Eighty

Looking at the figure ahead, Wang Bo’s mind momentarily went blank. How could he describe it? The girl before him was simply too beautiful. Her skin was fairer than snow, her eyes clear and limpid like a still pool, sparkling and expressive as if they could speak. She wore a white dress that set off her rosy cheeks, making her look irresistibly cute. In his daze, Wang Bo felt as if mist and clouds gathered behind her, lending her an otherworldly aura.

“This, this, this…” Seeing the girl before him, Wang Bo blushed, his tongue tied, and he stammered as he spoke.

Watching Wang Bo’s awkward demeanor, the girl grew even angrier. Without a second thought, she lifted her foot and stomped down hard on Wang Bo. He, too distracted by her beauty and his mind utterly blank, failed to dodge her sudden attack. As expected, Wang Bo was ruthlessly stamped on by the girl, who, still not appeased, twisted her foot several times for good measure.

“Aah!” A pitiful cry echoed far and wide.

Wang Bo, clutching his foot, sat to the side, aggrieved, looking much like a wronged bride. The girl, her face flushed, stood with hands on her hips, glaring furiously at Wang Bo—a situation as bizarre as could be.

“Well, well, I really didn’t mean it. Besides, it’s nothing, really…” Wang Bo protested, feeling very wronged. He hadn’t done much, yet she stomped on him so cruelly.

“You dare say it’s nothing?” Seeing Wang Bo’s expression, Zhang Xue felt she could strangle him. He looked as if he were the one being bullied, which made her feelings even more conflicted. Yesterday, she’d heard from Uncle Zhang that a well-mannered young man had come seeking lodging, and Uncle Zhang had spoken highly of him. Out of curiosity, she’d risen early to see Wang Bo practicing the Five Animals Fist. Zhang Xue had found him interesting and wanted to tease him a little, but who’d have thought this seemingly frail youth would be so bold? Just thinking of it, Zhang Xue stamped her foot.

Seeing the girl stamp her foot, Wang Bo unconsciously leaned back, afraid her delicate foot would once more trample his own. Such a beautiful girl, yet so violent—he broke out in cold sweat. Aren’t girls in ancient times supposed to be gentle? Why is this one so fierce? “I really didn’t mean it. I didn’t know it would turn out this way. Besides, why were you there, watching me?”

“Who was watching you?” Hearing Wang Bo’s words, Zhang Xue reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, shrieking and glaring at him.

Seeing her reaction, Wang Bo felt his breath catch, not daring to say more, only muttering quietly, “You were the one peeking, why don’t you admit it?”

“What are you muttering about?” The girl seemed to catch his whisper, glaring at him fiercely.

“N-nothing, I didn’t say anything.” Seeing her angry face, Wang Bo dared not provoke her further, hastily agreeing, “I hope you can forgive my rashness. I truly didn’t mean any harm.” He stood up shakily and apologized to Zhang Xue. Yet, seeing her expression, his mind wandered—if he’d known such a beautiful girl was behind the wall, would he have acted deliberately? Ah, what wicked thoughts, what a sin.

Seeing Wang Bo apologize so earnestly, Zhang Xue’s anger eased considerably. Wang Bo was right; she had been the one spying. But this was her first close encounter with a man, and as a girl, she couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

Seeing her anger abate, Wang Bo seized the opportunity. “Miss, I assure you I am no villain; what happened was truly unintended. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Don’t call me ‘Miss.’ I have a name,” Zhang Xue replied, her anger nearly gone, especially after having stamped on him.

“May I have the honor of knowing your name?” Wang Bo quickly followed up.

“It’s easy to remember. I am Zhang Xue.” Seeing Wang Bo’s humility, Zhang Xue candidly shared her name.

“Zhang Qian’s wisdom known in ancient days, plum blossoms smile with fragrant lips—such a beautiful name.” Wang Bo quietly offered a compliment.

“Is that a poem? Did you write it? Why only two lines? Is there more?” Now less angry, Zhang Xue became curious, pulling Wang Bo’s arm and peppering him with questions, making him a little embarrassed but secretly delighted. Any man would enjoy being pulled along by such a beauty.

“Of course there’s more. Listen: Zhang Qian’s wisdom known in ancient days, plum blossoms smile with fragrant lips. Fortunate no blade drives me forth, peaceful courtyard, few climb and reach.” To maintain the pleasant atmosphere, Wang Bo hurriedly composed an acrostic poem.

“This poem is quite interesting, and it’s seven characters per line.” Zhang Xue murmured, suddenly inspired. She grasped Wang Bo’s arm. “Zhang Xue’s happiness, it’s Zhang Xue’s happiness! Did you write this poem especially for me?”

“Yes, I wrote it for you, Miss, as an apology for my offense.” With Zhang Xue holding his arm again, Wang Bo felt elated. Ancient girls are so easy to charm—a simple acrostic poem and she’s pleased. If Zhang Xue knew his thoughts, Wang Bo would surely be doomed.

“I knew it! Well, for the sake of the poem, I’ll forgive you. By the way, I don’t know your name yet.” Zhang Xue was delighted and looked at Wang Bo with new appreciation. She hadn’t expected this gentle youth to have such talent.

“Uh, I’m Wang Bo.” Wang Bo looked blankly at Zhang Xue. They’d been chatting, holding hands and arms, and only now did she ask his name.

Just as the two were happily chatting, Uncle Zhang walked in. “Miss, why are you here?” Seeing Zhang Xue talking with Wang Bo, he was surprised.

“It’s nothing.” Blushing, Zhang Xue replied, “I’ll take my leave now.” Before leaving, she turned and gave Wang Bo a smile.

In that instant, Wang Bo felt his heart intoxicated—a glance and a smile could enchant a thousand. Ignoring the still dazed Wang Bo, Zhang Xue strode out.

“Cough,” Uncle Zhang cleared his throat, seeing Wang Bo lost in thought.

“Good morning, Uncle Zhang.” Only then did Wang Bo return to his senses, remembering Uncle Zhang’s presence and hurriedly greeting him.

“Good morning, Bo.” Uncle Zhang smiled in reply.

“Uncle Zhang, why are you here so early?” Wang Bo felt conflicted—grateful yet annoyed. If not for Uncle Zhang, he’d still be chatting with Zhang Xue. Yet this elder had helped him greatly, saving him from spending the night outdoors, so he could only complain inwardly.

“I just came to see if you were awake and to invite you for breakfast.” Uncle Zhang regarded Wang Bo kindly. “By the way, how did Miss Zhang come here? Do you know her? You two seemed very happy chatting.” Uncle Zhang was curious, as Wang Bo couldn’t possibly know Miss Zhang, yet they spoke as if they were old friends. He’d rarely seen Zhang Xue like this; it wasn’t a good sign.

“No, we hadn’t met before. That was the first time I saw her.” Recalling her beauty, Wang Bo blushed again.

Seeing Wang Bo’s expression, Uncle Zhang seemed to understand. “Bo, there’s something I’m not sure I should say,” he said earnestly.

“If you have something to say, please do, Uncle Zhang.” Wang Bo was curious at the sudden seriousness.

“Not to discourage you, but you must understand: Miss Zhang is the cherished daughter of the Zhang family, and the Zhangs are a renowned lineage in Zhendian.” Uncle Zhang spoke with some reluctance.

Hearing this, Wang Bo instantly understood Uncle Zhang’s meaning. In a flash, he felt lost and desolate. “I understand, Uncle Zhang. Truly, there’s nothing between Miss Zhang and me; you’re mistaken.” At this, his heart ached. He didn’t believe in love at first sight, but her image was deeply etched in his mind. Uncle Zhang’s words were like knives, stabbing at his heart, making him taste the helplessness of the world for the first time. It made sense, though—she was a true daughter of heaven, unmatched in beauty and status, while he...

“That’s good to hear. Come, let’s eat.” Uncle Zhang paid no heed to Wang Bo’s dejection. In his view, this was a matter with no future, best nipped in the bud.

“Alright.” Wang Bo followed behind like a walking corpse, numb.

He had no idea what he ate for breakfast, nor what kind of food it was. Numbly, he finished his meal, then numbly followed Uncle Zhang back to his quarters.

Seeing Wang Bo’s state, Uncle Zhang was concerned, but it was understandable given their vastly different backgrounds. “Alright, gather your belongings; I’ll see you off.” Uncle Zhang’s expression was a bit forlorn. Alas, it was best for Wang Bo to leave early. With his status, he and Miss Zhang would never cross paths again.

“Alright, I’ll do it now, Uncle Zhang.” There wasn’t much to pack—just a bundle on the bed. Wang Bo went in, picked it up, slung it over his shoulder, and stepped outside without a second thought. “Let’s go, Uncle Zhang.” He felt no lingering attachment and simply followed Uncle Zhang out.

Passing through the manor’s grand gate, Wang Bo glanced back at its imposing doors, feeling their weight suffocate him. Never mind, let’s end this unexpected encounter here; he doubted he’d ever see her again.

“What’s wrong, Bo?” Uncle Zhang asked, seeing Wang Bo pause.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s go, Uncle Zhang.” Tightening the bundle on his back, Wang Bo resolutely took the road home.

Leaving the manor, Wang Bo followed Uncle Zhang forward in silence, neither admiring the scenery nor engaging in conversation. “Just follow this road and you’ll reach the village,” Uncle Zhang said at a fork. “I won’t accompany you further; there’s business at the manor I must attend to.”

“If you’re busy, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself. I can make the rest of the way alone.” Looking around, Wang Bo felt he recognized the surroundings and should be able to find his way home.

“Thank you for your care yesterday, Uncle Zhang. I’m off now.” Wang Bo bowed, then walked away without looking back.

Watching Wang Bo’s departing figure, Uncle Zhang felt a touch of loneliness. He sighed deeply. “Ah, never mind.”

At the gates of the Zhang manor, a beautiful silhouette fumed quietly. “You damned Wang Bo, you dared leave without saying goodbye to me! Next time I see you, I’ll stomp your foot flat!” She stamped her foot again, as if Wang Bo’s foot were right there. Thinking of his comical actions, their unexpected intimacy, and the poem written just for her, Zhang Xue’s cheeks burned. “But… I wonder if we’ll ever meet again.” With that thought, Zhang Xue felt a wave of melancholy and her expression grew wistful.

As Zhang Xue thought of Wang Bo, he too, on his way home, was thinking of her—her beautiful silhouette, her smile, her anger. Wang Bo’s face was full of bliss. Yet, recalling Uncle Zhang’s words, his mood sank again. She was the bright moon in the sky, so radiant, while he was merely a blade of grass on earth, so ordinary. Though he possessed knowledge spanning two millennia, what good did it do him? Wang Bo gazed at the distant sky, lost in thought.

Enough—no point in dwelling on it. It was still early; there was no use in such thoughts. Returning home was more important. He hadn’t been back in over a month; who knew how things were there? Looking ahead, he saw smoke rising from afar, strengthening his resolve to return.

“Father, Bo has been gone for more than a month. Why isn’t he back yet?” Mrs. Li was worried, her concern evident.

“Don’t worry. With Xiao Yun accompanying him, nothing will happen. He might already be on his way home.” Wang Hu, though also concerned, kept his composure to comfort his wife.

“But Bo has never traveled far before. This time he’s been gone a month; I worry he’s not used to it.” Mrs. Li couldn’t hide her concern.

“He’s grown up now and knows how to take care of himself. A man’s ambition lies far and wide—if you worry so much, how will Bo ever venture out?” Wang Hu patted her back, speaking softly.

“But—” Before she could finish, a voice called from outside, “Father, Mother, I’m home!”

“It’s Bo—he’s back!” Hearing his voice, Mrs. Li could no longer restrain her longing. She rushed out, with Wang Hu close behind. Seeing Wang Bo in the courtyard, Mrs. Li burst into tears, hugging him tightly. “My son, you’re finally back!”

“I’ve made you worry, Mother. I’m unfilial.” Seeing her, Wang Bo’s nose stung with emotion.

“Alright, Bo’s just returned—let him rest for a bit.” Seeing Wang Bo safely home, Wang Hu felt his worries ease.

Mrs. Li wiped her tears. “Come, follow me inside.” She took Wang Bo by the hand and led him in.

Nearly dragged into the house, Wang Bo was helpless, but seeing Mrs. Li’s overwhelming joy warmed his heart. The depth of maternal love made him forget all his troubles.

“Bo, sit down, let me have a good look at you.” Mrs. Li sat him on the bed, gently touching his cheek. “You look thinner after this month, and your skin’s darker. Did you fare well at Master Tong Yuan’s place?”