Blossom in Darkness

One

A light rain had just passed, leaving the white walls and black tiles as clean as if freshly washed. On the bluestone path, Chen Kai was being hurried along by Liu Yuanming.

"Hurry up, the banquet is about to start!"

"Brother Liu, don’t rush. The road is slippery—be careful not to fall."

Chen Kai wore a helpless expression. He disliked such banquets the most. Ostensibly gatherings of friends to discuss poetry and literature, they were in truth little more than opportunities for mutual flattery, boasting, and social climbing. He was but a poor scholar—neither wealthy, ambitious, nor particularly talented. He would much rather spend the time reading at home. Yet he absolutely could not afford to offend Liu Yuanming, not when he had long harbored admiration for Liu’s unmarried sister. And so, he had been dragged along.

At the banquet, cups clinked and wine flowed—a lively affair indeed. Chen Kai glanced around. "There are several times more people here today than usual."

"Naturally. Hu Wan said he acquired a rare treasure and wants to show it off to everyone."

Chen Kai’s interest was piqued. After three rounds of drinks, Hu Wan indeed had a servant bring out a white porcelain bowl, within which something faintly crimson could be glimpsed. Chen Kai focused his gaze—wasn’t it just a goldfish?

Hu Wan, his face gleaming with oil, looked around at the crowd. "A few days ago, I spent a fortune to acquire this fish. Today, I’ve brought it especially for everyone to marvel at." With that, he ordered the candles extinguished, plunging the hall into darkness, save for a single shaft of moonlight streaming in through the window.

"Ah, it’s glowing! It’s glowing!" someone exclaimed in astonishment.

Chen Kai widened his eyes. The goldfish in the bowl seemed to ignite like a flame, emitting a hazy, ethereal glow that turned its entire body a translucent crimson, like amber.

"A luminous fish!" The crowd erupted in praise.

Hu Wan clapped his hands, and music began to play around them. The fish’s tiny tail, which had been no more than a speck, slowly unfurled like an udumbara flower blooming, growing to more than twice the size of its delicate body as it swayed gently in the water. Transparent as gauze, smooth as silk, it seemed to wrap around one’s heart, softening it to the very bones.

The fish danced slowly in the water to the rhythm of the music, swimming left and right or circling gracefully. Its alluring figure swayed, exuding an indescribable charm and grace under the moonlight—even the finest dancer in the city could not compare. The crowd marveled, wishing they could leap into the water and dance alongside it.

"I’ve heard of peacocks spreading their tails, but never a goldfish doing the same. This fish looks ordinary—nothing particularly rare about its breed. It must have become a spirit," Liu Yuanming muttered beside him, his eyes glued to the spectacle.

Chen Kai said, "I think it’s been trained or fed some kind of elixir to make it dance and glow." Even as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed, unwilling to blink even once.

Hu Wan waved his hand, and the servant moved the porcelain bowl outside. The reflection of the full moon shimmered in the water, and the fish began to dance around it, occasionally leaping lightly from the surface like a sudden flicker of flame, splashing droplets that made the scene as beautiful as a dream.

As the music faded, the goldfish’s glow dimmed, its long tail curling up like a wilting flower. It swam along the edges of the bowl, fluttering as if trying to leap out, its eyes even taking on a pitiful expression. Chen Kai’s heart twinged as though pricked by a needle, and he watched reluctantly as the performance ended and the fish was taken away.

Two

For days afterward, the fish’s dance and its pleading eyes lingered in Chen Kai’s mind. After much deliberation, he swallowed his pride and visited Hu Wan’s residence once more, humbly requesting to see the goldfish again.Hu Wan was inwardly pleased. Though Chen Kai was poor, he was exceptionally skilled at fine brushwork, and Hu Wan naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.

"Of course you can see the fish, Brother Chen. Stay as long as you like. I only ask for one painting in return."

Chen Kai agreed. Hu Wan led him to the study and placed the white porcelain bowl on the table. "Brother Chen, feel free to paint here in peace," he said before closing the door and leaving.

Chen Kai gazed at the fish, which seemed thinner and smaller than before, its spirit noticeably diminished.

"Has it not been eating...?" Chen Kai murmured, leaning in for a closer look. It was truly just an ordinary goldfish.

"Sir, save me!"

Unexpectedly, a delicate female voice suddenly spoke, startling Chen Kai so much that he fell backward onto the floor.

"Sir! Please, have mercy! Save me and let me out!"

Chen Kai steadied himself and looked again. The goldfish's mouth was opening and closing—it was indeed speaking. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he wondered if the summer heat had given him heatstroke and hallucinations.

"Sir!" The goldfish flicked its tail, leaping high in the water only to hit an invisible barrier and fall back into the bowl.

"What kind of demon are you?"

The goldfish's large, bulging eyes looked at him pitifully. "My name is Yu Ji. I was once a fish spirit from the East Sea, but I was caught due to my carelessness while playing. Please, sir, save me and set me free!"

Chen Kai frowned. "Hu Wan spent a fortune to buy you. If I were to purchase you from him, I truly don't have that much silver. And if I were to release you secretly, he would never let me off."

"Yu Ji won't bring trouble upon you, sir, rest assured. Normally, no ordinary container could hold me, but this porcelain bowl seems enchanted—I can't escape no matter what. If you could persuade Hu Wan to change my container, I have my own ways to handle the rest."

Chen Kai nodded, both excited and curious, and chatted with Yu Ji about many other things.

In the afternoon, Hu Wan came to check and was displeased to find the paper still blank.

"Brother Chen, why haven't you started painting?"

"During the day, this fish looks no different from an ordinary goldfish, and confined in such a small porcelain bowl, it's far too mundane. Inspiration is hard to come by."

Hu Wan glanced at the fish and found this reasonable.

"What does Brother Chen suggest?"

"Why not change the container, and invite everyone to admire it at night? I could paint then."

Hu Wan readily agreed. That evening, Chen Kai arrived as promised and saw Yu Ji again. The white porcelain bowl had indeed been replaced with a crystal-clear glass bowl, shimmering brilliantly, far more exquisite than before.

Chen Kai marveled inwardly and captured the beautiful scene in his painting. But under the moonlight, the graceful, dancing goldfish slowly rose from the bowl, soaring through the air as if following music, leaving trails of radiant light like shooting stars.

The onlookers were spellbound. By the time they regained their senses, the fish had flown too high to be seen, its fiery red glow vanishing into the night, leaving only the bright moon in the sky.

Hu Wan was heartbroken, as if a piece of his flesh had been cut away, but there was nothing he could do. He ran wildly under the moon, chasing after it, furious that he had no wings to catch it himself. At least the painting remained. Everyone claimed the goldfish had ascended to immortality and offered large sums to buy the painting, but Hu Wan refused them all.

Chen Kai sighed in relief and returned home. As soon as he stepped inside, a tiny voice called from his sleeve.

"Sir, sir! Quickly, fetch me some water—I'm parched!"Chen Kai was utterly shocked to see the fish maiden slip out of his sleeve and land listlessly on the table. He hastily fetched a bowl of water and carefully placed her slippery body into it.

The fish maiden, delighted by the water, began swimming happily.

"I thought you flew away?"

"That was just an illusion to trick them. I've been hiding in your sleeve the whole time, following you out."

"Now that you've regained your freedom, what are your plans?" Chen Kai asked, then immediately felt it was odd to address her as "maiden."

To his surprise, the fish maiden swam two circles in the water before a red light flashed—and she transformed into a beautiful young girl standing right before him.

Chen Kai was so startled he couldn’t speak for a long moment.

The fish maiden covered her mouth and laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I’m a spirit, after all. Is it really so strange that I can take human form?"

She walked around the room twice, looking left and right before shaking her head. "Compared to Hu Wan’s mansion, this place of yours is quite shabby."

Chen Kai gave a wry smile. "You could’ve just asked Hu Wan directly. He might’ve let you out of the bowl without needing my help."

"That wouldn’t do. That man is greedy for wealth and lust. If he knew I was a spirit, he’d either fear me harming him and hire a Daoist to capture me, or he’d covet my beauty and try to take advantage. I only sought your help because you’re a gentleman with a good heart. Oh, I’m starving—do you have anything to eat?"

Chen Kai warmed up some leftovers for her. Once she was full, the fish maiden turned back into a fish and slept in the bowl.

Three

The next day, Chen Kai rose early to study, while the fish maiden slept until the sun was high. Upon waking, she transformed back into human form, demanding food and pestering Chen Kai to teach her how to read and paint.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the fish maiden gradually grew plumper, her complexion improving.

One night, as she sat at the table cracking melon seeds, she called for Chen Kai to pour her tea.

Chen Kai chuckled. "Other spirits and fox spirits, when saved by humans, know to repay the kindness. You not only overstay your welcome but also treat me like a servant—fetching tea, cooking, washing clothes every day?"

The fish maiden giggled. "Though I’ve taken human form, moving around is still quite exhausting, so I can’t help much with chores. If you want me to repay you, I could offer myself in marriage! After all, you’re not married yet."

Chen Kai shook his head repeatedly. "Though I’m unmarried, my heart is already set on someone. Even if you’re not human, you’re still a maiden. It’s not proper for us to live together like this. How about I adopt you as my sworn sister, and you call me ‘elder brother’? The East Sea is far, and your magic isn’t strong. If you travel alone, you might get captured again. Every time I ask about your plans, you never have a clear answer."

"Are you saying you dislike me? Want to kick me out? Sure, I eat and live here for free, but at night I glow so you don’t need to light lamps!"

Chen Kai couldn’t help but laugh, looking helplessly at her mischievous, endearing expression. A wave of fondness rose in his heart.

"At least write home to see if someone can come fetch you."

"Elder brother must’ve read too many supernatural tales. I’m no dragon princess—just an ordinary fish. I swam freely in rivers and lakes, finally gaining sentience after a hundred years. Any family I had is long gone. I go wherever I please, as long as no one cages me. Here with you, I’m well-fed, warm, and have someone to talk to. I don’t want to leave!"Chen Kai nodded, "But you must be careful not to go out casually and be seen by others. Also, Ruoshi occasionally visits me, so you need to be cautious as well."

Yu Ji seemed to understand but not entirely, "Is Ruoshi the one you love, Big Brother?"

"Yes."

"When will you get married then?"

Chen Kai's face clouded with worry. He and Ruoshi were deeply in love, but her parents had passed away, and her elder brother Liu Yuanming made all the decisions for her. Having studied together for years, Chen Kai knew Liu Yuanming all too well—a man who despised the poor and fawned on the rich, always eager to use his sister's marriage to climb the social ladder. There was no way he would easily agree to let her marry someone like Chen Kai.

Seeing his silence, Yu Ji didn't press further. She lazily leaped back into the bowl and went to sleep.

To save more money, Chen Kai painted every night, sold his works during the day, and squeezed in time to study for the imperial exams the following year. On top of that, he had to take care of the little golden fish at home. The exhausting routine eventually took its toll, and he fell ill.

Yu Ji had no choice but to take human form and go out to fetch medicine and a doctor for him. Running around in a flurry, she was so exhausted her legs felt like they might break, and she nearly drained the entire bowl of water.

The next day, as she slept soundly in the bowl, she heard someone knocking at the door. Curious, she watched as a girl in green pushed the door open. Though her features were delicate, she wasn’t particularly beautiful.

Seeing Chen Kai still bedridden, the girl busied herself making porridge, brewing medicine, and wiping his face and body with a towel—her movements far more deft than Yu Ji’s. Yu Ji couldn’t forget the expression on her face: tender, full of concern, love, and compassion.

Is that Big Brother’s beloved? She’s nowhere near as pretty as me!

Chen Kai woke up, coughing as he spoke to Ruoshi. Yu Ji noticed the smile in his eyes and the corners of his lips. Despite his pallor, he seemed genuinely happy. A faint pang of bitterness stirred in her heart—there was a bond and understanding between those two that she couldn’t comprehend.

After Ruoshi left, Yu Ji transformed into human form and sat beside Chen Kai.

Chen Kai frowned, "Ruoshi said her brother intends to marry her off to Hu Wan and wants me to propose to her family soon."

Yu Ji suddenly felt angry, "Then go ahead, Big Brother!"

Chen Kai shook his head dejectedly, "It’s not that simple." Then he asked, "Did you go out to fetch medicine and a doctor for me?"

"Of course! I don’t know how to treat illnesses or healing spells—was I supposed to watch you die? The neighbors saw me, but I told them I’m your distant cousin here to seek refuge."

Chen Kai nodded in relief, "Not bad for a quick thinker."

Yu Ji huffed, "I’ve always been clever!"

Chen Kai chuckled, "Just a bit naive about the world. I don’t know how you’ve spent these hundred-odd years."

"How else? Just swimming around every day."

IV

The next day, as Chen Kai hesitated over whether to propose to the Liu family, Liu Yuanming unexpectedly paid him a visit—bringing gifts of nourishment.

"Brother Chen, are you feeling better?"

"Thanks to your kindness." Chen Kai grew wary. Liu Yuanming’s smiles usually spelled trouble. Was he here to apologize and announce his sister’s betrothal to someone else?

"We’ve been classmates for years, so I’ll cut to the chase. Yesterday at the pharmacy, I saw a girl—bright-eyed and fair-skinned. After asking around, I learned she’s your distant cousin."Liu Yuanming paced around the room, glancing about until his eyes landed on a fish swimming in a porcelain bowl on the table. Chen Kai quickly explained, "Ah yes, my uncle passed away, and my cousin came to stay with me a couple of days ago. She just stepped out to buy groceries."

Liu Yuanming leaned closer to examine the fish. "Since when did you start keeping fish?"

"I saw one at Hu Wan's place the other day and couldn't resist getting one myself," Chen Kai replied.

Liu Yuanming's expression turned wistful. "That fish was truly a treasure—shame it just vanished. But never mind the fish, let's talk about your cousin. I know you've always been fond of my sister Ruoshi, and your cousin seems quite lovely too. Why don't we strengthen our bond through marriage?"

Chen Kai inwardly groaned. This wasn't strengthening bonds—it was adding frost to snow. How had Liu Yuanming taken a liking to Yuji? Marrying Ruoshi would be wonderful, but handing Yuji over to someone like Liu Yuanming was unthinkable—it'd be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Besides, though they called each other cousins for convenience, they weren't actually related. He had no right to decide her marriage, so he hurriedly declined.

"To be honest, Brother Liu, my cousin is already betrothed. She won't be staying here long before joining her husband's family. There are plenty of fine young ladies in the city—if you fancy anyone, I'd be happy to play matchmaker. As for your sister, my admiration is genuine, and I hope you'll grant me this favor."

Liu Yuanming's face darkened with displeasure. "Brother Chen, I've always admired your talent and character, but Hu Wan has already proposed to my family, offering a hundred taels of gold as betrothal gifts. Still, given our friendship, I'll make you this offer: if you can match that sum within five days, the marriage is yours."

After seeing Liu Yuanming out, Chen Kai's frown deepened. Though he knew the man was making things difficult, he had no choice. Yet with his meager savings, marrying Ruoshi was impossible.

Noticing his dejection as he slumped over the desk, Yuji transformed into her human form and stood behind him.

"You've always wanted to marry his sister, haven't you? Why not agree to his terms and just marry me off to him?"

Chen Kai shook his head. "Marriage isn't something to take lightly. Handing you over to someone like that would ruin your life."

Yuji's face brightened with a smile, her heart swelling with joy. "Well, I'm not afraid anyway. If I married him, he'd be the one suffering. Since he's deliberately making things hard for you, I'll teach him a lesson—make sure he agrees to let you marry his sister."

"No, no! Your little tricks are one thing, but if you anger him and get caught, I won't be able to save you again."

"This won't work, that won't work—do you even want a wife or not?"

"We'll do what we can and leave the rest to fate. I'll go out and try to raise some money. Don't go causing trouble."

But a hundred taels of gold wasn't easy to come by. For three straight days, Chen Kai remained despondent. Seeing his distress, Yuji agonized over what to do until she finally slipped out at night.

The next morning, Chen Kai awoke to find a red sandalwood chest in the room. When he opened it, his jaw dropped at the sight of gleaming gold ingots inside.

Yuji stood before him, beaming with pride. "Well? Now that Liu Yuanming won't have anything left to say, will he?"

Chen Kai gaped. "Where did you get all this money?""Before, Hu Wan kept me under strict guard in the treasure pavilion, surrounded by gold and jewels. This time, I just went back and took a little. Don’t worry, he won’t notice for a while."

"No, no, absolutely not! How can you steal? That’s the act of a petty person. You must return it immediately."

Yu Ji’s eyes reddened with anger. "I did this to help you, and you call me a petty person?"

"No, no, that’s not what I meant. Thank you for your kindness, sister. But... but this ill-gotten wealth, I cannot use it."

"Why must you be so stubborn? Do you still want to marry Ruoshi or not?"

"I do, but this—"

"But what? If you keep hesitating, Ruoshi will be taken by someone else."

After much deliberation, Chen Kai finally decided to use the money to propose marriage.

Liu Yuanming was astonished when he saw it and regretted not asking for more. But since he couldn’t go back on his word, he agreed to the marriage.

V.

Though the marriage was agreed upon, Liu Yuanming couldn’t fathom how Chen Kai had suddenly come into such a large sum of money. He knew Chen Kai’s financial situation all too well—had he stumbled upon some unexpected fortune?

One night after drinking, Liu Yuanming decided on a whim to visit Chen Kai’s home.

He leaped over the low fence into the courtyard and crept to the window. Inside, he heard Chen Kai playing the flute. The lamplight flickered unnaturally, casting a reddish glow. Peering through the window paper, he was shocked to see a goldfish dancing in midair to the music.

Liu Yuanming smirked darkly. So, the goldfish that had mysteriously flown away from Hu Wan’s house had come here.

The next day, he reported this to Hu Wan, who flew into a rage. Hu Wan immediately reported it to the authorities. Soldiers searched Chen Kai’s home, found the goldfish, and threw him into prison.

Yu Ji was frantic. Hu Wan placed her back into the glass bowl and, fearing she might escape, even covered it with a lid. Little did he know that the key was the white porcelain bowl, not the lid.

That night, Yu Ji slipped into the prison and saw Chen Kai being tortured, his flesh torn and bleeding. Tears streamed down her face.

"It’s all my fault, Brother."

Chen Kai weakly said, "Before Hu Wan notices, you must escape. I won’t be able to take care of you anymore."

Yu Ji refused. "If I go, you must come with me. Close your eyes—I have a way to save you."

Chen Kai shook his head. "I am a scholar. If I flee like this, my reputation will be ruined forever. I’d rather die than live as a fugitive."

Tears welled up in Yu Ji’s eyes. "I’ve brought you nothing but trouble. If I can save you this time, I plan to return to the East Sea. Could you accompany me, Brother, as a farewell?"

Chen Kai nodded gently. "I will see you off. But your magic is weak—don’t risk yourself for me. Each has their own fate."

After returning, Yu Ji bought an ordinary goldfish and placed it in the glass bowl. She also stole a large amount of silver and jewels, hiding them under Liu Yuanming’s bed.

Having taken Chen Kai’s gold, Liu Yuanming now used Chen Kai’s imprisonment as an excuse to break off the marriage, claiming his sister could not marry a criminal. He then sought to marry Ruoshi to Hu Wan. Only when Ruoshi threatened suicide did he relent, spending his days carousing with the money.

When Hu Wan discovered the theft of his treasures, the authorities naturally investigated Liu Yuanming, who had been spending lavishly. Terrified in court, Liu Yuanming claimed the gold was a gift from Chen Kai. But when other stolen jewels were found in his home, he had no defense.Although Hu Wan had regained the golden fish, no matter what method he tried, the fish could no longer glow or dance. Believing he had been deceived by Liu Yuanming, the lawsuit against Chen Kai was eventually dropped without resolution.

Six.

Chen Kai was released from prison, his body noticeably thinner. After comforting Ruoshi, he hurriedly set off on the journey back to the East Sea with the Fish Maiden.

After months of living together day and night, Yu Ji had grown fond of Chen Kai. Chen Kai was just an ordinary scholar, gentle and kind-hearted, but not particularly heroic or selfless. Yet it was this unremarkable man who gave Yu Ji a warmth unlike any she had known before.

She loved how he cooked for her every day, yet scolded her for being lazy. She loved how he taught her to read and write, yet was at a loss with her clumsiness. At night, when she glowed, he would read by her side; when she danced, he would play the flute or paint. This life made Yu Ji feel she had found a home, no longer drifting aimlessly as before.

But alas, Chen Kai already had someone in his heart and treated Yu Ji with nothing but courtesy, addressing her as a younger sister. At first, Yu Ji thought it was enough just to stay by his side—whether he married or not didn’t matter. Later, however, she found every moment he spent with Ruoshi unbearable, each scene stinging her eyes more than the last.

Since things were like this, perhaps it was better to return to the East Sea. She thought Chen Kai must also feel unsure how to handle her, which was why he so readily agreed to see her off.

Along the journey, Chen Kai indulged her every whim. If Yu Ji wanted to explore but was too tired to walk, he would carry her on his back.

Their leisurely travels stretched over three months before they finally reached the shores of the East Sea. Throughout the trip, Yu Ji’s emotions swung between joy and sorrow. Chen Kai, too, was reluctant to part, but as a man soon to be wed, he knew it was best to bid farewell sooner rather than later—especially since Yu Ji’s affection for him was so openly displayed.

On the eve of their parting, Yu Ji wept like a pear blossom bathed in rain. “Big brother, won’t you stay with Yu Ji instead of going back?”

Chen Kai’s heart ached. “I’m already betrothed to Ruoshi. She’s waiting for me at home.”

“Then let me be your concubine, and stay with you and Ruoshi, alright?”

“Humans and spirits walk different paths. You have a long life ahead—it’s better to find someone who can accompany you forever.”

Her heart sank further at his words. “Then tonight, let Yu Ji dance for you one last time.”

So Chen Kai played the flute, and Yu Ji danced on the beach in her human form. She skimmed lightly over the waves, twirled through the air, glowing faintly under the moonlight like a celestial maiden descending to earth. Her beauty left Chen Kai breathless.

As the melody faded, Yu Ji drifted away with the wind, vanishing into the horizon where sea met sky. Chen Kai stood there, hollow with loss, as if a piece of his heart had been carved out. The next day, as he began his journey home, memories of their happy times together only deepened his sorrow.

Two months later, Chen Kai returned home to find Ruoshi waiting faithfully for him. Meanwhile, Liu Yuanming, despite spending heavily to bribe officials, had been exiled to a distant land.

After enduring these trials, Chen Kai and Ruoshi finally married. At first, Chen Kai was overjoyed. They made a humble living selling paintings, and though life was frugal, Ruoshi’s diligence and skill in managing the household brought them warmth and happiness.

But Chen Kai never succeeded in passing the imperial exams. As the years passed, his ambitions waned. With no children to fill the quiet house, a sense of emptiness lingered, and he often found himself reminiscing about the days he had spent with Yu Ji.

Time flew like a white steed glimpsed through a crack. Seven years passed in the blink of an eye. With nothing to do but paint, Chen Kai idled his days away, mingling with the likes of Hu Wan. Gradually, he grew plump and complacent.That day, he drank himself into a stupor at the tavern. The memories of meeting Yu Ji and her dancing under the moonlight played over and over in his mind. In the years that followed, life had been peaceful—like the silent flow of water in a roadside creek, undisturbed by even a ripple. Yu Ji seemed to have become the only extraordinary and bright spot in his otherwise mundane existence.

Back then, he had been like a peerless hero, unafraid of power and unswayed by temptation, only to encounter a beauty who wished to offer herself in gratitude.

What a pity that such a perfect moment was fleeting.

Humming a tune, Chen Kai was dragged by his equally drunk friend into the pleasure quarters.

"Brother Chen, the courtesan Meng Sanniang is truly a peerless beauty—you must see her!"

Chen Kai scoffed inwardly. What peerless beauty? They had never seen a real one.

In his drunken haze, however, he caught sight of a face all too familiar.

—Yu Ji?

No—no, it wasn’t Yu Ji. Though the resemblance was striking, her demeanor was far too worldly and seductive, lacking Yu Ji’s innocence and charming naivety.

Yet Chen Kai was so overwhelmed he could barely speak. His mind burning with excitement, he recklessly splurged a fortune. As if reliving his youth, he became infatuated all over again, visiting Meng Sanniang frequently and squandering piles of silver.

When Ruoshi found out, her eyes burned with anger. But no matter how she pleaded, Chen Kai refused to listen. After being exposed, he simply picked a fight and moved into the pleasure quarters. When Ruoshi went to find him, she was barred from entering, surrounded by onlookers who snickered at her. She shouted from outside, and Chen Kai felt utterly humiliated. Yet when he thought of how Ruoshi had toiled for him all these years, her youth long gone—though the fiery passion of their early love had faded, their bond as husband and wife had long been etched into his bones. He had already lost Yu Ji—could he not even cherish Ruoshi properly?

Chen Kai returned home to find Ruoshi packing her belongings, ready to leave. The shock sobered him up instantly.

"Wife..."

Ruoshi glared at him. "Back then, you swore you would take care of me for the rest of my life. Who would have thought you’d turn out so heartless and faithless!"

Reflecting on the past, Chen Kai grew even more remorseful. He apologized profusely, vowing never to visit such places again.

Tearfully, Ruoshi revealed she was finally pregnant. Overjoyed, Chen Kai became exceptionally attentive. Ruoshi reasoned that men were prone to straying—what mattered was that he had come to his senses. For the sake of their child, she could endure it for now.

Fortunately, Chen Kai truly reformed afterward, staying away from the pleasure quarters and tending to his wife with utmost gentleness. Yet in his heart, he missed Yu Ji more than ever, wondering how wonderful it would have been if he had disregarded the boundary between human and spirit and taken her as a concubine.

But what could he do now? What was lost could never be reclaimed. A mediocre life—this had been his choice.

Noticing Chen Kai often lost in thought, shutting himself in his study, Ruoshi grew suspicious. One day, while he was out, she entered the room only to find it covered in his recent paintings—all of goldfish and a beautiful woman. The sight left her dizzy, her face pale.

When Chen Kai returned that night, the house was eerily empty and silent.

Ruoshi sat alone in the darkness, moonlight spilling through the window. Chen Kai thought he heard the mournful wail of the north wind.

"Wife, what’s wrong?"After speaking, Chen Kai stood frozen in the room, for he saw Ruoshi's entire body emitting a faint glow. The light illuminated a face that was both familiar and strange—flickering between brightness and dimness, one moment resembling Ruoshi, the next startlingly like Yuji!

"Big brother, do you still recognize me?" Ruoshi's voice echoed hollowly, as if weeping. Chen Kai felt as though struck by a thunderbolt, staring at Ruoshi for a long time without uttering a word.

Yuji—it really was Yuji!

"Yuji! How can it be you? Have you finally come to see your big brother? I’ve missed you so much all these years!" Tears welled in Chen Kai’s eyes.

But Yuji only gazed at him coldly.

"Back then, Ruoshi had already followed Liu Yuanming into exile and married another. Fearing your grief, I exhausted every means to have Dan Shen change my face to Ruoshi’s and bestowed upon me a spiritual elixir, so I could stay by your side even out of water. Day and night, it was like walking on knife edges, swimming through deserts—every moment was torment, every second agony. Yet in the end, who could have imagined this would be the result?" Yuji’s bloodshot eyes widened, her lower lip bitten until it bled.

Chen Kai stood rooted to the spot, speechless for a long while. Amidst his shock, a sliver of joy inexplicably surfaced.

"Yuji, big brother was wrong. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you all these years, how worried I’ve been—whether you’d face danger again, whether you were living well. And all along, you were right beside me! You were my true wife! Now that we even have a child, I swear I’ll treat you well. The three of us will live happily together—it doesn’t matter that your face is Ruoshi’s!"

Yuji laughed bitterly, tears streaming down her face.

"When I was Yuji, you loved Ruoshi. When I painstakingly became Ruoshi, you then longed for Yuji. Why is it that men always treasure what they cannot have and what they’ve lost? All these years, I erased myself to become the one you loved. But now, I am neither Yuji nor Ruoshi—I don’t even know who I am anymore. Big brother… my husband… you… take care of yourself."

With that, Yuji slowly transformed, reverting to the golden fish Chen Kai had first met all those years ago, now followed by a school of tiny fish. Her long tail swayed gently in the air as she swam upward against the moonlight. The entire school shimmered like dandelion seeds scattered by the wind.

But Chen Kai had no heart left to marvel at this ethereal, otherworldly sight. Like Hu Wan of old, he paled in terror, sprinting madly after the golden fish, weeping and shouting for his wife and child.

Yet those fish, beautiful as blooming fireworks, vanished into the night without a backward glance.

From then on, the world knew neither Yuji nor Ruoshi. Only in the dead of night would people sometimes glimpse a ragged figure running desperately under the moonlight, crying out again and again—

"Come back! Come back!"

April 21, 2011