finish her words and lightly sweep her starry eyes over Dongfang Bai once more, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
That bare gaze made Dongfang Bai, who was already furious, feel extremely uncomfortable.
Facing those eyes that sparkled like stars, he suddenly felt as if he were standing naked in front of her, being examined.
Thinking of this, Dongfang Bai's handsome face flushed slightly. He quickly coughed lightly to mask his discomfort.
Seeing this, the girl’s starry eyes flickered with a hint of mischief, and as her red lips parted, she spoke again.
"Is this really my aunt's son? Why does he look so old? I thought he was some uncle!"
Her tone was filled with skepticism, clearly showing her disbelief.
Coupled with the puzzled expression on her face, it made Dongfang Bai's face turn red then green, green then pale.
Finally, he could only grit his teeth and say, "Damn it, who are you calling old?!"
He was only twenty-six years old! Was he old!?
Okay, compared to this girl who looked about fifteen or sixteen, he was indeed nearly ten years older than her. However, at twenty-six, he was in the prime of his life, full of charm. How could this damn woman say he was old!?
Dongfang Bai was both angry and furious, but since his mother was present, he couldn’t explode in rage.
Meanwhile, Le Yao Yao watched this unfold and had to stifle her laughter to the point of almost injuring herself.
Hehe, this girl is really interesting!
However, it is quite unethical to keep watching Dongfang Bai suffer.
To show some sibling affection, Le Yao Yao immediately stepped in to change the subject and asked, "By the way, Mother, you haven't introduced us to this young lady yet! Who is she?! Why is she in my brother's room?!"
Upon hearing Le Yao Yao's words, Dongfang Bai perked up as well; after all, he was curious about the answer too.
Fang Ruxin quickly introduced them. "This is Qi Yingying, the only daughter of your Uncle Qi."
After saying this, Fang Ruxin turned to Dongfang Bai and asked, "Bai'er, you remember Uncle Qi, right?!"
"Mother, of course I remember. When I was young, I once went up the mountain alone to gather herbs and accidentally fell down a slope. It was Uncle Qi who saved me," Dongfang Bai replied immediately.
Hearing Fang Ruxin's words, Dongfang Bai spoke up without hesitation. His previously angry expression softened once again.
Perhaps out of gratitude for the life-saving favor from someone else's father, he decided not to hold a grudge against this girl in front of him.
Provided that she wouldn't challenge his bottom line again.
Moreover, he had a strong suspicion: was this woman truly Uncle Qi's daughter?
It really doesn't make sense!
Dongfang Bai thought to himself, and then seemed to recall something, opening his mouth to ask.
"Then Mother, since she is Uncle Qi's daughter, why has she come back here, and why is she in my room!?"
This was the home he had lived in for over twenty years; he would never mistake the place. So when he walked in earlier, he had no idea someone would be in his room, and that person was just taking a bath.
Dongfang Bai pondered this, while Fang Ruxin, upon hearing her son's words and seeing Dongfang Bai's flustered state, dripping wet from head to toe, seemed to understand what had just happened.
She immediately put on a look of realization, patting her forehead as she apologetically said, "Oh, it's all my fault. Bai'er, here's the thing: Uncle Qi has something to attend to out of town and was worried about Yingying being home alone. So he asked Yingying to stay here for a while. As for why Yingying is in your courtyard, it's because she likes bamboo. When I saw that, I decided to let her stay here but forgot to inform you first, which led to this misunderstanding. Bai'er, it was just my carelessness."
"What!? Mother, this Bamboo Courtyard is where I live; how could you..."
Hearing Fang Ruxin's explanation, Dongfang Bai frowned and felt somewhat displeased.
Although he didn't mind where he lived, being repeatedly called "Uncle" by this girl was extremely annoying. Therefore, he was quite unhappy about her staying in his courtyard.
In contrast to Dongfang Bai's displeasure, Qi Yingying seemed to notice and stepped forward to speak to him.
"Uncle, it's just for a short stay in your courtyard. If you don't want me here, I can move out. Auntie, you can arrange for me to stay somewhere else; otherwise, Uncle might get upset."
Faced with Qi Yingying's pitiful expression directed at Fang Ruxin while still calling him "Uncle," Dongfang Bai could no longer tolerate it.
And what did she mean by that!? It sounded as if she thought he was some petty man with a small mind; did that even make sense!?
Thinking of this, Dongfang Bai reached out to interrupt the girl’s words and then spoke to Fang Ruxin.
“Forget it, if she likes to stay, let her stay! I will go to the Snow Courtyard instead.”
After saying this, Dongfang Bai waved his sleeve fiercely and strode away.
Watching Dongfang Bai leave in a fit of anger, Fang Ruxin could only helplessly glare at Qi Yingying before turning her gaze back to Le Yao Yao with a kind and gentle expression.
“Le Yao Yao, you must be tired! Hurry back and freshen up; dinner will be ready soon. Whatever you like to eat, remember to tell your mother so she can have the servants prepare it.”
Faced with Fang Ruxin's motherly affection, Le Yao Yao felt warmth in her heart. She smiled and shook her head.
“Mother, don’t go through too much trouble. I love to eat anything.”
“Ah, that’s good. Now hurry back and wash up, take a hot bath to relieve your fatigue! You’ve had a hard time these days, and it pains me to see you like this.”
“Alright, I’ll go bathe first.”
After Le Yao Yao finished speaking, she nodded at Qi Yingying beside her and turned to head back to Plum Courtyard.
Just then, the maids had already prepared hot water.
Leng Yixuan was also taken away to bathe. After all, during this time, they had been traveling in the carriage. Sometimes they arrived late and couldn’t find an inn, so they had to sleep outdoors without having a proper bath.
Upon seeing the large tub of steaming hot water filled with freshly picked flower petals, as soon as she entered the room, a wave of fragrance rushed toward Le Yao Yao, instantly lifting her spirits.
After all, being able to take a good bath was quite a delightful thing for her!
She dismissed the maids who wanted to assist her with bathing and then took off her clothes, sinking herself into the fragrant warm water.
The light smoke danced gently, the water rippled, and a fragrant aroma filled the air.
As she gazed at the vibrant petals before her, feeling the warm water enveloping her body, a sense of comfort washed over her, dissipating the fatigue that had accumulated over the past few days.
Le Yao Yao felt herself drifting into a pleasant drowsiness, and before long, she leaned against the edge of the bathtub and fell asleep.
Time passed—she couldn't tell how long it had been; it felt like just a moment.
The hearing of a martial artist is always sharper than that of an ordinary person.
So when someone entered the room, Le Yao Yao immediately sensed it. Assuming it was just the maids coming in to change the water, she paid no mind. However, a familiar and pleasant scent of Ambergris wafted through her nose, startling her. She suddenly opened her beautiful eyes wide and stared ahead.
When she saw the familiar tall figure standing before her, Le Yao Yao felt as if thunder had struck her. She was completely stunned.
Her beautiful eyes widened in shock, and her small mouth dropped open in disbelief as she looked at the newcomer.
It felt as though something was lodged in her throat, rendering her unable to utter a single word.
Tears streamed down her cheeks like pearls rolling off a broken string, staining her cheeks.
"Y-you... is it really you?!"
Hearing Le Yao Yao's excited and stammering voice, along with the sight of her tear-streaked face, the man couldn't help but slowly extend his long hand. He gently caught Le Yao Yao's glistening tears and tenderly brushed his fingers against her delicate cheeks.
The sensation on her face felt so real that it made Le Yao Yao's heart race uncontrollably.
It pounded faster than ever before, making her feel as if it might leap out of her throat at any moment.
But none of that mattered to her; even if she were to die right now, she wouldn't care.
She was so happy, truly happy, because her Yu had finally returned.
"Ha ha... Yu, it's you, it really is you! You've come back!"
Le Yao Yao cried tears of joy, her laughter ringing like silver bells.
Her eyes sparkled with uncontainable delight.
After all, five years had passed—over one thousand eight hundred days without seeing Yu. She had missed him so much.
"Yu, where have you been all these years?! Why did you come back only now?!"
Holding tightly to this familiar figure and breathing in that familiar scent, Le Yao Yao felt as if she had come back to life.
The heartbeat next to her ear was steady and strong, proving that Yu was real.
And this warm body was real too...
Le Yao Yao's heart raced with excitement as tears streamed down her face, but she couldn't care less.
Because right now, she felt so thrilled, so joyful, so happy that it felt like she might burst.
In contrast to Le Yao Yao's excitement, the man wrapped his strong arms around her delicate frame. Habitually resting his chin on her shoulder, he deeply inhaled that familiar fragrance. After a long moment, he gently spoke.
"No matter where I have been all these years, I am back now, aren't I?!"
Hearing that familiar hoarse voice made Le Yao Yao's heart flutter. She smiled brightly and replied joyfully.
"Yes, no matter what, as long as you're back, that's all that matters. Yu, promise me you won't leave me again! You have to stay by my side forever and ever. Promise me!"
Because of the fear in her heart, Le Yao Yao now wanted a promise, a promise that he would never leave her again.
After all, these years without him had been too painful; her heart felt so bitter...
However, after hearing her words, the man remained silent, leaving Le Yao Yao feeling puzzled.
Just then, she felt something slowly dripping down her face. Thinking it was Yu's tears, Le Yao Yao reached up to wipe it away.
When she saw the vivid blood in her palm, her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
Startled, she quickly looked up and saw that the man, who had been perfectly fine just moments ago, was now bleeding from all seven orifices. His handsome face was rapidly decaying...
"Ah—"
"Yu, how could this happen? How could this happen!?"
Le Yao Yao was utterly terrified.
The man went from bleeding slightly to blood seemingly gushing from his entire body, submerging him in a sea of crimson.
"Le Yao Yao, Le Yao Yao..."
He called out her name repeatedly, but his voice was so weak that it felt as if he would vanish at any moment.
Seeing this, Le Yao Yao was so frightened that she lost her composure. She hurriedly reached out to grasp the man's bloody hand tightly; however, all she touched was air.
"No, how could this happen!? No, it can't be! Yu, Yu, don't go, don't go..."
Clearly, Yu was right in front of her, yet his figure seemed to drift further away. Le Yao Yao wanted to chase after him, but her feet felt as if they were rooted to the ground; she couldn't move an inch.
No matter how heart-wrenchingly she cried, Yu had completely vanished from her sight.
"No, Yu, you promised me! You can't leave me, you can't! Yu..."
"Le Yao Yao, Le Yao Yao..."
"Le Yao Yao, wake up, wake up! You're having a nightmare..."
The originally weak voice was replaced by one that was gentle yet filled with deep concern.
Le Yao Yao's beautiful eyes, which had been tightly shut, trembled slightly before finally opening.
As she looked around at the warm yellow candlelight in the room, the sheer curtains swaying gently, and the pitch-black night outside, Le Yao Yao suddenly realized that it had all just been a dream.
But why had that dream felt so real!?
Moreover, at this moment, she could still feel her heart racing wildly.
Yet beside her, there was no longer Yu, and her hands were free of the shocking blood...
Could it really have all been just a dream!?
Le Yao Yao felt a sense of melancholy in her heart, which ached faintly.
Just then, she heard Dongfang Bai's concerned voice nearby.
"Le Yao Yao, are you okay? If something's wrong, don't keep it to yourself. Tell... Brother. Brother will help you bear it."
"Brother, I'm fine."
Knowing that Dongfang Bai was concerned about her, Le Yao Yao could only force a smile, lifting the corners of her mouth.
However, what she didn't realize was how pale her face had become due to the dream she had just experienced.
This smile looked almost more painful than not smiling at all.
Dongfang Bai, seeing this, remained silent for a long time, simply gazing at Le Yao Yao before he sighed softly.
"Le Yao Yao, why are you always so stubborn? Why do you hide your pain deep inside? This time, you fainted in the bathtub because you were overthinking. If the maid hadn’t worried about you and come in to check, would you have drowned? Le Yao Yao, I’m really worried about you..."
Hearing Dongfang Bai's gentle concern, Le Yao Yao felt a lump in her throat, and tears began to well up in her eyes. She spoke with a choked voice.
"Brother, what good would it do if I said it out loud? Yuta... will never come back!"
At this point, the mist in Le Yao Yao's eyes finally turned into streams of tears that quickly slid down her cheeks, dripping onto the white sheets.
"Brother, do you know? Just now, I had a dream where Yuta came back! His body was warm, and his scent was so familiar. He felt so real; I thought he had truly returned. I was so happy, but then... he was covered in blood. He looked so pained and kept calling for me weakly, as if he would disappear at any moment. Brother!"
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