Fortune Across the World

Chapter 88: When Dreams Shatter (Part One)

Time, ever indifferent, never lingers for anyone. As the first-year curriculum at the academy concluded, students began packing their belongings, preparing for their journey home. Tomorrow marked the day of departure, and it was time for Ding Qiyu to awaken from her dream, by her own hand.

After listening to the dean's summary of the year's lessons in Sanwen Hall, Qiyu returned with Lu Weiming to pack. Her belongings remained as simple as when she arrived, with the addition of the Unpredictable Sword, some scrolls, and handwritten notes on mechanics, unsure of what she might lose.

With her luggage prepared, Qiyu felt a heavy heart. She slowly tidied her attire, her palm cradling the sachet Weixi had given her, thumb tracing its embroidery. After a long, dazed moment, she finally removed it from her belt, placing it carefully inside her tool bag.

Familiar with the path, she reached Weixi's courtyard, noticing the "Xiaoyaolu" plaque she had carved was gone. Exhaling, she hesitated several times before mustering the courage to knock.

"Who is it?" Qing'er's voice called from inside after a wait.

"It's me, Ding Qiyu." Unlike before, she wasn't here to invite Weixi to play music.

Opening the door, Qing'er appeared surprised, "Young Master Ding? What brings you here?" With their return home imminent, she wondered if there was still time for music.

Ignoring the question, Qiyu asked, "Have you packed?"

Qing'er nodded, "Yes, everything's ready."

Hearing voices, Weixi emerged from the study, delighted to see Qiyu, "Qiyu, what brings you here now? Are you packed?"

Qiyu smiled, though it was strained, "Yes, I'm ready." Stepping closer, she added, "Weixi, I have something to tell you."

The seriousness in Qiyu's expression sobered Weixi's joy, filling her with unease. Glancing at Qing'er, she suggested, "Let's talk in the study."

Following Weixi inside, Qiyu shut the door, eyes closed in silence until Weixi nervously called her name. Turning, she spoke without hesitation, "Weixi, do you remember when I asked in the cave, 'What if I'm not who you think I am?'"

Confused, Weixi couldn't grasp Qiyu's intent, but sensed the gravity of it, her anxiety growing. Seeing the pain and unresolved sorrow in Qiyu's eyes, she felt a pang of hurt, grasping Qiyu's sleeve, "Qiyu, what's wrong? What do you want to say?"

Resolute, Qiyu met Weixi's gaze, finally confessing, "I want to say, if I'm not who you imagine, if... I'm not a man, what would you do?" Her voice faltered, betraying her suppressed emotions.

Weixi's eyes widened, momentarily stunned, instinctively releasing Qiyu's sleeve to clutch her handkerchief, shaking her head, "Qiyu, what are you joking about? You're not a man? How is that possible?" She couldn't comprehend—what did this mean?

A crack appeared in Qiyu's heart. Weixi's reaction hinted at the outcome, yet she pressed on, "But it's the truth. I'm not a man. I... I'm like you, a woman—"

"How can a woman have that body?" Weixi interrupted, recalling Qiyu's embrace in the cave, undeniably male. She couldn't believe, didn't want to, couldn't bear to.

"Because when I came to Da Qian, the barrier changed my constitution, making me like this," Qiyu explained, prepared for the question. Only Weixi knew she wasn't from Da Qian.