Chapter 43p1: Farewell |
[May 24, 2020] . . .
“Is it customary for people of the Celestial realm to eavesdrop on others?” Shěn Lí sneered, “to show up unannounced in the middle of the night?”
Xíng Zhǐ’s eyes dimmed but he didn’t say anything.
Fú Róng wasn’t as silent. “You – you. A man and a woman alone on a roof in the middle of the night . . . is this considered proper?! What looking at the sky?! A person would have to be blind to believe that!”
Shěn Lí didn’t say a word, instead she reached over as if to jab Fú Róng in the eyes.
He stared and used one hand as if to block. “What?! Trying to kill now?!”
“Since you’re not using your eyes, why not let me dig them out and give it to someone who will.”
“High God, look! Look! This is abominable!” Fú Róng said as he dashed to Xíng Zhǐ.
However, when Fú Róng did so, Xíng Zhǐ moved to the side, not letting Fú Róng near him. He stared fixedly at Shěn Lí as he spoke. “Your Highness, there is no need to refuse General Mò Fāng’s tender feelings. If it is your wish, then I, Xíng Zhǐ, will assist.”
It didn’t make sense. What could he be angry about? He was the one who pushed her away. He was the one who decided on the marriage. But now all of a sudden, he was angry? What? Because other people appreciated the toy he’d tossed aside so now he was miffed?
How childish.
She smiled. “How could I dare refuse? Wasn’t the marriage only because of High God’s edict? If High God wishes to revoke it, the only thing I can do is accept it.” Shěn Lí raised her hand in a respectful gesture. “I look forward to High God fulfilling his promises.”
The smile on Xíng Zhǐ’s face wilted and his eyes turned cold. Neither of them said a word as both tried to stare the other down.
He finally dropped his gaze. “Your Highness is so serious. Your marriage was decided by the Immortal emperor and his royal cabinet. How could I have any say over the matter? If Your Highness is fond of General Mò Fāng, considering Lord Fú Róng’s nature, it’s not impossible to undo.”
“Why is High God slandering my name so?” Fú Róng couldn’t help but interject.
Shěn Lí let out a cool laugh. Her voice came out hoarse when she spoke. “Many thanks to High God for pointing that out.”
She’d been played again. Turned out she was the only one taking anything seriously. She looked to the roof towards Mò Fāng. He stared back. What he felt was openly clear in his gaze.
Shěn Lí felt horrible. Her words earlier were extremely misleading. She’d used the engagement as an excuse to reject him so how could he not be hopeful now that the situation was like this? How could she have spoken so irresponsibly? She was just as childish as that guy.
“Well then that is the end of the matter. Tomorrow Fú Róng, Yōu Lán and I will return to the Immortal realm. We’ve spent far too long here.” Xíng Zhǐ gave a faint smile. “Your Highness, General Mò Fāng, I bid you farewell. It is unlikely we will ever meet again. Please, take care of yourselves.”
They’d fixed the seals and properly reported on the matter about the disappearing land gods. There was no reason for such a personage as him to remain in the Demon realm. For that matter, it was unlikely he’d stay in the Immortal realm either. Most likely he’d return to the Celestial realm. He’d sit and dispassionately observe the stars for another ten thousand years while time slipped away.
And she’d never see him again.
Shěn Lí looked down. The anger she felt was doused by a new sense of helplessness that rose in her heart. “Why did High God come here?”
Xíng Zhǐ wasn’t sure where to look so he turned his gaze to the horizon. “I came to find Lord Fú Róng. He has caused you trouble – a failure of the Immortal realm in his education. Rest assured I will report what I’ve witnessed here to the Immortal emperor.” He hesitated then said, “If Your Highness does marry into the Immortal realm, Lord Fú Róng will not dare behave as he has now.”
“High God mustn’t do that!"
Xíng Zhǐ waved a finger and Fú Róng was immediately reduced to a silent mime. Xíng Zhǐ continued. “There is still residual poison left in Your Highness’s body. Please remember to rest.”
“High God need not worry.”
She almost reached out to him.
Xíng Zhǐ turned away. He reached for Fú Róng and the two disappeared. A cool breeze blew in and swept away the miasma to reveal a sky twinkling with stars.
It was a dazzling farewell gift.
But stars cast shadows. Shěn Lí stared at her shadow lost in thought. This was good too. Nothing voiced, nothing grieved. If it was never acknowledged then what was there to be sad about? Xíng Yún, Xíng Zhǐ. She thought she’d clearly differentiated them in her heart, but now she wasn’t so sure.
But it was OK, because either way, he was gone now.
She’d forget about him sooner or later. It was just a matter of time.
“Your Highness.” Mò Fāng called out from the roof. “The sky High God left behind is beautiful. Do you wish to see it?”
“No.” Shěn Lí kept staring at her shadow. “If I don’t know how beautiful it is then I won’t miss it later. I’ve disturbed you long enough. I will return home now.”
This made Mò Fāng pause. After a silent moment he said, “I’ll see Your Highness out.”
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