Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Alec Su: Jiang Wu Que
Vicki Zhao: Fang Wei Wei
Vivian Chen: Tie Xin Lan
Jimmy Lin: Jiang Xiao Yu
Theresa Lee: Xiao La Jiao Zhang Jing (Xiao Xian Nu)
Nicky Wu: Wu Qi Long
Ruby Lin: Lin Xin Ru
Zhang Tie Lin: Fang Zhi Hang (Wei Wei's father)
Sunny Chan: Cheng Yong Jun (Ya Wen's husband)
** Ya Wen is a lady that looks alike Zhang Jing but have no blood-related relationship. She's her very best friend that Zhang Jing didn't meet after Ya Wen's married.
This is the summary of JDSJ 1The twins were separated at birth, growing up in completely different places with different guardians. They had no knowledge of the other, yet they knew subconsiously that they had another half somewhere out there. Despite that they have never met, or really known of the other's existence, they saw each other in their dreams, and grew up together in their minds......
Both of the twins were handsome young men, but one of the twins wore a scar on his cheek, his name was Xiao Yu Er. He grew up in E Ren Gu (a place where the worst theives and murders lived) and his four guardians were the "Four Cruel Ones." He soon learned all their tricks and martial arts, and he became such a devil that he was soon feared by all in E Ren Gu, for whoever messed up with him had a bad ending for he would find a way somehow to get the person back, threefolds...
As for the other twin, Hua Wu Que, he grew up in Yi Hua Gong, a place that no one dare go near, and everyone feared. His guardians were two of the coldest, and yet the most beautiful women on earth, lady Lian Xin and Yao Yue. He was the only man in the place that had hundreds and hundreds of female servants. There was no laughter there, no smiles allowed, and he grew up to be an expressioness, emotionless person.
Years passed by, the twins were now twenty. Their guardians decided to set them out into the world. Hua Wu Que was given a mission by his guardian, Yao Yue, to kill Xiao Yu Er. He didn't know that Xiao Yu Er was his twin, but Yao Yue knew. She wanted, for revenge, to have the two siblings kill each other, that to her was the sweetest revenge of all against her ex-lover, Yan Nan Tian, the twin's non blooded brother, that had loved, then deserted her.
When they first met, the twins felt deep stirrings in their hearts. Though Yao Yue wanted Hua Wu Que to kill Xiao Yu Er, he somehow couldn't do it, disobeying her orders for the first time in his life. He fell in love with Tie Xin Lan, a girl that had fallen first for Xiao Yu Er. Xiao Yu Er seems to love her also, but he thought himself the smartest person on earth, so how can he be caught so easily? Thus, he went about making her hate him, until in the end, she finally chose Hua Wu Que over him...
There was also Zhang Jing who had at first hated Xiao Yu Er at the first sight, but then slowly she came to relize that she couldn't live without him. And with that decision, she decided she was never letting him go.
In the end, the twins were pressured into a duel. But knowing how badly they would feel if either one of them killed the other, they decided to take this poison that could make them look as though they had died to fool Yao Yue into telling the secret.
When they pretended to die, Yao Yue really did tell all, letting out a secret that she had kept hidden for the past twenty painful years. Going hysterical, she screamed out her hate at her once a time lover, telling him that Xiao Yu Er and Hua Wu Que were siblings, no, twins! That was when the twins woked up. Yan Nan Tian killed himself trying to overcome Yao Yue's hate..
Yao Yue took his body with her, and left, her hate finally gone. Tie Xin Lan and Hua Wu Que was together in the end, however Zhang Jing wasn't sure she could cope with all the shadows of the other women in Xiao Yu Er's heart... In the end, she stayed, and they started afresh....
Written by Suzeng Wei. Revised and edited by Jean Nee Ting
“Come in.”
The door opened slowly and Jiang Wu Que stepped in. Yao Yue turned to face the young man whom she’d brought up and thought that he was growing handsomer and stronger with each passing day. He stood in his white robes with a fan in his hand, commanding and comelier than any man within a hundred-mile radius – without taking his brother into consideration. He bent his head slightly to show his respect, and said, “Xin Lan and I have decided to go out into the streets today. Would you like to join us?”
Yao Yue’s eyes softened. What a faithful person he was! “No,” she said. “I must find a cure for your Xiao Gu Gu.”
Wu Que cast a pained look at Lian Xin, whom he loved dearly. He bent his head again and said, “If that is the case, I shall not ask Da Gu Gu to join us.”
“Well?” Tie Xin Lan asked anxiously. Wu Que closed the door softly and shook his head. “She wants to concentrate on saving Xiao Gu Gu.”
“She is very much changed,” Xin Lan remarked.
“She is softer and kinder, and is not so set on revenge any more.”
Wu Que decided not to answer her. “Let us go,” he said, and, putting his
hand on the small of her back, gently but firmly pushed her away from Yao
Yue’s room.
* * *
“What? So much for so few vegetables?” Fang Wei Wei demanded. “What do you think your vegetables are made of – silver? I’m not paying so much! You’d better lower your prices now!”
“Miss, who do you think you are?” the stallholder asked angrily. “My prices are extremely reasonable!”
“You’re a thief!” Wei Wei accused. She was not in a good mood that day on account of her father’s lecturing her about waking up early in the morning, so she was quite ready for a quarrel. Usually she would never think about arguing with a stallholder about his prices.
“If you’re not happy, why don’t you buy vegetables from another person and stop accusing me?” the stallholder said in annoyance.
Wei Wei grew hot with fury.
* * *
“Wu Que.”
Xin Lan’s whisper broke into his thoughts, and he looked down at her with a smile. “Yes?”
“Look.” She nodded towards the direction where a young lady stood arguing loudly with the stallholder. “Do you think there’s anything we can do to stop them from quarrelling? I’m afraid they might erupt into a fight soon.”
Wu Que narrowed his eyes. “Shall we go up to them and ask them what the matter is?”
Xin Lan nodded, and together they walked up to where the young lady stood. “Excuse me,” Wu Que said politely. “Is there any problem?”
The young lady whirled round to face him, and at once he was struck by her beauty. “None of your business!” she retorted, and swung back to look at the stallholder, who was seething with rage. Fortunately, Wu Que was the possessor of a mild and even temper, and he refused to take offence at this young lady’s rude reply. Instead, he appealed to the stallholder, who was only too happy to tell him what he thought of this young tigress. “Sir, she accused me of being a thief because my prices were too high. She is unfair! And she was the one who began this quarrel between us!”
Xin Lan put a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Why don’t you settle this matter quietly and calmly?” she suggested gently. “It would be so much better, don’t you think?”
The girl closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. When she opened them, she flashed a sudden smile at everyone and bowed to the stallholder. “I’m so sorry for being unreasonable! Here,” she handed him one silver tael, “please take it and forgive me for accusing you so unjustly.”
The stallholder decided not to pursue the matter any longer and took the silver tael, mumbling, “You’re welcome, miss.”
Wu Que looked as subtly as he could at the girl. She was certainly a beauty with large, wondrous eyes, flawless features, and a very mischievous smile. Her face could be pouting or sweet at alternate times, and her complexion was perfect. “May I know what your name is?” Xin Lan asked her.
“My name is Fang Wei Wei,” the young lady replied. She looked curiously at the both of them. “What about you?” she prompted.
“I am Tie Xin Lan, and this,” Xin Lan blushed a little, “is Jiang Wu Que.”
Wei Wei’s quick eyes caught the blush and she laughed a little. “I see. The both of you, I believe, are not of a common status,” she said, taking in their costumes with marked approval.
“I trust that you are not either,” Wu Que said.
“Oh, my father is a kung fu master,” Wei Wei replied. Just then someone yelling, “Xiao Jie! Xiao Jie!” was heard and she turned round with a slight gasp. A rotund middle-aged man rushed up to her and puffed out, “Xiao Jie, Lao Ye wants you back home immediately. He says that he has someone to introduce to you.”
A frown flitted past Wei Wei’s face. “Someone to introduce to me?” she repeated. She turned to Wu Que and Xin Lan. “I’m sorry. I have to go now.”
Xin Lan reached out and caught hold of her wrist. “Will we meet again?”
Wei Wei smiled. “I can meet you here tomorrow, at noon.”
“Agreed,” Xin Lan said.
Wei Wei ran off with the man, and Wu Que could see her slim figure darting in between the crowds of people for a very, very long time.
Wu Que looked at her and smiled tenderly. “Yes, I’m all right.” However, if he was really all right, why then did he keep thinking of the beautiful girl he had just met? Why did she leave such an impression on him? “Are you going to meet her tomorrow at noon?” he asked suddenly. .
Xin Lan cast a surprised look at him, then nodded. “Yes,” she said. “I have taken a fancy to her – she is so lovely! I have never seen a prettier face.” She mused for a while, then added, “I’m sure she doesn’t come from a common family and that she is good in martial arts. If her father is a kung fu master, she must be quite good in kung fu as well.” She glanced at Wu Que. “What do you think of her?” she asked curiously.
“Oh, she is decidedly very charming,” Wu Que replied, and thought that in the course of his life he had not spoken a truer sentence.
* * *
Wei Wei paused before entering her home. She turned to the man. “Zhang Man, did father tell you why he wanted me?”
“No, Xiao Jie, only that he has someone for you to meet,” the servant replied respectfully. No one in the Fang Mansion feared Xiao Jie; everyone respected and adored her. Her beauty, charm, grace, and talents had made her a general favourite, not to mention her kindness of heart, her purity and her belief that all men were equal.
Wei Wei straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. She motioned to Zhang Man to open the door, and the man hurried to open it. “Announce that Xiao Jie has arrived!” he said to one of the servants in the hall, and one ran off to do his bidding. Wei Wei stepped into the hall and lighted it up with her beauty. “Xiao Jie,” said one maid almost reverently, “did you have a good day out?”
“Yes,” Wei Wei replied. “Though I was in a bad mood when I went out, and had an argument with a stallholder.” Her liquid eyes sparkled, and the maids exchanged smiles. The servant who had run off to announce Wei Wei’s coming now came running back. He bowed before Wei Wei and said, “Lao Ye commands Xiao Jie to go up immediately.”
Wei Wei nodded and started walking towards the stairs. She wondered who was the person her father wanted her to meet.
* * *
“Why did you go out without telling us?” Xiao Yu Er demanded angrily when Wu Que and Xin Lan arrived at Yi Hua Gong. Xiao La Jiao thrust her lips into a pout. “It’s not fair!” she complained. “You got to play the entire day while we were stuck inside this place!”
“You could have gone out as well,” Xin Lan said sensibly. Xiao La Jiao continued to pout, and Xin Lan laughed. “Wu Que and I met a very lovely girl today,” she said. “Her name is Fang Wei Wei.”
Xiao Yu Er opened his eyes widely. “Fang Wei Wei? She’s the daughter of that kung fu master!”
“Which kung fu master?” Wu Que asked.
“Fang Zhi Hang,” Xiao Yu Er answered. “Both of
them – her dad and her – are experts in martial arts.” He cocked his head
and looked at his brother as if seizing him up. “I believe if you had a fight
with her, it would be a draw.”
Wu Que went off with the excuse to practice his martial arts, and as he walked
he kept murmuring “Fang Wei Wei” as if that name had a particular substance
in it that was extremely sweet to him.
* * *
Wei Wei knocked on her father’s door. “Who is it?” her father asked, and she replied, “Wei Wei.” There was a short pause, then he said, “Come in.”
Wei Wei opened the door and stepped in. She saw a young man and a middle aged man sitting beside her father, but she knew she should not inquire about who he was before she had greeted her father. She bent her knees and said, “Father.”
“Ah, Wei Wei,” Fang Zhi Hang purred in evident satisfaction. “You look very pretty today. Did anything good happen to you while you were out?”
“I have befriended two new people, Father.”
“Indeed?” Fang Zhi Hang raised his eyebrows but decided not to pursue the matter any longer. “Anyway,” he said, smiling broadly, “This is the one of my best friend, Uncle Wu and that is his son, Wu Qi Long.”
“Nice to meet you uncle Wu, and Wu Qi Long,” Wei Wei greeted.
“Wei Wei, why not you bring Qi Long for a walk in the street, meanwhile I have something to discuss with Uncle Wu?” Fang Zhi Hang requested.
“Sure! I’d love to…” Wei Wei replied happily, thinking how lucky of her having three new friends in a day.
“Miss Fang, who are your two new friends? Can you introduce them to me?” Wu Qi Long asked as they stepped out from the room.
“Just call me Wei Wei… Well, I met them in the market today… Oh yes! You reminded me that I have to meet them tomorrow noon!” Wei Wei replied, looking at Qi Long, a little confused.
“Em…The lady’s name is Tie Xin Lan, she’s a sweet lady; meanwhile the other one is Jiang Wu Que. He is a very gentleman guy, the way he walks, shows that he is very good in martial arts… the way he speaks, shows he respects at people…”Wei Wei introduced not realizing that she was actually having a very good impression towards Wu Que as Wu Que has for her.
* * *
“Hey! Xiao Yu Er… I want to go out too! It wasn’t fair! Wu Que and Xiao Lan went out just but they did not asked us to go along…” Xiao La Jiao said, expressing her dissatisfaction.
“Xiao La Jiao…ah… Xiao La Jiao, looks like Wu Que forget to ask us out! Sigh… since he forgotten to ask us out… As his brother, we will ask him out, right?” Xiao Yu Er asked Xiao La Jiao cheekily.
“Yeah! Right! Quick! I can’t stand to stay in this place longer!” Xiao La Jiao nodded her head, joyfully.
“Wu Que, Xiao La Jiao and I wants to go out… You want to come along?” Xiao Yu Er invited.
“Xiao Yu Er, I want to practice my martial arts now… Why not you ask Xiao Lan out?” Wu Que replied, declining Xiao Yu Er’s invitation.
“Wu Que? You calling me?” Xiao Lan asked as she stepped in.
“Oh yes! Xiao Lan, want to follow us to go out?” Xiao La Jiao interrupted.
“Sure… I wanted to buy a present for someone!”
“Good! Now, three of us will head to the market! Yay!” Xiao Yu Er exclaimed excitedly.
“Three of us? Wu Que not coming?” Xin Lan asked curiously.
“Hiya… Xiao Lan, he doesn’t want to come… so let him be…Maybe you can meet a better guy than him when you go out!” Xiao La Jiao whispered to her cheekily.
“Ladies, can we go now before it’s too late?” Xiao Yu Er urged.
Both Xiao La Jiao and Tie Xin Lan nodded.
“Wow! It’s quite merry here!” Qi Long started the conversation after they reached the market.
“Yes! Indeed!” Wei Wei replied.
“Xiao Lan, you meet Fang Wei Wei in the market just now?” Xiao Yu Er asked in sudden.
“Yes… Anything wrong?”
“Xiao Lan, don’t you know that the Fang family is well- known and respected by all the villagers here.” Xiao La Jiao explained.
Xin Lan shook her head.
“You are so lucky! I hope to see her as well!” Xiao Yu Er interrupted.
“Dream on, Xiao Yu Er… You think I am invisible?” Xiao La Jiao rejoined as she pulled his ear.
“Hey! I am just joking!” Xiao Yu Er protested.
“Look! There!” Xin Lan exclaimed pointing at Wei Wei.
“That is Fang Wei Wei!” Xin Lan continued.
“Xiao Lan, wave at her!” Xiao La Jiao said excitedly.
* * *
“Look there, Wei Wei! There’s a lady waving at us!”
“Oh! That is Tie Xin Lan that I told you just now!” Wei Wei explained.
“Xin Lan, you are here with your friends?” Wei Wei
greeted.
“Yeah, this is Xiao La Jiao and that is Xiao Yu Er” Tie Xin Lan explained.
“You brought a friend with you too!” Xin Lan continued looking at Qi Long. She was caught by his appearance. In fact, he has a better look than Wu Que. (that’s Xin Lan’s opinion)
Qi Long was mesmerised by her appearance too! She was considered as the most attractive lady that he ever met. She was gentle and sweet as Wei Wei told him.
Wei Wei opened her eyes widely. “Is he?” she asked in pleasure. Xin Lan nodded with a smile, and Wei Wei felt her cheerful spirit returning. “Why don’t we walk round the stalls now?” she suggested with a bright smile. Xiao Yu Er, bored by the conversation, was already hopping from stall to stall, looking at all the things displayed on the tables. He made a few bargains, bought a pretty necklace for Xiao La Jiao and a bracelet for Wei Wei, whose beauty had made a deep impact on him. Xin Lan complained that he had not bought anything for her, whereupon he answered with “There’s Wu Qi Long! You can ask him to buy something for you!”
Qi Long mistook Xiao Yu Er’s meaning and blushed a deep red. When Xin Lan turned to look at him, he quickly spoke to Wei Wei to cover up his confusion and embarrassment, for there was no way he was letting her know of his feelings.
* * *
In Yi Hua Gong, Wu Que finished his practice and walked back to his room, thinking hard. During his practice he had managed to get Fang Wei Wei out of his mind, but now she came back in full force. He sighed. This girl whom he’d met and talked to for less than an hour – how could she have had such a severe effect on him? Why was it that Tie Xin Lan, the girl whom he believed to be truly in love with, was no longer in his thoughts – why was it that a girl named Fang Wei Wei whom he scarcely knew was occupying her place? He was filled to the brim of questions as he walked slowly back to his room. There was no one he could confide in, for Xiao Yu Er would only take it as a joke, Xiao La Jiao would be indignant, his Da Gu Gu would probably be very displeased, and Xin Lan was, of course, out of the question.
When he arrived at his room he closed the doors and took out a book to read. But as soon as he settled down to read, he saw a picture of a beautiful girl with lovely eyes once more. With an aggravated gesture, he put down the book and closed his eyes. He HAD to drive her out of his thoughts or it might spell trouble for him and Xin Lan. However his efforts were entirely useless. The harder he tried, the more he thought of her.
Someone knocked on the door and Xin Lan’s voice said, “Wu Que, it’s Xin Lan. May I come in?” he consented, and she came into the room, her face flushed with happiness. “Wu Que!” she exclaimed. “I discovered something today! Fang Wei Wei is actually the daughter of Fang Zhi Hang, who is a renowned and honoured kung fu master! The Fang family is also a very respected family! I can’t believe we have befriended such a personage. Oh, and Xiao La Jiao has challenged her to a duel tomorrow.”
Wu Que was shocked. “A duel? Why?”
“It’s to be a friendly duel,” Xin Lan assured him. “Xiao La Jiao wants to know if her kung fu is really as good as the people say it is.” She laughed. “By now you should be familiar with Xiao La Jiao and her ways! We had such a wonderful day out today.” She continued to chatter on about what she’d bought, what Wei Wei and Xiao La Jiao had said to each other, how Xiao Yu Er had behaved, about Wu Qi Long…
Wu Que sat and listened to her, and as he listened to every word that fell from Xin Lan’s lips he said to himself, “Why should I be thinking of Fang Wei Wei when I have someone so marvellous as Tie Xin Lan? I must be an idiot! From today onwards, I absolutely refuse to have anything to do with Miss Fang. She is a friend and must remain so.”
Nevertheless, that night as he lay in bed wide awake, the same picture that had appeared to him earlier on in the day appeared to him again…
* * *
Zhang Man paused for a moment before knocking and entering his beloved young mistress’ chamber. “Xiao Jie,” he said, bowing slightly.
“Yes?” Wei Wei looked at him.
“Lin Xiao Jie has arrived.”
A brilliant smile broke forth and lighted up her entire face. “Lin Xin Ru?” she ejaculated. “My old friend?”
“Yes, Xiao Jie.”
“Tell her that I’ll be down at once!” Wei Wei said, standing up. Zhang Man hurried out of the room and Wei Wei, after patting her hair, went out of the room gracefully. She encountered Qi Long on her way down. “Oh! Qi Long,” she greeted. She and Qi Long had grown so intimate during the past three days that they had resorted to using first names.
“Good afternoon, Wei Wei. Where are you going?” Qi Long asked curiously.
“To meet my old friend, Lin Xin Ru,” Wei Wei answered. “I’m so sorry that I can’t stay and talk to you now.”
Qi Long shook his head with a grin, and Wei Wei walked past him after flashing him a grin.
A pretty young woman stood in the hall, waiting patiently for Fang Xiao Jie to arrive. Behind her was her maid, who stood with her hands clasped and her head bowed. Although Lin Xin Ru was of a gentle nature, she was not as friendly to the servants as Wei Wei was, and she tended to sharpen her voice when she spoke to them, the results of which were that they were not at ease with her. However she was a favourite among her own set, for she possessed pretty, sweet looks and an equally sweet nature.
Wei Wei appeared at last, and with exclamations on both sides, the two girls hugged each other tightly. Tears poured down Xin Ru’s eyes. “Wei Wei, it is so lovely to see you again!” she said, hugging Wei Wei one more time.
“Same here,” Wei Wei responded. “Xin Ru, you must come up to my room and have a talk with me! I have so many things to say to you.”
“Of course!” Xin Ru turned to her maid and said, “Stay here until I bid for you.”
“Oh, Xin Ru,” Wei Wei said. “How can you expect your maid to stay here for two hours?” she looked at the maid. “You may go to the servants’ quarters,” she directed. “When your mistress needs you, we will call for you.”
“Thank you,” the maid said, and waited until the two girls were out of sight.
Strange…
His brow ceased as he thought of his brother. Wu Que was slightly – different – these days. Though he couldn’t put his finger on it, there WAS something that had changed. But what? Could it be because of Xin Lan? Ridiculous. Xin Lan had not changed at all. But Wu Que…
Stranger…
Could it be Fang Wei Wei? Xiao Yu Er gasped slightly and straightened his back. Wu Que fall for Wei Wei? But it was impossible. He knew very well that Wu Que loved Xin Lan with all his heart. Why then did he feel so unsure about Wu Que’s feelings towards Wei Wei? No, no, impossible. It would never happen.
Strangest…
With another frown, he remembered Wu Que’s expression last night when Xin Lan and Xiao La Jiao mentioned Wei Wei. He had turned distinctly pale for a moment, and there was something in his eyes…but it had been so quick that Xiao Yu Er wasn’t sure if he’d really seen it or if he’d simply imagined it.
“What are you dreaming about?”
Xiao Yu Er jumped and saw Wu Que standing in front of him, as usual holding a fan. There was an amused look on his face.
“I wasn’t dreaming,” Xiao Yu Er said defiantly. Wu Que laughed a little. “I know you too well, brother. You were looking for me, right?”
“Yes.” Xiao Yu Er made a sudden decision to test Wu Que. “Fang Wei Wei will be coming today,” he said, watching his brother’s face closely.
Almost imperceptibly, a flicker of interest came into Wu Que’s eyes, then vanished again. “Indeed?” he said in a monotone. But it was too late. Xiao Yu Er had seen the interest, and was now feeling seriously disturbed.
“Xin Lan told me that she is to have a duel with Xiao La Jiao today,” Wu Que said, wording his speech carefully. Xiao Yu Er moved closer to him and stared at him curiously. “What IS the matter with you?” Wu Que demanded, a trifle irritated.
“Say, Wu Que…” Xiao Yu Er faltered, then continued, “you’ll love Tie Xin Lan for ever and ever, right?”
Wu Que looked suspiciously at Xiao Yu Er, who wore that innocent look that he knew so well. With a sigh, he turned to look at the scenery before him. “Yes,” he replied, wondering if he was telling the truth. “For ever and ever.”
Of COURSE he was telling the truth…
Why shouldn’t he?
An answer popped into his mind, but he didn’t want to face it. Yes, he was telling the truth. There was no reason why he shouldn’t be.
* * *
“Wei Wei!” Xiao La Jiao yelled excitedly and tore down the stairs to meet her friend, who was with the faithful Zhang Man, Wu Qi Long and another girl.
Wei Wei met her just as rapturously, then nodded her
head towards the girl. “My friend, Lin Xin Ru,” she introduced. “Xin Ru,
this is Zhang Jing, or Xiao La Jiao.”
Xiao La Jiao greeted Xin Ru courteously, then threw politeness to the winds and
grabbed Wei Wei’s hands. “Xin Lan and I have been waiting for you!” she
said as she pulled Wei Wei into the building. Wei Wei laughed and allowed
herself to be pulled by this madcap of a girl.
Wu Que was walking about the halls, deep in thought, when suddenly he came face-to-face with the girl who’d been on his mind for the past few days. Immediately he stepped away from her and stopped, gathering his wits about him hurriedly. “Good morning, Miss Fang,” he said stiffly. (easier to put miss instead of Gu Niang)
Wei Wei’s beam went straight into his heart. How could one girl look as beautiful as she did? “Good morning, Jiang Gong Zi,” she said in tones of solemn mimicry, then, relaxing into her normal tone, said, “It was very rude of you not to show up the other day. Why didn’t you?” Her voice was aggrieved, and Wu Que had a hard struggle with his composure. “I’m sorry for that, but unfortunately I was tied up with…”
“Oh, I know, I know,” Wei Wei said, putting up her hands. “You were tied up with your practicing. I shan’t bother you any longer with my complaints,” she continued with a cheeky smile. “Now, I must try my best to beat my dear friend Xiao La Jiao here…”
“No, I will beat you!” Xiao La Jiao argued, and with a tinkling laugh prepared to pull Wei Wei away again. Wu Que put out his hand to stop her, and Xiao La Jiao looked at him in astonishment. “You must take her to Da Gu Gu first,” Wu Que said in explanation, feeling like the biggest fool on earth.
“Oh yes!” Xiao La Jiao exclaimed, slapping her forehead. “Come on!” she pulled Wei Wei even more vigorously away.
* * *
Yao Yue was concentrating hard on her potion for Lian Xin when someone knocked softly on the door. She said without looking up, “Who is it?”
“Zhang Jing.”
“Come in.”
The door opened and Xiao La Jiao stepped in. “Yao Yue Gong Zhu, I have brought a few of my friends here to greet you.” She seemed rather nervous, and Yao Yue smiled a little. “Bring them in,” she commanded.
An exquisitely lovely young lady was brought in, followed by two other people. The girl bent her knees slightly and said, “Good morning, Yao Yue Gong Zhu.”
Yao Yue bent her head. “You are Zhang Jing’s friends?” she said.
“Yes,” the girl replied, and Xiao La Jiao interrupted with, “Wu Que and Xin Lan’s friends too.”
“What is your name?” Yao Yue asked.
“Fang Wei Wei.”
Yao Yue opened her eyes wide. “Fang Wei Wei? The daughter of Fang Zhi Hang?”
“Yes.”
Yao Yue turned to Xiao La Jiao. “Take good care of her,” she commanded. “If anything happens to her during her visit to Yi Hua Gong, you will be responsible.”
“Yes, Yao Yue Gong Zhu,” Xiao La Jiao said obediently, and ushered them out of the room.
* * *
She’s here.
Wu Que frowned as he opened his fan. She was here. Under the same roof. With Xin Lan and Xiao La Jiao. He remembered so clearly that spilt second he had been so close to her, then had moved away. He remembered her eyes; her smile; her face…oh heaven, that had created both men and women! Heaven should have known the trouble which would arise. Dimly, he heard laughter echoing through the once silent halls, and knew for sure that it was her laughing. How sweet it sounded to his ears – like angels’ laughter – like the singing of a brook! I must be mad, he told himself sternly, I must be crazy. Feeling so much for a girl whom I know so slightly…and I know that she doesn’t love me too…
* * *
“Who’s that laughing?” yelled a voice, and Xiao La Jiao, Xin Ru, Wei Wei and Xin Lan turned to see Xiao Yu Er, who came forward and halted abruptly when he met Xin Ru’s eyes.
Xin Ru started and stared into his eyes…
* * *
“Miss Lin, are you feeling warm now?” Xiao Lan interrupted.
“Em… No… Why do you ask?” Xin Ru asked smiling slightly, yet feeling very nervous inside. She hoped that Xiao La Jiao did not think that Xiao Yu Er was the cause of her blushes – which actually he was.
“Your face is red! I am sure you are not used to the temperature here.” Xiao La Jiao rejoined.
“Hey! I thought there’s supposed to be a duel between two of you! I am very anxious now! Quickly start now! I want to see whether who will deserve the title ‘champion’ ,” Xiao Yu Er said impatiently to cover up his confusion. Why did he feel so strange when looking at Xin Ru?
* * *
Cold breeze blew kissing both Wei Wei and Xiao La Jiao’s faces. Wei Wei stood holding her chains while Xiao La Jiao stood with her sword.
“Miss Fang, you are here to compete with me using your chain? It seems like you are looking down on me”
“Well, Xiao La Jiao, since you are saying that, why don’t we fight without using any weapons?”
“That’s a good idea! Can two of you start now?” Xiao Yu Er urged.
The two ladies fought using their full strength. Of course Xiao La Jiao did not want to lose neither was Wei Wei very anxious to lose, so the latter kept on attacking while Xiao La Jiao defended herself. Wu Que watched closely, anxiously, and carefully at Wei Wei. He started to admire her. A young lady like her was indeed very scarce. She had a very beautiful look that attracted people to look at her – and was she good at fighting! He had never seen a girl, other than his two aunties, who could fight so well.
“Ouch! That hurts!” Xiao La Jiao shouted waking Wu Que up from his thoughts. She was kicked by Wei Wei and fell on the ground. Xiao Yu Er quickly helped Xiao La Jiao up. “I told you that you would lost to Fang Wei Wei ,” Xiao Yu Er whispered.
“Yay! I won the game!” Wei Wei exclaimed joyfully.
“It’s not fair! You kept on attacking me! I didn’t even have the chance to attack you!” Xiao La Jiao pushed Xiao Yu Er away to express her dissatisfaction. Xin Ru felt uneasy when she saw Xiao Yu Er so concerned over Xiao La Jiao. She was startled at her feelings. Was she falling for him? She had not been paying attention to the duel, for she kept on staring at Xiao Yu Er.
“Miss Fang, why don’t we will have another round? Xiao La Jiao doesn’t want to admit that she has lost,” Xiao Lan said trying to help Xiao La Jiao out – hoping that Wei Wei could give another chance.
“No! I do not think we need to do so! Miss Fang is a kungfu expert. She took all the opportunity to attack you. Xiao La Jiao, if you are better than Miss Fang, you would have won earlier on.” Wu Que interrupted, trying his hardest not to gaze in admiration at Wei Wei.
“Jiang Wu Que! You are helping Miss Fang or helping me?” Xiao La Jiao shouted angrily at him.
“No, I am not! I am just telling the truth. A fact that we cannot deny is that Miss Fang is very good in her kungfu. She’s the daughter of the famous kungfu master, Fang Zhi Hang.” Wu Que tried to defend himself.
“Wu Que, I agree with what you said…” Yao Yue continued. “Xiao La Jiao, I saw the duel between both of you! Miss Fang is indeed very good. You need to practice more on attacking people…” Yao Yue went on.
Xiao La Jiao could not say anything. She just had to obey what Yao Yue said. She simply could not believe that Wu Que was helping Wei Wei out instead of helping her. Xiao Lan tried to help her, but Wu Que was opposing her opinion. It was unbelievable! Last time, no matter what did Xiao Lan said Wu Que would just follow. But today he was helping Fang Wei Wei? Wasn’t it strange?
“Good job, Miss Fang! You are as talented as your father,” Yao Yue praised. “Yao Yue Gong Zhu, you are over-praising me!” Wei Wei replied, blushing with pleasure and embarrassment.
“Miss Fang, Da Gu Gu is right! You are very good in it!” Wu Que rejoined. Wei Wei blushed deeper. A smart looking and highly skilled expert in kungfu had praised her too!
“Jiang Gong Zi, I am not as good as you say I am…in addition, just call me Wei Wei, I am not used to having my friends call me Miss Fang…” Wei Wei continued.
“Alright, then just call me Wu Que, because there are two Jiangs here.” Wu Que replied with laughter. He enjoyed talking to Wei Wei. Same went to Wei Wei.
“Miss Fang, you are such a sweet lady, it’s nice meeting you! Now, I have to take my leave, I have some work that I have to continue… Wu Que, take care of Miss Fang,” Yao Yue interrupted, leaving Wu Que and Wei Wei.
Xin Ru kept on staring at Xiao Yu Er and Xiao La Jiao. “Miss Lin, Miss Lin… are you alright? You look pale!” Xiao Lan asked breaking into her thoughts.
“Em… Miss Tie, I am all right here… Who’s that guy with Miss Zhang Jing?” Xin Ru shot at her the question.
“Oh! He’s Wu Que’s twin brother, Xiao Yu Er!” Xin Lan answered solemnly.
“Xiao Yu Er, what a cute name, suits the owner through and through,” Xin Ru added, blushing.
Tie Xin Lan just nodded her head. She wasn’t paying any attention to what Xin Ru said. Xiao Lan was busy focusing on Wu Que and Wei Wei.
“Wu Que, would you like to have a duel with me?” Wei Wei asked, testing Wu Que.
“Wei Wei, sorry… I don’t think I like to have a duel with a lady…” Before he could continue further, Wei Wei suddenly attacked him. Luckily, Wu Que reacted quickly. He managed to avoid the surprise attack.
“Wow! You are not bad too!” Wei Wei exclaimed, overjoyed. She knew that Wu Que might be the only one who could defeat her. If she was by his side, she would be safe.
“Wei Wei, you gave me a shock! I never expected you to react like that!” Wu Que replied. In his mind, “This lady is really good! She can react and attack people very fast! She’s indeed different from Xiao Lan!“ (who can only cry and cry and look old)
“Oh my! Why did I compare her with Xiao Lan? How could I ever do that?” Wu Que mumbled to himself in shock.
“Wu Que! Are you all right?” Wei Wei asked, shaking him with a puzzled look on her face.
“Ah… Wei Wei! I am fine…it’s just that…” Wu Que paused. He did not know how to continue. Indeed he could barely speak while her big round eyes stared at him, as if she wanted to know what he was thinking.
"Wei Wei! You fought well! It is really an excellent job!” Xiao Lan interrupted. Honestly, she was not feeling bad or jealous when Wei Wei and Wu Que chatted together happily. It reminds her of Qi Long and her. Qi Long indeed is different from Wu Que. Qi Long had a personality like Xiao Yu Er. He loved to joke and fool around. Nevertheless, he is concerned about her.
“Thanks a lot, Xiao Lan. Actually, Miss Zhang Jing is not bad at all. She just needs more practice.” Wei Wei replied with a smile.
“Miss Fang, I am sorry! I know I am so childish just now. I should know that I need more practice before I compete with you! May be next time we can have another duel…” Xiao La Jiao cut in.
* * *
“So, Miss Lin, you are Wei Wei’s best friend, huh?” Xiao Yu Er, took the opportunity to ask her when Xiao La Jiao was with Xiao Lan.
“Yes, we’ve known each other for long time now…” Xin Ru blushed, happy because Xiao Yu Er was starting to talk to her.
“From what I see, you don’t look like a lady talented in kungfu like her…You are a ladylike, soft and gentle, and talented in art instead of kungfu…” Xiao Yu Er said, reciting his opinions.
Xin Ru just nodded. She was overjoyed. She does not know what she should say. Every word that he said was true – as if he had known her as long as Wei Wei did.
“I wish that Zhang Jing is as gentle like you! “Xiao Yu Er said that in sudden. It really gave Xin Ru a shock. She stared deep into Xiao Yu Er’s eyes… trying to interpret what he was thinking…
Xiao La Jiao started and nodded. “Of course! I’ve been such a bad hostess. Come on, I’ll take you to where the food is.” She walked off. Wei Wei smiled in amusement and touched Qi Long’s arm lightly. “Let’s follow her. Aren’t you hungry too?”
Qi Long followed, chatting lightly to Wei Wei and feeling much more at ease. Wu Que watched them go with a darkening expression. The two of them seemed so close and so easy with each other. Was there anything going on between the both of them? He wondered. Then someone took hold of his hand and he saw that it was Xin Lan. She dragged him after Wei Wei and Qi Long, and he allowed himself to be pulled along without a word. Xiao Yu Er and Xin Ru went along as well, both talking at a very fast rate.
* * *
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
The door opened and Wu Que came into the room. “Da Gu Gu,” he greeted. Yao Yue nodded her head and said, “What is the matter?”
He hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Da Gu Gu, what do you think of Fang Wei Wei?”
“She is an expert in martial arts, and a beauty,” Yao Yue replied promptly. She looked sharply at Wu Que, who avoided her eyes. “Why are you asking me this?”
“Oh, nothing,” Wu Que said restlessly. “I was just – asking for information.” He looked at Lian Xin, who continued to lie peacefully in her ‘coffin’. “Why don’t you bury Xiao Gu Gu?” he asked, knowing that he was threading on dangerous waters but not caring in the least. Yao Yue narrowed her eyes. “I am still working on a potion that will bring her back to life,” she said. “Until I have succeeded, I will not bury her.”
“But she is dead,” Wu Que objected.
“She is not dead!”
“She isn’t?” he asked, astounded.
“She may seem dead, but she isn’t,” Yao Yue said. She sighed. “You will not understand even if I tell you. No one can bring a dead person back to life. Your Xiao Gu Gu is not dead. You will not understand – but believe what I say.” She rubbed her temples, and went on, “I suggest that you look after Tie Xin Lan. I have a feeling that before you know it, she will be taken away from you.”
Wu Que was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“You have never thought of Wu Qi Long as a threat, have you?” Yao Yue asked, smiling slightly. Wu Que was stunned. He had been so taken up in thinking about Wei Wei and trying to sort out his own feelings that he’d forgotten about Xin Lan. Now he began to wonder, too, whether there was any truth in his Da Gu Gu’s words. Could Xin Lan be falling for Qi Long? He seriously doubted it, but couldn’t be sure.
* * *
Wei Wei stooped over the flowers, a beautiful smile on her face. Yi Hua Gong certainly had lovely flowers. She was a lone figure; the rest had gone ‘sightseeing’ the place with Xiao La Jiao.
“Where are the rest?”
She was so startled that she almost jumped. She swung round to see Jiang Wu Que standing behind her, and for some reason her heart fluttered queerly as she looked at his handsome face. She relaxed her muscles and smiled winningly at him. “They have gone on a tour round Yi Hua Gong,” she answered. “This place is exceedingly picturesque, Wu Que. You are fortunate to live in somewhere like this.”
“Thank you,” Wu Que said abruptly, trying his best not to look at her. He walked past her and plucked out a red rose. He held it out to her. “My gift,” he said in reply to her questioning look. Wei Wei took it, her pale pink cheeks flushing. “You shouldn’t have done that,” she murmured. “The rose will die…”
“But now it is very beautiful,” Wu Que cut in,
“like you.”
Wei Wei lowered her eyelashes and blushed even more. “Thank you,” she said,
her voice barely above a whisper.
Wu Que looked at her long, dark eyelashes and her thick, creamy eyelids and felt an overwhelming desire to take her into his arms and kiss her. There was something about her that Xin Lan didn’t have – he couldn’t exactly place it, but it was there.
She lifted her eyes, and he found himself looking into
a pair of laughter-filled, dark eyes. “Aren’t we awkward?” she said gaily.
“Let’s forget about romancing and things like that, and just be friendly
with each other, shall we?”
Completely caught off guard, he could only stare at her as she rambled on
cheerfully. What a girl she was! He had never met anyone quite like her before
in his entire life. “Would you like to have a duel with me?” she asked
merrily. “I believe it would be quite an enjoyable experience.”
“Well…” he said slowly. “Why not?”
“All right,” she said, suddenly brisk and business-like. Before she could say anything else, a clear voice floated across the gardens to them. “What are the two of you talking about?”
Both saw Xiao La Jiao, Xin Lan and co. coming up to them. Wei Wei welcomed them very cordially, but Wu Que felt a trifle irritated at being interrupted in this manner. This was the first time he was alone with Wei Wei, and it had to be such a short period of time! It was indeed very exasperating.
“Oh yes! I have something to tell you people! Wu Que
and I am planning to have a duel soon… We have not discussed about the date
yet…but we will discuss it later…” Wei Wei announced.
“Oh a very good idea! I am sure you people will have a draw! But I think
it’s too early for me to announce the winner yet!” Xiao Yu Er cut in.
“Okay… since Wei Wei is not hungry… Miss Tie, why not we go
‘sightseeing’ that side” Qi Long suggested pointing to the right side of
the garden.
“Ya… Xiao Yu Er, why not we continue to see the place…” Xin Ru requested
as she pulled his hand.
“Hey! Wait for me…” Xiao La Jiao shouted as she left Wu Que and Wei Wei
alone again.
“So, when do you want the duel to be?” Wu Que asked
to break the silence.
“Why don’t you make the decision? You’ve been so quiet ever since they
were here…Are you okay?”
“Em… Wei Wei, I am fine…It’s just that there are too many people who
wanted to talk. I didn’t have the chance. Why don’t we have the duel next
week? I need to improve my martial arts, because my opponent is
highly-skilled…” Wu Que replied trying to joke, not wanting Wei Wei to know
that he was actually feeling uneasy when Xiao La Jiao and her gang appeared.
“Sure! I have to go home and practice mine too!” Wei Wei agreed.
Both of them laughed and joked all along, not realizing that Yao Yue was
actually observing the both of them.
“Miss Tie, you look as beautiful as the flowers grown
here…Your eyes sparkle like two little diamonds. Your lips are like the red
strawberries… Your skin is fair and silky… Your nose…” Qi Long recited
all his opinion on Xin Lan. (He is over praising, isn’t he? Nah, let’s just
say he’s lying – the impolite ‘nah…’ was added by Gem and JN)
“Qi Long, can you stop that? And don’t call me Miss Tie, call me Xin Lan or
call me Xiao Lan, like Wu Que always does!” Xiao Lan interrupted and winked at
Qi Long, making his heart melt by looking at her beauty… (*Puke*) Deep in Xin
Lan’s heart, she was thinking “Wu Que never praises me like that!”
“Okay, Xiao Lan, look at me, I have something to tell you…” Qi Long said,
holding her shoulders.
“Yes? Anything?”
“I love you!” Qi Long took a deep breath and said it out.
Xin Lan was indeed shocked to hear that. She dropped her jaw (wouldn’t that be
a ghastly sight?? Imagine someone without a jaw) , but she could not say
anything. The guy that she had not known for long had expressed his love for
her.
“Xiao Lan? Are you okay? I know I am being in a rush to tell you about my
feelings… but my feelings towards you are true!” Qi Long tried to ensure Xin
Lan.
“Qi Long, I already have Wu Que, He is…”
Before she could continue further, Qi Long immediately swept her up into a kiss.
Xin Lan did not have time to protest, and as he did not stop, she began to relax
and enjoy it. (all I can say is that I have no opinion of Qi Long’s taste.
Well I suppose there are worse women than Tie Xin Lan)
“Wow! This place looks like a palace! Alternatively,
even better than the palace. It’s really beautiful!” Xin Ru exclaimed.
“Ya! It is! Xiao Yu Er, you stay here with Xin Ru…meanwhile I’ll go and
cook for dinner for tonight!” Xiao La Jiao volunteered as she playfully hit
Xiao Yu Er.
Xiao Yu Er stood there quietly, observing Xin Ru, as she was smelling the nice
scent of the flowers. She looks so pretty and fragile; the thing that really
attracted him was her smile. Whenever she smiled, there were dimples on her
cheeks, making her look so sweet that he wanted to eat her up.
“Xin Ru…”he called out.
“Yes?” she smiled, replying him.
“You know something?”
“What?”
“I love the way you smile, the way you look at me and the way…”
Xiao Yu Er cupped her face and gave her a kiss on the lips, which he never did
to Xiao La Jiao before.
Xin Ru, of course would not deny her feelings towards Xiao Yu Er pressed her
lips harder on his.
The scene of two of them kissing is like in the dream, with beautiful flowers
surrounding them.
That evening, they had dinner together. Qi Long and Xin Lan kept on thinking about the nice time they had together. Xin Lan really enjoyed it. Qi Long was overjoyed. Xin Lan had agreed to be his girlfriend instead of being Wu Que’s (what an unfaithful person!!). They were just waiting for the suitable time to tell Wu Que. Meanwhile poor Xiao La Jiao had been busy preparing food for dinner while Xiao Yu Er and Xin Ru had their sweet time together in the garden. She did not realize that Xin Ru and Xiao You Er had started to have feelings for each other. Wei Wei had her eyes on Wu Que. She was attracted by his polite manner when he was eating compared to Xiao Yu Er. Wu Que does not dare to look up, because he knew that Wei Wei was looking at him. His heart would beat faster and his face would be flushed if he looked at her.
After the dinner, Wei Wei, Qi Long, and Xin Ru bided
farewell and went off on their way home.
“Wu Que, I have something to tell you…” Yao Yue called.
“Yes, Da Gu Gu?” Wu Que asked as he bowed to her.
“Wu Que, I know that you have feelings for Wei Wei…I can see that really
clearly. You cannot deny the fact! I have been taking care of you since you are
a baby. Go for her… forget that Tie Xin Lan, she will only bring to you
sadness and nothing more than that.”
Wu Que was a little shocked when he heard that his Da Gu Gu was telling him to
forget Xiao Lan. He thought that she would be mad at him for falling for Wei Wei.
“I prefer Wei Wei to Tie Xin Lan… Wei Wei has a better personality than Xin
Lan. You should consider what I have said…” Yao Yue continued as she walked
into her room and started to find the potion for Lian Xin.
“Consider Wei Wei? Forget Xiao Lan? How can I do ever that? Between Love and Loyalty, which I should choose? The duel between Wei Wei and me is in one week’s time. Should I let her win or let it be draw? Or worse – should I choose Wei Wei or Xiao Lan?”
“Wu Que…” Xin Lan began. She kept her eyes fixed on the floor, not daring to look up and meet his. “Qi Long and I have discovered that we love each other a lot,” she said in a rush. “I am here to tell you that I would like to break up with you.”
She was met with complete silence. Either Wu Que did not believe her, or he was too aghast to say anything. Slowly, she lifted her eyes and was stunned into silence. He did not even look disturbed. Instead, he sat holding his fan, his eyes thoughtful and his face emotionless. “So this is it?” he asked. Xin Lan nodded jerkily. “I’m sorry,” she started, “I know how awful you must feel right now, but…”
She was totally unprepared for Wu Que to look at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Don’t think so highly of yourself,” he admonished. Xin Lan was completely thrown by this reply. He had never spoken so cruelly to her in her entire life. Against her own will she felt hot tears rising up to her eyes, and she threw herself down on her knees. “I beg you to let me go!” she sobbed. “I’m so sorry, so, so sorry, but I can’t do anything about my love for Qi Long. Please let me go, and don’t be angry with me!”
“Did I ever say that I would not let you go?” Wu Que asked, anger now showing in his voice. “Don’t be stupid, Xin Lan! Do you think I am an idiot, that I do not know what is going on around me? I have known what is going on between you and Qi Long for ages. I was only waiting for you to come and tell me. Get up and stop this foolishness at once, lest I throw you out of the room.” This was very much unlike the normally gentle, even-tempered Xin Lan, and she raised her head, startled and amazed. She couldn’t believe her ears. THIS had come from Wu Que? “Xiao Lan,” Wu Que continued in a milder tone, “I know that love cannot be controlled. Which is why I am not blaming you or Qi Long at all. Raise and leave the room now. Rest assured that I am not angry with you.”
Xin Lan rose slowly. This was not the reception she had anticipated – nor wanted. She had wanted him to beg her to return to him; she had expected him to be very upset and be filled with a sense of loss. That, at least, she had wanted and expected from him. And he had not given her that! In fact, he had let her go so easily…did she mean nothing to him? Or had he found a new love? She went out of the room pondering over that question.
Wu Que sat motionless long after she had gone, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He, who was wise in the ways and thoughts of mankind, had known exactly what reception Xin Lan had expected from him. This was his way of punishing her. Yet that was not what he was smiling about. I’m free, he thought, and smiled again. Free to love Fang Wei Wei.
* * *
Both Xiao Yu Er and Xiao La Jiao were shocked when they received the news that Wu Que and Xin Lan had broken up. Xiao Yu Er interrogated his brother mercilessly while Xiao La Jiao bombarded Xin Lan with incredulous questions. Qi Long, when he heard the news, was delighted. Xin Ru had such a guilty conscience that she couldn’t feel anything for Xin Lan. She was too bound up in her remorse about what had happened the day before with Xiao Yu Er and herself. Xiao Yu Er, too, was quite guilt-ridden, and so after a few hours of questioning he stopped completely.
Yao Yue was quite satisfied. She had convinced herself the moment she saw Wei Wei that the latter was the one for Wu Que, not Xin Lan. She spoke calmly and gravely to Lian Xin about the matter, telling her of her liking for Wei Wei and her disgust with Xin Lan.
Wei Wei came to visit Wu Que and sympathize with him. She was, therefore, quite astonished to find him looking remarkably well and cheery. “Why, I thought you would be having a hard time of it, so I scolded Qi Long and came over to console you! I’m even giving Qi Long the cold shoulder now, and here you are, as happy as ever!” she said reproachfully. Wu Que couldn’t help but laugh. “To tell you the truth, Wei Wei, I’m not in the least down about it. Xiao Lan stopped being the owner of my heart a long time ago,” he smiled. Wei Wei shook her head at him. “And to think that if Qi Long had not stepped in you would still be with her!”
“Oh no. I wouldn’t have continued being with her,” Wu Que said honestly. Wei Wei sighed. “So do you think we should go ahead with the duel?”
“Sure!” Wu Que agreed brightly. “Why not? I’m even more into the mood of fighting with someone!”
Wei Wei sparkled up at him. “Oh, and don’t feel too badly,” she said with a mischievous grin. Wu Que smiled. “I won’t!” he answered. “And Wei Wei…the reason why I don’t love Xiao Lan anymore is because…” he stopped. Should I tell her that I love her? He wondered. Wei Wei looked at him expectantly. “I feel that she should be with Qi Long,” he mumbled, his face reddening. Wei Wei laughed. “Well, I’m still ignoring him. I’d better go now, Wu Que. I’ve wasted so much time with you!”
* * *
It was a still, hot day with no wind. Wei Wei stood beside Xiao Yu Er, explaining to him how she used her chains to fight people. Wu Que stood up and walked over to her. “Shall we begin?” he asked courteously. Wei Wei laughed at his courtesy. “Yes, thank you, sir,” she said, imitating his polite tone.
They faced each other, Wei Wei still bubbling with mirth. Wu Que’s eyes glinted and he launched on her a sudden attack. She reacted quickly and dodged his fan, swinging her chain towards him in a deadly move. He flew up into the air and went at her with his fan. Quickly, she did a somersault and threw her chain at him. He caught the other end neatly and the two of them, each holding one end of the chain, made a face at the other. Wei Wei, with sudden strength, drew back her chain and went at him again.
Wu Que threw a green ball at her. (I hope you guys know what I mean…it’s that ‘shen gong’ or whatever gong…u know, the part when Yao Yue fought Yan Nan Tian in the last episode? They were like flinging coloured balls at each other…OKOK I’ll stop spoiling the romance of that fight *grin* with my coloured balls) Wei Wei flung one blue one back at him, then swung her chain at him once more. He sidestepped and, with a sudden swing of his fan, brought her sprawling to the ground.
“Wei Wei!” Xiao La Jiao cried out in alarm and ran towards Wei Wei, who lay on the ground in a daze. Wu Que ran towards her too. “Are you all right?” he asked worriedly, raising her head onto his lap. Wei Wei smiled feebly. “I think I’m fine…it’s just that my back aches a little,” she answered. The two of them stared into each other’s eyes, marvelling at the luminosity and beauty of the other’s eyes. (stupid, right?) Then Wu Que spoke. “Well…do you want to continue fighting?” he asked.
“No…” Wei Wei said slowly. “I need a rest. My
back aches.”
She sighed and her head drooped a little. Wu Que lifted her up in his arms.
“I’ll carry you to one of the spare bedrooms. You can rest there,” he told
her, not taking his eyes off her face for one minute.
It was a good thing that Xin Lan and Qi Long weren’t there.
***
“Xiao Lan, don’t feel free now? You are no more Wu
Que’s girlfriend. You are mine…” Qi Long said in a grin.
“Well, Qi Long… I feel a little guilty to leave Wu Que like that…” Xin
Lan said to express her guilt. “I think that now he is very sad, he can’t
bear to part with me…” Xin Lan continued exaggerating the story, to prove to
Qi Long that she’s actually important to him – and Wu Que couldn’t live
without her.
“Xiao Lan… if he really can’t bear to part with you… He wouldn’t let
you go easily…” Qi Long protested. Xin Lan smirked, she doesn’t how to
answer, so she replied, “I don’t want to argue with you anymore… It’s
not worth it over him we quarrel…”
***
“Xiao Yu Er, don’t you think the scenery here is so
nice? I really love it… After we got married, we should build a small cottage
here…lead our life together without any worries…” Xin Ru said as she
pulled Xiao Yu Er to a place nearby Yi Hua Gong.
Xiao You Er's expression changed, “ Xin Ru… I need to tell you something.”
“About what? Why you look so troubled?” Xin Ru inquired.
“Xin Ru, I’ve been hiding something from you… actually Xiao La Jiao is my
girlfriend…She’s the lady that I love first… then only you… but I love
both of you …I can’t decide which one to choose… I know that I cannot
‘own’ two women in a time.” Xiao Yu Er told his problems. He had been
keeping this from both Xiao La Jiao and Xin Ru. He felt guilty doing so.
Xin Ru was startled. Then she continued, “Xiao You ER… I am glad that you are being very honest with me… But…if you are going to marry both of us… Who will be the first wife? She or me?” Xiao Yu Er paused. He pondered. How is he going to reply? Xiao La Jiao? Or Lin Xin Ru? He loved both of them, however if Xin Ru being his first wife, it will be very unfair to Xiao La Jiao. Xiao La Jiao has been with him past few years showering him with her love no matter what’s the obstacle on her way to do so. He still remember the night before he’s going to marry Hong Zhu, Xiao La Jiao kneeled down to him begging him not to leave her no matter what happens. But he yelled at her to leave him. Now they are happily together, but Xin Ru appeared between them. He loves Xin Ru as much as love Xiao La Jiao. Honestly, he love Xin Ru a little more than Xiao La Jiao. He will really prefer Xin Ru being his first wife, but what about Xiao La Jiao. He’s not going to let the history repeats itself.
After a moment of thinking, “Xin Ru… do you know that my love for you is higher than the mountains, deeper than the sea… no matter what happens, you’ll be the one I love the most. But I must let Xiao La Jiao to be the first wife. I hope that you can understand…”
“No, Xiao Yu Er! I don’t understand…You love me more! But why I – being the second wife? Is it fair? I don’t want to listen to anything…I just can’t…” Xin Ru started to sob, but held her tears back and cupped her ears hoping that Xiao Yu Er will change his mind.
“Xin Ru… Xin Ru… I know it’s hard for you to accept but can you try to understand my situation?” Xiao Yu Er said as he tries to hug Xin Ru. She tried to push him away… but Xiao Yu Er is too strong for her. She couldn’t deny her feelings… she can’t control them, she felt so save and nice in Xiao Yu Er's embrace.
After a while, Xiao Yu Er broke the silence, “Xin Ru, believe me, no matter what you will be… my love for you will never change…” he said as he lean forward to give a sweet passionate kiss on her lips. Xin Ru could feel her face is burning but she didn’t care her love for Xiao Yu Er is too strong. She responded the kiss just as strongly as her feelings for him. Although she’s upset for not being his first wife, she started to think carefully. She doesn’t care whether she’s his 10th wife, or the 99th, as long as Xiao Yu Er's by her side, she’ll be the happiest woman on earth.
Unfortunately, Xiao La Jiao saw the whole scene. Tears welled her eyes. “Xiao You ER, how could you? I give my love just for you, but you are two-timing me… How could you? You are so cruel!” She ran and left the kissing scene of her beloved guy and another woman behind.
Suddenly, she banged into someone. She held her head
and saw a girl with the SAME LOOK as hers. “Xiao La Jiao?” the lady asked.
“Ya Wen?” Xiao La Jiao asked to assure is it her friend. Ya Wen is her
friend that she used to play with when she was small. The unique thing between
both of them is they have the same look although they were not twins.
Nevertheless, they got separated when she had to be betrothed to a guy living in
another village.
Yong Jun was shock to see Xiao La Jiao. She had the same look like his wife, Ya Wen. It’s true that what Ya Wen told him. He often denied it by replying, “It can’t be possible! There will be only one Ya Wen on earth!”
“Xiao La Jiao! It’s been years, I haven’t see
you! How are you?” Ya Wen asked joyfully when she actually bumped with her
childhood friend.
Xiao La Jiao looked at her. Next to her was a good-looking guy. “Ya Wen, I
miss you! I lead a very fine life here. I am sure you are the same too! With the
care and love of your fiancé, I am sure everything will be fine!
Ya Wen blushed. “Xiao La Jiao, He’s no more my
fiancé, he’s my husband.” Xiao La Jiao gave a sheepish grin at her.
“ Xiao La Jiao, meet Yong Jun, the guy I was betrothed to a few years
ago…”
“Yong Jun, meet Xiao La Jiao, my best friend that has the same look with me”
Ya Wen introduced.
“Xiao La Jiao, are you alright? Your eyes were
red!” Ya Wen continued, as she stands closer to Xiao La Jiao.
“Yong Jun, why not you go home first? I have something to talk with Xiao La
Jiao.” Ya Wen requested. Yong Jun nodded.
“Ya Wen, you are so lucky to have an understanding
husband!” Xiao La Jiao said, comparing herself with her.
“Xiao La Jiao, what about you?” Ya Wen asked, she knew her friend has just
cried badly.
“I meet a guy not long after you left…his name is Xiao Yu Er…” Xiao La
Jiao paused.
“Xiao Yu Er? You quarrel with him?” Ya Wen inquired.
Xiao La Jiao shook her head. Then she continued, “I saw her with another
girl… so close…”
Ya Wen nodded her head. She knew that Xiao La Jiao couldn’t be wrong. She has
a very good eye-vision.
“Hiya, Xiao La Jiao, after a few years I meet you… you are still in the same
image, red in colour! Let me change your image and I’ll make Xiao Yu Er regret
for choosing that girl and not you!” Xiao La Jiao nodded. She knew that Ya Wen
has a lot of funny ideas, and it often works!
“Okay, good! All you need now is just a little change of image and a little plan!” Ya Wen said in a grin.
Xiao Yu Er gasped as a man came out of the store and looped his arms round Xiao La Jiao, holding her protectively and smiling at her. She was looking into his eyes with such a loving expression in her eyes that Xiao Yu Er felt choked. Xiao La Jiao had never looked at him in this way before! Who was this mysterious guy whom he had never seen before?
Ya Wen wanted to grin as she glanced fleetingly at Xiao Yu Er and saw the expression on his face. So it was working after all! He was getting jealous! She smiled even wider at Yong Jun, who was indeed playing his part very well. Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Xiao Yu Er was furious. What right had this man to kiss HIS Xiao La Jiao? And what right had Xiao La Jiao to let HIM kiss her? Xiao Yu Er was determined to interrogate Xiao La Jiao when he saw her that evening. No way was he going to let her go this time. She could either choose this man or himself. The thought that she might actually choose the man and leave him rose in his mind. He clamped it down. Xiao La Jiao was his and he was certain of her. She would never leave him. Or would she?
* * *
“Wei Wei, I hope you’re feeling slightly better today?” Wu Que asked as he came into the room with her medicine. She was lying in bed, her face very pale, for the doctor had warned her that although the medicine would help her greatly, it would hurt her a lot too. Despite the pain, however, she raised her head and gave him a warm smile.
“Yes, thank you,” she replied. “Thanks for taking care of me, Wu Que. My parents were so worried about me and so angry at you!” she giggled when she thought of the scene between her parents and Wu Que.
“It was my fault,” Wu Que said regretfully. “I should have let you win.”
“No, don’t blame yourself,” Wei Wei requested. “If you had let me win, I would have lost a lot of respect for you.” She took the bowl of bitter medicine from him and surveyed it ruefully. Wu Que enjoyed looking at her resigned face. “One gulp and it will all be gone,” he told her. She shivered. “It’s not the drinking that I’m worried about…it’s the side effects!” she said. He laughed and told her to drink it quickly. She obeyed and gulped down the entire bowl.
After the spluttering, she leaned her head on the ‘pillow’ and looked at him seriously. He noticed her gaze and asked what the matter was.
“I’m sorry about what Xin Lan did to you, Wu Que,” was her unexpected answer.
Wu Que knitted his eyebrows together. “So am I, Wei Wei.” He sighed heavily, then continued, “but I have no right to stand in the way of her love for Qi Long. And besides…” he paused for a moment. “My love for her is not so strong that I would grieve over such a thing,” he said with a wide smile.
Wei Wei stared. “Why?” she asked.
He stared at her beautiful, puzzled face. Because I love you, he thought. No, I can’t tell her yet. It’s too soon. “I’ll tell you some day,” he answered, getting up. “Now I must practice. Take care of yourself, and try to rest.”
Wei Wei stopped him by catching hold of his hand. “Wait,” she said. He turned to look inquiringly at her. She squeezed his hand gently. “Take care of yourself too,” she said with a smile. He nodded and left.
* * *
“What was that supposed to mean?” Xiao Yu Er yelled at Xiao La Jiao, who remained stubbornly silent. “Who was that man? And why on earth did he kiss you?”
Xiao La Jiao, who could remain silent no longer, lashed out at him. “You dare to scream at me?” she demanded. “You yourself are having an affair with Lin Xin Ru! Why can’t I have an affair with someone else? Do you mean to say that you’re so important and I’m not?” she asked angrily. “Let me tell you something, Jiang Xiao Yu, you are nothing but rubbish! You hurt me so much the last time and now you’re hurting me again! You think you’re a gentleman? Your twin brother is better than you by far!”
Xiao Yu Er glared at her pretty, mutinous face, and suddenly all his anger vanished. He collapsed onto a chair and stared at his hands. “Xiao La Jiao…” he said softly. He looked up at her. “Don’t you understand? I’m yelling at you like that because I love and want you so much! I love both you and Xin Ru, I couldn’t bear to let either of you leave me! Please accept Xin Ru, Xiao La Jiao. Please. And don’t leave me. I couldn’t live without you.”
Xiao La Jiao looked at him, her eyes full of pain. “Why do you have to do this to me all the time?” she asked, her voice subdued and dull with hurt. “Why, Xiao Yu Er? Why can’t I be the only one in your heart? Must I always share my place with someone else?”
“Who was that man?” Xiao Yu Er asked hoarsely, not wanting to answer her questions.
“You’re dodging my questions!” Xiao La Jiao cried out. “You don’t love me, do you? I don’t know why I ever wasted so much time and effort on you!” she burst out, and ran away from him.
Xiao Yu Er could only look despairingly after her, wishing that he knew what to do.
Xiao Yu Er couldn’t sleep the whole night. He felt everything that he did was wrong. Was it his fault? He was attracted to Xin Ru because of her intelligence and gentleness. However, nowadays Xiao La Jiao has changed her image too! She’s no longer in red… She dresses beautifully, just like other sweet maidens. The way she dress makes her looks so delicate and fragile, the way she walks, the way she talks, the way she smiles will melt every men’s heart. No wonder she could capture the man’s (Yong Jun) heart he saw just now. The man (Yong Jun) looks like a rich guy, a high classed person, and a gentleman. He’s also a very good-looking guy. * Hiya! How can I ever think it that way! No matter what Xiao La Jiao is MINE! No matter how, I’ll get my Xiao La Jiao back! She belongs to ME! *
***
Xiao Yu Er woke up early in the morning – in fact that he couldn’t sleep. He must find a way to get Xiao La Jiao back!
He went to a nearby river where he usually goes when he’s down. That morning is a little unusual. There’s a couple intimately and lovingly sitting on the grass watching the sunrise. The couple looks familiar to him, when he had a nearer vision; it was Xiao La Jiao (Ya Wen), and that guy! He quickly hid himself behind the bush to hear the conversation between two of them.
“Darling, don’t you think the sunrise is so
beautiful? It’s like a dream… I wish this will last forever… but we
can’t stay longer here…” Ya Wen started the conversation, as she was lying
on Yong Jun’s chest, breaking the silence.
“Yes, dear… Everything’s like a dream… When I first saw you, I am deeply
in love with you…Everything passes by so fast, I never believe that you’re
mine now…” Yong Jun planted a kiss on her forehead.
Although, Xiao Yu Er was behind the bushes, he could
hear clearly each and every word that they said. He was fuming with anger with
all the sweet words that they are talking. How could that guy said that Xiao La
Jiao belongs to him? Nevertheless, he just kept quiet, continue listening to
their conversation.
Honestly, he never be romantic to bring Xiao La Jiao to watch the sunrise nor
the sunset. He felt that he was so foolish that he never think of a way to take
care of her heart.
Ya Wen blushed. After 4 years married to Yong Jun, he still loves her with all his heart. How she wish that Xiao Yu Er will treat the same way to Zhang Jing as how Yong Jun treats her.
“How I wish that we have children to accompany us to
watch the sunrise too! Tell me, you are expecting now, aren’t you?” Yong Jun
said, breaking into her thoughts.
“Ha! Ha! Dream on! Since when you have that idea that children accompany us to
watch the sunrise? What makes you think I am expecting? But, I’ll tell you the
truth if you can catch me!” Ya Wen replied cheekily as she stood up abruptly
and started running.
The smoldering Xiao Yu Er could only watch the scene quietly. Xiao La Jiao is pregnant? No! Not until she admitted herself. He continued observing the couple chasing so intimate together.
Yong Jun was fast. He was just a few inches away to get Ya Wen. “Wait! I’m sure able to catch you!” Yong Jun exclaimed as he accidentally tripped forward and pushed Ya Wen on the bed of grasses, lying on her. Ya Wen stared into his warm brown eyes. She immediately looks away, feeling a little awkward. It’s been a long time Yong Jun didn’t look at her that way. Yong Jun lifted her chin, causing Ya Wen to gaze into his eyes. Caught in the moment, Yong Jun leaned closer, giving her a passionate – mild and tender kiss on her shocked, yet yearning lips. Ya Wen began to relax and enjoying it, when suddenly Xiao Yu Er appeared.
Xiao Yu Er emerged from behind the bushes and angrily yelled, “Xiao La Jiao! How could you! I am being very patient to watch the whole intimate scene between you two! I had enough! ENOUGH”
The kiss broke abruptly, due to the presence of Xiao Yu Er. Yong Jun and Ya Wen immediately collected themselves and face the uninvited (Xiao Yu Er) guest.
“Xiao La Jiao, you spend your first night with him?
And you are having his child? You know you have disappointed me! You…”
Before could Xiao Yu Er continue further, Yong Jun angrily interrupted, If yes,
so? I love her with ALL my heart! You? Two-timing her?
Yong Jun was mad. He was patient enough with Xiao Yu Er. Now Xiao Yu Er cared so
much about Xiao La Jiao. But when he was with Xin Ru, he forgets about Xiao La
Jiao. And now, he’s distracting the sweet moments between his wife and him.
“Yong Jun! Let’s go… It’s useless talking to him… He’ll never forget his Lin Xin Ru!” Ya Wen requested, pulling him away from Xiao Yu Er.
Xiao Yu Er stood there sadly; watching Ya Wen and Yong Jun faded from his view. He had no right to stop Xiao La Jiao to love the person she likes. But, he COULD stop her from going with that Yong Jun IF he selects one between Xiao La Jiao and Xin Ru. So, Xiao La Jiao or Xin Ru?
***
“Phew! That was a close one! Luckily, you did not
call me by my name! I didn’t even realize that he was actually peeking on
us!” Ya Wen exclaimed in the sign of relief.
“Honey, you are expecting right? Why didn’t you tell me earlier on?” Yong
Jun inquired, changing the topic to the question that wandered in his mind
yesterday.
“Darling, tell me… how did you manage to know? I’m afraid that you don’t like kids, so I pretended as if nothing happened.” Ya Wen replied, solemnly.
“You don’t even know how joyful I am! I overheard the conversation between you and Zhang Jing! But I am not eavesdropping! I just passed by the door and heard about it! You didn’t know that I am overjoyed till I can’t sleep the whole night… that’s why I brought you there to watch the sunrise and tried to hint you! Yay! We will have a kid in seven months time!” Yong Jun exclaimed couldn’t help himself from stop smiling.
“You could have cause the death of this baby if
pushed me to the ground! Luckily, there’s a bed of soft grasses there!” Ya
Wen joked as she tried to tease Yong Jun.
In that sudden, something flashed across her thought, “I just wish Xiao Yu Er
and Zhang Jing good luck in their relationship…” Ya Wen uttered, crossing
her fingers in her heart.
“Don’t worry, dear… We’ve done our very best to help Zhang Jing. Now, just let fate to decide for them…” Yong Jun consoled.
“Wei Wei, are you alright? I’ve been calling you just now but you seem to be very immersed in your thinking! Any wrong? How are you today? Feeling better?” Wu Que asked showering his concern to Wei Wei.
Wei Wei immediately turns around and faces him. “Oh… Wu Que… It’s you! I am fine today! I think am as healthy as ever! Today is sunny. What about if we go out to have a stroll in the forest?” Wei Wei grinned, as she thinks that are the best chance to question him!
“Sure… Since I have nothing to do…” Wu Que replied in a smile, hoping that he could tell her his feelings in the forest. There’s no one around there… a safer place to confess his love.
Wei Wei happily grabbed Wu Que’s hand and led him to the forest where she usually went when she was small.
“Come and catch me!” Wei Wei dodged back and forth between the tree. Wu Que and Wei Wei’s cheerful laughter echoing. The view of happy couple chasing around stopped when suddenly the skies turned dark, and raindrops started to fall.
Wu Que quickly held her close in his protective arms, searching for a place to shelter as the rain falls down heavily. Wei Wei smiled, feeling save and warm in his embrace, even though it’s raining. Wu Que’s face brighten up when he saw an old, abandoned temple not far from him. He was afraid that the rain might make Wei Wei fall sick again.
They immediately hurried into the temple.
“Ah…” Wei Wei cried as she accidentally tripped. Wu Que quickly turned
around and caught her in his arms. “Are you alright? Any hurts?” asked Wu
Que concernedly. Wei Wei didn’t answer; she was staring Wu Que’s face, which
was only a nose away. Wu Que realized that he was really close, and leaned in
closer, attempting to kiss her lips. Closer and closer, Wei Wei froze, she
didn’t know how to react. Her mind scattered. Wu Que leaned over and brushes
his lips against Wei Wei’s lips. She could felt her cheek burning up, but she
did not care. She pressed her lips harder on hers and their kiss had become
affectionately, their tongues touching. As the kiss grew more intense, the
thunderstorm brought Wei Wei a jolt of reality. She broke the kiss abruptly and
shoved Wu Que away. Wu Que was aghast and gave her an inquiring look.
Wei Wei did not dare to face Wu Que, but she managed to
say these words from her mouth, “Jiang Wu Que! Why must you take advantage by
kissing me? Don’t get me wrong! I… I did not have any feelings for you!
It’s… It’s just that I… I… have never been kissed before, so I react
that way!” Wei Wei exclaimed, trembling, as she knew that she was the third
person to Wu Que and Xiao Lan’s relationship. She knew Wu Que loves her. She
really enjoyed the kiss, but she didn’t know what to do, her mind scattered
everywhere, disable to gather them back. What she could think of is the kiss
that she and Wu Que had shared.
“Wei Wei, I am sorry… I did not mean of taking advantages on you. I… I…I
love you…” Wu Que replied as he realize the reason why Wei Wei shoved him.
Wei Wei interrupted, “Enough Wu Que, we not going to make it! Our love
wouldn’t bloom. I don’t want to become the third party between you two.”
Wu Que was surprised, “What do you mean by ‘third party between you two’?
Who is the ‘you two’? You are NOT the barrier of any relationship!” Now he
really realized the matter. Wei Wei had feelings for him too. Nevertheless, she
doesn’t want to admit it because she doesn’t want to be the barrier between
Xiao Lan and him.
“Wu Que, I am the troublemaker that cause you guys
broke up…” Wei Wei confessed, feeling very guilty.
Wu Que placed his hands on Wei Wei’s shoulder, “Wei Wei, listen here, You
are NEVER the troublemaker nor the barrier of Xiao Lan and my relationship.
It’s my fault… I can’t be able to take care of Xiao Lan till she falls for
another guy! It’s all my fault…I…”
“I don’t want to hear… I don’t want any explanations! Please… don’t
continue!” Wei Wei cried, cupped her ears, shaking vigorously try to free
herself from Wu Que’s grip.
Wu Que held her tightly pulls her into his embrace. However, he failed. He got a slap from Wei Wei falls on his right cheek. He knew he had cause Wei Wei very angry. Wei Wei herself had no idea why she got to react that way. Her mind was full of ‘junk’. She couldn’t think rationally. She ran out from the temple leaving the heart breaking Wu Que alone. Running under the rain, her tears rolled non-stop. She knew she had hurt herself and Wu Que badly. But… everything’s too late. Everything that happened in the abandoned temple was so fresh and vivid in her mind.
Wu Que sat on the hay restlessly. Wei Wei has already left. What had he done? Why he and Wei Wei couldn’t be together? If their fate ever cross, he will not lose her again.
***
Xin Ru approached the sad Xiao Yu Er, sitting nearby the river. “Xiao Yu Er, aren’t you hungry now? You’ve not been eating since yesterday. Come lets have something to eat, okay?”
Looking Xin Ru’s worried face, he nodded. His heart aches much when he saw Xiao La Jiao with other guy. Slowly, his feelings towards Xin Ru became tasteless. He felt that he’s just the guy that prefer ‘new’ things for sometime when he realizes that the ‘old’ one is better.
When they reach an inn, Xin Ru ordered food and drinks. Xiao Yu Er sat quietly, thinking about Xiao La Jiao. Xin Ru didn’t know what happened between Xiao La Jiao and Xiao Yu Er. All she knew is Xiao Yu Er is very upset over something but she’s not sure what is that about.
“Give me seven dozens of wine!” Xiao Yu Er ordered.
“Seven dozens? Xiao Yu Er don’t drink so much! Not good for your health!”
Xin Ru exclaimed, worriedly.
“Keep quiet or JUST LEAVE ME alone!” Xiao Yu Er commanded.
Xin Ru could just keep quiet. She wants to accompany Xiao Yu Er to go through
thick and thin in life. She wants to understand him better.
Time passes by, from the afternoon there in the inn till night, Xin Ru accompanies Xiao Yu ER drinking his wine. It rained heavily from afternoon till nighttime. It has already passed Xin Ru’s bedtime. She should be going home, but she couldn’t leave the sad and drunk Xiao Yu E alone there.
Xiao Yu Er was drunk but still conscious, but had a blur view of Xin Ru. He mistaken Xin Ru as Xiao La Jiao as he was thinking all the day long about Xiao La Jiao.
Xin Ru thought of an idea, to let Xiao Yu ER to stay in the inn for a night. She could carry Xiao Yu ER back to Yi Hua Gong. It’s an impossible thing for a maiden like her to do. She knew neither kungfu nor martial arts. Therefore, she told the workers there that she wanted a room for Xiao Yu Er. She helped to support Xiao Yu Er to his room in the inn.
When she placed Xiao Yu Er on his bed, she sighed before she left. Before she could have a few more steps away from his bed, Xiao Yu Er pulled her closer, “Dear, please don’t leave me…”
Xin Ru knew that she couldn’t stay with Xiao Yu Er. She tried to lose the grip, however Xiao Yu ER pulled her harder, causing her to lie on top of him. As she was trying to collect herself, he turned, pinned himself on her.
She tried to struggle, but Xiao Yu Er was too strong for her. Xiao Yu Er was so closed to her; she could feel his alcoholic breath and his lips finding his way to her neck. Kissing her softly. She could hear him whispering, “Darling dear…do you know that I wish to call you this for a very long time ago? I never had a chance...” (Xiao Yu Er is referring to Xiao La Jiao NOT Lin Xin Ru)
Xin Ru blushed. Although she loves Xiao Yu Er very much, but she knew that a bachelor and a girl like her shouldn't be having the married life, before marriage. She kept trying to free herself, but the drunk Xiao Yu Er doesn’t want her to go. In the end, she ended up with Xiao Yu ER on the bed. The thunderstorm strikes, showing the end of Xin Ru’s maiden life.
****
Early in the morning when Xiao Yu Er woke up, he found himself naked with a girl. No! Xin Ru. She was sleeping next to him. Xiao Yu ER immediately dressed up and thinks what had happened last night. He got the clearer vision why they were there; he looked guilty at Xin Ru. He knew it was his entire fault. Xin Ru’s a very courteous young lady. She began to stir. When she opened her eyes, she saw Xiao Yu Er sitting there waiting her for wake up.
She blushed and gave him a sensual smile. She knew that
Xiao Yu Er will be responsible for this. She could be Xiao Yu Er's official
life.
“Xin Ru, I am sorry… I didn’t mean this too happened… I was drunk…I
thought you were Zhang Jing…”
Tears filled her eyes. Xiao Yu Er's apologizing instead of being responsible?
“Xiao Yu Er, please do not continue! Please GET OUT from this room! I DO NOT
WANT to see you again!”
He knew he had hurt Xin Ru deeply. However, he knew that his love for Zhang Jing is deeper than his love for Xin Ru. He had to make a choice between one of them. Zhang Jing – as all the readers want.
At that fateful moment Zhang Jing decided to pay Xiao Yu Er a visit and talk things out with him. She knocked and opened the doors, expecting fully to see Xiao Yu Er ‘anyhow’ making his bed. However, the scene which met her eyes threw her over completely. He was seated on the bed, staring at Xin Ru who was sobbing piteously, and the two of them were only half-dressed…or not even dressed. “What…what has happened here?” she stuttered, her mind a blank as she stared uncomprehendingly at Xiao Yu Er and Xin Ru.
“Xiao La Jiao!” Xiao Yu Er exclaimed, shocked to see her there.
And then Zhang Jing, who had almost gotten rid of her hasty temper, now fumed and was angrier than she had ever been in her entire life. She stamped her foot and screamed, “Jiang Xiao Yu, you are too much! How can you do this to me?” she cried, her eyes full of hurt and fury. “You are despicable…you…” she trailed off, at a loss for words.
Xin Ru calmly picked up her clothes which were lying on the other end of the bed and dressed herself. Then she got out of bed and faced Zhang Jing, who glared back at her with hatred. “He doesn’t feel nice,” Xin Ru said, looking straight at Zhang Jing, who gasped at this. With that, she walked out of the room, leaving Xiao Yu Er to explain.
“I thought you were a gentleman,” Zhang Jing said bitterly. “I don’t know why I ever fell for you in the first place!”
Xiao Yu Er was guilty and being only human, he tried to cover up his guilt by blaming Zhang Jing. “What about you?” he demanded. “Going around with that guy and kissing him like nobody’s business!”
“It IS nobody’s business, especially not yours!” Zhang Jing screamed. “And at least I am not so lowly as you are! You disgust me!” And she ran out of the room before he could utter another word.
On her way out, she encountered Wei Wei, who was coming to search for Wu Que. Wei Wei uttered an exclamation at Zhang Jing’s tearful face and caught hold of her. “Zhang Jing, what’s the matter? What has happened?” she asked.
Zhang Jing sobbed out her story and Wei Wei listened sympathetically. Then she took Zhang Jing’s hand and led her to a place where they could talk. “Zhang Jing, I know how hard this is for you. But why don’t you listen to what Xiao Yu Er has to say first?” she asked gently.
“No!” Zhang Jing said stubbornly.
“Why not?”
“Because he has hurt me far too many times, and I’m never EVER going back to him again!” Zhang Jing said determinedly.
Just then Wu Que came upon them and almost immediately the cheeks of both him and Wei Wei were overspread by the deepest blush. They were both thinking of their kiss, and feeling extremely uncomfortable. Wu Que hurriedly called back his composure and spoke to Zhang Jing. “Xiao Yu Er told me to come and find you, because he has something important to say to you,” he said, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Zhang Jing, who flushed. “You can jolly well go back to your cheating, lying, two-timing, lowly brother and tell him that I don’t ever want to see him again, and if he wants to talk to me he can come to me himself and not SUMMON me as if I’m his maid!” she said heatedly.
“Why don’t you go?” Wei Wei suggested.
“NO!” Zhang Jing exclaimed, shocked. “Wei Wei, are you on my side or his side?”
“I’m on nobody’s side. I just want to help the both of you, and I think it will be best if you go and have a good talk with him.”
Zhang Jing was silenced by the conviction in Wei Wei’s voice. At length she raised her eyes. “Do you really think so?” she asked doubtfully.
“Yes.”
“Then…” Zhang Jing got up and walked slowly out of the garden.
Wu Que watched Zhang Jing go, then turned to walk away.
“Wait,” Wei Wei said, and he stopped, hating himself for doing so. He was not a proud person; but even humble people want some face. However his legs simply could not move another step. Slowly, he turned round to face her.
“I’m sorry for slapping you,” Wei Wei said in a rush. “It was totally inexcusable for me to do such a thing. I’m sorry.” She hesitated, and there was a pause before Wu Que said, “It’s all right, Miss Fang.” His voice was cold, and he turned once more to walk away.
Wei Wei jumped up and ran over to him, flinging her arms round him. “Oh, don’t talk to me like that!” she said, burying her face in his shoulder. “I’m so sorry I did that to you; I didn’t mean that, honestly – I…I have thought it out and…” she tightened her arms round him, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks.
Wu Que turned and put his arms round her as well. “Don’t ever shout at me again.” His voice was hoarse.
“Never…never,” Wei Wei whispered, her face against his throat.
“My breakup with Xiao Lan had nothing to do with you. You are as much a barrier to us as you are to Zhang Jing and Xiao Yu Er,” Wu Que said, lifting her face to his. He looked earnestly into her beautiful, luminous eyes, then gently lowered his mouth to meet hers. This time she did not draw back. They kissed each other hungrily and passionately, their arms holding them so close together that they seemed almost like one person. They parted for breath, then found each other’s lips again, kissing until both were breathless. “I love you,” Wu Que said tenderly, caressing her smooth cheek. She closed her eyes in ecstasy. “I love you too,” she replied, her voice a little more than a whisper.
The two lovers then went to Wu Que’s room to have some quality time together and talk over their new relationship. Wu Que knew that Wei Wei was his true love, the only love he could ever have. He wondered how he could have considered his earlier passion for Xiao Lan as love. They had once been so infatuated with each other that they could have ‘died’ for each other, but now this love for Wei Wei was so much more different…so fulfilling…so gentle…so tender and satisfying. He mentally promised himself that he would never ever let her go if he could help it. They belonged together – heart, soul and body…always had and always would.
Zhang Jing paused back for a long moment in silence as her mind juggled between the decision as to whether she should go in and talk things out with Xiao Yu Er, or just walk away. “Why should I feel sorry when he’s the one who did the wrong thing?” Her uncivil thoughts fought back into control as she determinedly turned around to walk away.
But at that fateful moment Zhang Jing turned to leave, the door suddenly flung open behind her as the depressed Xiao Yu Er was stepped out. He had been waiting anxiously for Zhang Jing to come in, but when the limited patience in him had given out, Xiao Yu Er had decided to go out and look for her.
Then surprisingly, she was already at the door, about to leave when Xiao Yu Er rushed out in a hurry and quickly pulled back her arm. “Xiao La Jiao, we need to talk!” He began unstably concerned about whether she would ignore his reason.
Zhang Jing gave a shake on her arm to free herself from his tight grasp. Reluctantly turning around, she faced his guilty expression. “What’s there to talk about?” She poured out in an angry tone. “Everything is all done! You have already admitted that you like Xin Ru; you proved it by sharing the same bed with her. And now we are definitely over!” Zhang Jing painfully announced the break up, as Xiao Yu Er stood still like ice, his eyes kept fixed downward on the ground, not daring to look at her accusing eyes. But deep inside he was slowly admitting his mistakes through her words.
Zhang Jing paused back for a moment and then looked up trying to let her tear flow back inward. Memories of their past happiness flooded her mind. Eventually she reached the determination moment. Forcing herself to look on to his for one last time: “I once trusted you so much, Xiao Yu Er! I could give up anything just to be with you, to make our relationship work better.”
Xiao Yu Er was tormenting himself between guilt and regret. Slowly he turned his eyes to meet her solemn look. It was hard for him to say, but with all his body language, he was begging for her not to finish her sentence. But Zhang Jing pretended as if she didn’t see anything. Letting the tears run freely from her broken heart, she pushed through the sorrow to continue.
“I once believed in you! But why must you be so cruel, one time after another, you kept stabbing over my heart carelessly! I am so disappointed in you.” She sighed and moved on quickly. “So from now on, can you please let me move on with my life without anymore pain, don’t come to me again! We are finished.”
Xiao Yu Er couldn’t hold on to his tears, as he also observed the pain and grief arousing in her eyes. He realised he had hurt her deeply.
Zhang Jing gathered what strength she had left as she put up her hand and strongly wiped away her wet tears. Not wanting to go on anymore, she quickly turned back and was about to make a run for the door, when suddenly her arm was held back again for the second time.
“Xiao La Jiao, please! You have got to listen to me! I don’t love Xin Ru. Last night was just an accident, because I was drunk. I only thought Xin Ru was you. And the reason I drown myself in alcohol because I saw you kissing with another man, and I didn’t like it. So I …I… “ Xiao Yu Er was going to put out excuses in the fastest speed he could managed, yet he also tried to put in as many details as possible.
Zhang Jin finally realised the whole story, but out of
her stubbornness, she did not want to accept the reason. She spun her body
around and pushed hard for Xiao Yu Er to move away. “You silly, stupid person!
Now you’re turning back and blaming it all on me! So let me tell you and the
green eyed monster that lives in you. It was not me who was going around
flirting with other men. The lady you saw was Ya Wen, my good friend who happens
to carry the same look as me. And she was kissing her husband. Do you get it
now! You pathetic person!”
Xiao Yu Er tried to listen on her explanation, but somehow, everything was
spinning around his mind in a big confused circle. How could he suspect that
there was another person in this world that looked exactly like his Zhang Jing.
And now when everything was out in the light, he felt the world had just turned
against him completely.
“How was I supposed to know?” He mumbled, sparkle in starlet. “How would I know that you had a friend who was like your double! I just thought you were falling for another man and I..” He struggled in the excuse as Zhang Jing quickly walked over and strongly pulled on his shoulder, forcing him to look straight at her.
“When are you going to stop acting so thoughtlessly? What if it really was me being with another man. It would still be none of your business, since we are nothing more then friends. Now! You better take responsibility for what you done. Be a man! XIAO YU ER!”
Everything splashed into his face to hard that Xiao Yu Er had to took a few steps back to steady his balance. Holding his head between both hands, he was lost to everything for a few moments.
“My God! How can I get out of this?” He sighed painfully.
“Deal with it like a man!” She pointed out in a serious tone, as Xiao Yu Er lifted up his eyes begging her for forgiveness.
Between the tension could increase, two more people entered the scene.
“May we help?” Wei Wei asked brightly, as she left Wu Que’s side and came to stand beside Zhang Jing to offer her comfort.
Wu Que on the other hand came over to Xiao Yu Er, as he gave his brother a hand to stand up. “We didn’t mean to eavesdrop on you guys!”
“It just that, you did it so openly!” Wei Wei continued on, while showing to Zhang Jing that they were discussing in the garden. Xiao Yu Er still lost for words, while Zhang Jing was too tired to say anything.
Seeing the silent looks between the four of them, Wei
Wei was forced to continue on.
“Zhang Jing, come with me! We’ll going to find Xin Ru.” Everyone was
starlet, turning to look at Wei Wei.
“What for!” Xiao Yu Er rushed over, not wanting Wei Wei to create an even bigger thing.
Resolutely she pushed him over to one side, and started to push Zhang Jing to follow her. “I have known Xin Ru my whole entire life. And I don’t think Xin Ru is the type of person who likes to step in the middle. So Xiao La Jiao, we will go and find Xin Ru to see how she reacts to this!”
“No!” Xiao Yu Er still stood to stop their way, his mind was kept thinking of the worst one, until Zhang Jing stepped up and removed him away.
“Wei Wei is right! Xin Ru does count in this situation! We can’t leave her out! Hao La, Wei Wei, we’ll go now!”
Before she followed Zhang Jing out the door, Wei Wei turned back to give Wu Que a tender smile, then she gave Xiao Yu Er a blazing look. “What ever happens, I advise you to get ready for responsibility!” Then she turned back softly on Wu Que. “Can you take care of your brother, we’ll be back soon.”
Wu Que nodded in a returned smile, as he watched after the girl had left the place, then turned back to the devastated Xiao Yu Er.
“Tian Ah! What have I done?” Xiao Yu Er whispered out in regret, as Wu Que stepped over and laid a reassuring pat on his brother’s shoulder.
====================================
In another room at Yi Hua Gong, away from the frustrating happening outside, Yao Yue was still sitting by the glass coffin of her younger sister.
“Mei mei!” She whispered, while putting in Lian Xin mouth a little white tablet. “I have used all my knowledge from all the medicine book that I read to create this life retriever tablet for you. Please try to hang on there!”
Yao Yue pushed down Lian Xin’s lower jaw, placing the small tablet inside, then lifted up her chin so the tablet could be swallowed.
During the times she was trying to bring her sister back to life, Yao Yue spend most of her time in reading medicine books, and creating life retriever tablets, with only one goal that it would help to bring back her sister to life.
==================================
Wei Wei was rushing Zhang Jing through the market as they were heading to Xin Ru’s place. But surprisingly, just at the corner of a small street, they found Xin Ru walking toward them together with Ya Wen.
“Xin Ru, we were looking for you!” Wei Wei cried, until she took a careful look at Ya Wen and let out a big gasp. “I can’t believe it!”
“Ya Wen, you know Xin Ru?” Zhang Jing asked on seeing that her friend was walking with Xin Ru.
Ya Wen gave a free smile at she turned a warmth greeting nod to Wei Wei, who still was not daring to believe her eyes. “She mistook me as you!” She exclaimed to Zhang Jing.
Xin Ru walked over to Wei Wei and began to talk. “Ya Wen told me everything!” Then she turned her eyes to Zhang Jing. “Xiao La Jiao, I really don’t intend to step in between Xiao Yu Er and you. There really wasn’t anything that happened between him and I last night, so you don’t have to worry about me!” Xin Ru couldn’t help but to clutch tightly onto Wei Wei’s arm for support, while she was trying to act out her confidence.
“Really!” Zhang Jing asked in surprise.
“Yes, really?” Wei Wei repeated with extra caution as she turned round to watch Xin Ru furiously.
Xin Ru quickly nodded, and to be more convincing she forced a little smile. Ya Wen was the most excited, as she jumped over beside Zhang Jing.
“Zhang Jing, your problem is solved, Xin Ru understands, why don’t you go and fix the problem with Xiao Yu Er!”
“Yes. The guys must be very anxious waiting for our news!” Wei Wei added, as she watched Xin Ru’s face brightened up.
Xin Ru ran over and stood between Zhang Jing and Wei Wei. “Hao la, what about we come to Yi Hua Gong and clear thing up! Ya Wen are you coming?”
“Sure! But let me go back to the inn and get my husband, we will come later!” Ya Wen happily replied as she waved goodbye and left in the direction of the inn. While Xin Ru continued to act as excited, she was the first one to pull the hesitant Wei Wei and Zhang Jing with her, heading back to Yi Hua Gong.
Zhang Jing was unsure of her reaction. But then a thought came, “Virginity is the most important thing in a woman’s life! Xin Ru can’t be lying about it just to help Xiao Yu Er and me!”
Wei Wei also experiencing the unsure feeling while watching Xin Ru pretend to be happy. But when the thought about Zhang Jing and Xiao Yu Er having the chance to be together, she left the uneasy feeling behind, until the better chance came when she could talk to Xin Ru privately.
When they reached Yi Hua Gong, the expression on Xiao Yu Er’s face when he saw Zhang Jing and Xin Ru together was priceless. He could scarcely believe his eyes. Wu Que turned and stared at Wei Wei, hoping that she would tell him why she had done this, but she avoided his eyes.
“Xiao Yu Er,” said Xin Ru in a light, almost happy voice, “tell Zhang Jing that nothing happened between us last night. Hurry, or she’ll misunderstand everything!”
Xiao Yu Er stared at Xin Ru, thunderstruck. Wei Wei gave him a little push and he blinked furiously before he said faintly, “What has Xin Ru been telling you, Xiao La Jiao?”
“That nothing happened last night, it was all a misunderstanding,” Zhang Jing said, looking straight into his eyes.
“No…nothing happened,” Xiao Yu Er said hastily. “Now that even Xin Ru has told you that, Xiao La Jiao, don’t think so badly of me, all right? I only love you, how could I love another person?” he said truthfully, avoiding Xin Ru’s eyes. He reached out and took Zhang Jing’s hand, and together they walked away.
Wei Wei turned and looked at Xin Ru. Xin Ru was staring after Xiao Yu Er and Zhang Jing, and as Wei Wei watched, a tear slid slowly down her cheek and was wiped away.
* * *
That night, Wei Wei cornered Xin Ru. “Come,” she said, putting a hand on her friend’s arm. “We haven’t had a good talk together for ever so long; I have so many things I need to talk to you about, Xin Ru.” Xin Ru looked at her out of eyes filled with pain and understanding, but she said nothing. Wei Wei dragged her to her bedroom and made her sit down. “First of all,” she said, putting on a stern look, “did anything happen between you and Xiao Yu Er last night?”
Xin Ru barely lifted her eyes from the floor as she replied in a monotone, “What is there to talk about, Wei Wei? Why do you want to know? It’s all over now,” she let out a wild laugh. “It’s all over now,” she repeated, still laughing. Wei Wei’s heart ached to see her friend in this manner. “Xin Ru, don’t be like that! We’ve always been as close as sisters. Please tell me what happened,” she pleaded, tugging at Xin Ru’s sleeve. As suddenly as she had started laughing, Xin Ru stopped and buried her face in Wei Wei’s shoulder. “What can I say, Wei Wei? He doesn’t love me. He loves Zhang Jing, I have never held any place in his heart. Yes, something did happen…I…” she shuddered and Wei Wei’s eyes widened in speechless horror. “But I couldn’t bring myself to break up Zhang Jing and him,” Xin Ru continued, her voice trembling. “I just couldn’t. So I lied to Zhang Jing, in the hopes that…that everything would turn out fine.”
Wei Wei was silent for a moment, then she said, “Can you really bear to let him go so easily?”
“What if I could? And what if I couldn’t? Wouldn’t everything remain the same? I did everything for the best.” Xin Ru let out a shuddering sigh and Wei Wei’s arms tightened round her. “I wish I was as selfless and sensible as you!” she said fervently, and Xin Ru let out a half-hearted laugh.
* * *
“Was that really what she said?” Wu Que said slowly, pondering over what Wei Wei had just told him. Wei Wei nodded. “Wasn’t she so marvellous, Wu Que? I wish I was like her,” she sighed. Wu Que looked at her fondly. “I wouldn’t want you to be like her, I like you as you are,” he said, putting his arm round her and kissing her cheek tenderly. Wei Wei smiled at him, then sighed. “Remember to keep your mouth shut if Xiao La Jiao asks you anything,” she reminded. Wu Que looked aggrieved. “What do you take me as?” he asked, half-offended.
Just then Xin Lan dashed across them, her cheeks streaked with tears. Qi Long walked sullenly about ten paces behind her, his arms folded and his face set. When he saw Wei Wei his eyes brightened up and he ran over to her. “Tell me what’s the problem with women, Wei Wei! I just made a remark on a girl who passed us in the marketplace today…I said she was very pretty…and Xiao Lan lost her temper with me.” In his agitated mood, he did not even notice Wu Que who stood beside Wei Wei, a serious look coming over his handsome face.
“So you’ve noticed me at last,” Wei Wei said.
“What do you mean? I’ve always noticed you,” Qi Long said, taking her hand and fondling it. “I haven’t talked to you for ages, Wei Wei…I would like to talk to you again.” Well aware that Xin Lan had stopped running and was staring at them, he drew Wei Wei from Wu Que’s arm and put his own round her.
“Qi Long…” Wei Wei started. “I don’t know
what’s the matter with Xin Lan, but would you kindly release me?” She nodded
her head meaningfully towards Wu Que. Startled, Qi Long released her and she
walked off with Wu Que, burning with annoyance. “What IS his problem? He was
never like that before!” she raged. “I declare, Tie Xin Lan has made an
utter fool out of him!”
“Ah…” Wu Que said slowly. He reached out and drew her closer. “Fang Wei
Wei is worth ten thousand of Tie Xin Lan,” he said rather irrelevantly, and
lowered his mouth to meet hers. They shared a sweet kiss, then Wei Wei drew
away. “Are you sure?” she whispered, her face less than an inch away from
his.
“Absolutely,” he said with full conviction, and kissed her again, this time with more passion. “I love you,” he said breathlessly when they parted for breath.
Wei Wei smiled in satisfaction. “I love you too,” she replied, pressing her lips against his and closing her eyes.
* * *
Yao Yue watched breathlessly. At long last, the woman’s eyes fluttered and opened. Lian Xin stared up at the ceiling, then turned her head to look at Yao Yue. “Jie…” she said softly.
“Lian Xin!” Yao Yue gasped. “You’re awake!” She burst into tears – probably the first time Yao Yue had ever burst into tears – and rocked herself back and forth. Lian Xin slowly rose to a sitting position and looked at Yao Yue silently. After some time, she spoke. “Jie…are you all right?” her voice was full of concern and Yao Yue nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks in record time.
Lian Xin had awoken.
