Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 32: A New Friendship

[Luo Xiao Zhao]

After Han Jun chased after Li Qing, Xiao Zhao was left to himself. Not knowing what to do, he opted to wander around.

He stopped in front of a stone pathway that had a roof over it. On both sides of the path was a railing that had seats facing inward. If people got tired, they could sit on the seats sheltered by the roof. Once in a while, there were large gaps between the railing and those gaps allowed a person to descend the pathway and step into or through a little garden.

Xiao Zhao was admiring the view as he walked. It was summer here all year long. Though Xiao Zhao's whole clothing was dampened by sweat, he didn't feel a tinge of annoyance. Winter was brutal and he hoped he would never have to see it again. He shivered thinking about the past. What's past is past. He can never hurt me again. Xiao Zhao pushed the unwelcoming thoughts away.

He looked into the garden and caught a glimpse of something moving behind a rock. Curious, he descended the stair that led into the garden. Walking slowly, he tried his best not to make a noise. As he tip-toed past the huge sculpted boulder with lots of holes, he saw a young man stepping on the rock. He was on his tip toes and his neck was strained. His left hand was on the boulder and his right hand reached upward desperately.

Wanting to see what he was reaching for, Xiao Zhao took a step forward. Snap!

"Aaaahhhh!"

Xiao Zhao saw a man on the ground. A basket of berries lay on its side. Its contents spilled everywhere. The man got up hurriedly and bowed, saying, "I-I w-was d-doing n-nothing."

"What were you doing?"

The man lifted his head slowly. "D-don't t-tell a-anyone w-what I w-was d-doing." He glanced around nervously as he bit his lower lip. Xiao Zhao recognized him as Li Qing's roommate: Cao Xin.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me," Xiao Zhao replied.

"R-really?"

"Yeah."

"A-alright. I-I w-was j-just p-picking f-fruits," he said, shoulders still tense.

"Ah. Why's that a big deal?"

The man glanced around quickly and upon seeing no one, leaned forward, cupping his hand to his mouth. Xiao Zhao also leaned forward.

"Y-you r-really w-want t-to k-know?" He lowered his voice.

Xiao Zhao nodded.

His eyes shined as he whispered, "T-these f-fruits c-can g-give y-you b-better v-vision."

Xiao Zhao looked at the fruits. They were small purple round fruits with smooth skin. Xiao Zhao laughed. "These are grapes! What do you mean they can give you better vision? You want to trick me? Nice try! Blind man!'

"It's not a trick! You idiot!"

Xiao Zhao stopped laughing, shocked. "Wait...you...can speak without stuttering?"

"I-" he hesitated. Sighing he replied, "I'll tell you the truth since I can tell you are a good person at heart."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because no one ever stopped to talk to me like you have. Everyone tries to ignore me as much as they can."

"Why are you pretending to stutter?"

Cao Xin sighed again. "It was the only way."

"Only way for what?"

"For them to leave me alone."

"How?"

"I can tell you are not from Jing Du. Everyone knows that hanging around people who stutter a lot is bad luck."