Never again

32. Party (3)

Back to the present-

"I said I'm sorry okay?" The blue-robed female apologized. "At least I shared the apples with you."

But the older male just harrumphed. "At least I managed to steal a chicken from that stingy old man."

Sighing irritatedly, Xi Rin held her head in her hand while the surrounding villagers just laugh at the antics of the two. The two continued on along with the crowd as they make their way towards the village chief's house that was decorated with hanging lanterns and the festive colour of red.

News had gotten out not too long ago about the chief was throwing a feast. The whole village was invited, however, none knew of the reason behind the feast.

As they neared the house gate, it could be seen inside was a spacious front courtyard that was already filled with people. The villagers were chatting with one another while others dance and sing. Meanwhile, at the side, tables full of delicious food and pastry were laid out for anyone to take.

As the pair entered the courtyard, a figure in the front caught their eyes. Sitting atop everyone else, was a man dressed in white. Like an immortal, he sat nonchalantly as he watches the villagers interact. His dark hair fell loosely around his shoulder, exuding an air of laziness yet the sense of importance did not dissipate one bit.

The villagers gossiped in a hushed voice, wondering the identity of this seemingly important man and if he was the cause of the party. However, no answers were given as the man just continue to expressionlessly watch the commotion with aloof eyes. The silver mask which covered half of his face only further made him all the more enigmatic.

As Xi Rin and Qiu Zhi interacted with the villagers, the masked man's eyes slowly found its way towards Xi Rin, unable to leave for some reason. She was dressed in light blue with silver thread decorating the sleeves of her robe in a simple design. Nothing fancy nor lavish. Her hair was held up with a silver hairpiece, letting the rest of her inky hair flow down her back from the high ponytail. A piece of hair fell out of the ponytail, framing her small face that wore no makeup and large eyes. Compared to the other females at the party, she was dressed much more simple, a refreshing sight from the flower-like dressed girls.

Yet she was able to catch his eyes when the others couldn't.

Maybe it was her eyes and how it shines a violet colour when the light gets caught in them. Or maybe it's because she's dressed differently from the others?

No, that wasn't it.

It was the way she walked. The way she held herself. Filled with confidence yet a carefree air. It wasn't hunched like the other girls that were trying to appear fragile, innocent, and docile. Her posture was straight as bamboo and her stride was confident.

It was the look in her eyes. So innocent yet they seemed to know so much more. Mischevious and carefree. They shined with a unique violet colour when the light seems to pass through them.

It was the way she talked and the way she smiled. Her eyes would happily curve into crescents as a dimple would appear on her cheeks. So unreserved and carefree as though nothing would be able to hold her down.

Suddenly the simple blue attire seems to fit her so well. It did not hinder her beauty and her charms, but instead, made it glowed even brighter.

Just as Xi Rin suddenly laughed at a joke that someone said, her face suddenly blurred, momentarily turning into someone else. A face that which he was so familiar with. But, the moment he blinked, everything turned back to normal. Like an illusion. A trick of of the mind.

He straightened up his chair, sitting stiffly as he tries to catch glimpse of that figure upon her face once more. But it was gone and all that's left was her brightly smiling face.

But even that smile was enough to make his heart moved.

The man raised a hand to his chest, rubbing the place where his heart lies with a frown on his face.

Lately, his heart seems to ache more than usual.