Hui wandered back into town as the sun began to set. The street quieted by this hour, only a few townsfolk still out. Instead, the aroma of dinner began to fill the air as the various families settled in for the night. He strode down the high street, hands behind his back, walking along like a wandering cultivator.
Hmm, yep. Definitely just walking along the road to have a nice afternoon stroll. Definitely not aimlessly wandering because I dont know where Jie Xinlei lives.
If youre going to invite to dinner so insistently, make sure you tell where dinner is! I cant eat dinner if I cant find dinner!
I an, ahem. I have no interest in sothing as mortal as dinner. However if delicious chicken were to appear before rather, if a beautiful Immortal maiden were to make chicken, it would be incredibly rude to refuse it! Right, right.
Haaa. I really dont know if I should go find her or not. I know I shouldnt give Jie Xinlei hope, and after all, it isnt like I need to eat. Still, I love chicken, and Immortal chicken does sound delicious. It probably strengthens , too! All kinds of benefits from this dish. Plus, isnt it possible I might be able to get more information from Jie Xinleis parents, if her parents co to dinner?
Eh, wait. Is this a eting-the-parents kind of dinner? Im not ready, Im not ready!
No, no. No need to panic. I have no intention of wedding Jie Xinlei. Thats all on her end. Its rely going to be the awkward one-side-introducing-the-parents-while-the-other-ones-a-good-friend dinner.
Hui paused. He shook his head and sighed. Sohow, thats worse than an actual eting-the-parents dinner.
Still, Immortal chicken is Immortal chicken. Think of all the potential benefits! Even if its just tasty, think of how good its going to taste!
But et the parents
But benefits
But this whole village is spooky
But the tasty chicken
But giving Jie Xinlei false hope
Xiao Hui!
Hui spun, startled out of his thoughts by a cheery voice. Jie Xinlei jogged toward him, one hand raised, her usual smile on her face.
He managed a conflicted smile. Jie Xinlei!
She reached him and bent over, bracing herself on her knees. After a mont, she stood, shaking her head at him. I was looking all over for you. Where were you?
Testing out the barrier I shouldnt say that, though. Hui waved his hand. I was getting the lay of the land.
Oh! You should have asked . I can show you around. I know all the good places around town. Theres this nice little spot up the hill where wild berries grow She turned, pointing over her shoulder at a low hill in the near distance.
Maybe tomorrow, Hui suggested.
Jie Xinlei flinched subtly. Her smile flagged for a mont, only to quickly flash back up. Oh! Of course. Just let know.
Hui noted her expression, but said nothing. He gestured for her to lead the way.
Ive been cooking all afternoon. Just wait until you see it all! Jie Xinlei said, bubbling with excitent. She skipped along beside Hui, humming to herself.
Huis stomach twisted. Now I feel bad all over again. Bad for thinking about skipping, but also bad for allowing her to do this. She obviously expects more from than I can give.
Jie Xinlei, I
She raised her hand. Just enjoy dinner. Dont think about anything else. Lets enjoy tonight.
Hui nodded. I understand, Elder Sister. After all, I decided to go through with this for her. Jie Xinlei wants this. Its easy for to comply. If it makes her happy, then its fine.
She led him to a small, clean house off a narrow back road. A broad spread of dishes covered her table. The promised chicken sat in a prominent spot at the tables center, while vegetable dishes and a set of neat dumplings laid beside it. Fragrant, steaming immortal rice emanated qi so rich Hui could feel it from where he stood. He stepped forward instinctively, almost drooling.
Jie Xinlei hurried to offer him a seat, then hovered beside him, filling his plate for him. Tea?
Er, II can handle this myself, Elder Sister, Hui said, incredibly uncomfortable.
If you wont be my husband, let at least have this, she said quietly.
Hui stiffened. Why is she acting as if shes been defeated already? For soone who was so determined to build a relationship with , she gave up surprisingly easily.
Jie Xinlei set the plate down in front of him, and Hui forgot everything. Savory scents swirled in his nose, the delicate herbs used to flavor the chicken mingling with the chickens own umami fragrance. He dug in, taking a big bite of chicken.
All those flavors burst on his tongue. Sweet citrus, sharp herbs, a perfectly buttery-juicy chicken. He swallowed, closing his eyes to enjoy the flavor. Ah worth it. Forget all my fears. This is totally worth it!
Is it to your liking? Jie Xinlei asked, smiling.
Its delicious, Hui enthused. You could open a restaurant!
Maybe I should, Jie Xinlei said, chuckling. She offered him another piece of chicken. More?
Hui held his plate up.
Eating and chatting, the two of them wasted the night away. At last, Hui sat back, patting his stomach. Thats enough. Thank you, Elder Sister.
She smiled, nodding. Watching him, she said nothing, but simply waited.
Hui tilted his head. Is there a problem?
No, I I just want to savor our ti together, she said wistfully.
What do you
That oddly familiar energy surged again. It stirred all around him, rippling on the air. Hui frowned. His eyes grew heavy.
Jie Xinleis smile morphed into lancholy. She put a hand on his. Xiao Hui, I wish you would rember this.
Of course Ill rember this. This was the best al I ever had, Hui insisted, but even as he did, his eyelids drooped. The urge to sleep grew stronger, almost overwhelming. He resisted, pushing his eyes open. Why am I so tired? I shouldnt have to sleep.
Jie Xinlei shook her head. Her eyes glimred with tears. Gently clenching his hand, she said, You wont.
Another wave of that strange power swept through him. Hui frowned. I know Ive felt that before. But where?
Before his eyes, Jie Xinlei grew blurry. His head dropped, eyes shutting. He forced himself to sit up again, but his head grew so heavy, so very heavy that he couldnt hold it up. His eyes closed.
Oh! That powerI rember!
The power swept through him, and he thought no more.
Reviews
All reviews (0)