Love of Nirvana (Liu Shui Tiao Tiao)

Chapter 39 A Dance of Intimacy and Distance

The sky above was pitch-black, with only a few cold stars faintly visible. Mist swirled around, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Jiang Ci watched as Pei Yan leaned down, his teasing smile fading slightly. His gaze held a hint of focus and curiosity that made her heart flutter. As his warm breath drew near, she felt dizzy and instinctively turned her head. Pei Yan's moist lips brushed against her right cheek.

Time seemed to pause for a moment. Jiang Ci's eyes widened, her heart racing as if it would leap from her chest. The overwhelming sensation was too much to bear. Her soaked inner garments clung to her body, intensifying the feeling of pressure until she couldn't help but cough several times.

Pei Yan lifted his head, his smile a bit stiff. He quickly rolled off Jiang Ci, lying on the ground and laughing breathlessly, "Look how scared you are! What, afraid I'd take advantage of you? Don't worry, you country girl. Even if you were offered to me, I wouldn't be interested!"

Jiang Ci felt a tightness in her chest. She reached out, repeatedly patting her chest and tugging at her wet clothes. As Pei Yan's laughter subsided, he took a few deep breaths and stood up. Seeing Jiang Ci's state, he said coldly, "What a useless girl! I'm tired and going to sleep in the thatched cottage." He turned towards the small hill to the right of the stone pool where the cottage stood. After a few steps, he looked back, "I'm going to sleep and don't like being disturbed. Stay here by yourself, and don't come bothering me because you're scared." With that, he disappeared into the darkness.

After a long while, Jiang Ci's breathing steadied, and her heartbeat no longer felt so frightening. She slowly sat up, muttering, "Always bullying me... What kind of hero are you? One day, I'll bully you back. Just wait and see!"

Her initial shock gave way to anger. She suddenly took off her wet shirt and hung it by the fire. She kicked the fire vigorously and shouted towards the cottage, "You dead crab! You're despicable and shameless! One day, I, Jiang Ci, will make sure you never recover!"

Inside the cottage, Pei Yan sat on a bamboo couch. He slowly raised his right hand, touching his lips, then gradually closed his eyes.

Jiang Ci dried her clothes one by one and put them back on. She sat blankly by the fire, staring at the misty water surface. After a long while, she felt an inexplicable sadness and buried her head between her knees.

Light footsteps approached and stopped beside her. She silently turned away.

Pei Yan looked down at Jiang Ci's back and said coldly, "Get up! Do you plan to stay here all night?"

Jiang Ci remained silent and didn't move.

Pei Yan suddenly bent down, grabbed her left wrist, and pulled her up, striding back the way they had come. Jiang Ci stumbled as he dragged her, shouting angrily, "I'm not your slave! Don't tell me what to do!"

Pei Yan let go of her hand without looking back. "You can stay here if you want. But don't blame me if tigers or wolves come to bully you!" He continued walking down the mountain.

Remembering his words, Jiang Ci finally felt a bit scared. After a moment's hesitation, she hurried to catch up but didn't dare get too close. She used her lightness skill to follow three or four steps behind him.

Pei Yan walked with his hands behind his back, hearing the footsteps behind him. He pursed his lips and shook his head slightly.

That night, Jiang Ci couldn't sleep, tossing and turning in bed. At dawn, she heard Pei Yan get up outside and the soft swishing sounds from the courtyard, knowing he was practicing with his sword. Unable to resist, she put on a robe and got out of bed, opening the window to look outside.