A Fated Reunion Among the Stars [Jing Yuan x F!Reader]

Chapter 9 (PART 2)

Slowly waking up from my dream, a sick feeling is present inside the pit of my stomach. Morning has arrived, birds are singing, and the golden rays shine through the window. I sit up straight, rubbing my tired eyes. Even in a dazed-like state, one thing stays in my mind. I've never revisited the past as frequently as this.

I sigh softly, rubbing my eyes again. 'I should freshen up a bit and forget about this.' And with that, I leave the bed and head for the bathroom.

I stand in front of the mirror, inspecting myself. Messy hair, slightly dark circles under my eyes, and a crease on my eyebrows present. I turn on the tap and wash my face a few times with warm water. Feeling a bit better already, I dry my skin up and attempt to brush my tangled hair. '... Yeah, no. I still look like shit.'  Groaning in frustration, I jump in for a hot shower in the early morning, hoping to wash away any traces of fatigue.

It doesn't take long until I come out with fresh clothes on. My hair is not disheveled anymore, although the dark circles will stay for the day. Oh, well. At least I look okay. Done getting ready, I get out of my room and knock on Jing Yuan's door as I call out his name. No answer.

Knock, knock, knock.

Still nothing. Promptly giving up, I hurrily walk towards the lift and press floor 1. Arriving in a matter of seconds, I spot him talking to a short-haired woman wearing a plain purple robe near the entrance. Whilst chatting, he turns his head as if expecting me. He cocks his head slightly, signaling for me to come over.

The person leaves as soon as I arrive, carrying a few scrolls along the way. He clears his throat, now facing me. "I assume that you're well rested?"

I nod to his question. "I slept well. What about you, general?" His gaze softens, "You don't have to call me by that title. There's no need for such formalities. And to answer your question, yes, I'm well rested, too."

"Hehe, okay, okay. Good to know." There's a short silence between us, but his warm smile never falters. Feeling my cheeks heat up a bit, I look away. "Err... Jing Yuan.." Perhaps he senses my embarrassment, for he quickly brings up a new topic. "Ehem. My apologies for spacing out." A very light blush dusts his cheeks. "Would you like me to get you something? It's not safe exposing yourself yet."

"If it's a burden for you—" He crosses his arm. "It's not a burden, Y/n. So what do you want? I'll deliver it to your room." I look around and spot something that piques my interest. From what it seems, it resembles a stall selling a variety of drinks. I point at it, "What do they sell?" He brings himself towards my level. "Oh? The Sleepless Earl? They provide various kinds of tea.. Would you like to try some immortal delight?"

"As long as it's sweet!" I smile at him. He nods, reaching out his arm towards the lift. "You should go back now. It isn't completely safe yet." As much as I want to explore the inn, I listen to his advice and leave. "It won't take long, I'll be back before you know it." He says, turning his back to me and walking outside.

[Jing Yuan's POV]

After waiting in a long line, I pay for the two drinks and leave the shop. While going back, I feel a vibration in my pocket. I take the phone out, a message from Diviner Fu.

'Just as I predicted, hm? Not an assistant belonging to you, but the general himself running an errand?'

'I've never seen this before. Perhaps...'

'Allow me to stop you right there, Diviner Fu. You are only making baseless assumptions.'

'Heh, if you say so, general. There's more than meets the eye, yes?'

'...'

Sighing heavily, I put away the device and start making my way back to the inn. Before I twist the doorknob, I spot a blur of black in my peripheral vision. Glancing behind, I enter her room with a hint of worry.

"Y/n?"

[End of Jing Yuan's POV]

"Oh! Jing Yuan?" I get up from my bed somewhat excitedly. My eyes light up upon seeing what's in his hand.

He stands there awkwardly, looking away from me. "I seem to have forgotten my manners... My apologies, I didn't knock before coming in. And especially because it's a lady's room.." The few last words trail off as a whisper. I laugh, "I don't mind at all."

It's funny to see the General of the Luofu in this situation. He finally makes eye contact with me while handing one of the Immortal Delights out. "What are those round things at the bottom..?" I bring the cup nearer to my eye level. He only smiles at me as he starts drinking his own. "I suggest you try before asking. I'm sure you'll take a liking to it."

I stick the straw into my cup and sip the drink bit by bit. It's by far one of my favorite drinks already. It isn't too sweet, as I can still taste the tea inside. What makes it more addicting though.. Is the chewy goodness at the bottom.

"I told you so." I sheepishly laugh, still sipping the Immortal Delight. "Yeah... Be prepared to buy me the whole store next time."

He leans against the wall with a knowing smirk. "I can, and I will. Just be sure to tell me when you want it." My lips slightly part at his response. "I'm not sure if you're joking or not. But I'll gladly accept the offer. No take backs!" His smirk grows a bit wider. "Of course, of course."

He finally takes a seat after asking for my permission. We both drink in a comfortable silence. Not long after, nothing is left in our cups. It's saddening to see this heavenly concoction completely finished...

Noticing my small pout, he chuckles and takes my empty cup away. "I'll purchase some more next time. For now..." He stands up, throwing the cups away. "I'll be guarding you for tonight. I still sense some danger lurking around." His face becomes serious.

I sigh softly. "I understand."

...

"Wait. Like... Here? In my room?"

"I wonder where else would be an effective way of protecting you."

"... I mean..." I rub the back of my neck, heat creeping up to my ears. 'I feel so stupid for asking that. It's DEFINITELY and PAINFULLY obvious that he's supposed to be in my room.. But..'

"Would it be okay for you to stay, though?"

He stands up, about to reach for the door. "Ah. If perhaps you don't feel comfortable—"

I cut him off, abruptly pushing him down back to the chair, holding him firmly in place. "No, no, no, no.. It's totally fine. Just er.. Forget about what I said. Do what you have to do."

I take my hands off him. "Besides, it gets lonely here. Having a company would be nice."

He smiles softly before standing back up. "As you wish."

"Don't venture outside yet, I'll be taking a bath." He says, grabbing his new set of clothes and closing the bathroom door. I'm now left alone again. Out of boredom, I open each of the drawers. After rummaging through it, I noticed a book that says 'Life in Xianzhou'. It seems to be a magazine of some sort. 'Maybe I can learn a bit more about this place. It looks pretty fun to read..'

I dive into the book, the sound of running water accompanying me this evening. Night will begin to fall with the citizens of Xianzhou ending their work for the day.

'I wonder when he's done. I kind of miss seeing his face already.'

...

'Wha- People used to do this..???'  My eyes widen at the newly found fact from the book, blurring my previous thought.

Perhaps it won't be long.