Ballad of the Desert

Chapter 9: Heart Song

Normally I would send someone to Tian Xiang House to find out where Yi Zhi Xie went. But the normally thorough me did not do that, instead choosing to stay in and go out less. I practice my flute or play games with the girls. Am I purposely avoiding and forgetting? Even with so many years that pass, I'm still afraid to face it. With these thoughts, I keep playing a tune that explains my confusion.

A voice rang from outside the window "I didn't want to bother you until you finished that tune, but why does it go on forever?" as he rapped the door.

I lower the flute "Door is not locked, come in." Huo Qu Bing opened the door and entered, picking up the flute to twirl it around "What were you playing just now? It sounded familiar, but I can't seem to place it."

I'm glad he doesn't pay attention to these things and release a pent up breath. I take back the flute and put it back in the box "What do you want?" He looked at me carefully "To see how you are doing?" I raise my spirits and give him a laugh "I'm fine." He asks "Hiding in the house all day long is fine?" I stare at the table "I feel like not going out."

He suddenly sticks his head in front of my face, eyes pinning mine as he asks "Were those books you asked me for, meant for Li Yan?" He changed the subject so quickly it took me a second to register, before turning my head and answering yes.

He softly whispers in my ear "Did you read it?" His warm breath against my ear causes my face to turn red, and in my sudden nervousness, I shove him away. He touches his chin and stares at me, grinning, and his stares makes me uncomfortable all over. I jump off the pallet "I have things to do, you hurry up and leave."

He slowly stood up "A woman's mood changes faster than the desert weather. It was sunny just a minute ago and now it's blanket by sand and storm."

I open the door without a word and stare at him, indicating he needs to go. His expression hardens and he coldly walks past me. As I'm closing the door, he turns back "Your frigid expression makes a person's insides tingle." I glare at him and shut the door with a bang.

As I'm thinking angry thoughts about Huo Qu Bing, suddenly there is a rap at the door. I ask "Why are you back?" and Hong Gu responds "Where else should I be if not here?"

I laugh and open the door "I was just so annoyed at someone and my anger isn't directed at you." She's happy to see me lively again after being so down and mopey for the last few days. I startle, having been annoyed by Huo Qu Bing, I was so busy being upset that most of my anxiety these past few days have mostly dissipated. Did he.....did he do it on purpose?

Hong Gu and I walk and discuss new business opportunities when suddenly there is a young man harassing a dancer in the courtyard. Hong Gu and I try to intervene, and when the man turns around and sees me, he orders me to halt since I've already turned to leave.

I pretend not to hear and rush off. She rushes to my side and grabs my arms, but I shake her off and take off sprinting. She cries behind me in Xiong Nu language "Big sister Yu Jin, I know it's you, I know it's you......" As she talks her voice is already a woman's voice filled with tears.

I stop but still don't turn around. She walks up to me and takes a deep breath "It's just me here goofing off, the Shan Yu is not here." I turn and face her, the two of us assessing the other person. We don't talk, and Hong Gu takes the dancer and they quickly leave.

"Why are you still the same way? Behaving so boldly in Chang An? Deciding to harass a lady?" I ask with a laugh. Mu Da Duo suddenly grabs me and starts crying "They are said you were dead. They all said you were dead. I cried for an entire year. Why did Yu Dan swear to the Heavens until the day he died that you were dead?"