Fortune Across the World

Chapter 87: The Fleeting Goodbye (Part Two)

"Weixi, while you play the zither, the real Qiyu is with you, so why would you need the wooden one?" Weixi teased, genuinely fond of the little wooden Qiyu but more eager to have the real Qiyu always by her side. Turning, she caught a glimpse of sadness in Qiyu's eyes, mistaking her words for misunderstanding. She hurriedly tried to explain, "I really love the gift, Qiyu, don't misunder—" Before she could finish, Qiyu pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I know, I know. I'll always be with you," Qiyu whispered, swallowing the words she dared not voice, as a surge of sorrow and anxiety welled up inside her.

Weixi sensed Qiyu's emotions but couldn't fathom what troubled her. Resting contentedly in Qiyu's arms, she gently patted Qiyu's back, soothing her. "Qiyu hasn't seen my gift yet," she reminded.

Qiyu, chiding herself for her moment of weakness, realized she shouldn't be so pessimistic without knowing the outcome. Releasing Weixi, she allowed her to step back.

Weixi produced the sachet she'd spent several nights embroidering. Knowing the traditional significance of gifting a sachet as a pledge of love, she blushed, too shy to hand it directly to Qiyu. Instead, she whispered, "Let me put it on you." She knew Qiyu wouldn't reject her sentiment.

Seeing the sachet, Qiyu's heart filled with joy, replacing her earlier bitterness. She stood still, arms slightly open, as if waiting to be dressed, obediently echoing, "Alright, Weixi, please put it on me."

Stepping closer, Weixi tied the sachet carefully at Qiyu's waist. As she withdrew, Qiyu enveloped her in another embrace, this time capturing her lips in a tender kiss. Weixi shivered, a deep blush coloring her ears, her heartbeat quickening. Despite their growing intimacy, such gestures always left her flustered and shy. Yet, she never resisted, closing her eyes and holding Qiyu tightly, savoring the sweetness Qiyu brought her.

Qiyu's hands moved gently over Weixi's back, kissing her deeply and passionately, until Weixi, weakened, leaned against her.

Breaking the kiss, Qiyu supported Weixi, who was breathless and leaning on her chest. Relishing the lingering taste of their kiss, she inspected the sachet at her waist. The light yellow sachet featured an intricate design of a phoenix soaring among rushes, symbolizing "phoenix in flight" and "contentment." These motifs, tied to their names and shared as a secret, were meaningful to them both. The sachet's other side bore a neatly stitched "Xi" character. The sachet was beautifully crafted, filled with Weixi's favorite orchid scent, adorned with two lustrous white jade beads. Qiyu admired it deeply, appreciating its loving symbolism and cherishing it as Weixi's token of affection.

Having calmed her racing heart, Weixi noticed Qiyu's unabashed delight, responding with a shy, sweet smile. As long as Qiyu cherished it, everything was worthwhile. In the future... she dreamed of embroidering handkerchiefs, inner garments, and fulfilling her duties as a wife for Qiyu.

...

As their departure loomed, Yun Ke and Yun Yi invited Qiyu for a gathering at Zhexian Tower. Qiyu, burdened by the impending farewell, accepted. If Weixi accepted her, she'd return next year with Weixi to see them. If not, this might be their last meeting. Having grown fond of the siblings as friends, Qiyu felt reluctant to part.

Raising her cup, Qiyu spoke candidly, "Yun Ke, Yun Yi, I don't know when we'll meet again after this. It's been my good fortune to befriend you both!" She then downed the bitter drink.