Chapter 3: Subtle Affections Weave, A Rooster Crows at Dusk...
At noon, the heat was unbearable, and the sun shone down relentlessly on Qingshui City.
On the street, only a few pedestrians hurried by, and the usually bustling vendors were nowhere to be seen. Only one or two people carrying water baskets walked with difficulty, hoping to earn more money for water in the hot weather.
Occasionally a breeze blows, offering pedestrians a few moments of coolness and causing the shop signs along the street to flutter.
The most glamorous signboard, and the best place to go in the whole city at this time, was none other than Wanfulou, the largest and most prosperous restaurant in the busiest Qingshui City.
The vermilion gate and exquisite carvings lead into the main hall, where a cacophony of noise greets you. Waiters, carrying trays, nimbly weave between tables and chairs, calling out orders and soliciting tips with smiles.
Most exquisitely, hanging directly above the hall is an extremely magnificent disc. Around the edge of the disc, round pearls are closely arranged, each one full and radiating a soft glow. On the surface of the disc, intricate and beautiful patterns are arranged in a pleasing manner, with exotic flowers and plants blooming on it, and the delicate texture seems to exude fragrance.
It is said that this disc is a genuine magical object. In summer, it can draw sea breezes into the building, bringing a touch of coolness, while in winter it can block the cold air, making the hall warm as spring. It is the treasure of Wanfulou, attracting countless people to marvel at it.
Wanfulou, Tianzi Room.
A young man sat leisurely, leaning back in his chair. He had sharp eyebrows and bright, deep eyes. His thin lips were slightly pursed beneath his high, straight nose. His black hair was tied up and secured with a jade hair crown that was entirely green. A few stray strands fell beside his angular face, adding a touch of casualness to his appearance.
What a handsome young man.
On the table beside him, a long sword rested quietly. The hilt was made of black jade, but it faintly shimmered with a beautiful red, as if it had been soaked in blood, mysterious and alluring.
The boy leaned back in his chair, one hand casually resting on the hilt of his sword, looking up at the young man standing by the window.
"Uncle Lin, my sister and the others should have entered the city by now."
The young man by the window was dressed in purple, and he was holding a dozing black cat in his arms.
Despite it being the height of summer, he exuded a cool aura. The young man, radiating an air of nobility, slowly stroked the cat and turned to look at the boy who had spoken.
She was dressed in a magnificent Shu brocade robe, with a purple-gold belt inlaid with gemstones around her waist, and a jade crown on her head, making her dazzlingly beautiful.
"It really is my first time going out to play, so I'm all smiles and feel like I'm glowing with happiness," the young man chuckled.
He walked to the table, sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and replied leisurely, "We should have arrived at the city lord's mansion by now."
Zhang Xuan, the elegantly dressed young man, looked at Lin Fengdu, who was pouring tea in front of him, and asked listlessly, "Uncle Lin, we're going to wait until Li Yan's inauguration banquet is over before we leave, right?"
Lin Fengdu glanced at Zhang Xuan but ignored him. The black cat nestled quietly on his lap. The young man's gaze was focused on the cup, his expression calm and composed, and his every move exuded nobility.
"Yes, I'll leave as soon as the farewell banquet is over."
Zhang Xuan said "Oh," inwardly scoffing and thinking to himself, "They really don't give him any chance at all, watching him from beginning to end."
Zhang Xuan got up and stood by the window, gazing into the distance. The view from the top-tier room of Wanfulou was excellent. At first glance, one could see layers upon layers of houses, and in the distance, the surging sea. Sometimes, the sea breeze would blow, making it even more refreshing.
Lin Fengdu took a sip of tea, his fingertips tracing the teacup, then looked at Zhang Xuan and spoke again.
“I know you don’t want to go back, but I have to do what Zhang Xiang asked me to do. I have things to do these few days, so I won’t be able to attend Li Yan’s inauguration banquet. We’ll leave after the banquet.”
Zhang Xuan responded, knowing that he wouldn't be able to see Lin Fengdu during the days of preparing for the banquet. Well, Lin Fengdu didn't need to attend a city lord's inauguration banquet.
The boy crossed his arms and leaned against the windowsill, watching the people coming and going below. The Blood Moon Blade on the table seemed to tremble slightly, then returned to calm in an instant.
...
At 5 PM, in the main hall of Wanfulou.
Qingyu, carrying her newly bought cloth bag and dangling the tassels on it, stepped into the gate of Wanfulou.
She glanced around and casually found an empty seat to sit down.
"Hey buddy, a bowl of fish soup noodles, please."
"Alright!" The waiter looked up and thought to himself, what a beautiful girl.
The young girl wore a light orange ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a matching ribbon tied around her waist. Her hair cascaded down her back, adorned only with a simple flower hairpin. Her beautiful face smiled gently, exuding a delicate and radiant charm.
The waiter responded and went to the kitchen, still wondering when such a beautiful girl had come to the city.
Qingyu didn't care too much. Although she had been in Qingshui City for a year, she had spent her time recuperating and cultivating. As the saying goes, one must understand new meanings from old ways, so she naturally had to put more effort into cultivation. This meant that she had spent most of her time along the coast during the year.
She sat quietly waiting for her noodles, her fingertips lightly tapping her newly bought cloth bag, and for a moment she felt a little annoyed again.
Qingshui is located by the sea. She watches the sea every day, observes the rising and falling clouds, and listens to the ebb and flow of the tide. However, she harbors a grudge that needs to be settled with blood. Qingshui is tranquil, and it is difficult to witness life and death.
Qingyu looked at the hall of Wanfulou, where the central disc was magnificent and dazzling. She smiled, then came to her senses. She knew she would soon be leaving this place.
"Young lady, here's your noodles."
The waiter brought over the noodles. It was lunchtime, and while he was secretly amazed by Qingyu's beauty, he had to turn around and get back to work.
Qingyu looked at the fish soup noodles in the bowl. The milky white soup was thick and rich. When she scooped up a spoonful, the fine pieces of fish were faintly visible, emitting a rich and fresh aroma. The noodles were distinct, and they were also decorated with scattered green scallions, which made them even more appetizing.
Qingyu's appetite was whetted by the sight. She picked up her chopsticks, rolled up a few strands of noodles, and put them in her mouth, savoring them with satisfaction—it tasted so much like what Wenchuan usually made.
Qingyu frowned, blinked, and took a few more bites. Yes, it was delicious, but it tasted exactly the same as Wenchuan's.
Qingyu took a few sips of soup and suddenly realized that Wen Chuan was still working as a helper in the restaurant. Could he be in the kitchen right now? Qingyu was startled for a moment, then found it funny. Today was her first time in the city, and she was using the excuse of looking for Cai Cai.
She casually bought a pretty cloth bag, and when she got hungry, she happened to see this big and luxurious restaurant, so she went in to have a bowl of noodles. Could it be such a coincidence?
As she thought this, she looked around. Most of the diners were eating; it was lunchtime, and the hall was a bit noisy. There were also quite a few people peeking at Qingyu, but none of them were bold enough to go up and strike up a conversation.
Qingyu listened and heard many people talking about the arrival of the new city lord, as well as the inauguration banquet and other things. She didn't quite understand them, but they seemed to be Zhou people's customs. She looked towards the kitchen and felt that Wen Chuan was there.
Cold, pale fingers lifted the curtain. The young man was carrying a bowl of soup noodles. He was thinking about what Qingyu had said about her going to catch vegetables tonight and not coming back. He was working at the restaurant during the day, so he could just pack a bowl of noodles tonight and not have to cook dinner.
He came out of the kitchen, walked through the hall, paused for a moment as he passed a certain spot, and looked toward a corner.
The girl's smile was as beautiful as a flower.
"What a coincidence, Wen Chuan."
Wen Chuan stopped and looked at Qing Yu's smile. The girl's eyes were curved, and she winked at him while resting her chin on her hand.
His fingers, which were holding the noodles, unconsciously twitched slightly. He took a step forward and sat down in front of the girl.
The noisy hall didn't quiet down at all because of this incident; it remained bustling with people, the aroma of food wafting through the air, and the orange-red sunset outside was stunningly bright as it sank into the sky.
He chuckled softly.
"What, you're looking for me instead of Cai Cai?"
Qingyu put down her chopsticks and chuckled softly, amused. She looked at Wen Chuan across from her and said, "I can't find it. Who knows where that chicken went? I've searched everywhere, but I haven't seen a trace of it."
"If we can't find it, we won't look for it anymore. It'll come back eventually when it wants to eat the vegetables."
That makes sense.
Qingyu replied, then picked up her new handbag, which she had bought that day, with great interest. It was orange and white, the colors simple and natural, and it even had a gradient-colored tassel. She had fallen in love with it at first sight.
"How is it? Does it look good?"
Wen Chuan was opening the food box and taking out the soup noodles. Since he was already sitting here, he might as well eat here.
"It looks pretty good."
Qingyu didn't care whether he was being perfunctory or not; as long as she liked it, that was enough. She smiled, put away her bag, and said while eating her noodles, "Were you here all afternoon?"
Wen Chuan set out his bowl and chopsticks and replied, "Yeah, I was helping out in the kitchen today. I thought you'd come back tomorrow."
Qingyu also felt that today was a coincidence. If she hadn't met Wen Chuan, she might have eaten and strolled around before going to the beach to cultivate.
She had almost finished eating, so she put down her chopsticks, waited for Wen Chuan to finish, and then asked, "Will my eating here with you have any impact on you?"
Although the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty were open-minded, the sight of a man and a woman dining alone at the same table still sparked speculation. Of course, this wouldn't affect her, a demon, since she would be leaving soon anyway.
However, Wen Chuan grew up in Qingshui City and works as a helper in this restaurant. He doesn't know if he will run into someone he knows and cause a misunderstanding.
Wen Chuan: "It's nothing."
Qingyu nodded, saying that if it's alright, then it's alright.
Wen Chuan ate quickly, and the two prepared to leave in no time.
"Gurgle gurgle gurgle!"
"Giggle—da!!!"
Qingyu and Wenchuan exchanged a glance; it was Cai Cai.
They looked toward the source of the sound.
At the corner of the staircase in the lobby, a richly dressed young man carrying a long knife held a chicken by the neck, glaring angrily at a dull-colored chicken.
Zhang Xuan was furious. Upon closer inspection, he noticed some feathers on his body and several wounds on his hands.
This chicken dared to step on his head! It got feathers all over his hands! And it even dared to peck at him!
Cai Cai flapped her wings and quacked, "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo."
This scoundrel dared to steal its vegetables! It plucked its feathers! It grabbed it by the neck!
The atmosphere between the man and the chicken was tense, a stalemate, a fierce confrontation, and in the blink of an eye...
"Cai Cai!"
Zhang Xuan and the chicken turned their heads and looked at Wen Chuan and Qing Yu together.
Wen Chuan: "..."
Qingyu: "..."
At a corner of the stairs in a restaurant in the small town, a wealthy young master carried a large knife on his back and held a small, yellowish-brown chick by the neck. The chick stopped flapping its wings, its wings seemingly about to fold, and its two dark eyes looked at the boys opposite it.
The bright young girl, dressed in an orange ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that matched the sky, tilted her head in confusion. Behind her, the boy had a calm expression, his eyes gentle and clear. Even his simple, coarse clothes couldn't hide his refined demeanor.
The setting sun, the last rays of sunlight, shone through the window onto them, creating a strange fusion.
...
In the sixteenth year of Tianchen, in the height of summer.
The chicken is getting stale from the heat.
I'll never run away from home again. I want to eat vegetables.
Who knew it was jade? I thought it was a vegetable leaf.
But before I could peck at it, Xuanxuan caught me.
If you dare bully Cai Cai, Cai Cai will peck you.
Pecking each other.
Oh ho.
It's too late to peck it.
We met our masters.
I'm crying, I want to eat vegetables.
—CaiCai's Diary, My First Encounter with XuanXuan.
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