Chapter 2: with translation of chapter title

"Ah—" I opened my mouth and couldn't help letting out a soft cry; the body that had originally lain flat on the stone bed also pushed itself up.

I swear, it's absolutely not that I wanted to act so childish and embarrassing in front of him. It's just that his face gave me a shock that was simply too great. What is called peerless beauty—I finally truly witnessed it today.

In modern times, my father in the business world could almost be called a prominent figure who stirs up the winds and clouds. Although, my brother and I, for certain special reasons and also to avoid attracting attention, have always deliberately lived ordinary people's lives, attending ordinary high schools, yet we still inevitably occasionally come into contact with those handsome young masters and film/TV/music stars from high society. Even my brother himself is a rare handsome man, albeit somewhat aloof in his dealings, not fond of smiling, which only makes him seem cooler.

But even though I had already seen so many handsome guys, I was still shaken by this face before me, unable to regain my composure for a long time. This person's looks simply cannot be described as merely handsome. His silky black hair, blown by the breeze outside the temple, kept fluttering, sometimes sticking to his fair, crystalline skin, sometimes brushing over his thin, slightly raised lips. His narrow nose bridge, like snow on a mountain reflecting a faint light, stood tall. And those eyes beneath his slender sword-like brows—I seemed to be seeing them fully for the first time: long lashes trembling slightly, bringing out a warm smile in the ice-blue pupils, flashing with bright light.

At this moment, I was completely stunned!

Not for the peerless beauty beneath his mask, not for his warm smile that dispels my unease. But only for those eyes that, when they gaze at you, shine like stars, hiding how much unknown pain and vicissitudes, yet still clear as an autumn pool.

He responded to my reaction with a bitter smile, merely saying lightly: "Now, do you know why I wear this mask?"

I stared, nodded blankly, then suddenly realized, and immediately shook my head eagerly: "I don't mean to lust after your beauty; your appearance is such that anyone who sees it cannot resist."

He was amused by my words, looking at me and giving a light smile: "Get some good rest."

I was still immersed in that perfect smile of his that had just overturned everyone, only coming back to my senses when he was about to walk out the door.

His back was tall and handsome, yet in the wind it appeared rather frail; within the god-like splendor there faintly revealed an infinite childlike desolation and bleakness. The mask remained gripped in his right hand, held tightly, as if he wanted to crush it.

I don't know what he has gone through, but at that moment I felt a resonant ache, making my heart pound hard. I suppressed all the surging emotions in my chest and spoke in a calm, gentle tone:

"Life is actually just one dream after another. Past joys and sorrows, when thought through thoroughly, are nothing but another dream that has already ended. Since it's a dream, why cling to it? Because we will surely wake up one day and continue a new dream."

I spoke slowly, my eyes on him, yet I did not notice his body slightly stiffening. My gaze passed through him as he looked toward a distant time and space, that time and space which I had almost completely forgotten.

It's easy to comfort others, but what about myself?

I let out a light sigh, enduring the pain all over my body, lay down again, and slowly closed my eyes.

Five days later, after Qiran's meticulous care, my body had basically recovered. Only the wound on my face remained hideous. I had observed by the river, and I could almost certainly say that my face, still not scabbed over, if taken out to scare people, would be top-notch.

Even if the scab falls off, the scar would likely be hard to disappear on its own. It seems that after being a "beauty" for seventeen years, heaven has finally ruthlessly stripped away my glory.

Over these five days I have rarely seen the person called Budou. Without Qiran saying so, I know he is quite aloof, practically on par with my brother.

The second time I saw Budou was when Qiran had him bring the medicine over to me. Of course I didn't expect him to attend to me as thoughtfully as Qiran does, but I also didn't expect him to not even glance at me, just set down the medicine and leave straight away, as if staying in the same room with me for two extra seconds would be utterly annoying.

However, I did get a clear look at his appearance. Compared to the visual shock of Qiran's face just now, Budou's looks can truly be said to be unremarkable. But anyone who truly glances at him once will never be able to forget him.

He wore all black, his hair simply tied back with gold thread, a few strands falling loose to faintly veil his face, making me unable to see him clearly for a moment. You must never think his attire could be mistaken for a woman's—no! It's completely impossible.

Because his whole body exudes an endless icy chill, even with his hair and cloak covering him you can still feel his overly rigid physique and facial contours. Or describing him as icy isn't quite right. Rather, he is aloof, aloof to the point that one cannot sense his presence.

When I returned from the river to the ruined temple again, I found Qiran and Budou had already packed their belongings, obviously preparing to leave.

Qiran had already put on his mask, smiling at me from afar, while Budou stood expressionless to one side, gripping a long sword that looks just like the one Kenshin from the manga Rurouni Kenshin holds.

Suddenly thinking of Xiaoyu, actually I wasn't too fond of comics and such at first, but Xiaoyu was simply too enthusiastic about them. This person Xiaoyu, her whole body seems to radiate endless light, illuminating and warming those around her. After getting along with her for a long time, through subtle influence, I gradually came to like these things as well, slowly stepping out of loneliness.

Speaking of which, it's a bit strange—I don't know whether Qiran knows martial arts, and I've never seen him hold any weapon.

Cough—At times like this I actually still have the mood to let my mind wander; weren't we preparing earlier for how to stubbornly cling to them today?

I stepped forward, looked at Qiran, and asked: "Are you leaving?"

He nodded, a flicker of reluctance and helplessness flashing in his eyes.

These five days he has taken care of me without changing his clothes, while I lay in bed, telling him occasional jokes suitable for ancient times; it's undeniable that our getting along has been very harmonious.

In just these five days of association, I have come to admire his intelligence and his keen, perceptive mind.

He is highly sensitive to everything around him, especially people's hearts. Whenever I was thirsty, hungry, or my wound itched, he would notice immediately and then provide the most attentive service.

As for my little tricks of deception, although he never said a word, I would absolutely not believe he failed to notice the loopholes.

But just as I said at the beginning, he treats people—even strangers—exceedingly well. He would rather bear the pain of being deceived himself than force others.

I lowered my head, looking at my already completely black sports shoes, remained silent for a long time, then whispered: "Can I go with you?"

"No!" A flat, icy voice sounded.

In my heart I cursed Budou a thousand eight hundred times, yet I still lowered my head, putting on a pitiful look, believing that Qiran this softhearted person would not be cruel.

"It's not that we don't want to bring you along; it's that following us really offers no benefit, and we fear bringing you greater trouble."

I lifted my head, firmly gazing at him and said: "I've already endured the great pain of disfigurement; what else is there to fear?"

Qiran was left speechless by my words, momentarily not knowing how to deflect me.

I felt a cold killing intent spreading around me; looking up, I saw Budou expressionlessly staring at me, as if, should I insist on following, he would unhesitatingly strike me down—I couldn't help but shiver.

But my innately strong-willed nature instead made me lift my head, meet his gaze, and say calmly yet firmly: "Sorry, I know I'll cause you a lot of trouble, but I truly have nowhere else to go, so please take me with you."

The atmosphere seemed to have been heavy for a long time; I turned my head to look at Qiran, but I did not put on a face on the verge of tears, my expression remaining stubborn and aloof.

"All right." Qiran finally relented, he affectionately ruffled my head with a helpless smile: "You're so restless; leaving you behind really makes me uneasy."

After getting along for a few days, I really came to like Qiran more and more—just like my brother, he constantly dotes on and protects me, the most important point being that he is even gentler than my brother. I wonder if he treats everyone this way; thinking about it, I feel somewhat resigned, but certainly yes—no matter how you look at him, he's a softhearted person.

"Thank you!" I gave a sweet smile, not knowing whether this expression on my disfigured face would be too terrifying—"Still, Qiran is the best."

"Qiran, you..." Budou furrowed his brows, looking at Qiran, wanting to speak but stopping.

"It's fine." Qiran chuckled, "Isn't you here with us? Let's hurry on our way."

Budou glanced at Qiran, who had already walked ahead, a hint of worry flashing in his icy eyes. Then he turned to me, that worry turning into strong suspicion.

"I don't care what your purpose is." His words were icy cold, filled with boundless chill; it was the first time I heard him speak at such length, uh... a threat: "But if Qiran suffers any harm, I will make you wish for life yet unable to die, and wish for death yet unable to die."

I silently gazed at him for a while, as if seeing from him the image of my brother risking his life to protect me back then. I gave a faint smile, said nothing, then suddenly turned my head and shouted toward the front: "Qiran!"

Qiran turned his head, looking at me in puzzlement.

"What is your relationship with Budou? Master and servant?"

Qiran clearly hadn't expected me to ask this question; he stared for a long time before finally showing a smile. I can be certain this is the first time I've seen him display such an unguarded, childlike pure smile.

His voice rang out like a clear spring, gently flowing among the three of us.

"He is my friend, and also my most important relative in this world."

I also showed him a gentle smile; Qiran is indeed Qiran.

Yes! The most important relative, so no matter what I must return, because in that world my most important relative is waiting for me.

I turned my head to face the still somewhat dazed Budou, setting aside all my schemes and false masks, gazing at him with the sincerest eyes I have ever had, and made the vow: "I, Shuibingyi, hereby swear that I will never do anything that harms Qiran and Budou; otherwise, let me live again in darkness, alone for life!"

Those who have never lived in darkness will never feel the loneliness that darkness brings, nor will they feel the preciousness of sunlight, nor will they know the boundless fear of returning to darkness from sunlight.

To ordinary people, this oath might seem like an inconsequential consequence, but I am certain Bu Sha can feel its weight. Because Qi Ran is Bu Sha's sunshine, just as Dad is the sunshine for me and my older brother.

"I admit I have concealed and deceived you in some matters, but I truly never had the slightest intention to harm you. In this world, you are my only friends. I simply do not want to be separated from you—that's all. Cough—well, I also admit there's the factor of wanting to stay with you for good food and lodging."

I looked earnestly at Bu Sha, not avoiding his piercing scrutiny in the slightest. After a long while, I seemed to see him sigh lightly, or perhaps not; his gaze remained icy as ever.

"Let's go." A flash of intense killing intent flickered in his eyes and then vanished; he then spoke calmly.

My heart leapt with joy unlike ever before, although vigilance remained; although if I harmed Qi Ran he would unhesitatingly kill me, still—he said, "Let's go."

Whether because he took Qi Ran's position into account, or because he sensed the same wavelength in us, the fact that he could regard me as a companion—even if just letting me tag along optionally—is something quite worthy of pride.

"Don't just stand there smiling foolishly; we still need to find a place to stay before nightfall. Let's go."

Qi Ran waved at me from afar with a smile; that smile, as clear and unguarded as if directed at Bu Sha, made me feel for the first time: perhaps… falling into ancient times isn't entirely bad.

Bu Sha walked ahead coldly; perhaps because Qi Ran's smile was too warm, I actually felt that his back turned to me was no longer merely—killing intent and vigilance.

Sunlight lightly fell upon them, on their faces, as if countless golden specks were dancing, flickering before my eyes.

How long afterward, whenever I recall this scene I cannot help but bring a warm smile—yet the chill that follows that warmth, the bitterness after the smile, we could never have imagined back then.

(End of chapter)