Rosa: A Wangxian Reincarnation Story

Rosa 10: Turning A Corner

Note from Wei Ying...

I thank you for reading my journal so far. But I am changing it up a little.  I have decided to switch to third person for the rest. Some of this is wonderfully personal. Some of this is hard to relate as well. I think placing a little distance is wise as I try to sort it all out myself. If you don't mind, even though it's my first book and my publisher is going a tad nuts right now, it's my life and I control it. Bitchy little man.

"No. It's not done like that..."

Well, I am Wei Ying! Once known as the Yiling Patriarch, I do as I please! And it pleases me to write as a distanced observer from now on. 

As always, laugh, cry, and enjoy. Better go...I hear Lan Zhan calling and there is that tone in his voice and shivers are running down my spine.

Love!

*********

Miller's Bar at The Corner, across from the University, was hopping. C'ville had seen the rise of The Dave Matthews Band several years ago and the musicians occasionally popped in unannounced and ready to try out a few songs. testing the waters out at a place very partial to them.

Scott, Alain, and Xavier had eaten at a tasty Italian place, on Vinegar Hill and walked a bit unsteadily to the place on The Corner, the vibrant and sassy eight blocks of bars and student nightlife, after a discreet friend had advised them to slip down just in time to catch the brief but rousing set from the band.

The three were somewhat inebriated and the lately reunited lovers were barely able to keep their hands off one another. Scott was as dazzled as ever, his eyes almost always silver at all times and the golden crystal gaze from Alain's eyes seemed to light up the dance floor. The crowd in turn rarely took their eyes off of the couple and they melted the hearts of both sexes as they swayed in each others' arms.

Xavier was happy that they were happy but he felt empty, rudderless. Widowed as always. He yearned for the skies again, but once more, the sins of the past, the thousands of souls who were laid at the feet of his General, were still being paid for by her. A mercenary, no matter how well-meaning. always paid heavily to Karma. His debt was erased one hundred and thirty years ago and the gods rewarded him with a happy reunion in the Black Hills with his Ming, one lived fully, only slightly darkened by the knowledge that it would still be a while until another gracious gift like it would come their way. Since that time, he patiently requested more lifetimes to be there when the gods relented and sent her back to find him permanently. Lan XiChen was a patient man, stubbornly loyal, painfully chaste. And he suffered in silence, given to expressing it only in private sorrow and contemplation. He was prone to depression during these long periods, taking vacations that would allow him blocks of time for solitude and introspection. He was unfailing in his isolated devotion.

Alain and Scott finished their dance and meandered over to the table. Xavier instantly flashed a smile their way. Alain looked knowingly at his brother. Since he had regained his past-life memories, his dedication to his sibling had resurged full force and he knew his every move and facial expression. He knew his brother's mind and where it had been wandering and he reached over and squeezed his hand. Xavier looked up, eyes calm and steady.

"Yes, she is on my mind. But not as heavy as you might think. They are of happier times. I am not heading toward a dark place right now." He saw the relief on Alain's face. Scott spoke up, "Good. Then I claim the next fast dance with you. Let's show these children what two GenX'ers can do to a dance floor."

"Deal! I will not show you any mercy, Littlest Brother."

"Spoken like a Lan." Sniffed Scott. " "So sure of yourselves."

"Spoken like a true Jiang, biting off more than you can chew!" Shot back, Xavier. Alain grinned, loving the two of them with all of his heart.

Their moment was broken by a long clearing of a throat, and the three looked up into a pair of deep amber eyes. Standing before them was a tiny, imposing woman with long blond hair pinned back by a copper and amber hair stick, and she was holding a business card in a slender hand, outstretched towards Scott. He found himself reaching out for it, something he never did unless it was business hours.

"You are the Regressionist, Scott Williams, are you not?" It was a statement, not a question. He nodded wordlessly.

"I wish to secure your services. Are you free for the afternoon, beginning at 1:00 tomorrow?" Again a statement, again the wordless nod from Scott.

"See you at your office then. Promptly at 1:00." She began to turn but changed her mind.

"Bring your two friends with you, too. By the way...Nice eyes. I haven't seen that shade of silver in centuries." She shifted a glance at a suspicious and icy Alain. "Those crystal ones haven't changed either. Not intimidated."

She spared a mischievous glance for Xavier. "Still the same Gege to these two after all these years?" She strode away, heels clicking a self-assured tattoo on the tile floor as she melted through the dense crowd. At the same second, they rose and rushed out in the crisp spring evening air. The woman had completely disappeared.

"What the fuck was that?" Whispered Scott.

"I have no idea, " said a stunned Xavier.

Alain removed the card from Scott's fingers. the script was a fine engraving and it read,

'Quentin Yarborough

Fine Art and Antiquities

Private Appointments Only'

Alain said sharply," To my place. We have a lot of research to do before we see Ms. Yarborough tomorrow."

Scott interrupted. "A quick detour as we cut through Vinegar Hill. A new shop was getting ready to open the last few weeks. Antiques. I am willing to bet..."

"Let's go. It could provide a lead on our mystery woman."

Xavier gave a short laugh. "Then the only thing left we could need is a couple of magnifying glasses and a pair of motorbikes! You two sound like the freaking Hardy Boys!"

They stood before the exquisitely displayed shop window. Across the top in the same fine calligraphy were the exact words on the card. Everything arranged in the window was a pristine collection of Chinese antiques, ancient and as perfect as the day they were made. In the center stood a glowing and richly oiled library table, sturdy, stable. Every angle was plain yet easily elegant at the same time. A single scroll sat on the edge of the table, tied together with a deep, cinnabar-colored ribbon, and a single white jade bead was knotted at the ends of the ribbon.

Lights glowed throughout the establishment and the men could see inside. A grand rotunda, lined with many paned windows allowed added moonlight to illuminate the room before them. It was lined with bookshelves and they held more scrolls and handbound books and priceless, porcelain, and carved figurines. Their mouths hung open and when he spoke, Xavier spoke in ancient Chinese and he spoke as Lan Xi Chen.

"There is no need for research, is there? It is Lan Qinyang? Is it not? "

"Only our Sister could have done this." Lan Zhan turned to his brother as a crystal tear ran down his cheek. He turned to look at Wei Ying who stood mesmerized as he gazed at the scroll on the desk.

"I think that is my handwriting, Lan Zhan."

The two walked over to the shaking young man and Alain wrapped his arm around him. None heard the door to the side open silently and they started as a voice said softly behind them...

" I see that I must cancel my appointment for tomorrow. You found me more quickly than I imagined."

They turned around to a small, woman dressed in white and blue robes.

"It is good to see my brothers together, once again."

And she ran lightly into their strong and loving arms.