Chapter Six: Open Provocation

Xiao Jiu remained silent. Wang Jiu waited a long while before letting out a gentle sigh and speaking, “Tonight, the town is unusually lively. Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t you take me around?” Wang Jiu slowly extended his hand, waiting for Xiao Jiu’s response. He knew Xiao Jiu would end up softening and agreeing.

Xiao Jiu turned his slightly flushed face to the side and muttered, “Didn’t you make it here by yourself?” This old fox—who was he trying to fool? He moved about the shop with ease, but the moment he stepped outside, he was suddenly helpless?

Wang Jiu seemed to anticipate Xiao Jiu’s retort. He quickly explained, “I was swept out here by the crowd. I’m used to moving about inside the shop, so it’s fine. Outside, during the day, I can see a little light, but at night, I’m not much different from a blind man. I can’t tell where I am, and it scares me.” There was some truth and some falsehood in Wang Jiu’s words: it was true he couldn’t see at night, but he could still tell directions.

Scared? Xiao Jiu’s mouth twitched at this. This old fox… he could lie without even bothering to prepare an excuse. Xiao Jiu thought so to himself, but the next moment, his ears turned red. Impatiently, he grabbed Wang Jiu’s hand and grumbled, “Such a drama queen!”

Wang Jiu naturally heard him. He stumbled as Xiao Jiu yanked him along, but couldn’t hide the smile spreading across his face—he had known this would happen.

Two grown men, hand in hand on the street, drew the attention of passersby, but most of the glances were friendly, full of well-wishing. After all, today was Qinghe Town’s “Willow Moon” festival, a day when all lovers, regardless of gender, were blessed.

Xiao Jiu felt increasingly awkward under so many curious gazes. He asked, “Why is everyone looking at us?” For a moment, he forgot Wang Jiu couldn’t see clearly.

Wang Jiu, with his keen senses, could feel the warmth of so many stares. He knew perfectly well why, but he didn’t want to say it outright—what if he scared Xiao Jiu away? He laughed, “Maybe it’s because you’re just too handsome.”

Xiao Jiu snorted dismissively. “Of course I am! Everyone at home says so—and I think so too, let alone other people!”

Wang Jiu burst out laughing, quickly nodding in agreement.

Xiao Jiu gave their joined hands a little shake. Wang Jiu’s hand, previously ice-cold, was now a bit warmer. Xiao Jiu asked, “What do you want to see? There are sugar figurines, wontons, toys… Oh, and masks. Which would you like to visit first?” Then he remembered Wang Jiu’s eyesight and hastily added, “I’ll describe them for you.”

Wang Jiu’s hand trembled slightly. Xiao Jiu, puzzled, tightened his grip until Wang Jiu steadied. Wang Jiu replied, “Let’s go look at the masks.”

Receiving his answer, Xiao Jiu led Wang Jiu through the bustling crowd toward the mask vendor, keeping a careful eye on him all the while, lest he bump into anyone.

Standing before the vendor, Xiao Jiu didn’t wait for the shopkeeper’s greeting but said directly to Wang Jiu, “Here are beauties’ masks, generals’ masks, monkey masks, pig masks… Which one do you want?”

Wang Jiu pondered, then said, “The pig mask…”

Xiao Jiu was surprised. “Didn’t expect that. You have an unusual taste. Coincidentally, I have a pig mask myself, supposedly bought for me by a servant at a temple fair when I was a child.”

Wang Jiu’s palm grew cold. He replied softly, “Is that so?” After a brief hesitation, he tentatively asked, “Do you remember anything about that temple fair, the time you bought the pig mask?”

Xiao Jiu thought for a moment. “No, I don’t remember. It’s been more than ten years—who could recall that clearly? But it is strange. Ever since then, I’ve been plagued by nightmares. It’s been tormenting. I wish I knew what happened that year—otherwise, all the suffering I’ve endured would have been for nothing!”

The moment these words left Xiao Jiu’s lips, Wang Jiu’s body stiffened and his face turned pale, but he said nothing.

The vendor, cheerful and oblivious, held up a pig mask. “You two have a good eye. My pig masks are the best-sellers. Would you like to buy one?”

Wang Jiu shook his head gently and pulled his hand from Xiao Jiu’s. Xiao Jiu was taken aback, but let go. Wang Jiu staggered away, nearly colliding with someone, and Xiao Jiu hurried to shield him.

Behind them, the vendor, confused, put the mask away and greeted the next customer. “Young man, you’ve got good taste. My monkey masks are the best-sellers. Would you like one?”

Xiao Jiu caught up to Wang Jiu and took his hand again, exasperated. “What’s gotten into you? If you get hurt, what will you do?”

Wang Jiu’s face was expressionless and his tone cold. “It’s getting late. We should return to the tavern.”

For some reason, Xiao Jiu saw a flicker of hurt in Wang Jiu’s usually unreadable face. He said nothing more, only tightened his grip and led Wang Jiu slowly back to the Qilu Tavern.

Today, tasks could wait. There was still time, Xiao Jiu told himself.

After seeing Wang Jiu off to his room, Xiao Jiu returned to his own and collapsed lazily on the bed. Wang Jiu was truly a strange man—how was he supposed to deal with him?

With that question on his mind, Xiao Jiu fell into another nightmare. Once again, everything was awash in red, blood flowing endlessly at his feet. Muffled voices whispered in his ear. Xiao Jiu was afraid, but this time he lifted his head and saw a figure. He couldn’t make out the face, only that the person held a sword, dispatching one life after another, yet not a drop of blood stained him.

As Xiao Jiu watched, a wave of sorrow rose within him. The figure slowly approached. Xiao Jiu involuntarily retreated, cold sweat pouring down his back. As his consciousness finally began to escape the nightmare, he felt as if someone was firmly holding his hand—a touch so familiar, yet he could recall nothing.

Wang Jiu gently smoothed the furrows from Xiao Jiu’s brow. Only when Xiao Jiu’s face relaxed and his frown eased did Wang Jiu sigh softly, drop a light kiss on his forehead, and quietly leave.

Xiao Jiu opened his eyes, a strange heaviness in his gaze. He stared at the spot where a gray robe had just been—Wang Jiu’s. He reached out to touch the lingering warmth, a faint trace that flashed through his mind, dreamlike yet somehow real. Had he met Wang Jiu somewhere before?

The thought surfaced, but he immediately dismissed it. Wang Jiu lived in Qinghe, so far from the Xiao family—how could they have crossed paths before?

But Wang Jiu’s kindness toward him—could it be…? Even in his own mind, Xiao Jiu couldn’t finish the thought. They were both men. Shouldn’t it be like his father courting his mother, marrying, having children, and living happily ever after?

Or perhaps he’d misunderstood. Surely, that was it.

Xiao Jiu tossed and turned, thoughts racing, until he drifted back to sleep—this time without nightmares.

When morning arrived, Xiao Jiu stretched, feeling refreshed. As expected, Wang Jiu was already up. “Breakfast is in the kitchen. Help yourself.”

Xiao Jiu called back, “Alright,” and went to fetch his meal. As he ate, he studied Wang Jiu out of the corner of his eye. He’d rested a whole day yesterday, but today the task had to be done. Since working in secret wasn’t effective, why not take a direct approach?

As the idea took hold, Xiao Jiu couldn’t resist putting it into action. He set down his bowl and chopsticks and walked over to Wang Jiu, who was busy tallying accounts at the counter. Wang Jiu paused, abacus in hand, and asked, “What is it?”

A determined smile curled Xiao Jiu’s lips as he revealed a dagger hidden in the folds of his robe, concealed by his sleeve, and lunged at Wang Jiu. From the outside, it looked like he was simply tugging at Wang Jiu’s sleeve.

Wang Jiu no longer bothered to pretend. With a seemingly effortless flick, he deftly twisted the dagger from Xiao Jiu’s grip and pocketed it. Xiao Jiu then produced more weapons—silver needles, blades, throwing darts…

One by one, Wang Jiu confiscated every last item with ease, finally twisting Xiao Jiu’s arm behind his back. Xiao Jiu was beside himself. This old fox was clearly an expert—he should have guessed! In a last-ditch effort, Xiao Jiu tried to stomp on Wang Jiu’s foot, only to step on his own instead, gasping in pain as he toppled over, dragging Wang Jiu down with him.

In a split second, Wang Jiu twisted so that Xiao Jiu landed on top of him. Xiao Jiu was stunned, suddenly aware of the rapid heartbeat beneath him—he looked up and realized he was pressed against Wang Jiu’s left chest.

His face instantly flushed crimson, and his own heart pounded wildly. Wang Jiu, exasperated, said, “Enough. I’ll keep your things for now. Get up.”

“Ah? Oh. Oh.” Xiao Jiu scrambled up and helped Wang Jiu to his feet. For a moment, he’d been so close to that faint warmth. Staring at Wang Jiu’s lips, Xiao Jiu was lost in thought, recalling the sensation from the night before.

Clearing his head, Xiao Jiu was about to ask for his belongings back when someone interrupted him. Qilu called out loudly, “Hey, kid, I’m back!”

Wang Jiu quickly stashed Xiao Jiu’s confiscated weapons in a box and went to greet him with a smile. “Uncle Qi, why are you back so early?”

Qilu scratched his head but didn’t reply. The old woman beside him covered her mouth and laughed. “Isn’t it because I went along? Saw so many new things, bought too much, and ran out of money, so we had to come back early!”

Finished, she leaned in toward Xiao Jiu, her face alight with delight. “Another youngster! Wonderful! Are you hungry, kid? Shall I make you something to eat?”

Xiao Jiu looked to Wang Jiu for help, but Wang Jiu couldn’t see his pleading eyes. It was Qilu who spoke up. “Don’t scare the boy, old lady! Honestly!”

The old woman finally backed off a little and asked Wang Jiu, “Who’s this boy? Where did he come from?”