The lights were on at Yangzhou’s post station.
She had been sent by Liu Xiangzuo to the prison department to deliver a message, as well as to the Liushou department* to collect goods. When Jinxia returned to the post station, dinner time was over. She went to the kitchen to find two steamed buns and salted vegetables on the stove, then she returned to the main hall. After eating the food, and drinking some tea, she turned on the lantern and took out her pocket. She spread out on the table the picture she had drawn in the afternoon while she was in the clinic hall and kept looking at it until she was tired…
*[Liushou department = Military department, TN]
She still remembered those traces left on the ground: they were about three to four inches deep, next to a Peach Blossom tree.
The torture instrument should have been leaning on a Peach Blossom tree. She knocked her head hard. At that time, she should’ve checked whether there were traces on the tree bark, how could she have forgotten?
But, on the fragrance boat, the man was also leaning against the edge of the boat.
The torture instrument ejected sharp blades from its body, there had to be a thrust, because it needed something heavy behind it to hold it.
Her finger involuntarily drew a circle on the drawing, thinking about the faces of the women, who killed them? Why were they placed in the Taohualin Forest? Was the fragrance boat coincidental or connected in some way?*
*[This is still her trying to figure out if the woman on the boat and the one in the forest are the same, TN]
If all of this was not a coincidence, that meant… That there were a lot of people behind him, who was he? Why did he let her see the ‘Ai Bieli’? What exactly did he want?
“Dung dung dung!”
Suddenly, there was the sound of the door banging and she was startled by the noise. After taking a deep breath, she asked, “Who is it?”
From outside came the voice of Gao Qing, “Lu Daren has an order, hurry up and come out!”
Still thinking that he would have been too busy in a gentle town* today, and she would have been able to avoid him for half of a day, she sighed in silence, wrapped up the painting, and stood up to open the door, only to realize that, next to Gao Qing, there was Lu Yi in person.
*[Gentle town = she is referring to him being busy with flirting and dating, TN]
“You…” Lu Yi glanced at her face and knew at once that something was wrong, “Did something happen?”
“Nothing.” She rubbed her hands, then harshly rubbed her face, regaining her spirit, “If there’s an order, Daren, please say it.”
Lu Yi looked at her carefully, as if he wanted to ask something, but in the end, he held back his words and just said, “Come with me to get Sha Xiuzhu. Gao Qing, you go call two more people, then you will all go together.”
Why did he mention Sha Xiuzhu out of nowhere?!?
Jinxia was taken aback for a moment but she quickly hid her thoughts and emotions, and put on a blank face.
Along the way, in order to avoid Lu Yi’s suspicions about her, Jinxia didn’t dare to ask why and where he wanted to take Sha Xiuzhu, but made the question only when she saw that Sha Xiuzhu had boarded the boat.
“Daren, where are we going?” It was late at night, hence she couldn’t help but ask.
“The dock, where the gang gathered last time, and I’ve heard there is a gang members meeting tonight.” Lu Yi’s tone of voice seemed to be pointing at her, “Last time, on the boat, the person who fought with me was very good at swimming. I suspect he is hiding in Wu’An Gang, what do you think?”
“In my opinion… Not only Wu’An Gang, but also the Yan Gang*, or Cao Gang*.”
*[Yan gang = salt sellers. Cao Gang = transporters of food using waterways, TN]
Jinxia answered carefully.
“Your words are very true.” He said.
He could also talk like that? Had the sun risen from the west? Jinxia glanced at him suspiciously, while he was half leaning on the side of the boat. Tonight, he’d put on a black silk headgear, his body was covered by a dark green daopao robe and his feet wore cloud embroidered shoes. His broad robe sleeves fell on the side of the boat and when the wind blew and swung gently, droplets of water dripped on it…
*[Daopao = a long robe with side slits below the waist, TN]
At that exact moment, Jinxia realized that with the clothes she was wearing right now, she wasn’t prepared to fight, but if she were to suddenly barge into Wu’An Gang like this, it would definitely cause a big uproar. Judging from the look on his face when he was with Shangguan Xi at the theatre building, she secretly guessed: is it possible that he and Shangguan Xi have a tacit agreement?
But Jingli Daren’s thoughts were impossible to guess… If he and Shangguan Xi had only met for fun, that meant he wouldn’t care too much about anything.
Jinxia glanced over at the room where Sha Xizhu was; he had been able to walk on his own, even though he was still limping, it seemed that his leg injuries had begun to heal, and the people in the provincial court did not torture him for long. What if Sha Xiuzhu saw Xie Xiao… She anxiously looked over at Lu Yi and a sudden uneasiness appeared in her heart.
The moonlight was like ice, it reflected clear shadows. Following the sound of the bubbling water, Jinxia could already see the dock, the faint light of lanterns; the sound of people screaming was beginning to get louder, people practicing kung fu and laughters were all mixed together.
It turned out to be true: there was a gang members meeting. Did Shangguan Xi notify him?
When she glanced at Lu Yi once more, their eyes met, “Are you nervous?” He asked.
“No.” She pretended not to understand him.
“Then why do you keep looking at me in secret?” He asked bluntly. Even Gao Qing next to him, along with the other two JinYiWei, turned to look at Jinxia.
Jinxia swallowed her saliva hard, and could only say: “Because Beizhe feels, feels… That Daren’s appearance is very outstanding, so I couldn’t help but look at you several times.”
The other JinYiWei held back their laughters when they heard her words, even Lu Yi couldn’t help but let out a smile that was rarely seen, “Have you only noticed it now?”
“Maybe because of the moonlight…”
Jinxia answered with embarrassment, then she remembered the man and the woman on the fragrance boat under the moonlight and her face had an immediate change of expression.
Lu Yi, who had never missed a change in her face, was about to ask, but the boat suddenly shook, indicating it had reached land.
“Drag Sha Xiuzhu out, bring him in and meet the people!” He coldly told Gao Qing.
Gao Qing followed his orders and, along with the two other JinYiWei, dragged Sha Xiuzhu out on the dock by force, because he was still handcuffed. Lu Yi finally went up to the mainland. Jinxia was about to follow him, when Lu Yi stopped and turned around.
“What were you thinking about?”
“I…I… Shall I report to you later?.”
Lu Yi looked at her with attention, he did not continue to ask her questions and just nodded his head.
The people who were gathered at this gang members meeting turned out to be more than Jinxia had predicted, the restaurants around the dock were lit with lanterns, and full of people.
‘I hope Xie Xiao isn’t here’, Jinxia said to herself.
That day on the boat, Sha Xiuzhu desperately pulled Lu Yi’s leg to give Xie Xiao a chance to escape. It would be unlikely for Lu Yi to recognize that person to be Xie Xiao, but according to Xie Xiao’s temperament, she was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back the moment he would see Sha Xiuzhu. Even if she didn’t do anything, the chances of him exposing himself would be high.
‘Brother, please don’t be here today! It’s better if you just stay home with the old man.’
She quickly swept her eyes around, fearing that she would be able to find Xie Xiao’s tall figure.
As they were walking into the nearest restaurant, the noisy sound of laughter suddenly cooled down in an instant. Those who were punching, drinking and eating had stopped their movements, turned their heads, and looked unhappily at the shining green uniform of classy JinYiWei…
Sha Xiuzhu was wearing ragged clothes, his hands were in shackles: this image brought out the hatred of the people in the room toward government officials.
“Officer, what can I do for you?” A tall and thin middle-aged man stood up and asked with manners.
Lu Yi said slowly, “A few days ago, this man and a thief stole the birthday gifts prepared by General Qiu for his mother. The thief has good swimming ability, so I brought him here to identify the person.”
As soon as he finished speaking, his words caused an immediate commotion.
Lu Yi’s action clearly indicated that Wu’An Gang had hidden a criminal, in addition he was not a local official of Yangzhou, therefore he had no close relations with Wu’An Gang. After a while, there were already a number of men standing there while talking and exploding harsh words. It wasn’t pleasant to hear.
Before Lu Yi could say anything, behind him came the sound of footsteps, followed by the confident voice of Shangguan Xi, “Uncle Dong, let me take care of this.”
“Bangzhu.” The tall and thin middle-aged man greeted her, then backed away to the side.
Shangguan Xi passed by Jinxia like the others, continuing to walk toward Lu Yi, then turned a little, raising her head: “Lu Jingli, you brought a criminal to my gang, what can I help you with?”
“I’m just taking him out for fresh air, and to see if he can recognize his accomplice.” Lu Yi said lightly, “Just a small matter, I hope Shangguan Bangzhu does not misunderstand.”
“But you, barging in like this, I am afraid it would be difficult to get people not to misunderstand.” Shangguan Xi said with a light tone.
Jinxia doubted her own hearing; she’d heard a little bit of anger and dissatisfaction in Shangguan Xi’s tone of voice, and she could ascertain that Lu Yi’s tone had been a bit mocking.
“If there is any trouble, I will come and apologize another day, but now…” He said in a negotiating tone, “Can you let my subordinates do their work first?”
Shangguan Xi thought for a moment, and said: “Well, we are stubborn and rude people, but as long as you respect me, I will do the same. Today, Daren can discuss with others, we will also not embarrass Daren. Uncle Dong, you accompany these officers, show them around the place.”
“Bangzhu, this…”
“If there is really a thief hiding in the gang, let alone the law of this city, I will definitely not tolerate him, but if you can’t find the thief, what are the consequences?” Her eyebrows furrowed, looking straight at Lu Yi.
“Today Yan Yuan’s actions have offended you. What Shangguan Bangzhu thinks about this offer, you can punish me with a bottle of wine, I will not dare to drink less than three glasses.” Lu Yi said laughing.
“I will take your words into serious account.”
Shangguan Xi smiled, and Uncle Dong took the JinYiWei away.
Gao Qing and the two JinYiWei immediately dragged Sha Xiuzhu out, searching each restaurant, one by one, while Shangguan Xi accompanied Lu Yi on the edge of the dock.
Jinxia, who was on the side, looked at Shangguan Xi several times, she couldn’t find any clues, but just kept being suspicious.
After a while, Gao Qing dragged Sha Xiuzhu back, reporting to Lu Yi, “Reporting, Daren, this criminal keeps bowing his head, and looks down on the ground, his eyes aren’t even lifted, he doesn’t want to recognize anyone at all.”
Lu Yi looked at Sha Xiuzhu with cold eyes, “Then, all right, take him back to prison.”
As everyone was about to leave, Shangguan Xi reached out to hold Lu Yi back, laughed and said, “Daren, did your word not count?”
“Of course it counts.”
Lu Yi stopped his steps, holding back his smile.
“Good, if Daren doesn’t mind the low quality wine and rough food here, how about staying here and enjoying it a little?”
After hearing that, Lu Yi hesitated for a moment, but then nodded his head and laughed: “Since Shangguan Bangzhu had spoken, it is better to accept than refuse… All of you, take Sha Xiuzhu back to prison, no need to wait for me anymore.”
“Daren…” Gao Qing was unsure, his face showing hesitation.
“Don’t worry.”
Lu Yi waved his hand, told them to quickly get on the boat, then he followed Shangguan Xi into the restaurant.
Jinxia sighed while watching this scene. In the ancient times, a hero couldn’t surpass the gate of a beautiful woman, it turned out this saying was really true. Lu Yi, who was arrogant and cold, met Shangguan Jie, such a heroic person and he couldn’t help but have a change in his heart*.
*[No matter how cold a person is, they will always become soft in front of a beautiful lady, TN]
***
The moonlight freezed, shining on the surface of the water, making it become silver white.
“Miss, the wind outside is very strong, it’s better to go inside, be careful or else you’ll catch a cold.” The round-faced maid called out for her.
Zhai Lanye rested on the door, looking far away, as if she hadn’t heard the words of her maid before. The cold breeze brought along the mist of the lake water, gently moving her skirt. The color of the glowing moon was fluttering gently, portraying an elegant picture that could not be expressed in words.
“Miss, there are still about three or four miles on the waterway, it will take a while, so please come in and wait.” The maid continued trying to persuade her.
“I’m fine, I’ve been sitting in the house for too long, I want to stand for a while.”
Zhai Lanye said in a soft voice. Her gaze was still on the surface of the lake, her face could not hide the excitement.
The maid no longer tried to persuade her. She went inside the room, took out a jacket, then helped her mistress wrap her body.
The boat moved at a slow pace. An hour later, they could see a large boat quietly stopping its sailing not too far away from them in shallow waters; the light was faintly visible…
After three years, I can finally see him again!
She held her handkerchief tightly, her heart moving so fast that it felt like she couldn’t control it.
“Miss, please come up from this side.”
The maid helped her up. She hesitated for a moment, carefully stepping on the board connecting the two boats, while looking in the direction of the big boat.
The lights were on at Yangzhou’s post station.
She had been sent by Liu Xiangzuo to the prison department to deliver a message, as well as to the Liushou department* to collect goods. When Jinxia returned to the post station, dinner time was over. She went to the kitchen to find two steamed buns and salted vegetables on the stove, then she returned to the main hall. After eating the food, and drinking some tea, she turned on the lantern and took out her pocket. She spread out on the table the picture she had drawn in the afternoon while she was in the clinic hall and kept looking at it until she was tired…
*[Liushou department = Military department, TN]
She still remembered those traces left on the ground: they were about three to four inches deep, next to a Peach Blossom tree.
The torture instrument should have been leaning on a Peach Blossom tree. She knocked her head hard. At that time, she should’ve checked whether there were traces on the tree bark, how could she have forgotten?
But, on the fragrance boat, the man was also leaning against the edge of the boat.
The torture instrument ejected sharp blades from its body, there had to be a thrust, because it needed something heavy behind it to hold it.
Her finger involuntarily drew a circle on the drawing, thinking about the faces of the women, who killed them? Why were they placed in the Taohualin Forest? Was the fragrance boat coincidental or connected in some way?*
*[This is still her trying to figure out if the woman on the boat and the one in the forest are the same, TN]
If all of this was not a coincidence, that meant… That there were a lot of people behind him, who was he? Why did he let her see the ‘Ai Bieli’? What exactly did he want?
“Dung dung dung!”
Suddenly, there was the sound of the door banging and she was startled by the noise. After taking a deep breath, she asked, “Who is it?”
From outside came the voice of Gao Qing, “Lu Daren has an order, hurry up and come out!”
Still thinking that he would have been too busy in a gentle town* today, and she would have been able to avoid him for half of a day, she sighed in silence, wrapped up the painting, and stood up to open the door, only to realize that, next to Gao Qing, there was Lu Yi in person.
*[Gentle town = she is referring to him being busy with flirting and dating, TN]
“You…” Lu Yi glanced at her face and knew at once that something was wrong, “Did something happen?”
“Nothing.” She rubbed her hands, then harshly rubbed her face, regaining her spirit, “If there’s an order, Daren, please say it.”
Lu Yi looked at her carefully, as if he wanted to ask something, but in the end, he held back his words and just said, “Come with me to get Sha Xiuzhu. Gao Qing, you go call two more people, then you will all go together.”
Why did he mention Sha Xiuzhu out of nowhere?!?
Jinxia was taken aback for a moment but she quickly hid her thoughts and emotions, and put on a blank face.
Along the way, in order to avoid Lu Yi’s suspicions about her, Jinxia didn’t dare to ask why and where he wanted to take Sha Xiuzhu, but made the question only when she saw that Sha Xiuzhu had boarded the boat.
“Daren, where are we going?” It was late at night, hence she couldn’t help but ask.
“The dock, where the gang gathered last time, and I’ve heard there is a gang members meeting tonight.” Lu Yi’s tone of voice seemed to be pointing at her, “Last time, on the boat, the person who fought with me was very good at swimming. I suspect he is hiding in Wu’An Gang, what do you think?”
“In my opinion… Not only Wu’An Gang, but also the Yan Gang*, or Cao Gang*.”
*[Yan gang = salt sellers. Cao Gang = transporters of food using waterways, TN]
Jinxia answered carefully.
“Your words are very true.” He said.
He could also talk like that? Had the sun risen from the west? Jinxia glanced at him suspiciously, while he was half leaning on the side of the boat. Tonight, he’d put on a black silk headgear, his body was covered by a dark green daopao robe and his feet wore cloud embroidered shoes. His broad robe sleeves fell on the side of the boat and when the wind blew and swung gently, droplets of water dripped on it…
*[Daopao = a long robe with side slits below the waist, TN]
At that exact moment, Jinxia realized that with the clothes she was wearing right now, she wasn’t prepared to fight, but if she were to suddenly barge into Wu’An Gang like this, it would definitely cause a big uproar. Judging from the look on his face when he was with Shangguan Xi at the theatre building, she secretly guessed: is it possible that he and Shangguan Xi have a tacit agreement?
But Jingli Daren’s thoughts were impossible to guess… If he and Shangguan Xi had only met for fun, that meant he wouldn’t care too much about anything.
Jinxia glanced over at the room where Sha Xizhu was; he had been able to walk on his own, even though he was still limping, it seemed that his leg injuries had begun to heal, and the people in the provincial court did not torture him for long. What if Sha Xiuzhu saw Xie Xiao… She anxiously looked over at Lu Yi and a sudden uneasiness appeared in her heart.
The moonlight was like ice, it reflected clear shadows. Following the sound of the bubbling water, Jinxia could already see the dock, the faint light of lanterns; the sound of people screaming was beginning to get louder, people practicing kung fu and laughters were all mixed together.
It turned out to be true: there was a gang members meeting. Did Shangguan Xi notify him?
When she glanced at Lu Yi once more, their eyes met, “Are you nervous?” He asked.
“No.” She pretended not to understand him.
“Then why do you keep looking at me in secret?” He asked bluntly. Even Gao Qing next to him, along with the other two JinYiWei, turned to look at Jinxia.
Jinxia swallowed her saliva hard, and could only say: “Because Beizhe feels, feels… That Daren’s appearance is very outstanding, so I couldn’t help but look at you several times.”
The other JinYiWei held back their laughters when they heard her words, even Lu Yi couldn’t help but let out a smile that was rarely seen, “Have you only noticed it now?”
“Maybe because of the moonlight…”
Jinxia answered with embarrassment, then she remembered the man and the woman on the fragrance boat under the moonlight and her face had an immediate change of expression.
Lu Yi, who had never missed a change in her face, was about to ask, but the boat suddenly shook, indicating it had reached land.
“Drag Sha Xiuzhu out, bring him in and meet the people!” He coldly told Gao Qing.
Gao Qing followed his orders and, along with the two other JinYiWei, dragged Sha Xiuzhu out on the dock by force, because he was still handcuffed. Lu Yi finally went up to the mainland. Jinxia was about to follow him, when Lu Yi stopped and turned around.
“What were you thinking about?”
“I…I… Shall I report to you later?.”
Lu Yi looked at her with attention, he did not continue to ask her questions and just nodded his head.
The people who were gathered at this gang members meeting turned out to be more than Jinxia had predicted, the restaurants around the dock were lit with lanterns, and full of people.
‘I hope Xie Xiao isn’t here’, Jinxia said to herself.
That day on the boat, Sha Xiuzhu desperately pulled Lu Yi’s leg to give Xie Xiao a chance to escape. It would be unlikely for Lu Yi to recognize that person to be Xie Xiao, but according to Xie Xiao’s temperament, she was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back the moment he would see Sha Xiuzhu. Even if she didn’t do anything, the chances of him exposing himself would be high.
‘Brother, please don’t be here today! It’s better if you just stay home with the old man.’
She quickly swept her eyes around, fearing that she would be able to find Xie Xiao’s tall figure.
As they were walking into the nearest restaurant, the noisy sound of laughter suddenly cooled down in an instant. Those who were punching, drinking and eating had stopped their movements, turned their heads, and looked unhappily at the shining green uniform of classy JinYiWei…
Sha Xiuzhu was wearing ragged clothes, his hands were in shackles: this image brought out the hatred of the people in the room toward government officials.
“Officer, what can I do for you?” A tall and thin middle-aged man stood up and asked with manners.
Lu Yi said slowly, “A few days ago, this man and a thief stole the birthday gifts prepared by General Qiu for his mother. The thief has good swimming ability, so I brought him here to identify the person.”
As soon as he finished speaking, his words caused an immediate commotion.
Lu Yi’s action clearly indicated that Wu’An Gang had hidden a criminal, in addition he was not a local official of Yangzhou, therefore he had no close relations with Wu’An Gang. After a while, there were already a number of men standing there while talking and exploding harsh words. It wasn’t pleasant to hear.
Before Lu Yi could say anything, behind him came the sound of footsteps, followed by the confident voice of Shangguan Xi, “Uncle Dong, let me take care of this.”
“Bangzhu.” The tall and thin middle-aged man greeted her, then backed away to the side.
Shangguan Xi passed by Jinxia like the others, continuing to walk toward Lu Yi, then turned a little, raising her head: “Lu Jingli, you brought a criminal to my gang, what can I help you with?”
“I’m just taking him out for fresh air, and to see if he can recognize his accomplice.” Lu Yi said lightly, “Just a small matter, I hope Shangguan Bangzhu does not misunderstand.”
“But you, barging in like this, I am afraid it would be difficult to get people not to misunderstand.” Shangguan Xi said with a light tone.
Jinxia doubted her own hearing; she’d heard a little bit of anger and dissatisfaction in Shangguan Xi’s tone of voice, and she could ascertain that Lu Yi’s tone had been a bit mocking.
“If there is any trouble, I will come and apologize another day, but now…” He said in a negotiating tone, “Can you let my subordinates do their work first?”
Shangguan Xi thought for a moment, and said: “Well, we are stubborn and rude people, but as long as you respect me, I will do the same. Today, Daren can discuss with others, we will also not embarrass Daren. Uncle Dong, you accompany these officers, show them around the place.”
“Bangzhu, this…”
“If there is really a thief hiding in the gang, let alone the law of this city, I will definitely not tolerate him, but if you can’t find the thief, what are the consequences?” Her eyebrows furrowed, looking straight at Lu Yi.
“Today Yan Yuan’s actions have offended you. What Shangguan Bangzhu thinks about this offer, you can punish me with a bottle of wine, I will not dare to drink less than three glasses.” Lu Yi said laughing.
“I will take your words into serious account.”
Shangguan Xi smiled, and Uncle Dong took the JinYiWei away.
Gao Qing and the two JinYiWei immediately dragged Sha Xiuzhu out, searching each restaurant, one by one, while Shangguan Xi accompanied Lu Yi on the edge of the dock.
Jinxia, who was on the side, looked at Shangguan Xi several times, she couldn’t find any clues, but just kept being suspicious.
After a while, Gao Qing dragged Sha Xiuzhu back, reporting to Lu Yi, “Reporting, Daren, this criminal keeps bowing his head, and looks down on the ground, his eyes aren’t even lifted, he doesn’t want to recognize anyone at all.”
Lu Yi looked at Sha Xiuzhu with cold eyes, “Then, all right, take him back to prison.”
As everyone was about to leave, Shangguan Xi reached out to hold Lu Yi back, laughed and said, “Daren, did your word not count?”
“Of course it counts.”
Lu Yi stopped his steps, holding back his smile.
“Good, if Daren doesn’t mind the low quality wine and rough food here, how about staying here and enjoying it a little?”
After hearing that, Lu Yi hesitated for a moment, but then nodded his head and laughed: “Since Shangguan Bangzhu had spoken, it is better to accept than refuse… All of you, take Sha Xiuzhu back to prison, no need to wait for me anymore.”
“Daren…” Gao Qing was unsure, his face showing hesitation.
“Don’t worry.”
Lu Yi waved his hand, told them to quickly get on the boat, then he followed Shangguan Xi into the restaurant.
Jinxia sighed while watching this scene. In the ancient times, a hero couldn’t surpass the gate of a beautiful woman, it turned out this saying was really true. Lu Yi, who was arrogant and cold, met Shangguan Jie, such a heroic person and he couldn’t help but have a change in his heart*.
*[No matter how cold a person is, they will always become soft in front of a beautiful lady, TN]
***
The moonlight freezed, shining on the surface of the water, making it become silver white.
“Miss, the wind outside is very strong, it’s better to go inside, be careful or else you’ll catch a cold.” The round-faced maid called out for her.
Zhai Lanye rested on the door, looking far away, as if she hadn’t heard the words of her maid before. The cold breeze brought along the mist of the lake water, gently moving her skirt. The color of the glowing moon was fluttering gently, portraying an elegant picture that could not be expressed in words.
“Miss, there are still about three or four miles on the waterway, it will take a while, so please come in and wait.” The maid continued trying to persuade her.
“I’m fine, I’ve been sitting in the house for too long, I want to stand for a while.”
Zhai Lanye said in a soft voice. Her gaze was still on the surface of the lake, her face could not hide the excitement.
The maid no longer tried to persuade her. She went inside the room, took out a jacket, then helped her mistress wrap her body.
The boat moved at a slow pace. An hour later, they could see a large boat quietly stopping its sailing not too far away from them in shallow waters; the light was faintly visible…
After three years, I can finally see him again!
She held her handkerchief tightly, her heart moving so fast that it felt like she couldn’t control it.
“Miss, please come up from this side.”
The maid helped her up. She hesitated for a moment, carefully stepping on the board connecting the two boats, while looking in the direction of the big boat.
