Jianghu Demolition Squad

Moving Like the Stars (Part Eight)

Jun Sixue and the others escorted Yu’er out of the inn. Turning around, Yu’er said to them, “It’s cold outside, you three should head back.”

Jun Sixue replied, “Yu’er, we and Third Uncle will stay here a few more days. If you change your mind, you can come back anytime!”

After parting with the three, Yu’er walked down the street feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders, making her feel unusually light.

On the side of the street, an old man was setting up a stall with red paper, brushes, and ink spread out on the table. He swung his arm as he wrote couplets, attracting a line of waiting people. It was only then that Yu’er remembered that the end of the year was approaching.

At the end of the street stood an old elm tree, its branches thick and sturdy, adorned with what looked like silver and jade.

Yu’er noticed a corner of a white robe fluttering beside the tree trunk. Her heart stirred, and she quickly approached. As she drew closer, she caught the side profile of the person leaning against the tree, her heart filling with indescribable joy.

She didn’t know how long she had been waiting there.

Whenever something happened, Qing Jiu always let her make her own choices; it had always been like this. That’s why Qing Jiu said nothing and coaxed her to come here, yet quietly waited. Could it be because she couldn’t bear to see her leave?

The scent of candied fruits spread sweetly from her arms. Yu’er felt sweetness filling both her mouth and her heart. She walked up to her, tilted her head, and smiled, “What are you doing here?”

Qing Jiu dusted off her clothes and walked over with a composed expression, saying, “You were gone so long, I thought something might have happened to you. I came to check on you.”

Yu’er smiled and chose not to expose her. She walked up to her and they walked shoulder to shoulder, so close that their hands were almost touching.

Very naturally, Yu’er reached out and grabbed her hand. The hands were soft and cool, no longer as broad as she remembered. Now they were almost the same size, fitting perfectly in her palm.

Qing Jiu looked at her and teased, “What? Afraid I’ll get lost?”

“Mhm,” Yu’er replied.

Qing Jiu became interested and asked with a smile, “What if I really get lost? Will Yu’er come and find me?”

“Mhm,” Yu’er replied louder this time.

Qing Jiu clicked her tongue and shook her head, “That sounds a bit half-hearted.”

Yu’er laughed lightly, full of certainty, “No matter where you are, I will find you. I’ll be the first one to find you.”

“Mm, that answer sounds much better,” Qing Jiu smiled.

The next day was still clear and bright, and the group packed up to head to Yangzhou.

By the time they arrived in Yangzhou, it was almost New Year’s Eve.

The snow melted and accumulated intermittently throughout the winter, leaving everything draped in white.

On this New Year’s Eve, as usual, Qing Jiu and the others were busy preparing a table for the New Year’s Eve dinner. Compared to last year, the conditions in Qixian Palace were much better than those in Xiaoqing Mountain.

Yu’er was wearing a fox fur coat, her feet crunching on the snow. In the courtyard, there was an evergreen tree under which Qing Jiu and Qi Tianzhu were digging.

Yu’er had been recuperating in Qixian Palace and her body had mostly recovered. Yesterday, Gong Shang had played the zither for her; she had only just woken up.

Watching the two busy themselves, Yu’er’s face lit up with a bright smile, more radiant than the winter snow scenery, “If you destroy the Qixian Palace like this, Palace Master Gong Shang will kick you out when he finds out.”

The rumors about the Jianghu said that wherever the Seven Star Lords went, not a blade of grass would grow. As Yu’er recalled, from the Fanyun Fuyu Thirteen Fortresses to Jiangnan’s Qin Manor, Yanyu Pavilion, the Tomb of King Cheng, and Mingjian Manor, they were either half-destroyed or burned to ashes, truly living up to the rumor.

After Qi Tianzhu finished digging, he looked up at Yu’er with a smile, “Qing Jiu’s brewed wine is ready. It’s just the right time to wash it with the pure snow and bury it in the ground during the cold winter.”

Yu’er walked over and squatted down, ready to help them cover the pit with soil.

Qing Jiu pulled her up, laughing, “Stop messing around, you’ll get dirty. Go back to your room and rest.”

Yu’er smiled at Qing Jiu, refraining from touching the soil, yet she did not leave either. She stood by Qing Jiu’s side, catching a whiff of the crisp fragrance of wine on her, overshadowing the peach blossom scent. “Are you going to bury all of these?”

Qi Tianzhu replied, “We’ll keep two jars for tonight’s reunion dinner and send two more to Palace Master Gong. The girl hasn’t tasted wine yet, it’s time she tried Qing Jiu’s craftsmanship.”

In jianghu, there was no one who didn’t drink. The free-spirited often bond over wine and martial art skills, turning brief encounters into lifelong friendships. Previously, they hadn’t encouraged Yu’er to drink—partly because no one really cared about it and partly because she was still young.

Looking at the rows of wine jars, Yu’er thought of her master, Jie Qianchou, and sighed, “I wonder how master is doing.” After Jie Qianchou returned to Xiaoqing Mountain, he had sent a message through Yanyu Pavilion informing Yu’er that he had been injured during the battle at Mingjian Manor. In addition to his grief, his state of mind had also deteriorated, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted, so he had gone into seclusion.

Qing Jiu said, “After the New Year, when we have time, we’ll go to Xiaoqing Mountain to visit Elder.”

Yu’er nodded and then remembered, “I wonder when Hua Lian and Mo Wen will return.”

“If Mo Wen is successful, she should be back by New Year. As for Hua Lian…” Qing Jiu paused, then continued, “Today, Yanyu Pavilion sent a message that the crisis with Meiren Gu has been resolved, and he should be on his way back.”

There were some things Yu’er didn’t know yet. She said happily, “That’s great, isn’t it? How far is he from Yangzhou? Can he arrive today?”

Qing Jiu removed her mud-splattered cloak, and Yu’er instinctively took it from her.

Bending down, Qing Jiu scooped up some snow and used it to clean the mud off her hands. It took a good while before she spoke.

Yu’er noticed her lips slightly parting, a wisp of white mist slowly escaping as she let out a faint sigh.

“He won’t make it. Even if he comes back, he might return to Hangzhou.”

“Hangzhou?”

“His home.”

Yu’er belatedly remembered that there was a time when someone had joked with Hua Lian, saying that he was a wealthy young master from Hangzhou. She had thought it was just teasing, but was it actually true?

Qi Tianzhu remarked, “It’s rather quiet this year.”

As the three of them were talking, a person leaped onto the eaves. Dressed in a green robe, he stood out in the snow like a lone bluebird, landing lightly with his hands tucked in his sleeves.

Qing Jiu asked the newcomer, “Where are Yan Li and Linzhi?”

Yang Chun came forward with a grin, “Didn’t you hear the news from Brother Hua?”

Showing a thumbs-up, Yang Chun boasted, “He single-handedly killed a notorious outlaw, removing a scourge for the people. Impressive!”

Qing Jiu glanced at him indifferently. Sensing the need to shift the conversation, Yang Chun added, “Meiren Gu is dead. Miss Tang went back to the Tang Sect’s outpost to report the news, so that no one would take on this mission anymore. Miss Yan Li went to show her the way.”

Qi Tianzhu, surprised, asked, “Why go now? Can they make it back tonight?”

Yang Chun replied, “What’s the big deal? It’s right in the city, no need to run around on New Year’s Eve.” After saying this, Yang Chun seemed reflective, for he himself was one to roam around on New Year’s Eve.

“So that’s how it is.”

Yang Chun, curious, squeezed in and asked, “What treasure are we burying here?”

“The fine wine brewed by Sister Qing Jiu. How about it, Brother Yang Chun? We could share a few drinks tonight.”

Yang Chun replied cheerfully, “Of course.”

Yu’er chuckled from the side, “This year might not be so quiet after all. We have one person who can make up for two.”

Yang Chun alone was livelier than Hua Lian and Mo Wen combined.

The three exchanged smiles, leaving Yang Chun bewildered. He joked, “What bad things are you saying about me now?”

In the evening, everyone gathered around the table. The cold wind howled outside, and fine snow began to fall, but inside, the room was bright and warm. A pot of soup bubbled on the stove, emitting steam, and each person had a bowl of longevity noodles in front of them, prepared by Qing Jiu herself.

Yang Chun held his chopsticks in his hand, feeling overwhelmed with honor. He laughed, “Oh my, this is the first time in my life that I’ve ever eaten a bowl of longevity noodles. Such great kindness and virtue, great kindness and virtue!” His voice trembled slightly. Men do not easily shed tears, and being generally cheerful, he didn’t want to cry in front of everyone. He quickly stuffed a mouthful of noodles into his mouth, choking slightly because of the emotion caught in his throat.

Yang Chun picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, and finally managed to swallow the noodles. He let out a long sigh of relief, feeling an indescribable satisfaction.

He laughed and asked Qing Jiu, “This is really good wine! Where did you learn to brew this?”

After saying this, he and Qi Tianzhu clinked cups and drank another round.

Qing Jiu replied, “An Elder taught me.”

Seeing Yang Chun and Qi Tianzhu drinking merrily, the others couldn’t help but feel their spirits lift. Despite some troubles lingering around them, nothing could dampen the festive cheer of New Year’s Eve.

As the saying goes, if there is wine today, get drunk today; if worries come tomorrow, worry about them tomorrow.

Yu’er watched with eagerness to try. Qing Jiu poured her a cup and said, “Try this.”

Yu’er picked up the wine and, imitating Yang Chun, downed it in one gulp. Her mouth was filled with the crisp fragrance of the wine, but in an instant, it turned into a stream of fire burning from her mouth to her stomach. At first, she felt slightly nauseous, followed by a tingling sensation at the back of her head, leaving her feeling light and dizzy.

Yu’er stared blankly at Qing Jiu, her mind seeming to have slowed down.

Qing Jiu laughed, “Who told you to drink so much at once?”

To her surprise, Yu’er placed the wine cup in front of her, looked at her, and slurred, “More.”

Qing Jiu poured her another cup. Yan Li joked, “I didn’t realize she was such a little drinker.”

Tang Linzhi also laughed, “I bet she won’t last more than three cups.”

The group chatted and drank through the night, the conversation ranging from one topic to another until past midnight.

Situated in the middle of Yangzhou, the sounds of firecrackers from nearby homes filled the air around Qixian Palace, adding to the festivities.

The table was never short of wine. As the small stove under the pot went out, a few wisps of smoke lingered in the air, and the dishes and cups were all empty. Yang Chun and the others went a little wild that night, all ending up drunkenly sprawled across the table, unconscious.

Yu’er was the same, her cheeks flushed more beautifully than spring flowers, her head propped up and her eyelids half-closed, barely resisting the pull of sleep.

Qing Jiu alone remained sober as usual, sitting facing the outside, her glass of golden wine rippling in harmony with the bustling noise from all the houses around, drinking it all in.

Qing Jiu stood up and patted Yu’er on the shoulder, saying, “Yu’er, go back to your room and sleep. Don’t mix with them, or you might catch a cold.” Their bodies weren’t as resilient as Yu’er’s current state.

Yu’er, in a daze, stood up. Qing Jiu asked, “Can you stand steadily, or do you need me to carry you?”

Yu’er shook her head but stretched out a hand and said, “Just hold my hand.” Perhaps because of the alcohol, her voice was exceptionally soft.

Qing Jiu’s heart stirred, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. She held Yu’er’s hand and led her outside, “It’s okay to act a little spoiled towards me at times like this.”

To her surprise, Yu’er lowered her head in thought, as if considering it, and then shook her head seriously, “No, I want to walk together with Qing Jiu.”

Qing Jiu laughed, “Stubborn.”

The candlelight within the lanterns was faint, but for Qing Jiu and Yu’er, it was enough to illuminate their path.

They walked around the corridor and into the courtyard, the white snow crunching softly beneath their feet.

Yu’er’s foot slipped, and she stumbled, half-kneeling on the ground. Fortunately, the snow had accumulated quite deeply, so she didn’t get hurt.

Qing Jiu laughed, “I told you to let me carry you.”

She crouched down beside her, reaching out to help her up.

Yu’er turned her head slowly, her gaze locking with Qing Jiu’s. Their eyes met, searching deeply, as they drew unbearably close in the enveloping silence.

The scent of Qing Jiu, mingled with the crispness of the winter wind, wafted towards Yu’er, causing her breath to catch. Though the cold snowflakes dusted their shoulders, a warm flush spread from the nape of Yu’er’s neck, unbidden and intense.

She found herself staring into Qing Jiu’s eyes, which seemed like whirlpools pulling her deeper into their depths, ensnaring her completely, leaving no room for escape.

Driven by an unconscious urge, Yu’er edged closer, each movement shrinking the already scant space between them. Perhaps influenced by the alcohol, she felt as if she were floating in a space where only they existed.

Yu’er gently lifted her chin, her lips finally touching the spot she had longed for. The softness she encountered melted her heart instantly, overwhelming her with a desire to lose herself completely in that moment.

Impatient for more, Yu’er’s actions became more urgent. Her hands clutched at Qing Jiu’s collar, her entire body pressing fervently against hers. With a surge of emotion she couldn’t contain, Yu’er pushed Qing Jiu back into the soft, cold snow.

Seizing the chance to be even closer, Yu’er pressed her body against Qing Jiu, enveloped by the comforting warmth of her presence. A wave of tingling sensations shot up from her spine to the top of her head, igniting every sense. She eagerly extended her soft tongue, gently pressing against Qing Jiu’s teeth, as if seeking permission to explore the depths beyond the gates she longed to open.

But Qing Jiu placed her hands on Yu’er’s shoulders and pushed her away, calling out, “Yu’er.”

Yu’er’s body shivered, feeling as though all the warmth had suddenly drained from her veins, leaving a chilling emptiness. The bewildered look in her eyes faded away, replaced by a dawning clarity.

As she reflected on Qing Jiu’s response, Yu’er realized she had kissed her inexplicably. Although partially clouded by daze, her deeper intent had been to use the haze of drunkenness as a veil to express her buried feelings.

Haunted by her previous encounter with Ren Qingkuang and filled with remorse, she resolved to avoid ending up with similar regrets—not being able to tell her that she loved her.

She clenched her teeth, her heart aching with a sharp pang of rejection. She had harbored a flicker of hope, but Qing Jiu’s calm dismissal had extinguished it swiftly…

Were all those intimate moments they shared just figments of her hopeful imagination?

Confused and desperate, Yu’er embraced her: “Do you find me disgusting?”

Qing Jiu tried to pull away and called out, “Yu’er!”

Unable to bear the despair welling up in her heart, Yu’er burst into tears for the first time. Scalding tears fell on Qing Jiu’s neck as she sobbed, “Do you hate me now?”

Qing Jiu attempted to pull away again but noticed that Yu’er simply wouldn’t let go, her grip tight with apparent terror. Torn between laughter and tears, Qing Jiu lay back in the snow, still holding her, and said, “I’m the one who was taken advantage of, why are you crying?”

Yu’er said, “I…” She had considered that her feelings might not be reciprocated and could distance her from Qing Jiu, but she couldn’t suppress her desire, the torment of longing but not being able to touch.

Tears burning in her eyes, Yu’er clung tightly to Qing Jiu, her voice trembling as desperate as one on the brink of death: “I like you, Qing Jiu, I love you.”

As she pressed her face against Qing Jiu’s neck, tears streamed down unchecked. Yu’er was surprised by her own ability to cry so much: “I love you.”

Qing Jiu responded with gentle affection, her fingers tenderly threading through Yu’er’s hair, caressing down to her temples and lightly brushing past her ears. This soft touch sent a mix of comfort and anxiety through Yu’er, making her heart flutter and ache simultaneously.

Qing Jiu’s voice was a mix of amusement and calm as she chuckled softly, “So you rushed into kissing me here, without a thought for who might see us?”

Yu’er lifted her head abruptly, meeting Qing Jiu’s gaze, the remnants of tears glistening at the corners of her eyes. She bit her lip slightly, her voice firm yet pleading, “Qing Jiu, don’t always make me guess what you mean. I need to hear you say it clearly.”

Qing Jiu’s words were always wrapped in ambiguity, leaving others to interpret their meaning. Although Yu’er could glean from these hints that Qing Jiu didn’t outright reject her, certainty eluded her.

Yu’er looked anxious and visibly distressed.

After a teasingly long silence, Qing Jiu helped Yu’er to her feet and brushed the snow off herself, saying, “It’s too cold here, let’s go back inside.”

Qing Jiu walked toward the bedroom with Yu’er following closely behind, her mind still hanging in suspense despite having sobered up.

Upon entering the room, Yu’er’s restraint broke, and she blurted out, “Qing Jiu!”

Qing Jiu turned, locking eyes with her, and confessed, “I like you. I like Yu’er.”

Touching her own chest with a tender smile, Qing Jiu teased, “Didn’t you feel it, Yu’er?”

Yu’er’s heart hadn’t even settled on solid ground when it exploded like fireworks on New Year’s Eve, a mix of elation and overwhelming sentiment washing over her as tears streamed down her face: “Because Qing Jiu is always vague and ambiguous.”

Qing Jiu, with a wry smile, observed, “Why are you crying again? Since I’ve known you, you’ve only cried three times, and today makes two.”

Qing Jiu reached for a handkerchief to wipe her tears, but Yu’er, driven by a surge of urgency, grasped her arm and pulled her into a kiss.

Yu’er pressed forward, gently but insistently, guiding Qing Jiu backwards until they tumbled onto the bed.

As Yu’er touched the woman she had longed for day and night, her pent-up desire erupted. The simple act of kissing unleashed a pleasure so intense, so profound, that Yu’er was left breathless and yearning for more. Each kiss, tender and exploratory, carried the promise of uncharted bliss.

Qing Jiu tried to turn away, but Yu’er, undeterred, redirected her affections to Qing Jiu’s earlobe, showering it with kisses and gentle bites before trailing down to her neck.