"Ahem... *cough, cough*... *cough*..."
"If you have something to say, say it. You’ve been whimpering and making strange noises for a while now."
"What do you mean?" Chu Ruo pouted. "You’re really not cute at all."
A chill ran down her spine. "Hmm?"
"I’m just saying, now that you’ve lost your martial arts, can you still poke me to death?"
The other woman arched an eyebrow. "Would Ruo’er like to find out?"
Chu Ruo took the opportunity to lean back into her embrace, acting spoiled. "As long as I die in your arms, then even that would be—"
A hand quickly covered her lips, accompanied by a soft reprimand. "Do not speak such nonsense."
Chu Ruo grinned mischievously. "Since when did you become so 'cute' as to believe in superstitions?"
"You..."
"Anyway, since you’ve already reached your hand out, perfect. Here, this is for you."
Nan Muxue looked at the hair ribbon in her hand, surprised. "When did you buy this?"
Chu Ruo chuckled. "It’s a secret. Don't worry about that. Since you always wear white, I had Xiao Guo’er and A-Yue help me pick out a white one. Do you like it?"
Nan Muxue didn't answer, but she silently moved to put it on. In the past, this person wouldn't have waited for her to do it herself; she would have insisted on tying it personally, her eyes full of eager expectation. A flash of heartache crossed Nan Muxue’s eyes as she reached out to caress Chu Ruo. "What made you think of giving me a gift?"
"It’s been a long time since I gave you anything. We already have so many other things. I thought about giving you a ring, but you’ve already given me two—one for self-defense and one to unlock my soft armor. You have one on your hand, too. I’ve given you bracelets and hairpins before, and we each have half of that jade pendant. You even gave me that big, flashy golden mask. After thinking it over, a hair ribbon seemed best. Even though I’ve given you one before, you can always use a new one."
Nan Muxue’s eyes were full of warmth, yet her words remained sharp. "Wordy."
"You seem to have a lot of complaints about me. Don't tell me you're hitting the 'seven-year itch' already? We haven't even been together that long."
"Seven-year itch? What does that mean?"
"It means that when two people who love each other reach their seventh year, many conflicts arise. It doesn't have to be exactly seven years; it could be a few years, or even as short as a few months. People start having all sorts of friction, or maybe the spark just fades." Chu Ruo was busy explaining the concept, but as she spoke, her confidence began to waver. "Xue’er, will there come a day when you find me annoying? When you get tired of me? When you... don't want me anymore?"
What could make her so nervous that she started to stutter? Nan Muxue smiled softly and gave her a light kiss. "No."
"You... why is your answer so flat? So forced?"
Nan Muxue was somewhat speechless. "Then how should I answer?"
"Anyway, your attitude is wrong. It feels like you're just placating me."
"Ruo’er..."
"In any case—"
"Fine," the other woman interrupted, coaxing her with infinite patience. "I promise you, I will never stop wanting you for the rest of my life."
"But, but..."
"What is it?" Nan Muxue pulled her beloved into her arms. "Ruo’er, it’s alright. I’m here. I will always be by your side."
"Xue’er," Chu Ruo clung to her arm, the lack of confidence in her eyes and the self-deprecation in her voice heart-wrenching. "I’m scared. I’m really scared that one day you won’t want me. I have nightmares... I dream that you leave me."
Nan Muxue was at her most tender. "It’s just a dream. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere."
"I’m a burden. I have been from the very beginning."
Nan Muxue cupped her face again. "Don't say that."
"Ever since I went blind..."
Nan Muxue leaned in and kissed her eyes. "Ruo’er, remember this well. No matter what you become, I told you long ago: I will never stop wanting you as long as I live."
"Xue’er!"
Chu Ruo hugged her tightly, as if releasing all her pent-up emotions. Despite her calm exterior over the past few days, she had only been forcing herself to be strong so as not to worry the other. But everyone has their breaking point. How could Nan Muxue not understand? Her Ruo’er was now insecure and sensitive—perhaps she had been from the start. This silly girl always felt she was beneath her. *Foolish girl,* Nan Muxue smiled inwardly. In this world, this was the only person she truly cherished.
"Alright, don't think about those things. Don't think about anything. We won't be separated. Never..."
Just then, Auntie Shen arrived again. Seeing Nan Muxue holding Chu Ruo, she didn't say much. These past few days, the villagers had assumed the two were sisters with a deep bond. Since they depended on each other and Chu Ruo was blind, it was only natural for her to cling to her "older sister." Entering the room, she simply smiled. "The two sisters are chatting, I see."
Nan Muxue gave a brief acknowledgment. "Mhm."
The woman rubbed her hands together. "About that matter I mentioned last time..."
Chu Ruo quickly remembered she was referring to introducing the "Little Scorpion" to some wealthy squire’s son, a relative of the village chief. Her brow furrowed in anger. Before she could snap back, Nan Muxue spoke up. "I’ve already said it’s unnecessary."
"Now, don't be so quick to refuse. The squire’s boy is truly devoted to you. He heard your sister has trouble with her eyes and even invited the best physician from nearby. The man is already here. It wouldn't hurt to let him have a look, would it?"
"I will not see him."
Chu Ruo knew the Little Scorpion was a woman of few words and even fewer social graces, but hearing her be so blunt and dismissive was always amusing, if a bit awkward. After all, these two aunts had been kind enough to take them in and had refused their money several times; it was clear they weren't trying to play matchmaker for profit. Chu Ruo’s annoyance vanished, replaced by a surge of delight. She loved seeing her Little Scorpion being cold to others while reserving all her affection for her. If no one else were around, she’d definitely give her a few kisses.
"Auntie," Chu Ruo said, not wanting the atmosphere to get too tense. "My sister..." *Ow, you pinched me again, you wicked Little Scorpion... Awoo, did you hear my thoughts again?* She continued with a "forced" smile, "Ever since we left home, she swore an oath never to marry again. So, we can only accept your kindness in spirit."
"Ai~ Old Gui and I both say that you two girls are all alone here with no one to rely on. Finding a husband’s family would be good. Don't end up like me and Old Gui. The person is already here, and the doctor is outside. No matter what, just meet him once. Maybe you'll change your mind after seeing him, or you can at least explain it to his face. Besides, your sister’s eyes need to be looked at."
*A doctor from around here? My Little Scorpion would never think much of him,* Chu Ruo thought. *Sigh, if only Zhi’er were here. But even she couldn't do anything for my eyes. I wonder how she’s doing.* While she was distracted, Nan Muxue did something uncharacteristic: she agreed to see the squire’s son. Auntie Shen left in high spirits to bring them in.
"What are you doing? You’re really going to see him?"
"What? Is someone getting anxious?"
"You—" Hearing that playful tone, Chu Ruo immediately puffed out her cheeks. "You Little Scorpion, you—"
To her surprise, Nan Muxue leaned into the teasing even more. "You’re usually inseparable from your Lady Zhi’er. What’s wrong with your Master seeing someone else?"
"You’re going to be the death of me..."
As they spoke, Auntie Shen led the visitors in. Since Chu Ruo was blind, she could only listen. *Hmph, a fox paying a courtesy call to a chicken—he’s up to no good. He’s just lusting after my Little Scorpion’s beauty. Bah! Acting like he’s so devoted. Men’s words are as deceptive as ghosts.*
The doctor was mediocre at best. After taking her pulse for a long time, he looked troubled. *Forget it,* Chu Ruo thought. *Even Bai Zhi’er and the Little Scorpion couldn't figure out why I’m blind, let alone cure it. I can't count on this quack.* As for the squire’s son, though Chu Ruo couldn't see him, her teeth itched with irritation. *Bastard. He takes forever to say a single sentence. He must be staring at the Little Scorpion like an idiot. You brat, is my wife for you to look at? Bah, bah, bah!*
"You may leave. There is no need to return."
Chu Ruo could imagine the incredibly cold, aloof expression on the Little Scorpion’s face as she said those words. *Hahaha, this is great!* She almost burst out laughing. Yet, at that moment, Nan Muxue kept her arm around her. *Mhm, satisfied. My heart and soul are at peace. Where else could I find a wife like this?*
"Miss, you..."
"I have no interest in you. I am making it clear today so you can give up."
Concise and brutal. Chu Ruo didn't pay attention to what was said afterward; she was too busy trying not to laugh. Once they were gone, she laughed so hard she nearly choked, and the other woman had to pat her back to help her catch her breath.
"Alright, have you laughed enough?"
"No! Hahaha! You... how could you be so impolite?"
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "Or would you prefer I asked him to stay?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Are you satisfied now, you brat?"
"Ah?"
The other woman smiled. "I let you hear it with your own ears so you wouldn't get suspicious and jealous later."
"I... I wasn't!"
"However, since he said he found a doctor for you, I held a sliver of hope. It turns out he was nothing special. Now that it's settled, no one will bother us again."
Chu Ruo finally realized. "You saw him... for me."
Nan Muxue pulled her into her lap and laughed softly. "What do you think?"
"Xue’er, you..."
"Do you really trust me so little? Do you believe me now?"
"It’s not that I don't trust you. I just... don't have confidence in myself."
"My Ruo’er is the best."
Those five words were enough to move Chu Ruo to tears. With reddened eyes, she didn't forget to joke, "Sister, you’ve gone and broken a young man’s heart."
"What else could I do? Didn't my 'younger sister' already say it for me? That I’ve sworn never to marry."
"...Ahem. Well, that... that won't do either."
"Oh?"
"If you don't marry, who am I supposed to wed?"
"We are sisters. How can there be a wedding?"
"You Little Scorpion! You—! Awoo! The Little Scorpion is hitting people!..."
***
One day, while Chu Ruo was practicing in the forest, she heard someone approaching—someone she was very, very surprised to encounter.
"Fenghuang??" Wasn't this the woman from Miaojiang? The Shaman Head? "What are you doing here? Didn't you say the people of Miaojiang never leave their lands?"
Fenghuang spoke teasingly. "Not welcome?"
"...I’m just surprised. You didn't sneak out, did you?"
"After you left, I couldn't eat or sleep. I decided to come out, catch you, and take you back to marry me..."
*Pfft!* Chu Ruo couldn't help it; the tea in her mouth sprayed out like a rainbow. Opposite her came Fenghuang’s exasperated voice. "My clothes! You!"
"You brought that on yourself," Nan Muxue said, stepping forward to shield Chu Ruo. "Watch your tongue."
"It was clearly your... what do you call her? Oh right, Little Scorpion. She asked Granny Hua to invite me out. Honestly. But then again, I’ve wanted to come out and see the world for a long time. The martial world is quite a mess lately. I told you to look for my aunt, but then you two ran into trouble. Tsk, tsk..."
Chu Ruo turned to Nan Muxue. "You invited her? Why?"
As usual, Nan Muxue didn't explain her reasons immediately. "Xiao Guo’er, A-Yue, take Ruo’er back first."
"Yes."
"Hey, you—"
"Be good," Nan Muxue said, her tenderness reserved only for her. "I have my arrangements. I’ll be back in a moment."
Though suspicious, Chu Ruo left.
"My, my, what a pair of star-crossed lovers you two are. You finally got rid of your Pregnancy Gu, and now she’s gone blind."
"You talk too much."
"You’re the one asking for my help. Have a better attitude."
"You were coming this way regardless. Your goal is to find your aunt and see the outside world. For Ruo’er and me," Nan Muxue said, hands behind her back, "you wouldn't have broken the rules of the Shaman Head of Miaojiang just to come out."
" I really don't understand what she sees in you. I still prefer that other girl who was with you three when you first came."
Nan Muxue didn't lose her temper, which was rare. She simply said, "We do it tomorrow."
Fenghuang finally stopped joking and replied seriously, "Have you thought this through?"
"Since I sought you out, I have already decided."
"Why didn't you find that other one? Her medical skills are so good. Oh, oh, I get it. She’s a love rival after all. Giggles..."
"Do not think that because I have lost my martial arts, I cannot handle you."
"I don't have absolute certainty. An eye transplant is very dangerous. If it fails, both of you will be in trouble. Are you sure?"
"Say no more. My mind is made up."
This time, it was Fenghuang’s turn to be moved. "To think you’d actually give your own eyes to her. There are too few people in this world who would do this for the one they love."
"Nothing is more important than Ruo’er." If it weren't for the fact that Xiao Guo’er and A-Yue’s skills were insufficient and she couldn't perform the surgery herself, Nan Muxue wouldn't have gone to such lengths to find a doctor. When she realized none were capable, and knowing Bai Zhi’er had her own selfish reasons for not wanting to see them again, she had turned to Fenghuang.
As Nan Muxue walked back, she smiled. If that brat knew, she would surely call her a selfish, jealous Little Scorpion. *I am indeed,* she thought. *Ruo’er, you fear that without your eyes, I will despise you and leave you. I will give you my eyes. I said I would be your eyes. Once I have given them to you, will you still be afraid?*
***
**Glossary**
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 凤凰 | Fenghuang | Phoenix; the name of the Shaman Head from Miaojiang. |
| 巫首 | Shaman Head | The leader or high priestess of the Miaojiang people. |
| 员外 | Squire | A title for a wealthy local landowner or retired official. |
| 换眼 | Eye transplant | Literally "exchanging eyes"; a dangerous surgical procedure. |
| 七年之痒 | Seven-year itch | A term referring to a decrease in happiness after seven years of marriage/relationship. |
| 孕蛊 | Pregnancy Gu | A specific type of magical parasite/poison from Miaojiang mentioned in previous context. |
