Chapter 30: The young man plays the zither, as beautiful as jade, and the warrior is confused by the wonderful music
In mid-April of the Gregorian calendar, the delegation to Japan left the port smoothly.
The convoy arrived at the military port. Xiao Xiangyue saw the giant warship quietly anchored at the dock. Her mouth dropped open in surprise, "Brother Yun, are we going to Japan on a warship?" Luo Guyun smiled and said, "What else? Brother is a soldier, representing the Chinese army on this visit. Are we going to take a cruise ship?"
A row of naval officers and soldiers stood upright on either side of the red-carpeted dock, saluting in a standard military salute. The commander-in-chief's shouts of "Hello" resounded loudly. Luo Guoyun released his hand, walked to the microphone, and delivered a brief speech, announcing the departure. The warship slowly sailed out of the harbor.
The delegation was led by Yi Shui. Its members were primarily generals from various armies and officials from the central government, totaling fifty or sixty people. Sun Mu and Xiao Qin also accompanied them. Sun Mu was a medicine enthusiast, and he had long wanted to explore the many prescriptions long lost in China that were preserved in Japan. This trip also coincided with a visit to several major Japanese pharmaceutical companies to explore Chinese traditional medicine.
The Taicang, the cruiser used for this trip, was purchased from Russia at great expense by the central government last year. It boasted state-of-the-art facilities. Everyone stood on the ship's side, waving to those who had come ashore to see them off.
"This Taicang is probably the only ship the Nationalist government can produce!" Luo Guyun sighed.
Yi Shuidao said: "Third brother, you are absolutely right! In terms of land force strength, our country has a large population and a vast territory, and can still compete with Japan... In terms of naval equipment, it is like an egg hitting a rock in front of the Japanese army, and it is simply vulnerable..."
Xiao Xiangyue, who was standing nearby, asked, "Why? Can't our country afford to build warships?"
"Yue'er is right. Building ships requires a huge amount of financial resources. China has long been divided among warlords, each harboring their own selfish motives. No one is willing to contribute money or effort. Furthermore, our country's technology is backward and there is a shortage of talent, so naturally, we can't build ships," Luo Guoyun explained. Xiao Xiangyue thought about it and said, "In the future, Yue'er will release more records to earn money to build ships for Brother Yun!"
The wind was strong against the side of the ship. Luo Guyun, wearing a military coat, tucked the man into his coat from behind, rubbing his cheek and saying, "Our defense is inland. We don't have a navy, so we don't need ships. This time I go back, I plan to build a few military airfields. If Yue'er makes money, she can buy more fighter jets for her brother..."
Upon hearing this, Yi Shui sneered, "You are such a good Third Brother! You can't even let others talk to Yue'er! You actually tricked people into buying you a plane! You have no shame! Yue'er, don't listen to him..." Xiao Xiangyue shouted, "Brother Yun is not tricking anyone! Yue'er really wants to buy fighter jets for his army!"
Sun Mu smiled and said, "I've figured out one thing over the years... In front of Yue'er, never say anything bad about his brother Yun! Don't look at Yue'er calling him Brother Yi or Brother Sun affectionately. In fact, in his heart, only Brother Yun is the one who is most dear to him..."
Xiao Xiangyue was greatly embarrassed and shouted, "Brother Sun, why are you so unruly today? I'm going to complain to my sister-in-law when I get home and ask her to discipline you!" Luo Guyun laughed so hard that he fell backwards, gasping for breath and saying, "Brother Sun, this jar of Shanxi aged vinegar has been buried for years. The sour smell can be smelled from far away!"
The warship was fully equipped and had excellent facilities. Luo Guyun and Xiao Xiangyue stayed in the spacious top cabin, which also had a large terrace. The mansion's chef had also been brought aboard, and the daily meals were no worse than those on land. The two of them would either watch the clouds roll by, the sunrise and sunset over the sea, or simply hang out with the others on the deck, which was quite pleasant.
At dusk that day, the rising moon hung over the sea, and a white cloud beside it was illuminated by the setting sun, making it a dazzling sight. The combination of the cloud and the moon, against the backdrop of the deep blue sky, was truly beautiful.
Luo Guoyun was an excellent calligrapher and painter. Picking up his brush, he painted the scenery before him with a few strokes, turning it into an ink painting with exquisite composition and vividness. Xiao Xiangyue picked up the brush and wrote a few crooked characters in the middle of the painting: "Lonely Cloud and Moon Picture". Luo Guoyun almost choked with laughter and pointed at him and said, "Good... Yue'er's skill in ruining the scenery is first-class..." He looked at the painting from left to right with an innocent look on his face, and said happily, "Yue'er looks good!"
Ever since Xiao Xiangyue fainted, Luo Guyun had been careful with his health and hadn't had sex with him. Now, under the lamplight, looking at his stunningly handsome face, a faint smile on his face, his crimson lips parted, he couldn't help but be moved. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, one hand slid down, her lips close to his ear, whispering, "Xiaoyue felt wronged the last time we were alone on the boat. This time, I'm here, I'll take good care of you..." With a gentle pull, the two of them rolled onto the bed. A passionate, lingering night of bliss.
The journey was smooth. About two hundred nautical miles from Osaka Port, a force five or six gale picked up, causing the ship to sway slightly. A strong person wouldn't notice it, but Xiao Xiangyue, after all, was weaker and felt a bit dizzy. Sun Mu had designed a special head massage technique for him, which not only helped with seasickness but also relieved headaches. Luo Guoyun was so interested that he insisted on learning the technique himself, saying that Yue'er was prone to headaches and that once he learned it, he could massage him anytime.
Inside the cabin, Luo Guyun sat cross-legged at the head of the bed, Xiao Xiangyue lay on her back between his legs, and Sun Mu instructed on the side: Yifengxue, light three, heavy six... Baihuixue, light five, heavy three... After pressing two or three times, Luo Guyun asked anxiously: "Yue'er, do you feel better?" Xiao Xiangyue kept comforting: "Yue'er feels much better, Brother Yun, don't worry..." Sun Mu teased him: "My dear brother, you are giving Yue'er a headache..."
Yi Shui came in and sat down beside the bed. He said, "How's Yue'er? The Japanese have received the telegram and sent two frigates to lead the way. We estimate that we'll arrive at the port in three or four hours." Luo Guyun said with relief, "Finally, it's almost here! Yue'er couldn't eat this morning, so she needs to rest well when she arrives."
While they were chatting, the captain came to report: "The Japanese frigate has sent out a small boat, and a man named Watanabe Shinji wants to come on board." Xiao Xiangyue sat up suddenly, surprised and said: "Jinji! Why is he here? Let him aboard!"
Watanabe Shinji and Xiao Xiangyue had been classmates for three years and had become very close. He was incredibly excited to see his old classmate, and before he could even begin, he explained, "I have a cousin who's a high-ranking military officer, and he's arranging the itinerary for this military expedition. He heard a naval vessel was being sent to guide us, so I begged him to let me on board so I could see Xiangyue sooner."
Xiao Xiangyue hurriedly introduced everyone to him one by one.
Yi Shui looked at Watanabe Jinji and said, "I heard that your Watanabe family was a famous aristocratic family during the shogunate era, with many talented people and was highly regarded by the emperor. Two years ago, a man named Watanabe Hiko led more than 30 samurai to defeat a Goryeo army of more than 2,000 people, and his reputation spread far and wide. I wonder who you are?"
Shinji said, "The Watanabe Hiko the General is talking about is my cousin, one of the generals in charge of receiving the visiting military delegation." He added proudly, "My cousin is a leader of his generation in the Watanabe family. He excels in both civil and military affairs. Last year, he even received a special commendation from the Emperor. Shinji has the utmost respect for him."
Luo Guyun listened to the chatter while his hands kept working, massaging Xiao Xiangyue's head. Jin Er observed this and said, "Is Xiangyue sick again?... Our family has a private hot spring pool in Kobe. The volcanic springs contain a variety of minerals and are very beneficial to the body. The concert isn't until next week. Why don't you let your cousin arrange a hot spring bath first, so we can rest up before continuing our journey?"
Luo Guoyun and Yi Shui had both studied Japanese. Xiao Xiangyue had spent three years in Sweden, where she had classmates from all over the world. She had learned multiple languages and had no problem communicating. Sun Mu simply listened to the chatter, oblivious to what was being said. Yi Shui translated the conversation for him, and Sun Mu hurriedly said, "Japan's hot springs are world-famous. With Yue'er's constitution, frequent hot spring baths would certainly be beneficial."
Luo Guyun said happily, "That's great! Yue'er's body hasn't fully recovered yet, and she can't stand the fatigue of the journey. I was thinking of giving her a good rest for two days after landing!"
Sun Mu continued, "I plan to visit several pharmaceutical companies on this trip, and the journey is quite far. Why don't you go to Kobe Hot Springs, and Xiao Qin and I will go to the pharmaceutical factory first, and then meet up in Kyoto next week." Yi Shui said, "It's also better to act separately. We only plan to stay for about ten days, so the schedule is tight. The heavy weapons processing plant we originally planned to visit is in Hyogo Prefecture, so it's just on our way."
The warship arrived at Osaka Port around noon. Despite ongoing friction between China and Japan, the two governments had yet to formally break off relations. This was the first visit to Japan by a Nationalist government military representative in nearly a decade, and the Japanese side attached great importance to the visit, dispatching the Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior military officials to greet Luo Guoyun and his delegation with a grand and warm welcome ceremony.
Watanabe Hiko was the youngest senior officer in the military. He was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, similar in stature to Luo Guyun. He had a handsome appearance, a calm and reserved demeanor, and a sharp, penetrating gaze, exuding an air of authority without even being angry. Among the generals in uniform, he stood out from the crowd.
When Watanabe Shinji saw his cousin, he ran over and whispered a few words to him.
Yi Shui quietly approached Luo Guyun and whispered, "Watanabe Hiko's aura is quite similar to that of my third brother. He should not be underestimated. He will definitely be a formidable opponent in the future." Luo Guyun remained calm and said, "The Japanese have copied the Tang Dynasty's many formalities and complicated diplomatic reception etiquette. Have Secretary Wu take the central government officials to entertain them. The rest of the personnel will be divided into several groups and proceed as planned. Let's take a few trusted people and head straight for Kobe Hot Springs."
Osaka is not far from Kobe. Luo Guoyun and his group boarded a speedboat arranged by Watanabe Hiko and arrived at the hot springs atop Mount Rokko, just outside Kobe, in less than an hour. Spring had already arrived below, while some snow still accumulated in the shaded areas of the mountain. Hot spring pools of various sizes dotted the mountainside. Dozens of elegant Japanese-style buildings dotted the mountainside, each boasting a unique and elegant atmosphere. Living rooms, reception rooms, tea rooms, and dining rooms were all available, along with temples and ancestral halls. For centuries, generations of the Watanabe family have enjoyed this spot for rest, meditation, and entertaining.
Watanabe Taro was one of three brothers of his generation. Taro was the eldest. Passionate about music, he studied abroad for many years and married later than his two younger brothers. Watanabe's father, Watanabe Jiro, was the youngest vice admiral in the Japanese Navy. His mother was a renowned geisha, skilled in singing and dancing. Unfortunately, both of his parents died young. Watanabe, without relying on his ancestors for support, rose to prominence through his own abilities. His youngest uncle, Watanabe Yu, was a key advisor to the Emperor, making many crucial decisions and a powerful figure in Japanese politics.
Everyone couldn't wait to get into the pool. The Japanese are used to mixed bathing for both men and women. In addition to Watanabe Shinji and his father Watanabe Taro, Watanabe Hiko and his fiancée Ono Chiyo, the daughter of the Minister of the Interior, and his sister Watanabe Junko were also there. They were all outstandingly handsome men. There were also some other women in the pool, glancing over here from time to time. Xiao Xiangyue's handsomeness was particularly eye-catching. Several girls' eyes fell on him and whispered to each other. Fortunately, the Japanese were very polite. They even spoke in a low voice so that others could not hear. They just took a bath quietly and did not disturb each other. The air temperature on the mountain was very low, and the pool was filled with mist. It was difficult to see their expressions, but they did not feel awkward.
Before disembarking, Sun Mu specifically instructed her on the important precautions for soaking in the hot springs: Yue'er had just recovered from a serious illness, so she needed to be careful. The temperature difference between the water and the air was too great, so she must not be exposed to the wind. Wrapping herself in a wet bathrobe would easily catch a cold... Hot springs will cause a lot of sweating, so she needed to hydrate... Avoid prolonged soaks, and the temperature shouldn't be too high... Luo Guyun took note of all of this.
Everyone was naked in the water. After getting ashore, they just wrapped themselves in a towel or bathrobe, which stuck to their bodies wetly. They shivered in the near-zero temperature and jumped into other pools.
Every time Xiao Xiangyue changed bathing pools, Luo Guyun would fetch him a fresh, dry bathrobe, carefully tying the straps to avoid leaving it exposed to the wind. The paths between the pools were paved with stones, worn smooth by wear over time. The steaming water vapor made them slippery. Fearing he would fall, Luo Guyun always held his hand tightly, constantly reminding him, "Yue'er, be careful." Japanese umeboshi tea, known for its blood-clearing properties and digestive health, was a popular drink, and Luo Guyun would often bring him a cup of warm tea for him to sip. Xiao Xiangyue hadn't eaten anything all morning, and Sun Mu was worried that soaking on an empty stomach for too long would cause low blood sugar. Before disembarking, he had prepared medicinal porridge and selected some of his favorite pastries, placing them in a lunch box. Seeing that he was feeling better, Luo Guyun removed the lunch box and let him rest ashore, where he could sip the porridge and enjoy a snack. He was incredibly gentle, considerate, and attentive. The Chinese entourage consisted of close confidants like Yi Shui, so they were used to seeing each other. But the Japanese were a little surprised.
Junko Watanabe looked at Luo Guyun and said, "I didn't expect that the famous General Luo is such a thoughtful and considerate person. Any woman who marries a general in the future will be very happy." Luo Guyun just smiled and said nothing.
Yi Shui teased, "General Luo's gentleness is not something everyone can enjoy. I've lived for thirty years, and I've only seen him treat Yue'er like this."
Watanabe Jinji sighed, "When Xiangyue was in Sweden, Mr. Charade protected him like a treasure. All the classmates were envious, saying that even God seemed to favor him!" Watanabe Taro said, "More than thirty years ago, when I was studying in Sweden, Francis was still alive. He was truly a gifted prodigy! I heard from Jinji that the teacher treated Xiangyue as his own son. At first, I found it unbelievable! Seeing him today, I found that their demeanor and temperament are quite similar... It's just that Francis was in poor health and died young, which is really a pity..." He added, "I heard from Jinji that Xiangyue's physical condition seems to be not very good either. He fell ill several times in Sweden. We have to be careful with him..." Luo Guyun said, "Yue'er has been weak since childhood. With careful care over the years, he is now fine."
Xiao Xiangyue was lively and animated in Luo Guyun's presence, with an endless supply of things to say. When she was in better spirits, she chatted with Watanabe Shinji, chattering away about all sorts of interesting things happening at school. The steaming hot spring water made his skin flush slightly, and his clear, innocent eyes seemed to shimmer beneath the mist. Luo Guyun listened with a smile, nodding in response from time to time, his eyes filled with tenderness and fondness.
Watanabe Hiko was aloof and reserved, a man of few words, silently listening to the chatter. His fiancée, Ono Chiyo, was the only daughter of Ono Isami, the powerful Minister of the Interior. She was gentle and respectful, and also very beautiful. The two of them leaned against a large rock, eyes slightly closed, to rest. Watanabe Hiko suddenly asked, "Why didn't General Luo attend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reception dinner?"
Luo Guoyun chuckled, "What's the point of socializing with a bunch of good-for-nothings?" Watanabe Jiner laughed and said, "General Luo's temperament is somewhat similar to my cousin's. He disdains to pay attention to politicians who only know how to talk. I guess all capable people are like that." Yi Shui joked, "You don't know, our General Luo has noble aspirations and enjoys appreciating the moon. He disdains to associate with those who just sit there and do nothing."
The next day at noon, Watanabe Shinji, his father Watanabe Taro, his cousin Watanabe Hiko, and about ten other family members held a family dinner to lavishly entertain their guests. Japanese cuisine is mostly raw or cold, and they particularly enjoy it with mustard. Xiao Xiangyue doesn't eat cold food, and even less so, spicy food. The table was overflowing with dishes, but few were edible. Luo Guyun secretly regretted leaving the cook on board when they arrived at the port, fearing he wouldn't have enough to eat. He only picked up the seared saury, cut off the flesh, and placed it in Xiao Xiangyue's bowl.
Watanabe Hiko, who was sitting opposite, saw this and casually said, "The udon noodles made by my chef are amazing. Would you like to try some, Xiangyue?" Luo Guoyun said happily, "Okay." Remembering that udon noodles often use beef in the broth, he said, "But Yue'er doesn't like beef, so I can just make a bowl of vegetarian noodles." Watanabe Hiko said, "My Kobe beef is different from other places. It's tender and smooth, melts in your mouth, and doesn't have the fishy smell of other beef. Xiangyue, you might as well give it a try." Watanabe Jiner said, "When did my cousin start to study food? He makes me want to eat it! Why not make a few more bowls for everyone to taste."
The hot udon noodles were served, topped with a sauce made with Kobe beef, the color was attractive and the aroma was rich. The udon noodles were smooth and soft, and the Kobe beef was tender and pliable. Xiao Xiangyue, who didn't like beef, ate a few pieces of marinated meat on the noodles and was still not satisfied. Luo Guoyun offered him the beef from his bowl and said with a smile, "Eat slowly, Yue'er. Beef is not easy to digest, so just eat in moderation."
After noon, Watanabe Yu also rushed back from Kyoto, making a special trip to meet with Luo Guoyun. They all drank tea and chatted in a teahouse by the waterside pavilion. Watanabe Yu, in his forties, was in the prime of his life, well-versed in the Chinese situation and exuding ambition. As they drank tea and discussed philosophy with Luo Guoyun, they felt a sense of regret for not meeting each other earlier.
"Our Yamato people have always respected only opponents who are worthy of respect. General Luo is a man of extraordinary strategy and brave in battle. Five years ago, he led his soldiers to inflict heavy damage on our Japanese army in the battlefield of North China. I admire him very much. If China had more people like General Luo, then our country of Japan should re-examine its strategy toward China. It's a pity... your government is cowardly and incompetent, and timid, which makes people look down on it..." Watanabe Yu commented.
Luo Guoyun said, "Although our country is currently weak and facing a difficult situation, the great Chinese nation has always been stronger when facing a strong opponent. Sir, you have studied our culture deeply. You should know that the Chinese people have always had an integrity that cannot be moved by poverty or humbleness, and cannot be bent by power. If faced with foreign aggression, we will rise up to resist and not give up an inch of land."
The two men exchanged sharp words, neither willing to give in. Watanabe Yu laughed heartily, "I've heard General Luo is adept with a sword, and his Luo family swordsmanship is exquisite. The Watanabe family has an ancestral swordsmith shop in the mountains behind here, and the samurai swords they forge are truly top-notch. General Luo, would you like to go over there and admire them?"
Japanese samurai swords are world-renowned, their forging techniques unique and their smelting technology world-leading, yet their skill is mastered by only a handful of artisans. Luo Guoyun, a lover of sharp weapons, even personally drew blueprints and hired skilled craftsmen to create these swords during his early years in Lizhuang. Hearing this, he was tempted.
Before this trip, Li Erhu had wanted to accompany them, but seeing Mei was pregnant, Luo Guyun asked him to stay behind to care for his wife. Sun Mu and Qin Xiao were in Yokohama inspecting pharmaceutical companies. Yi Shui had led his men to a heavy weapons manufacturing company on the outskirts of Kobe early in the morning. Neither of them had a single attendant. The forge was hot and the air murky, so taking Yue'er with him wasn't appropriate. Luo Guyun hesitated.
Although Xiao Xiangyue was chatting about music with the Watanabe father and son, she kept an eye on him. Knowing what he was thinking, she hurriedly said, "Brother Yun, don't worry. You Jiner is with me!"
Luo Guyun thought it wouldn't take too long, so he followed Watanabe Yu to the forge.
The Watanabe family has always loved music. Watanabe Hiko, influenced by his mother since childhood, has also studied music. Several people chatted about the characteristics of music from different countries. Xiao Xiangyue, who is well-versed in both Chinese and Western music, has an understanding of music that is unparalleled. His insightful and unique insights drew frequent nods of admiration from everyone. In the midst of the conversation, Watanabe Hiko suggested: "I heard that Xiangyue is good at playing the zheng. I have a zheng that my mother left behind. Can you please play a tune for me?" Xiao Xiangyue said modestly: "Jin'er is also good at playing the zheng. Xiangyue even asked him for advice when she was in Sweden..." Jin'er smiled and said: "When it comes to playing the zheng, if you, Xiangyue, are second to none, who dares to claim to be the best?"
The Japanese koto, introduced during the Tang Dynasty, has largely retained its original form, featuring thirteen strings. While in Lizhuang, Xiao Xiangyue's uncle-in-law had a Tang Dynasty guzheng, which her master had kept, and she had played it. Upon visiting Sweden and encountering the guzheng Jiner had brought with him, Xiao Xiangyue realized that the Japanese koto was actually a Tang Dynasty Chinese guzheng. The two exchanged techniques, and Xiao Xiangyue adapted the 21-string fingering system of the Chinese guzheng to the Japanese koto, leaving Jiner amazed and impressed.
Upon hearing that Xiao Xiangyue was going to play the zheng, Watanabe Junko hurried to invite the rest of the family to come and enjoy. Jin Er said, "The courtyard behind the teahouse is more spacious and can accommodate more people. Why don't we move over there?"
Just as everyone stood up, a big tabby cat ran out from nowhere and landed right at Xiao Xiangyue's feet. When he was a child, he witnessed Xiao Hei being mauled to death by a big yellow cat, and he had a natural fear of cats. He was so scared that he leaned back and was about to hit the rugged rockery behind him. Watanabe Hiko was quick-witted and quick-handed. With one hand, he grabbed his waist and pulled him towards himself to stop his fall. The two of them lost their balance and fell into the hot spring pool beside the waterside pavilion. The hot spring water was not cold, but Xiao Xiangyue was wearing a dark-flowered brocade Tang suit and Watanabe Hiko was wearing a well-ironed suit. They were soaked like drowned rats. Everyone on the shore exclaimed and hurriedly pulled the two up. Xiao Xiangyue's room was at the end of the hot spring, quite far away from here. Jin Er hurriedly said, "There are robes over in the tea room. Put them on first. Be careful not to catch a cold..."
Xiao Xiangyue changed into a moon-white, wide-sleeved, traditional Japanese attire, appearing even more fresh and elegant, with a uniquely graceful charm. Jin Er smiled and said, "This truly must be... God's deliberate arrangement! Xiangyue looks so perfect in this robe and playing the koto. It's simply perfect!"
The cherry blossoms at the foot of the mountain had faded, but the temperature was lower up there. The two cherry trees in the backyard were in full bloom, their pink petals swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze. Xiao Xiangyue sat on a zither stool beneath the tree, dressed in a robe of ethereal elegance. His face was strikingly handsome, his eyes clear as morning dew, his nose straight, and his skin, bathed in sunlight, had a faint glow that seemed to make the cherry blossoms lose their color. His beauty was so captivating that it was impossible to look away.
Today's performance was the famous Japanese song "Moon over the Deserted Castle." This piece has a desolate and beautiful artistic conception, and Xiao Xiangyue's performance was particularly penetrating, with a lingering charm and a very appealing effect.
The melody of the zither flowed softly. It was like the faint, hazy sound of a bell in a quiet pine forest, unfolding beneath the deep night, a philosophical, empty, and distant scene. It was like the eternal moonlight, parting the lingering clouds and mist, flowing over the dilapidated and desolate city, recalling the helplessness of the past... Everyone sang along to the beat:
Seeking spring flowers and climbing mountains, entertaining guests in high buildings;
Clinking glasses and drinking together, the past is now like dust;
After a thousand years of suffering, the withered pine suddenly sprouts new buds;
The past time is like a passing shadow, pursued in vain in dreams;
The autumn light slowly brushes the expedition camp, and the morning frost invades the eaves;
The northern geese chase the clouds in the vast sky, flying and crying as they march southward;
The shadow of the sheathed sword is on the wall, the moon is bright in the courtyard;
The past time is like a passing shadow, and in dreams I can only trace my origins in vain;
Tonight the bright moon shines on the deserted city, the lonely night is already deep;
The blue sky is as clean as a mirror without dust, for whom does the cold moon shine?
Beside the ruined wall, the shadow of the osmanthus tree, its fragrance moved my heart;
Where is the sound of waves in the middle of the night? The evening breeze stirs the pine needles.
The night is still the same tonight, and the past memories are still fresh in my mind;
It is hard to describe the vicissitudes of life, and the fickleness of emotions;
Now only the moon in the deserted city remains, accompanying my lonely figure;
I will always miss this night, the cold moon shines on the deserted city.
A gentle breeze blew, and the vibrant petals of cherry blossoms drifted down, creating a breathtaking scene alongside the figure in white clothes beneath the tree. Xiao Xiangyue, lost in the music, lost herself completely, as if nothing around her had any connection to him, untouched by the dust, aloof from the world. With her eyes slightly closed, she played the strings with all her might, oblivious to the shock her captivating beauty brought to others.
The magnificent melody erupts like a volcano, striking the listener's heartstrings. Its rhythmic cadence depicts the shifting of time and space, the rise and fall of the human world... After the song ends, the lingering sound seems to linger, as if a flock of wild geese still circles and cries above the desolate and lonely ruins...
Everyone was lost in the atmosphere created by the music, unable to recover for a long time. Watanabe Hiko was also lost in thought for a while before he sighed, "It is said that my mother was also very good at playing this piece when she was alive. It's a pity that I never got to hear her, and I have always felt deeply regretful. Xiangyue-kun has fulfilled one of Watanabe's wishes today..."
Xiao Xiangyue, having recovered from her utter absorption, was about to speak when her body suddenly gave way, collapsing over the zither, gasping for air in agony. Everyone was shocked. Watanabe Hiko rushed over and helped him up. His face flushed, he clutched his chest, unable to speak. Jiner panicked, "Oh no... I forgot Xiangyue-kun is allergic to pollen. He had an attack back in Sweden! He must have inhaled a large amount of pollen under these cherry trees today... Call a doctor!"
Watanabe Yan lifted Xiao Xiangyue and laid her on the bed in the inner room. The Watanabe family's personal doctor quickly arrived. After a brief examination, he frowned and said, "This gentleman has heart and lung problems. It's incredible that he can live a normal life. His symptoms today are indeed allergic to pollen. I'll give him a desensitization injection. A night's sleep should help. However... he must have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. I wonder if there will be any conflict between this injection and the medication. We need to observe carefully and not be careless." Jin Er said anxiously, "Cousin, please take care of Xiangyue for the time being. I'll go to the swordsmith to find General Luo and ask him to come back soon."
Xiao Xiangyue's face turned pale as she lay in a coma, like a flawless statue, lying on her back on the bed. Her brows knitted together in discomfort, and her thick, long eyelashes trembled. Her lips, slightly bloodless, parted slightly, as if calling out for something. Watanabe Hiko leaned in closer, and heard him mutter, "Brother Yun...Brother Yun..."
Looking at the face in front of him that was so beautiful that it seemed unreal, warm breath blew on his cheek, and he could faintly smell a hint of special body fragrance. Watanabe Hiko's heart was beating wildly. As if he was charmed, he moved closer and closer, and his warm lips covered Xiao Xiangyue's cold lips.
The more uncomfortable Xiao Xiangyue felt, the more she clung to Luo Guyun. Hazy, she felt a kiss, thinking it was him. Her lips parted slightly, and she thrust out her tongue, instinctively responding. As the slightly cold tip of the tongue slid into his mouth, Watanabe Hiko felt his blood rush backward, his mind going blank... One hand grasped Xiao Xiangyue's head, the other cupped his face, greedily grasping, rubbing and rubbing. The warm, numbing touch made his breathing hot and rapid, his body trembling as if an electric current surged through him... He was lost in this soul-touching kiss, unable to think, as if the tenderness of those lips was all that remained in the world...
There was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and Luo Guyun's anxious voice: "Where is Yue'er?" Watanabe Yan suddenly woke up, quickly let go of the person who was holding him tightly, held his head with both hands, and sat dejectedly on the edge of the bed.
Luo Guyun's entire attention was focused on Xiao Xiangyue, and he didn't notice the strange look on Watanabe Hiko's face. Looking at the frail figure lying on the bed, his face filled with regret, he said repeatedly with heartache, "How could he have fallen into the water and fainted after just a short while away... It's all my fault. I shouldn't have left Xiaoyue alone..." Jin Er, who was following behind, said hurriedly, "It's all my fault. I forgot Xiangyue-kun is allergic to pollen and has already received an injection. He should feel better after some rest..."
Xiao Xiangyue's lips were crimson from the deep kiss he had just shared, and despite his pale complexion, he looked peaceful. Luo Guyun wrapped him up in the thin blanket and carried him back to his own room.
Watanabe Hiko, whose mind was still in a daze, saw Luo Guyun was about to take the person away, and subconsciously wanted to reach out to stop him. But he suddenly came to his senses and realized that he had no reason or right to do such a thing. He stared blankly at him as he strode away with Xiao Xiangyue in his arms, feeling a little distraught.
Jin Er was surprised and asked, "Why does my cousin look so bad? Is he sick?"
Watanabe Hiko took out a cigarette and struck a match several times before he could barely light it. He took a deep breath, calmed his inner throbbing, and remained silent.
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