Chapter 18: The Fragrance of Yushan Flowers
There was still a day or two before the Heavenly Beauty Summit. In the end, Xiang'er couldn't resist and pulled Chen Yin out for some shopping.
Because of the upcoming conference, Xiang City was livelier than usual, bustling with common merchants and small stalls, as well as specialty shops that catered exclusively to cultivators.
On the side of the street, they came across a vendor selling candied hawthorn skewers, and Xiang'er's eyes sparkled.
Chen Yin turned to ask, "Want one?"
"Mm!"
So, Chen Yin walked over and came back with three skewers.
"Here."
Xiang'er took a skewer and happily took a bite. The sweet and sour taste filled her mouth, sweetening her heart.
"Mmm! Delicious."
"As long as you like it."
Chen Yin took a bite of his own, then, when Xiang'er wasn't paying attention, tossed the third skewer behind him into thin air.
From the void emerged a little furry fox head, which chomped down on the skewer and quickly disappeared back into the void.
"You know, when Xiang'er was little, she loved candied hawthorn."
Yu Xiang blushed, slightly embarrassed. "Be-because it's tasty."
"Besides…every time we went to town, Senior Brother would buy one for me," she said, blinking.
"Oh," Chen Yin said with a smile. "So it's not that you love the candy; you just love your Senior Brother?"
"Stop twisting my words, you meanie!" Xiang'er glared at him, cheeks puffing with a shy pout before she turned away with a humph.
Chen Yin just smiled silently, eyes full of amusement.
After a while, the two grew tired of walking and, carrying their bags full of snacks, they found a set of steps to sit on.
"So…do you feel ready for the Heavenly Beauty Summit?"
Xiang'er's happy munching stopped, and she lowered her head dejectedly. "No…"
"Xiang'er is just so slow at everything—my cultivation, my training; I can't seem to learn anything properly."
"I bet I won't even pass the preliminary rounds."
Chen Yin pinched her plump little cheeks with a chuckle. "It's fine."
"The point is to experience it; there's no need to force yourself to get a ranking."
"If you feel outmatched, just admit defeat. Don't push yourself too hard."
Xiang'er hesitated, then pouted and turned back to him. "Would Senior Brother want Xiang'er to win?"
"Of course," Chen Yin replied, looking puzzled. "I'm your Senior Brother, so of course, I'd support you unconditionally. Why ask?"
"Because…"
Xiang'er fiddled with the hem of her light green skirt, her embroidered shoes swinging in the air.
"Xiang'er doesn't want Senior Brother to see her fail and look foolish."
Chen Yin burst into laughter. "Come on, as if I haven't already seen you make a fool of yourself plenty of times."
"Who was the silly girl who burned the pot and turned her face black like she'd been dug out of a coal heap the first time she tried cooking? Or the one who kept falling into the lake because she couldn't float while flying on her sword?"
"St-stop it! No more!"
Xiang'er's face flushed as she pouted, raining gentle punches on him.
"Mean Senior Brother! Bad Senior Brother! Stop talking about Xiang'er's mistakes!"
"Ahem, how is that mean? It's because I care deeply, of course."
Chen Yin put on a serious face, nodding sagely. "This Senior Brother only has eyes for you, Xiang'er. I wouldn't dream of digging up your embarrassing past."
"But… Senior Brother has this terrible habit of not being able to keep his mouth shut. So if one day I slip up and accidentally let something slip…"
Xiang'er's eyes went red with frustration. "Then… then what do you want from me…"
"Oh, that's simple."
Chen Yin waved his hand. "Sealing fee—a kiss."
Yu Xiang's face instantly flushed bright red.
"Wha—meanie Senior Brother! Wh-what are you talking about, saying such embarrassing things…"
"What's there to be embarrassed about?"
Chen Yin chuckled, "Last time you kissed me, you were quite the one taking the initiative—"
"Stop it!" Xiang'er, face flushed, quickly interrupted, her cheeks turning rosy as she fiddled with her fingers, avoiding his gaze.
"There are… too many people around. It's just too embarrassing."
She pleaded in a low voice, "At least… at least back at the inn—"
"Deal!"
Chen Yin slapped his thigh with a grin. "So Xiang'er owes her Senior Brother a kiss, to be paid back at the inn. It's set in writing now!"
Seeing Chen Yin's mischievous grin as his scheme succeeded, Yu Xiang puffed up her cheeks in mock anger and turned her head away with a huff.
"Evil Senior Brother! You really tricked me!"
"Ah, what can I say?"
Chen Yin shrugged, feigning innocence. "People's nature is always to compromise. For instance, if I suggested a kiss, Xiang'er would refuse outright. But if I said we should kiss right here in front of everyone, Xiang'er would compromise and agree to a kiss back at the inn."
Yu Xiang was both annoyed and amused, feeling completely helpless against her cheeky Senior Brother.
The most infuriating thing was, even though he was teasing her, her heart still felt sweet and warm.
—almost as if he really did like her.
Yu Xiang suddenly realized that maybe she, too, had been savoring this feeling all along.
Even if it wasn't real.
Even if she knew it was a treat with an expiration date, something that would last only until the end of this summer.
But at least until summer came to an end…
Every moment was hers to enjoy fully, without regret.
"What are you thinking about?" Chen Yin took another bite of the candied hawthorn, then held it out for Xiang'er.
Xiang'er hesitated for a moment, then bit off a piece, flashing him a sweet smile.
"Oh, nothing. Hehe."
Chen Yin noticed the distant look in her eyes but didn't pry. Instead, he smoothly changed the subject.
"Hold out your hand," he said.
Xiang'er blinked, shyly, "What…what for?"
"Just hold it out and see."
After a moment's hesitation, Yu Xiang extended her delicate, pale hand. Chen Yin gently held it, tying a red string around her wrist. Attached to the end was a small sachet.
"A little gift for Xiang'er," Chen Yin said softly, "Consider it a good luck charm for the competition."
Yu Xiang stared at the sachet in her hand, slightly dazed.
From it came a faint and gentle fragrance. It wasn't overpowering, nor overly refreshing, just a tender, calming scent.
—The fragrance of Yushan Flowers.
"I thought for a long time about what to give Xiang'er," Chen Yin murmured, "I've always felt you're like the Yushan Flowers on Yushan Mountain."
"Not intense, not perfectly elegant," he continued, "yet with a uniquely gentle fragrance."
"I hope this sachet brings you good luck and safety in the competition."
"And even if you don't win, I hope you'll be the prettiest, sweetest-smelling one there!"
Yu Xiang was lost in thought for a long time, her eyes suddenly misting as she covered her mouth.
"Ahem, well, I know it's all very romantic."
Chen Yin grinned smugly, "But Xiang'er doesn't need to get too emotional. Just remember to give me that kiss when we're back at the inn—"
Before he could finish, her soft, fragrant lips pressed against his.
—Yes, it was the scent of Yushan Flowers.
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