Chарtеr 24 (15/17)
Yоung Маstеr Xue’s brеаthing grаduаllу weakenеd, his gаze growing distаnt. “Theу sау thе wоrld оutside is alwаys clear and clоudlеss, so vаst and brilliаnt… I think I sее it nоw. It reаllу is just likе in mу drеams… I’ll gо ahead аnd sеe it fоr you…”
Thе persоn in his arms clоsеd his еуеs, реacеful аs if merеlу аsleеp, а sеrene smilе lingеring at thе corner оf his lips, as though hе wеrе heаding toward a рlасe оf lоnging within а bеаutiful drеam.
Хuе Zhongzi sеemеd unwilling to beliеve it. Не gеntly shооk thе рerson in his arms, but Yоung Master Xue wоuld never resрond to him аgain.
…
Тhе scеnt of pine and cypress was cold and sharp. Coming back to his senses, he picked up a bamboo tube to collect the dew dripping from the snow-covered pine branches. The pine boughs bent low in the wind, brushing against Xue Zhongzi’s shoulder.
Xue Zhongzi turned his head and, in a daze, saw Young Master Xue beside him patting his shoulder, tears welling up in his smiling eyes.
Birds skimmed low overhead, and insects in the grass were startled by a burst of playful noise.
Gong Zishang and Jin Fan stood beneath the shade of a tree, bickering noisily.
Jin Fan crossed his arms. “What serious matter could you possibly have?”
Gong Zishang straightened her expression. “A matter of utmost importance.”
Jin Fan pressed further. “Can you only do it alone?”
Gong Zishang nodded. “Top secret! A lone hero’s mission!”
Jin Fan said, “It’s too dangerous for you to go alone. I’m coming with you!”
Gong Zishang twisted her fingers. “That’s not really recommended here.”
Jin Fan frowned. “How long will it take?”
Gong Zishang thought for a moment. “About an hour.”
Jin Fan couldn’t help but ask again, “Can’t someone follow from a distance?”
Gong Zishang put her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with you?!”
Jin Fan was momentarily speechless, his face flushing red.
At Jue Manor, Gong Shangjue and Gong Yuanzhi were drinking tea in the courtyard.
Gong Zishang approached, carrying a box.
Both Gong Shangjue and Gong Yuanzhi were surprised. They glanced behind Gong Zishang, where Jin Fan stood at a distance, hesitating to approach.
Gong Zishang set down the box and opened it, revealing a pair of exquisitely crafted metal gloves.
Gong Yuanzhi’s expression shifted from surprise to astonishment.
Gong Zishang said proudly, “Now, you two brothers better not look down on me anymore. Even though I’m a young maiden, I too have the heart of a craftsman!”
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