Chapter 25: Anomalies
Translated by: iris.knight
“Nothing much.” Murong Zuoyu lowered his eyes and left the room.
Qi Yichen looked at Murong Zuoyu curiously, then walked into the room. “Are you cold, Brother Zhu?”
Gu Qingyu was stunned for a moment, shook her head. “What’s wrong?”
Qi Yichen said creepily, “When that Duke walked past me just now, I felt a gust of cold air. Then it got even colder when I walked into the room...”
Gu Qingyu then realised what was going on and replied with a smile. “Oh, is that so, I don’t feel it...”
She continued. “Oh yeah, what brings you here?”
Qi Yichen then looked at the leftovers on the table. “I thought you didn’t have much to eat, so I bought you a few buns...” He slowly raised the goods in his hands.
“Ah, thank you!” Gu Qingyu took them without a second thought. “I don’t mind having more!”
“Were you a pig in your past life?” Qi Yichen blurted.
Gu Qingyu started eating again, slowly and methodically. “Huh? You think so too?”
“Too?” Qi Yichen lifted his chin with one hand as if he was in thought. “Who would be so smart, except me?”
Smart? Alright, Gu Qingyu had to admit that. In the current party, using modern lingo, Jia Qizhe would be the warrior that protects the team, Qi Yichen would be the strategist, Mo Bai was the designated doctor, Xiao Qi was the quartermaster, Murong Zuoyu has his royal authority and could easily smooth certain things over. As for herself...She handled the odd-jobs and weird requests. But before anyone decided on what to do, they would ask for her opinion. Gu Qingyu thought with glee. Then I guess I’m the leader then!
“Who else?” Gu Qingyu repeated. “Of course it was that Murong Zuoyu!”
“Oh.” Qi Yichen seemed unconcerned. “Looks like the medicine is a dead end, where shall we go next?”
Gu Qingyu looked excited. “Since we don’t have anything to do, it would be nice to walk around and do a bit of sightseeing.”
“Looks like you hit the jackpot.” Qi Yichen rolled his eyes. “The day after tomorrow is the Lantern Festival, sightseeing isn’t exactly a bad thing for you.”
For me? Oh well, I am getting used to all these hidden meanings.
Nightfall.
Gu Qingyu looked around the empty room, then she pushed open the door and walked outside. She was too full during lunch, so she did not eat much during dinner, and now she was feeling hungry again.
Where should I go? Just as Gu Qingyu held that thought, she saw the blue curtains in the distance and decided. Gu Qingyu knocked. “Jia Qizhe...Jia Qizhe, are you there? Jia Qizhe...Jia...”
The door opened softly, Jia Qizhe’s voice could be heard inside the room. “What is it?”
The curtains were pulled up and his voice was lower than usual. Gu Qingyu cautiously walked inside the dark room.
“Jia Qizhe?” Gu Qingyu saw someone lying on the bed, but she couldn’t see them clearly, it was too dark. “You...What happened?”
If he’s lying here, how did the door open just now? Did Jia Qizhe open it with his powers? Whatever, I can worry about this later.
“I’m alright...” The man spoke hoarsely. “You need me for something?”
Gu Qingyu looked tentatively at the bed. “I...I want to take a walk with you.”
“You...” The person in the bed sighed. “Look for... Mo Bai instead.”
“Mo Bai?” Gu Qingyu approached the bed. “Jia Qizhe, are you ok? You seem a little...” He seemed a little strange.
“I’m fine.” The man sat up. “I’m good, just a little tired.”
Gu Qingyu looked at him but she couldn't make out his face in the darkness.
Gu Qingyu nodded. “Ok, I... I believe you.” She said, then slowly backed out and closed the door.
If that’s the case, let’s look for others. Mo Bai? Qi Yichen? Xiao Qi? Or even...Murong Zuoyu? Mo Bai then, since Mo Bai is gentle and kind, it would be more enjoyable hanging out with him.
With those thoughts, Gu Qingyu came in front of Mo Bai’s door. She reached towards the door, then her hand stopped in mid-air.
Hehe. A mischievous thought crossed Gu Qingyu’s mind. How about pulling a prank on Mo Bai?
She took out the black mask she bought in the market this morning, put it on, and gently opened the door. The room was lit, but there was no one in the room. She tip-toed into the room and closed the door. The room had a fresh scent of herbs. That was weird, Mo Bai did not seem to be in the room at all.
Suddenly, Gu Qingyu felt a powerful aura enveloping herself. She whipped back. A sharp, icy blade rested against her neck. “Who's there?!”
It was Mo Bai, his face was eerily cold. She surrendered immediately and took off the mask. “It’s me, Mo Bai!”
Mo Bai was stunned for a moment when he saw Gu Qingyu's face. Then he released her and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Miss Gu.” His eyes were so cold and harsh a moment ago, it was a strong contrast against the kindness he displayed.
Now, he gazed at her with soft, warm eyes, as he gently rubbed his fingertips against Gu Qingyu’s neck. “Were you hurt? How do you feel?”
Only then did Gu Qingyu realised that Mo Bai had held a leaf against her neck. So powerful! His aura was so intense and murderous! But, after knowing it was Gu Qingyu under the mask, that murderous intent dissipated immediately.
Gu Qingyu shook her head and returned his smile. “I’m fine. Actually... Why didn't I see you just now?”
“I was changing.” Mo Bai smiled and lowered his hands. “It’s late. Does Miss Gu still have anything to do?”
“Late?” Gu Qingyu then realized Mo Bai was wearing white pyjamas. She looked up at the sky, it would be only about seven o'clock in modern definitions. “It's not that late. Can you go on a walk with me? Also, stop calling me Miss Gu...”
“Sorry, I must have overstepped-” Mo Bai spoke, but he was cut short by Gu Qingyu.
“No, that isn’t what I mean.” Gu Qingyu smiled at him. “Mo Bai, you’re very sweet and kind. From now on, when there’s nobody else around, call me Yu’er.”
“Yu...” Mo Bai seemed to blush a little. “Yu’er...”
Gu Qingyu looked at him. “Hurry up and get changed... Oh, I forgot to ask you properly, do you want to go on a walk with me?”
Mo Bai nodded and smiled gently. “Yes.”
Gu Qingyu looked at him. “Then, get changed.”
“...” Mo Bai stiffened. “Miss...Um, Yu’er, can you go outside and wait?”
“Eh, are you chasing me out?” Gu Qingyu frowned. “It’s ok, I’ll just wait here.”
Mo Bai smiled gently. “Alright then.” He picked up his white robes and walked behind the screens.
He quickly changed, then walked back out. Wavy black hair, dressed in pure white, gentle as water, as if an angel had descended from heaven. Like the purest jade, there is none like him. That line crossed Gu Qingyu’s mind as she looked at Mo Bai. Mo Bai glanced at Gu Qingyu and was taken aback, then he pulled out a white handkerchief and held it out for Gu Qingyu.
“...?” Gu Qingyu looked at him in confusion.
Mo Bai smiled. “Yu’er, you have a nosebleed.”
Gu Qingyu flushed red, she took the handkerchief and covered her nose as she turned away. Oh no! Oh no! Oh no...Oh dear, I actually let Mo Bai see me having a nosebleed!
Mo Bai asked. concerned. “Yu’er, are you alright? Shall I take a look?”
“Ah! Nono!” Gu Qingyu wiped off the blood in a hurry. “Haha, I probably got a bit heaty these few days. Yes, heaty! Well, let’s go soon, Mo Bai. It would be bad if it gets any darker.” Without waiting for Mo Bai’s reply, she dragged him by the arm and left the tavern.
Back on the streets, which were still bustling at night, Gu Qingyu looked around and found a sign with three big words on it. ‘Man Chun Yuan’, which meant the Court of Bountiful Beauty.
“That’s the place!” Gu Qingyu seemed excited. “Let’s go inside, Mo Bai!”
Mo Bai was hesitant. “Yu’er... Are you sure about this? You are a girl after all.”
“Ah, don’t be shy!” Gu Qingyu covered her face as if she was embarrassed. “Though I know they could never match my beauty, it’s okay to take a look!”
I have the rare chance to come back to ancient times, how can I say that I’ve traveled back in time if I never visited a brothel in this era? It's like the place to visit in all of the period dramas!
Mo Bai smiled. “Okay.” He patted Gu Qingyu’s head. “If Yu’er wants to go, then let’s go.”
“Yes!” Gu Qingyu held onto Mo Bai as they walked in.
As soon as they entered, a lady came up to greet them. “Young masters, how’re you doing!”
Gu Qingyu glanced at the woman, then she pulled out a fan from nowhere and teased the lady. “Beautiful, bring out your best meat and wine for this young...master!”
The woman smiled sweetly as she leaned towards Mo Bai, resting her hand on his chest. “This mister, you’re so quiet. Are you not satisfied with me?”
She just... she actually ignored me! Mo Bai’s eyes remained on Gu Qingyu, they were gentle but lost and helpless. There was even disgust directly at that woman. He only followed me because he’s scared that I would get mad. And he worries about embarrassing himself, that’s why he didn’t shake off that woman. Gu Qingyu regretted her decision.
Gu Qingyu walked forward and shoved the woman aside. Then she hooked her arm around Mo Bai’s arm, and said. “Young lady, could you serve us something to eat?”
The woman flushed in embarrassment, she saw how Gu Qingyu clung to Mo Bai. “You’re...”
“Is it strange?” Gu Qingyu raised her eyebrows. “Sorry, young lady, my brother here isn’t very interested in women. Sorry to disappoint.”
“Ah...no no no,” The woman took a few steps back in horror. “Then Liu’er will go first, young masters, do make yourselves comfortable...Ah!”
Gu Qingyu pinned her to the wall before she could finish. Gu Qingyu looked her in the eye as she spat out her order. “Bring. Us. The. Wine. Now.” She bobbed her head in horror before she ran off. Gu Qingyu turned back and was greeted by Mo Bai’s smiling eyes.
“Mo, Mo Bai...” Gu Qingyu gave him a wide grin. “Are you ok?”
Mo Bai flinched, then shook his head. “Yes, I’m sorry that you had to flare up like that, Yu’er.”
Actually, despite her excitement, Gu Qingyu did not like this promiscuous place either. But Yan Zun told her last night that there was another way to conceal the Lifeblood Jewel. This time, it was not something, but someone.