Fortune Across the World

Chapter 82: Another Turmoil as Rumors of Ghosts Spread in the Academy (Part One)

"Hmm?" The old man heard the voice and looked up, "Oh, you're here..."

Ding Qiyu could clearly see the old man's face was flush, his eyes unfocused from heavy drinking.

"Yesterday... you still haven't mastered the movements from yesterday, keep practicing..." The old man struggled to stand, his steps unsteady.

"Master, you..." Qiyu, feeling concerned, supported his arm and spoke frankly, "Master, if you're uncertain about that girl's identity, why not investigate?" Based on his behavior yesterday, Qiyu could only conclude that the girl named "Yi," or someone behind her, must be connected to the old man.

At her words, the old man's façade crumbled, clutching his chest with a trembling hand, "But I'm afraid... what if she isn't... I'm so scared..."

"But avoiding it won't solve anything..." Qiyu advised, though her own words struck a chord of pain within her.

"And what about you? Why don't you face your fears?" The old man countered, meeting Qiyu's gaze.

Is it because those involved can't see clearly? People often give sound advice to others but find it hard to follow themselves. Qiyu lowered her hand, supporting the old man, and confessed quietly, "Yes, because I'm afraid too..." She sank to the ground beside him.

The old man returned to his seat, picking up a wine jar, continuing to drink in silence, lost in thought.

"But I won't avoid it forever. I just hope this dream lasts a bit longer... Before returning, I will tell her, tell her the truth. Whatever her choice, I'll accept it..." Qiyu's voice was distant. Weixi, cherished by her family, might not accept something so against societal norms. Qiyu held little confidence.

Sniffling, Qiyu shook off the melancholy, patting the old man's shoulder, "So, Master, regardless of whether the 'Yi' girl is who you think, you must find out, right?" She added self-mockingly, "Even if it's the worst outcome, if she's not who you hope, nothing changes for you. But for me, it could mean parting ways with Weixi, becoming strangers..."

The old man, moved by her words, retorted angrily, "Are you implying I'm a lonely old man with nothing to lose?" Then he changed his tone, "Don't be so pessimistic. I see that Lu girl is deeply fond of you. The outcome is still uncertain."

Qiyu forced a smile, nodding, "I understand."

"Who knew we two would share misfortune. What was that phrase you used? 'Fellow sufferers'?!" The old man handed Qiyu a sealed jar of Tianlu wine, "Drink?"

"Drink!" Qiyu accepted, breaking the seal and taking several gulps, the alcohol numbing her sorrow, seeing her reflection in the jar. She raised it, quoting, "I drink from my rhinoceros horn cup, to banish eternal sorrow!"

"Tsk, don't spout phrases I can't understand, it gives me a headache!" The old man grumbled, rubbing his temples.

Qiyu, new to drinking, was already tipsy after a few swigs, "Haha, just drink, no need to understand."

The two "fellow sufferers" consoled each other, unaware that another major incident unfolded at the academy. Bidding the old man farewell, Qiyu staggered back, encountering many soldiers. Alarmed, she sobered up and hurried to the women's quarters, worried for Weixi.