“Life at the foot of the mountain is just wonderful. No one here to disturb us,” Chu Ruo chirped. *Heh heh heh, and most importantly, I can do whatever I want, whenever I—*
Nan Muxue sat beside her on the roof, just as they had the first time they came here. But now, they were leaning close, nestled against one another. “You truly are something,” Nan Muxue murmured.
Chu Ruo leaned into the shell of her small, delicate ear and whispered, “You’re about to say I’m too playful again, aren’t you? Well, I just like to have fun, and I’m never going to change. It’s no use being fed up with me; I’m going to keep sticking to you forever.”
“Come here,” Nan Muxue said with a light chuckle. She pulled Chu Ruo onto her lap and reached up to brush back a few stray locks of long hair. “When did your Master ever say she was fed up with you, hmm?”
“Aren’t you afraid the people in the inn will see us?”
“And if they do? Who would dare utter a word of gossip?”
“Listen to you. This is why people call you a ‘Little Scorpion.’ When you’re angry, your eyes are so full of murderous intent you could scare someone to death.”
Nan Muxue found herself arching an eyebrow—a habit she had picked up frequently since meeting this girl. “And yet, you seem perfectly fine.”
“Me? I’m different.”
“Yes, quite different indeed.”
Chu Ruo beamed with pride, looking utterly smug. “Right? You’ve finally realized how unique I am, haven’t you? You’ve seen my strengths.”
“A disobedient glutton. The only thing that could truly scare you is an empty stomach.”
“Hey!” Chu Ruo sat bolt upright in indignation. “Would it kill you to let me win just once?”
Nan Muxue gave her ear a playful tug. “What do you think?”
Chu Ruo immediately surrendered. “Fine, fine! It’ll kill me! I’ll die, alright?”
“Look at you, so spineless.” Nan Muxue pulled her back down to rest against her. “Are you cold?”
“How could I be cold with you here? We’ve been down here for several days now. When are we going back?” They had originally planned for three days, but Nan Muxue doted on her so much that she had let her play for several extra days. (Though Chu Ruo suspected it might have been a deliberate ploy to make sure that whole ‘taking a disciple’ business fell through.) As much as she hated to leave, staying away too long would only draw unwanted attention. She could only look forward to the next trip.
Nan Muxue pulled her a little tighter. “If you’re so reluctant, why even ask? We’ll return the day after tomorrow. I have something to take care of tomorrow night.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I’ve accepted a bounty.” Nan Muxue hadn’t intended to mention it at first. She knew Chu Ruo disliked such things and tried to keep her away from them, but she would never lie to her. If Chu Ruo asked, she would answer.
“To kill someone?”
“Yes.”
“Is the target powerful?”
“No.”
“Really?” Chu Ruo sat up again, her face clouded with worry. “Don’t lie to me.”
Nan Muxue smiled. “Why would I lie to you? He truly isn't powerful. At most, he’s about as strong as two Xiao Guo’ers put together.”
Chu Ruo shook her head. “You’re definitely lying. If he were that easy to deal with, why would you need to step in? Xue’er, let’s not take dangerous jobs. We have plenty of money. You won so much at the Martial Arts Assembly; we can just be frugal from now on. Don’t do dangerous things anymore.”
“I know what I’m doing. Don’t worry. Besides, that money is ours, but this bounty was accepted by the Baihua Palace. Do you think I can just push it aside?”
“But you—”
“Enough.” Nan Muxue was only ever gentle with one person, and only for this person was she willing to spend so much breath patiently soothing and explaining. “This man is easy to handle, and he happens to be nearby these few days.” She sighed softly. “Mother has just come out of seclusion, so we must be cautious. I cannot be as blatant as I was before. If I didn't do this, how could I find a proper excuse to bring you out for a while?”
So, it was all for her. Nan Muxue had gone to all this trouble just for her sake. She could have dealt with the target on the first day, but she had intentionally delayed it for several days. Chu Ruo threw her arms around her. “Xue’er, you’re too good to me. I…”
“Silly girl.” The woman she loved simply patted her back gently, coaxing her. “If you like it, I will bring you down the mountain often. Whatever my Ruo’er wants, her Master will provide.”
“Mhm.” Chu Ruo’s voice was a bit muffled; she was moved and a little ashamed. Nan Muxue didn't speak, simply allowing herself to be held, her hand rhythmically and gently patting Chu Ruo’s back. It felt incredibly heartwarming. “So… is this person a good man or a bad man?”
“A bad man.” Nan Muxue thought for a moment and decided to elaborate, knowing this little fool loved to get to the bottom of things. Since she had asked, she would surely be curious about the target’s crimes. “His nickname is Shunfengpiao. Do you know who that is?”
“It sounds familiar… Did you tell me about him before? Wait, isn't he a rapist?”
“Yes. This time he killed someone—the daughter of a security bureau chief.”
“I feel like Baihua Palace always gets bounties for rapists. Is it because the Palace is full of women? People must think we hate lecherous crooks so much that we’ll never fail a mission.”
Nan Muxue nodded. “Perhaps that is part of it. The Palace generally doesn't refuse such business. The pay is generous, and it can be considered avenging those women.”
“Then,” Chu Ruo started, “how about I go tomorrow?”
“No. You—”
“Xue’er, listen to me first. I know you’re worried about me, and you’re afraid something will happen. But I need the experience. Those incidents before are the best proof of that. I know you can protect me, and you can protect me very well, but I don't want to hide behind you for the rest of my life. I want to protect you. I want you to be able to stand behind me and rely on me. Do you understand?”
Her gaze was sincere. Nan Muxue was always particularly captivated by those eyes. “Aren't you afraid of killing?” She wanted to protect her, but more importantly, she didn't want her to be tainted by these things. She knew her Ruo’er didn't like it. She had never liked killing, or scheming, or conflict. When Chu Ruo had fallen off the cliff and Nan Muxue thought she had lost her, she had vowed in her heart that if Ruo’er ever returned, she would never force her to do anything she didn't want to do. She didn't even want her to be involved. Her Ruo’er was like a blank sheet of paper; how could she allow her to be stained black?
“No,” Chu Ruo said, looking up at the moon. Her eyes held a touch of seriousness and pain. “In Yunwu Mountain, on the night of the split… that was the first time I killed anyone. It’s the only time so far. But that night, I killed so many people. So many. I watched them slaughter so many disciples, and I felt nothing but rage. All I could think about was killing them all, wanting them dead! When the first person’s blood splashed onto my hands and face, I felt disgusted. I wanted to vomit. The blood was hot, but I felt freezing, covered in goosebumps. But I didn't have time to think. The second person’s blade was already coming down. In an instant, I instinctively struck back. I just kept killing and killing for so long… long enough that my hands went numb, long enough that my clothes were dyed red.”
“Ruo’er,” Nan Muxue pulled her into her arms. “Don't say any more. Don't say it.” Her own first kill was an incredibly painful memory, something she never wished to speak of. She could feel Chu Ruo’s fear, pain, and panic. Even under her mother’s harsh training, she had barely been able to endure it. Nan Muxue could imagine how Ruo’er had struggled through that night before she found her. Ruo’er had never told her how she felt that night. Perhaps it was that very night that her Ruo’er had changed, losing her carefree nature forever.
“Xue’er,” Chu Ruo didn't stop, continuing to murmur, “With every step I took, my heart trembled. The state of those disciples was horrific. I was so scared—scared of hearing that something had happened to you, scared of seeing you on the ground…” She suddenly gripped Nan Muxue’s sleeve. “Xue’er, in that moment, I realized that only when I am strong enough can I protect you. Only then can I make sure nothing like that ever happens again.”
“Ruo’er…” Nan Muxue cupped her beloved’s face and kissed her deeply. “Ruo’er…”
…
The night grew deep, and the two eventually returned to their room, having moved past the somber atmosphere. As soon as Nan Muxue lay down, Chu Ruo pressed against her, draping her arms and legs over her. When Nan Muxue glanced at her, Chu Ruo just gave a cheeky grin. “Heh heh, who told you to be so cool and comfortable to lean on?”
Nan Muxue rolled her eyes but cooperated, letting the girl pull her even tighter. “Xue’er, I’m going tomorrow night. It’s settled. And you’re not allowed to follow me, nor are you allowed to send anyone. Treat it as my first solo mission.”
“Can you handle it alone?”
“Have a little faith in me, okay? It’s a deal. Tomorrow night, you’re not allowed to pay any attention to me. If you dare send someone to follow me, I’ll be furious. Don't follow me!”
Nan Muxue raised her hands to "ravage" that pretty face. “Let your Master see just how furious you can get.”
“You… you… Little Scor…”
Her words became a mumble. Nan Muxue felt a surge of joy. Finally, she pulled the girl into her chest, kissed her, and said in a drawn-out tone, “Fine. Your Master won't interfere. I’ll see just how much you’ve learned. But if you fail, then…”
Chu Ruo blinked mischievously. “Then what?”
Nan Muxue poked her back. “What do you think?”
Chu Ruo: “…”
The next day, after idling away the morning, Chu Ruo trotted off. As luck would have it, this Shunfengpiao had been staying at the Zuimeng Pavilion these past few days, which was why Nan Muxue felt comfortable letting her go. Although she was to strike at night, it was better to go early and prepare.
“Master,” Caifeng said in Nan Muxue’s room. Nan Muxue was currently flipping through the ledgers for Chu Ruo’s branch of the Xueruo Pavilion. “Regarding the Holy Envoy… should we really not send a couple of disciples to assist her?”
“No need.” Nan Muxue took a sip of tea and said calmly, “Ruo’er doesn't want anyone interfering. Has everything been arranged?”
“Zuimeng Pavilion has been notified. They will be watching for any movement.”
“Instruct them once more. There must be no mistakes. Ruo’er must not be in any danger.”
“Yes, I will go at once.” Caifeng noted that her Master’s concern for Chu Ruo truly outweighed everything else. Chu Ruo didn't want interference, so Master let her be, yet she repeatedly warned the head of Zuimeng Pavilion to watch over her. Her safety was more important than any mission. Was this truly the same Master she had bowed to?
The Zuimeng Pavilion at night was incredibly lively, filled with music, dance, and a clamoring crowd. Laughter echoed from the private rooms as people forgot their troubles in favor of pleasure.
“Drink! I’m happy today, so drink! *Hic*… Drink!” Shunfengpiao crudely shoved a wine cup into a girl’s mouth, ignoring her discomfort, his face full of lecherous greed.
*Creak—* The door was pushed open. Shunfengpiao shook his head to clear the wine fog. “Who… who is it?”
Chu Ruo entered, her face expressionless. “I’ve brought more wine.”
Having drunk quite a bit, the man’s face was flushed. He laughed. “Put it down, put it down! Beautiful… come here…”
Chu Ruo gave the girl a look. The girl understood, broke free, and bolted out the door. Shunfengpiao mumbled, “Why are you running? The girls here are no good. Go find two more. I want to have some fun tonight…”
“I’m afraid,” Chu Ruo said, slowly walking toward him, “that won't be necessary.”
“You…” Shunfengpiao continued to pour wine, completely failing to notice that she had moved behind him. “You look a bit unfamiliar. How come I haven't seen you these past few days?”
“With awareness as poor as yours, how have you lived this long?” Faster than he could react, she reached out from behind. With a *shing*, the Dragon-Slaying Silk from the defensive ring Nan Muxue had given her whipped out. In an instant, it was coiled tightly around his neck. Chu Ruo pulled with all her might. “Tonight is the night you die!” In truth, the Dragon-Slaying Silk was incredibly fast and sharp; if used correctly, it could take a head as easily as cutting tofu. But she didn't want to see blood. Besides, a piece of trash like this didn't deserve a quick death. That would be too easy. It was better to let him strangle, suffering until the end.
“*Ack…*” Shunfengpiao’s head was jerked back by the force. His face turned a deep purple-black, his tongue began to protrude, and the veins on his forehead bulged. His hands clawed desperately at the air, but it was useless. Seeing his struggle, Chu Ruo remembered the fear of her first kill. She gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and performed a graceful turn, putting her back to him to increase the leverage and tension…
When she returned to the Xueruo Pavilion, it was very late. She pushed open the door to find her beloved wasn't lying down waiting for her as usual, but was standing right by the door. Chu Ruo smelled that familiar fragrance almost instantly and hugged her. “Xue’er!”
Her voice was a bit clingy. Nan Muxue turned her head, her lips brushing Chu Ruo’s cheek. “Did it go smoothly?”
“It’s done. The people from Zuimeng Pavilion will deliver the body to complete the bounty.”
“Mhm. I suppose you performed well…”
She was about to praise her, but Chu Ruo suddenly seemed to go limp. She spoke with difficulty, interrupting her. “Xue’er… my hand…”
*Her hand?* Nan Muxue was startled. She looked down immediately to check. “What’s wrong with your hand?”
“My right hand… I can’t feel it.”
How could this happen? She had arranged everything perfectly! “Ruo’er,” Nan Muxue’s voice was urgent, laced with panic. “It’s okay, you’ll be fine.” The right hand looked perfectly intact. She checked her pulse; it was normal. But her Ruo’er… She cursed her own stupidity. From the moment she walked in, Ruo’er had hugged her, but her right hand hadn't exerted any strength. *Damn it! Why?* “We’re going to find a doctor right now. I’ll take you. It’s okay, don't be afraid.”
She pulled her along, sprinting outside. Along the way, she kept repeating two things: “Ruo’er, it’s okay,” and *I won't let anything happen to you again.*
“Where are you taking me?”
“There’s a retired physician ten miles away. He’s not as good as Hu Yi, but he’s the best in this area. we’ll see him first, then I’ll send for Hu Yi. And Bai Zhi’er—isn't she a descendant of the God of Medicine? She’ll be here soon, she’s already on the wa—”
“Xue’er, look at my hand…”
Chu Ruo suddenly stopped and pulled her back. Nan Muxue was shivering with cold fear. She was afraid to look back, but she had to. She finally turned to look…
“Xue’er, my hand,” Chu Ruo started with a pained expression, raising her hand. Then her tone shifted instantly to a playful one. “Ta-da! Nothing’s wrong at all! See? Isn't it white and pretty?”
“Chu Ruo!” Nan Muxue was livid. she raised her palm as if to strike, putting real force behind it, but Chu Ruo dodged easily and caught her hand.
“Don't be mad! Look over there!”
The pitch-black night sky suddenly erupted with light. Multicolored fireworks burst into the air with thunderous booms, brilliant and magnificent. Chu Ruo silently moved behind her and gently wrapped her arms around Nan Muxue’s waist, whispering in her ear, “I know your birthday passed a long time ago. I’m making it up to you today. Surprised?”
Nan Muxue turned her head away. “Get lost.”
“If I didn't do that, how could I trick you into coming here? The night is beautiful here. There are fireflies, a river, and the intoxicating moonlight.” *What a stubborn Little Scorpion,* Chu Ruo thought with a smile. “Don't be mad anymore. Last year, I promised I’d be by your side for every birthday. I missed the mark for this first year, but it’s not too late to make it up to you now, is it?”
“You actually remember you missed it?” That day, before Ruo’er had returned to her side, she had almost forgotten it was her own birthday. Even when she remembered at the last moment, Nan Muxue realized that without that specific person by her side, the day had no meaning.
“I’m sorry, Xue’er. I promise I’ll never miss it again. I’ll be by your side every day, every minute, every second, holding you just like this. I’ll spend every birthday with you from now on, okay?”
Nan Muxue finally relaxed, interlacing her fingers with Chu Ruo’s. “As long as you are here, those things aren't important. They have no meaning without you.”
“Mhm. And now, for your birthday present.”
“What is it?”
“Open your hand.” Nan Muxue did as she was told. Chu Ruo gently placed an object in her palm. “Happy birthday.”
Nan Muxue looked down. It was that strange ornament Chu Ruo always wore on her ear. Chu Ruo smiled. “This is the only thing I have from the modern world—well, besides those rags I arrived in, but you’ve kept those. This diamond stud earring… I’m giving it to you now. It’s my own possession, the only thing that truly belongs to me. Since coming to this world, everything I have was given to me by you. Only this is mine, and now I give it to you. Everything I am belongs to you.”
Nan Muxue placed her hand on Chu Ruo’s face, calling her name tenderly. “Ruo’er…” But in the next second, she looked furious again. “If you don't explain exactly why you lied to me just now, don't even think about—”
“Not sleeping with you? Then you can just go back to your own room. Ow! You stepped on me! You kicked me! *Awoooo!* Help! A fierce woman is beating her—no, it’s domestic violence in the streets!”
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
顺风飘 | Shunfengpiao | Literally "Drifting with the Wind"; the nickname of the criminal target.
斩龙丝 | Dragon-Slaying Silk | A sharp, thin wire hidden in Chu Ruo's ring, used as a weapon.
醉梦楼 | Zuimeng Pavilion | Literally "Drunken Dream Pavilion"; a brothel used as an intelligence front for Baihua Palace.
庆喜街 | Celebration Street | A busy commercial street in the city.
钻石耳钉 | Diamond Stud Earring | A modern item Chu Ruo brought from her original world.
