Fortune Across the World

Chapter 72: Hearts United in a Warm Cave Night (Part Three)

Hearing Lu Weixi's request, Ding Qiyu felt a deep tenderness. How could she have acted so forward with someone as well-mannered and genteel as Xi'er? How could she bear to let her endure such confusion and fear? Taking a deep breath to calm her more intense feelings, Ding Qiyu loosened her grip, withdrawing her hand from Weixi's collar, and pulled her into a comforting embrace, kissing the top of her head. "I'm sorry, Xi'er, I was too impulsive," she said, guilt-ridden.

Blushing deeply, Lu Weixi bit her lip, adjusting her clothes while nestled in Ding Qiyu's arms. She nodded almost imperceptibly, her hands clutching her collar tightly as her heart continued to race uncontrollably. The warmth from Qiyu's touch lingered, a vivid reminder of the moment. Weixi knew Qiyu had stopped out of concern for her, understanding her feelings. She did not dislike Qiyu's touch; she was just shy and fearful, bound by the propriety she'd been taught. If she and Qiyu could be together, she would willingly give herself to Qiyu after marriage.

They sat together in silence, one calming her impulses, the other her heartbeat. The cave was quiet, enveloped in a peaceful stillness.

After a long pause, it was Ding Qiyu who broke the silence, her mind wandering, "Xi'er," she began, watching the occasional sparks in the fire, "if... and I mean if... you ever found out I lied to you, that I wasn't the Qiyu you imagined, what would you do?"

Lu Weixi, trying to let go of the earlier event, was puzzled by the question. She furrowed her brow, sitting up slightly to face Qiyu, "What do you mean by not being the Qiyu I imagined?"

Ding Qiyu smiled, a hint of bitterness unnoticed by Weixi, "Just a thought. Making conversation..."

Not suspecting any deeper reason, Weixi shook her head, "The Qiyu I imagine is the real you. No one is perfect, so you shouldn't worry so much."

Ding Qiyu felt a twinge of disappointment, the words sticking in her throat. Lacking the courage to reveal her heart, she continued along Weixi's line, "I understand." She paused, considering her next words, "Could you accept things that go against societal norms?"

Weixi's face flushed again, assuming Qiyu referred to their earlier intimacy. Avoiding her gaze, she leaned against Qiyu's shoulder, softly replying, "The rules of propriety can't be ignored..."

Ding Qiyu silently nodded, feeling a pang of loss as she tightened her embrace. How long could this closeness last? Would this brush with danger be their most intimate moment? With Weixi unable to see, Ding Qiyu's eyes grew misty, and she murmured a verse, "In the shallows, the reeds are lush, the morning dew not yet dried. My beloved is at the water's edge. Following upstream, the path is long and steep. Following downstream, she seems on an islet." She looked into Weixi's eyes, "Xi'er, the beloved in this poem, is just like you." Could she ever truly win her heart?

Recognizing the familiar rhythm, Weixi asked curiously, "Does this poem mention my name?"

Not wanting to dwell on her doubts, Qiyu composed herself and gently answered, "Yes, it does. The poem speaks of the difficulty in pursuing one's beloved."

"'In the shallows, the reeds are lush, the morning dew not yet dried'..." Weixi repeated, shaking her head, "It's a bit melancholic. I prefer the meaning behind 'The phoenix flies, wings fluttering' more!" She hoped for a harmonious future with Qiyu.

Ding Qiyu neither agreed nor disagreed, "Haha, perhaps we must endure 'the long and arduous path' to achieve 'the phoenix's flight.' Our names seem quite fated, don't they?" Before Weixi could respond, Qiyu's expression grew solemn, and she kissed the corner of Weixi's mouth, retreating slightly to gaze deeply into her bright eyes, "Xi'er, I like you."