Faraway Wanderers - V1C14
Chapter 14
Saving a 'Beauty'
Wen Kexing replied with a drawl, “Regardless of whether someone is considered ugly or beautiful, their natural features possess an inherent harmony. Once alterations are made, even the slightest mistake becomes apparent; if someone tries to enhance their beauty, they attract more attention, making those errors easier to spot. Do you understand?”
As the three walked along a bustling main road at noon, Zhou Zishu conserved his energy by staying silent, paying no mind to Wen Kexing’s occasional sidelong glances. However, he couldn’t hide his surprise at Wen Kexing’s insights. This man certainly knows a lot, he thought, casting a glance at Wen Kexing.
Wen Kexing, enjoying being the center of attention, continued his discourse. “The art of disguise encompasses many techniques. Some cover their faces with makeup – a method that demands precision since even the smallest flaw can reveal them. Others create masks resembling human skin; this technique is far more effective and difficult to detect if executed well.” He shot a quick look at Zhou Zishu as he spoke.
Gu Xiang, eager to apply what she had learned, gently explored Zhou Zishu’s face with her fingers. Her touch was soft, and the pleasant fragrance around her sleeves was unmistakably that of a young maiden. Zhou Zishu made no effort to pull away; instead, he laughed and allowed her to continue. It was hard to tell who was taking advantage of whom in that moment.
After a short while, he asked softly and patiently, “Have you noticed anything?”
Gu Xiang's face reflected her uncertainty as she glanced back at Wen Kexing, saying, “Master, I still feel like it’s real…”
Wen Kexing replied, “Of course, he wouldn’t wear a human skin mask; it’s uncomfortable and can't be worn for long. That’s why I’m sticking close to him, to see if he ever removes it.”
Admiration gleamed in Gu Xiang's eyes. “So you’ve wasted this much time just to find out?”
Wen Kexing pointed at Zhou Zishu. “If he’s beautiful, I wouldn’t consider it a waste at all.”
After considering it for a moment, Zhou Zishu finally broke his silence. “Since when have I been fooling around with you?”
Wen Kexing answered leisurely, “Not now, but you definitely will in the future.”
He then reached out to touch Zhou Zishu’s face. “When I felt the skin on your shoulder, it felt different…”
Zhou Zishu swatted his hand away and stepped back. Wen Kexing frowned in discontent and pointed at Gu Xiang. “Why can she touch you, but I can't?”
Zhou Zishu casually adjusted his torn sleeves. “If you could look like her, I’d willingly shed everything so you could touch me as much as you liked.”
Gu Xiang had once thought Zhou Zishu was an unfortunate beggar who had fallen into her Master’s path and felt sympathy for him. But after that comment, she realized they were cut from the same cloth, which explained why they got along so well.
She could only hope that, with each other to interact with and channel their energy into, they would create fewer disasters in the world. Wen Kexing turned to evaluate Gu Xiang with a mysterious expression. His voice was low as he said, "Ah-Xiang, you can leave now."
Gu Xiang blinked, surprised. “Where do you want me to go?”
Wen Kexing crossed his arms, clearly wishing to see her gone. “This world is vast; aside from ‘Dong Ting’, you can vanish wherever you please.”
After a moment of standing there in confusion, Gu Xiang exclaimed, “Are you jealous of me, Master?”
Wen Kexing shot her a glance, and Gu Xiang instantly realized her mistake, smacking her forehead. “Damn it, you foolish mouth, I mean….”
“Ah-Xiang.”
Gu Xiang promptly turned to leave with an “Ayia,” muttering as she went. “Fine, fine, I’ll skedaddle. Don’t worry, Master, I’ll find the farthest place possible; a three-legged frog is hard to find, but a two-legged man? Never would I dare to steal your men, Master. You both go ahead, carry on with whatever you’re doing…”
She quickly walked out of sight, still babbling on.
Zhou Zishu observed the exchange between the master and his maid with amusement, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind ‘except for ‘Dong Ting’.
Once Gu Xiang was gone, Wen Kexing’s entire demeanor shifted. He coughed to draw attention and extended his hand. “May I have the honor of dining with you, Brother Zhou?”
Even if I refuse, this person will follow me anyway, Zhou Zishu thought. Besides, if I agree, he’ll pay for my meal. Feeling cheerful about it, he accepted the invitation.
Wen Kexing led the way, his expression bright. Zhou Zishu contemplated how, in the past, he had operated as a half-ghost in the palace, clothed in robes and engaged in ruthless dealings amid a mysterious setting of apricot blossoms. He might have been brutal, but at least there was a certain class to how he conducted himself.
When did he become so utterly shameless?
He glanced at Wen Kexing’s back, reflecting on how true it was that we are defined by those we associate with.
By the time they arrived at the tavern, they were starving, and they devoured the dishes with focused efficiency, as if fearful of missing a single bite. Their chopsticks collided now and then, resulting in minor scuffles over chicken and pork.
A food lover and a free meal enthusiast turned their table into a chaotic battleground, heavy with the atmosphere of competition.
After successfully claiming a plate for himself, Wen Kexing smiled at Zhou Zishu, eagerly awaiting the next dish. “Looks like I’ve found my match. No wonder this meal is so much tastier.”
Zhou Zishu shot him a disdainful look. What are you, a chicken? Why all this fuss?
At that moment, a stir erupted downstairs. A waiter mockingly shouted, “Hey, Young Master, you dress and behave so well, why are you trying to dine and dash? And the prepayment letter nonsense, too, you must have fallen for too many tales. Which court scholar are you exactly? Are you a Principal Graduate, and if so, which examination did you pass? And the calligraphy…”
Laughter erupted from the crowd around them. Wen Kexing leaned over to see the scene below, stroking his chin while murmuring, “A beauty…”
Zhou Zishu followed his gaze. A flustered young man in dark blue clothing stood downstairs, a xiao at his hip. At first glance, his attire didn’t stand out, but on closer inspection, the materials were remarkably fine. The ornate jade xiao[1] also suggested great expense; even without an expert’s eye, Zhou Zishu could tell it was worth a fortune. Feeling a sense of familiarity with the young man’s style, he chuckled softly.
Wen Kexing inquired, “What’s so funny?”
“He tries to blend in but fails spectacularly. He reminds me of someone I used to know.”
While they conversed, the naive young man surrounded by the crowd glanced up, his gaze unfocused on them. Zhou Zishu shook his head; he must come from the highest echelon of nobility. Anyone accustomed to lavish living wouldn't have such a naïve expression. “Brother Wen, your chance to shine is here.”
Wen Kexing—initially observing his companion—was taken aback, rummaging through his chest pocket. “You’re right, it’s essential to assist a beauty in need… Hm?”
He halted, looking puzzled, “Brother Wen.”
“Huh?”
“I was just thinking, how about you handle it instead?” Wen Kexing smiled awkwardly. “I’ve done plenty in my lifetime; I don’t want to take away your moment…”
Zhou Zishu grinned at him.
After a brief pause, Wen Kexing sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Back when we were on the street, I helped a charming man who had tripped; he even smiled at me… Hah, little did I know someone so charismatic would turn out to be a thief!”
Zhou Zishu raised an eyebrow, deciding he should be even bolder; he wouldn't let himself be outdone. Resolutely, he tugged at Wen Kexing’s sleeve to wipe his hand on it, then pulled out a silver ingot from his chest and tossed it downstairs with barely any effort. It landed on the increasingly bothersome waiter’s head; the man was about to shout, but stopped once he picked it up and realized it was shiny silver.
He heard Zhou Zishu’s lazy voice, “Charge it to my tab.”
Naturally, the waiter quieted down, his head bowed in affirmation. The young man in blue glanced at Zhou Zishu with gratitude and headed upstairs to thank him personally.
Zhou Zishu pointed at their now-empty table and told Wen Kexing, “I’m covering his rescue; this meal’s on you. Make a note, you owe me three silver liangs now.”
Wen Kexing’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, laced with an unexpected hint of humor, “Can I pay you back with my body?” His eyes glinted with mischief, a playful challenge hidden beneath the surface.
Zhou Zishu, unfazed and wearing an easy smile, replied with a chuckle, “Sorry, my taste isn’t that sophisticated yet.” In his tone lingered a subtle undercurrent of mockery, suggesting that while he appreciated the sentiment, his preferences were decidedly more refined.
The young man arrived at their table. They both stifled their mischievous smiles and assumed the most heroic expressions they could muster. The young man bowed deeply, “I’m Cao Weining; please accept this as a token of my heartfelt gratitude for your assistance.”
Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu both responded simultaneously, their voices blending harmoniously, “It’s nothing, Young Master Cao; no need for such formality.” A flicker of amusement danced in their eyes as they exchanged meaningful glances, silently reveling in the moment's peculiarity. The atmosphere was charged with both camaraderie and an unspoken understanding, highlighting the bond they shared amidst the formalities of their surroundings.
Zhou Zishu cleared his throat and looked away first. “Please, have a seat, Young Master Cao. I’m Zhou Xu, and this is…”
“Wen Kexing.” The other man smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining a quiet and slightly distant demeanor that epitomized a gentleman.
After expressing his gratitude, Cao Weining confidently took a seat. He was a closed-door disciple from Qing Feng Sword Sect, and this was his first encounter with life in the jianghu. After getting separated from his Uncle-Master[2], he had unwittingly encountered a thief, landing him in this awkward situation. He felt lost entirely until Zhou Zishu came to his aid, leading him to view this person as a paragon of righteousness—even the sickly man’s face didn’t seem grotesque to him.
Zhou Zishu’s most excellent skill was his ability to exploit situations, though it didn’t seem to work on Wen Kexing. Just a few sentences into their conversation, Cao Weining felt as if they were already the best of friends, eagerly sharing his story. “My Uncle-Master and I are on our way to the gathering in Dong Ting, but something terrible happened at Zhao’s Holdings a few days ago. My Uncle and Sir Zhao were acquaintances from the past, so he asked me to head to Dong Ting first to apologize to Sir Gao Chong for our delay…”
“Dong Ting’s gathering?” Zhou Zishu expressed surprise.
“Yes,” Cao Weining continued. “Have you heard about the tragedy involving the Zhang family? Just recently, the Patriarch of Tai Shan mysteriously died in his own room, along with all of his disciples, in a manner akin to the Zhangs. The fortunate Young Master of the Zhang family, who survived, is now with the Zhaos under Sir Zhao’s protection; he confirmed that the Ghosts of Qingzhu Ridge were behind these events. Sir Gao has summoned this gathering in Dong Ting through his Realm’s Command to gather heroes from all over to eradicate the Ghost Valley.”
Zhou Zishu instinctively glanced at Wen Kexing, only to find him fully engaged in the conversation. Wen Kexing then asked, “Is this true?”
“Definitely,” Cao Weining affirmed. “My Master sent My Uncle and me to attend.”
It was clear that this young man was experiencing the world for the first time; he freely volunteered information that hadn’t even been requested.
Wen Kexing said, “Isn’t your goal to gather merits, Brother Zhou? Why not accompany this young friend? Battling evil is certainly one of the greatest virtues.”
Zhou Zishu took a sip of his wine, his gaze lowered as he pondered Wen Kexing’s intentions. Cao Weining clapped his hands together, “You’re absolutely right! That was well said, Brother Wen. I see you both as honorable individuals and great potential friends, so why don’t you join me on my trip to Dong Ting?”
Ah, this naive kid. Wen Kexing smiled, “It would be our honor to accompany you.”
[1] In Chinese culture, "ornate jade xiao" typically refers to an intricately carved Xiao (箫)—a traditional vertical end-blown flute—made from high-quality jade. This object combines the profound spiritual symbolism of jade with the artistic elegance of Chinese music.
[2] See top menu Honorifics, address forms
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