The most dreaded time of midsummer was the sweltering "Dog Days." Even atop the lofty Cloud-Piercing Peak, the air was oppressively humid and hot. Today was particularly brutal; almost everyone had been roused early by the stifling heat, the sun already hanging high and venomous in the sky. In a rare move, the Hundred Flowers Palace granted all disciples a day of rest.
Chu Ruo sat in her room, fanning herself incessantly with a paper fan. "So hot, so hot, so hot... How can it be this hot?" With the sun so fierce and no electric fans or air conditioning in sight, she wondered how these ancients ever endured it.
Xiao Guo’er and the others were huddled in her room, some playing Fight the Landlord and others playing Mahjong. They didn't even look up at her complaint, their eyes glued to their cards. "What’s the big deal? It’s like this every year. At least we got a day off this time; last year, they didn't give us a single one." Xiao Guo’er picked up her own fan. "It is a bit hotter today, but if it weren't, the Palace wouldn't have let us rest."
"Wow, that’s practically inhumane. You guys don't get any days off all year?"
"Can you lower your voice? What if someone hears you?" Xiao Guo’er bit into an apple, only to find it lukewarm. She chewed with a grimace. "It’s not quite like that. Occasionally, on days as hot as this, we get a break, but it’s rare. We also get a few days for the New Year."
Chu Ruo stared in disbelief. "And you all just put up with that? I truly admire your submissiveness." *Do the disciples of Hundred Flowers Palace have masochistic tendencies? (Wait, do I?)* "That Little Scor—ah, I mean, my Master, really is the pinnacle of heartlessness."
*Smack!*
"What was 그 for!" Chu Ruo yelped, clutching her head as she glared at Xiao Guo’er.
"Stop talking nonsense. If the Old Palace Master were still in charge, forget today—we wouldn't even get a break during the New Year. The hotter it got, the harder we had to train. Whether it was the height of summer or the dead of winter, any sign of slack was met with severe punishment. We only started getting breaks after the Young Palace Master took over management."
"Is that so? Sounds like she’s not half bad then," Chu Ruo mused. "Anyway, I’m dying of heat. Hey, stop playing cards. I have a great idea—let’s go to Serene Lake. I built a bamboo raft recently; we can row to the center and go fishing. It’ll be fun!" She had finished the raft a couple of days ago but hadn't tested it yet. Today was perfect.
Xiao Guo’er moved to smack her again, but Chu Ruo had learned her lesson. She dodged and smacked Xiao Guo’er’s head first. "You little brat, you think you can hit me every time? If you have something to say, say it. Stop getting physical."
"Do you think just anyone can go to Serene Lake? You’ve been here so long, yet you still don't know the rules?"
"I know them! The Icy Cavern is off-limits to everyone but the Palace Master and the Young Palace Master. But we’re not going into the cave. What’s wrong with the lakeshore?"
"Wait, Boom!" Xiao Guo’er threw down four Aces before continuing. "It’s not just the Icy Cavern. That entire area, including Serene Lake, is forbidden ground. No one is allowed to set foot there. I don't know what kind of dumb luck you have or what merits you earned in a past life, but the Young Palace Master takes you everywhere and looks after you in everything. Yet all you do is complain. You don't know how good you have it."
"Pah! Give me a break. Her, good to me? She keeps me around just so she can bully, torture, and abuse me whenever she wants. If she’s so 'good,' why did she poison me with the Hundred Flowers Gu? Anyone who wants that kind of 'goodness' can have it; I certainly don't. If she ever decides to leave me alone because she’s sick of looking at me, I’ll burn incense and thank the Buddha."
"You’re just a stubborn duck. You talk a big game, but the moment you’re off duty, you’re always running to the Young Palace Master’s quarters. Deep down, you know she’s a good person; you just won't admit it. What was that word you used? A 'tsundere'?"
*Ugh, I shouldn't have taught them those words.* Chu Ruo was momentarily speechless. She quickly changed the subject. "Hey, is Serene Lake really off-limits to everyone? You’re not messing with me?"
"Why would I lie about that?"
"Then... even the Protectors can't go?"
"I said everyone, so that obviously includes the Protectors. You’re the only exception. See? Now you know how much the Young Palace Master favors you."
*Is that Little Scorpion actually decent to me?* No, no, no. She could never forgive the Hundred Flowers Gu. Since that place was forbidden, and Yan'er used to go there with her... she definitely couldn't mention that to the others. The Little Scorpion might not care, but if the Old Palace Master found out, Yan'er would be in deep trouble. A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the wound on the Little Scorpion’s shoulder. She reminded herself never to tell anyone about her nightly excursions with Yan'er.
The room was already sweltering, and with so many people gathered, it felt cramped and noisy. She decided she’d rather be by the lake. But going alone seemed boring. "I’m heading out for a bit."
"Where are you going? Lunch is almost ready."
"Go ahead and eat without me. Don't wait up."
***
On the other side of the palace, Nan Muxue was having lunch in her study. Chu Ruo pushed the door open and walked in. "Master."
Without waiting for an invitation, she sat down unceremoniously. "Oh, you’re eating? Perfect, let’s eat together."
Nan Muxue looked surprised. "What trouble have you caused now?"
"What do you mean 'now'? Have I ever caused trouble? Honestly." Aside from teaching the disciples cards, stealing midnight snacks from the kitchen, slacking off during practice, pranking a few disciples she didn't like, and nearly burning down the library once... she hadn't done anything! How could she be so judged? *As expected of the Little Scorpion.*
"Then why are you here?"
"To eat with you." Seeing no extra utensils, Chu Ruo simply grabbed a handful of peanuts from a dish and started munching. "Is that a problem?"
A'yue stepped forward to intervene. This Chu Ruo was truly beyond the pale. When the Palace Master or Young Palace Master dined, no other disciple had the right or status to sit at the same table. It was strictly forbidden. Moreover, the Young Palace Master preferred solitude; she did everything alone. And yet, this person was being so disrespectful. "Hey, you—"
Chu Ruo wasn't finished. Seeing a bowl of chilled sour plum soup, she grabbed it and started drinking. "Perfect. I’m dying of thirst. It’s so hot. I’m drinking this, okay?"
"You—!" Nan Muxue and A'yue cried out in unison, but it was too late. Chu Ruo had already downed the whole bowl in one go. She wiped her mouth and looked at the two of them, who were staring at her wide-eyed. "What? Is it not for drinking?" Her face suddenly twisted in horror as she reached for her throat. "Wait, is it poisoned?!"
...What was going on in this person's head? If A'yue and Nan Muxue had been drinking tea, they would have spat it out across the room. A'yue stomped her foot. "You... you! That sour plum soup belonged to the Young Palace Master!"
"So what?" Chu Ruo was still confused. "Master, this whole Hundred Flowers Palace belongs to you. Don't be so stingy over a bowl of soup."
In a rare turn of events, the Little Scorpion seemed at a loss for words. Her face even flushed a faint red. A'yue, being blunt, spoke up again. "The Young Palace Master had already drunk from that bowl!"
Nan Muxue felt helpless. This girl was just so... The summer heat had ruined her appetite, so she had intended to eat just a few bites before returning to her duties. She had only sipped a bit of the chilled soup. How could Chu Ruo be so fast? And how could she have happened to drink from the exact same spot on the rim? It was as if she had aimed for it; the faint red mark from Nan Muxue's lips was right there... it was truly...
Chu Ruo saw them both staring at the bowl. She picked it up and examined it, finally noticing the red smudge. She didn't wear lipstick, so it had to be the Little Scorpion’s. *What’s the big deal?* "What, are you disgusted by me? I’m the one drinking your leftovers, and I don't mind, so why are you acting like this? Besides, there’s only one pair of chopsticks. I finished the peanuts. What else was I supposed to do, eat the rest with my hands?"
...A'yue didn't know what the Young Palace Master was thinking, but she personally wanted to smack Chu Ruo. Then, Chu Ruo spoke again. "Man, I didn't have much of an appetite, but that soup actually made me hungry. Hey, give me a pair of chopsticks."
"Young Palace Master, this..." A'yue looked over, troubled. How could someone be so oblivious? To her utter shock, the Young Palace Master actually waved a hand.
"Go fetch another set of utensils."
"Yes." No matter what rumors were flying around outside, A'yue hadn't believed them. So many outstanding men in the martial world admired the Young Palace Master; how could she possibly feel anything for a useless person like Chu Ruo, who was also her disciple? But now, she had to wonder. Ever since Chu Ruo arrived, the Young Palace Master had worn her half-mask or a veil almost constantly during the day. While she often wore them outside, she had never been this consistent within the palace. At night, she no longer required A'yue’s service, dismissing her early to rest. When A'yue had curiously asked why she was wearing the mask, she received no answer, only an unnatural expression. Could it be that the Young Palace Master really...
"You eat this every day?" Once A'yue brought the utensils and was dismissed, Chu Ruo looked at the spread of vegetarian dishes. "It’s a bit too plain, don't you think?"
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "And yet you’re still eating?"
"I’m hungry! But seriously, this is too light. And you eat so little. Look at your tiny frame; you’re skin and bones. It’s not good for your health." She poked around the dishes but found no meat. Finally, she picked up a piece of blanched bok choy and placed it in Nan Muxue's bowl. "You should change your diet. Or better yet, let’s eat together from now on. The kitchen makes so much for me that I can never finish it alone anyway."
Nan Muxue actually picked up the vegetable and ate it. "Together? You seem to have forgotten that Xiao Guo’er and the others eat with you."
"Then they can have my share, and I’ll come here to eat with you. Lately, everyone crowds into my room; it’s noisy and hot. It’ll be much better if the two of us eat together."
"What’s so good about it? You’d give away the food specially prepared for you just to come here and eat vegetables? Aren't you afraid of mistreating your stomach?"
"What’s good? Let me think... We practice together every day anyway. It’s a hassle to split up just for lunch. Eating together is much more efficient. Besides, eating alone is boring. Isn't it better to have company? But if I eat with you, you have to tell them to make some meat."
The other woman rolled her eyes. "Can you be any more shameless?"
"How is that shameless? Anyway, that’s not the point. We’re eating together from now on, okay? It’s settled!"
A glint of mischief appeared in Nan Muxue's eyes. "Very well. Since Ruo'er is so eager to share a table with her Master, I shall agree. By being with me, you won't be able to slack off. Once we finish eating, we can head straight to practice."
Chu Ruo’s chopsticks froze mid-air. She sat there, stunned, for a full three seconds before coming back to her senses. *I just dug my own grave.* She gave a sycophantic smile. "Uh, I..."
"Does Ruo'er have... something... else... to say?"
Those eyes staring at her gave her goosebumps. She would bet ten bags of spicy strips—which didn't exist in this era—that if she tried to take back her words now, she’d be dead. The Little Scorpion had a thousand ways to torment her. With a long face, she muttered, "No... nothing." *I should have just stayed with Xiao Guo’er. A little heat and noise would have been fine. Heavens, what did I do to deserve this? Why did I have to open my big mouth? Is my IQ dropping from hanging out with Xiao Guo’er too much?*
"Achoo! Achoo!" Back in the room, Xiao Guo’er suddenly sneezed several times.
Nan Muxue elegantly wiped her mouth. "Speak."
"Speak what?"
"What, did you come all this way just to steal a bowl of my leftover soup?"
*You... I’ll endure.* "The weather is so nice today. I wanted to invite you to the lake."
"Invite me?" Nan Muxue looked incredulous. Was this girl in the right room? "What about Yan'er?"
*In broad daylight? If people see me taking Yan'er to a forbidden area, your mother will find out! That has to be a nighttime thing. But rowing a boat at night isn't great.* Chu Ruo shook her head. "I’ll ask her another time. Come on, let’s go test the bamboo raft I made."
To her surprise, Nan Muxue walked over to her desk and started flipping through ledgers. "These accounts are waiting for my review. You go—"
Before she could finish, Chu Ruo was behind her, pushing her toward the door, ignoring her protests. "Oh, work never ends. Everyone else is resting, but you’re such a workaholic. If you’re not practicing, you’re handling palace affairs. Give yourself a break and relax. Come on, rowing is fun!"
"You..."
"Me what?" Chu Ruo decided pushing from behind was too slow. She hopped to the front, grabbed Nan Muxue's hand, and pulled her toward Serene Lake. "Let’s go!"
With Nan Muxue's martial arts, pushing her away would have been effortless. For twenty years, she had never dared to slacken for a moment, nor had she ever had personal time. But since meeting Chu Ruo, everything was quietly, gradually changing.
***
"How is it?" Chu Ruo rowed the raft with a proud grin. "Feels good, right?"
Nan Muxue sat on the raft. A summer breeze occasionally drifted by, carrying a refreshing chill from the lake. The shimmering surface was mesmerizing, the water as clear as a mirror, revealing the world beneath—including the fish swimming happily. They soon reached the center of the lake. Chu Ruo set down the oars and set up two homemade fishing rods, wedging the ends into the gaps of the bamboo. "I’ll teach you how to fish. Watch closely. When that white float starts bobbing, pull it up quickly, and you’ll have a fish."
"Boring," the other woman remarked, yet her eyes were fixed intently on the float.
Chu Ruo wanted to laugh but kept quiet. After waiting a while with no bites, she lay down. "They won't bite right away. I’m going to nap for a bit."
Nan Muxue glanced at her, then returned her gaze to the rod. "Eat and then sleep. Like a pig."
"Hey, eating and sleeping are the natural order of things. Besides, everyone gets drowsy after lunch. I brought you here to relax. Don't tell me you never take naps."
"Sleeping is a waste of time. I only sleep the minimum required hours."
"And how long is that?"
"Four to six hours."
*Four to six hours...* At most six? How did she not have dark circles? Her skin was still so perfect. "Let me guess... your mother told you that?"
"Yes."
*Damn, that Old Palace Master is toxic.* Chu Ruo felt a surge of pity for the Little Scorpion. "A person usually needs eight to ten hours for proper sleep. You need rest to have energy and focus. Do like me—lie down. Listening to the lapping water on the lake, you’ll be out in no time."
"I’m not tired."
*Man, she’s stubborn.* Whatever. Chu Ruo felt a heavy wave of sleepiness. "Fine, I’m sleeping."
However, while the sound of the water was pleasant, lying directly on the raft made it a bit too loud and irregular. The bamboo was also quite hard. After tossing and turning, she felt more awake than before. She looked at the person beside her. *Hmm.* Chu Ruo propped herself up and lay her head directly on Nan Muxue's lap. Much softer. Perfect.
Startled by the sudden contact, Nan Muxue instinctively moved to push her away. Chu Ruo mumbled, "Let me borrow this for a bit. The raft is too hard."
Looking down at that face, Nan Muxue surprisingly didn't refuse. She let her sleep there. A question surfaced in her mind: *Why am I indulging this girl so much?* She was supposed to be training her to be a pawn, a right hand—she had even poisoned her with the Gu to ensure control. She should have been ruthlessly tempering her, sending her on missions to kill. But she hadn't. Even though Chu Ruo had no heart for study, played with the disciples, and turned the once-quiet palace upside down, Nan Muxue never forced her. *What is happening to me?*
As she was lost in thought, Chu Ruo shifted. The sunlight seemed too bright; her features scrunched up, and she tried to block it with her hand before falling back into a deep sleep. The sun shifted again, the light hitting her eyes. Without waking, she tossed and turned, muttering, "Annoying..."
Nan Muxue hesitated for a moment, then carefully raised her right hand, shielding the girl’s eyes. "Sleep."
"Mmhmm." Chu Ruo, whatever she was dreaming of, settled back into a peaceful slumber.
It was a truly comfortable nap. Chu Ruo stretched and opened her eyes. "What time... why is it so dark..."
The warm object shielding her eyes was removed. It was... the Little Scorpion’s hand??? She sat up abruptly. "You... I..." *Crap, crap, crap. I slept on her lap AND made her hold her hand up to block the light.* Seeing the other woman raise her hand again, Chu Ruo thought she was about to strike. She quickly covered her head. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Hit me anywhere, just not the face!"
"What are you babbling about? Come here." Nan Muxue pulled her closer. "Your hair is a mess from sleeping."
"My hair’s a mess?" Chu Ruo reached up to feel it, but her hand was slapped away.
"Sit still."
*The Little Scorpion knows how to fix hair? Since when was she so domestic?* Sitting still was boring, and keeping her back straight was making it ache. She couldn't help but complain, "This is why short hair is better. Long hair is such a hassle."
The woman behind her gave a soft laugh. "Does every girl in your hometown have hair that short?"
"Not everyone. But I like it. It’s clean, and don't you think I look handsome and dashing with short hair?"
"Shameless," Nan Muxue remarked disdainfully, letting go. "There, finished."
Just then, the wind picked up, and a large wave slapped against the raft. Chu Ruo lost her balance and fell backward, landing straight into Nan Muxue's arms. Their eyes met. For some reason, Chu Ruo didn't move. The sky was turning to twilight. She looked toward the horizon. "The sun is almost down. Let’s watch it before we go."
Nan Muxue replied softly, "Okay."
A lonely boat on the lake, two figures in white leaning against each other. Unconsciously, Nan Muxue's hand had found its way around Chu Ruo’s waist, and Chu Ruo’s hand rested lightly atop those soft fingers. She leaned back lazily against the other woman, looking like a roguish youth held by his beloved. "The sunset is so beautiful. I’ve always thought it’s prettier than the sunrise. The light is so soft and comfortable."
Nan Muxue teased, "Since when did a person like you have such refined tastes?"
"That’s because you haven't discovered my virtues," Chu Ruo laughed. "Master, you seem different today than usual."
"How so?"
"You..." That momentary downward glance and gentle smile left an impression on Chu Ruo’s heart. She reached out to brush a strand of hair from Nan Muxue's face. The other woman didn't pull away. Chu Ruo’s hand drifted lower as she asked wistfully, "Why do you always wear a mask?"
Nan Muxue immediately turned her head away, fearing the mask would be lifted. Chu Ruo, realizing she had overstepped, felt as if she had been possessed. Both were startled and quickly sat upright. Suddenly, Nan Muxue's float bobbed violently. She looked at Chu Ruo, unsure of what to do.
Chu Ruo urged, "What are you waiting for? Pull the rod!"
Nan Muxue grabbed the rod, but the fish underwater was strong, dragging it back and forth. Chu Ruo moved closer and gripped the rod with her. "Let’s pull together!"
After a long struggle, the fish seemed to tire. With a final heave, they pulled it onto the raft. They stared at it for a moment before bursting into laughter. The fish was barely larger than a pinky finger. "Haha! How did something this tiny put up such a fight? All that effort for nothing. I finally understand what 'death throes' means."
Nan Muxue laughed along. "A waste of time."
"I’ll teach you again next time. I promise we’ll catch a big one, and then we’ll grill it right there. And Yan'er..." *Yan'er.* Mentioning her name made Chu Ruo’s expression dim instantly. "Yan'er..."
Nan Muxue looked at her, puzzled. "What about Yan'er?"
"Nothing." She pointedly avoided those eyes, stepping back to create distance as she grabbed the oars. "Let’s go back."
"Fine." Nan Muxue's voice turned cold. *So, you’re unhappy because you thought of Yan'er? Are you disappointed that it’s me here with you today and not your precious Yan'er?* But Yan'er was her. Nan Muxue didn't realize why her own mood had shifted so drastically.
They were silent the whole way back, the atmosphere suffocating. As soon as they reached the shore, Nan Muxue leaped off the raft and walked away without a backward glance. Chu Ruo didn't notice; she walked back in a daze. Nan Muxue glanced back and felt even angrier. *Your soul is already gone, isn't it? Fine then, Chu Ruo. Fine.*
*What is wrong with me? Why did I feel that way toward the Little Scorpion just now?* Chu Ruo shook her head violently. *How could I have such a thought? I haven't even seen her whole face. And she’s the Little Scorpion! How could I like her? Wait, what did I just say? Like? Do I... maybe... possibly... like the Little Scorpion???!!! IMPOSSIBLE!!!* Chu Ruo’s eyes widened at her own realization. *I like Yan'er. Yan'er is so kind and beautiful. Why would I like the Little Scorpion instead of her? Is a circuit loose in my brain? Or... do I like both? Heavens, am I really such a scumbag? Oh wait, a scumbag girl. God, how can I be so unfaithful? How can I face Yan'er? I clearly like her. No, I can't like her. I’m going to sneak down the mountain eventually. There’s no future for Yan'er and me. I can't lead her on. I can't let her know I like her. Once I’m gone, we’ll probably never see each other again.*
She was currently taking the antidote only once every two days, enduring the pain of the onset to save up the pills. She had about twenty now. Still too few. The Little Scorpion had different versions—daily, monthly, even ones that lasted six months or a year. But how could she get her hands on them?
***
That night...
*Creeeeak.* The door opened. Chu Ruo was lying in bed with her back to the door. Hearing the sound, she squeezed her eyes shut, chanting internally: *I’m asleep, I’m asleep, please leave.* Anyone seeing this would think she was in a horror movie, hiding from a ghost.
"Asleep so early?" a playful voice asked, footsteps drawing closer. "You’re in quite the mood to play at sleeping today."
The footsteps reached the bedside. In a flash, Chu Ruo leaped out of bed and scrambled to the far corner of the room. The visitor stood with hands behind her back, tilting her head. "What’s wrong?"
"Hehe," Chu Ruo gave a dry laugh. "Yan'er... it’s, it’s you."
"Who else did you think it was? You look so surprised." Nan Muxue looked around the room, feigning confusion. "Is someone else coming to see you besides me?"
"No, no one." As the other woman took a step forward, Chu Ruo took a step back. *Dammit, why does the Little Scorpion keep popping into my head? Why am I thinking about this afternoon?*
"I wonder who it could be," the visitor continued, musing aloud. "Could it be... the Little Scorpion?"
Chu Ruo’s heart skipped a beat at the name. She immediately denied it. "I wish she’d hurry up and go be someone’s child bride down the mountain. Why would it be her?"
...A vein throbbed in Nan Muxue's temple. *I’ll endure. I won't settle this score yet.* She moved closer. "And what does that have to do with her coming to your room?"
Terrified, Chu Ruo started circling the table to keep it between them. "Don't come over here!"
Nan Muxue frowned. "What are you doing?" *You were distracted this afternoon when Yan'er was mentioned, and now that I’m here as Yan'er, you’re still acting like this. Chu Ruo, what are you thinking? Isn't Yan'er the one you care about most? Which 'me' do you actually care about? Or is it neither? That’s right... you never cared for the Little Scorpion during the day, and now you don't even want to deal with Yan'er at night?*
"Seriously, don't come any closer." Chu Ruo held up a hand, fingers splayed, as if the visitor were about to devour her whole.
Nan Muxue didn't listen. Chu Ruo’s skills were no match for hers; after a few turns around the table, she was cornered. "Chu Ruo."
Chu Ruo turned her head away, refusing to look. She kept her head low, consumed by guilt. She didn't dare meet those eyes. *I’m such a scumbag. The Little Scorpion is so mean, so why am I thinking about her? I must have a masochism problem!*
"Why won't you look at me?" Nan Muxue gripped her chin, forcing her head up. Chu Ruo couldn't escape, so she squeezed her eyes shut. "Why won't you look at me?"
"I... I’m tired."
Nan Muxue’s other hand clenched so hard her knuckles turned white. *This afternoon, and now tonight.* A thought suddenly struck her: *Has Chu Ruo fallen for another disciple? Xiao Guo’er? Or someone else?* She threw her sleeve back in a sharp motion. "Then go to sleep. Don't worry, no one will disturb you again. I will never set foot in this bedroom again!"
*If this is how it is, I don't need to play Yan'er anymore. From now on, I will be nothing but your Master. As for your 'beloved'... Hundred Flowers Palace forbids romance! But we were only Master and disciple; what else could there be? Whether Chu Ruo likes someone else has nothing to do with her behavior today. So why am I so furious?*
The cold words pierced Chu Ruo’s heart. She snapped her eyes open. Yan'er was angry—furious. She said she’d never come back. In that moment, Chu Ruo felt a sharp, agonizing pain in her chest. Within a second, she lunged forward and hugged the woman from behind as she turned to leave. "Yan'er, don't go! Don't go..."
"Let go."
"Yan'er, don't be mad. Please don't go," Chu Ruo pleaded, holding on for dear life. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry..." She repeated the apology over and over. "I beg you, don't leave. I can't bear it. I’ve missed you so much these past few days."
"Missed me?" a cold laugh. "Your behavior just now didn't look like someone who missed me."
"I... I don't know how to explain it, but I really did miss you. Yan'er, believe me. I didn't mean to act like that. My head is a mess today. My heart is confused, annoyed, scared... I’m so conflicted. I felt so guilty that I couldn't look at you because I was afraid you’d be angry."
"Angry about what?"
"Today... today I went to play with the Little Scorpion. My first thought was to ask her, not you. Yan'er, please don't be mad. I feel like I’m terrible, like a 'scumbag'—that means a bad person. I don't know how to tell you. Anyway, I didn't mean it. Please don't go, and don't say you won't come back. I can't lose you."
Nan Muxue stopped struggling. "What exactly happened today?" *She was fine this afternoon until I mentioned Yan'er.*
Sensing her tone softening, Chu Ruo hurried to explain. "It’s nothing, I’m just... my heart is in a knot."
"What is it? Are you troubled? Did someone bully you?"
"No, nothing like that. Yan'er, turn around. I want to see you. It’s been so many days. I missed you."
Nan Muxue actually turned around, though she still looked displeased. "You couldn't get away fast enough a moment ago. Why look now?"
Chu Ruo hugged her again, murmuring, "Yan'er... Yan'er..."
"You said you went to play with the Little Scorpion?"
"Yeah. We went fishing at Serene Lake on the raft I made. I wanted to ask you, but somehow... and then I fell asleep on her lap. She even used her hand to block the sun for me. When I woke up, she tied my hair. I... I even leaned in her arms while we watched the sunset. Yan'er, are you really mad now? Do you hate me? I’m hugging you, but I hugged her too. Am I... am I being terrible?"
*So she thought I’d be angry?* The gloom vanished instantly. Nan Muxue suppressed a smile. "Then, between her and me... whose hug do you like more?"
"That? Usually, I’m the one hugging you. Today, she was the one hugging me. It’s different; how can I compare?"
Suddenly, Chu Ruo felt a pair of arms tighten around her waist. A beautiful, seductive voice whispered in her ear, "Then what about now? Between her and me, whose hug do you prefer?"
"You’re both so soft... and you smell the same, so fragrant..." Chu Ruo rested her head on the other woman’s shoulder, deciding to be honest. "I like both. Being held by either of you feels... it feels like you’re the same person. I like it all."
Nan Muxue finally laughed, a playful scold. "Greedy."
"I know I’m greedy. That’s why I didn't dare look at you. But I don't want to lie to you. Even though... even though the Little Scorpion only held me once, I... I liked it. And I like it when you hold me, and I like holding you. Yan'er, are you mad? If you are, I have nothing to say. It’s my fault. I’m sorry."
"Don't you call her the Little Scorpion? And yet you like her hug that much?"
"I don't know what’s wrong with me," Chu Ruo muttered. "Liking a hug from a Little Scorpion... I must have water in my brain or taken the wrong medicine."
"CHU RUO!!!"
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 三伏天 | Dog Days | The hottest period of summer in the lunar calendar. |
| 渣女 | Scumbag / Two-timer | Modern slang for an unfaithful or manipulative woman; used here by Chu Ruo to describe her own guilt. |
| 斗地主 | Fight the Landlord | A popular Chinese card game. |
| 麻将 | Mahjong | A traditional Chinese tile-based game. |
| 傲娇 | Tsundere | A Japanese loanword (via Chinese) describing a character who is cold/hostile before showing a warmer side. |
| 酸梅汤 | Sour plum soup | A traditional chilled summer drink. |
| 账本 | Ledgers / Accounts | Financial records of the palace. |
| 鱼漂 | Float / Bobber | The part of fishing tackle that floats on the water. |
| 柔荑 | Soft fingers / Delicate hands | A literary term for a woman's beautiful, soft hands. |
| 童养媳 | Child bride | A girl taken into a family to be raised as a future wife for their son. |
