1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Old Shack

The Bad Look

Living in an old hut

Built with love

No one cares about him, even though he is gentle

It is not appropriate to just look at a temporary appearance

But he also has to see the goodness of his heart

Shuwan and his friends had reached a hut that was quite a distance away from the village.

The hut was covered in straw, and it had bamboo walls. There doesn't seem to be anything special.

“This is where I live,” said Minghao bowed doubtfully. “I'm afraid you won't feel comfortable staying because my house is so bad, just like my looks,”.

Shuwan approached and patted Minghao on the shoulder. He then said, “You shouldn't say that, Minghao. Like those of us who can't look at a book just from its cover. Not everything that looks bad will be bad. Just like you. It looks ugly, but you're kind. You don't repay those who insult you with the same thing. Even you want to share with them, right?”

“B-how did you know? Didn't we just meet?” minghao said.

Of course I know, I read your story in that red book, hehe. Inner Shuwan chuckled.

“I saw it all when I entered the market,” Shuwan told a lie.

I just want to help you, so people can accept you and mingle with you. And maybe you can find your real family.

“So apparently. Ah, then let's go inside,” take Minghao. He then opened the door of his house, and when it was opened how amazing the scenery was.

Various works of art are on display, such as paintings, calligraphy, and various pottery crafts. Not to forget there are also books that fill the shelves that decorate the room.

“This is right your house, Minghao?” yu Hao asked as if he could not believe the sight before him.

“True. My home. I do love art and literature, so I made it happen by creating a gallery and a mini library like this."

“That means you're not an ordinary person, right? Why are you living and living here?” jiao asked curiously.

Minghao sighed and started talking about his life. “I am not from here. I don't know where I'm from. There was only this silver dagger found with me in the river,” Minghao brightly as he took out his silver dagger. “Perhaps because of this bad face of mine, I was banished and washed away in the river. Luckily grandpa found me and took care of me,”.

Yu Hao looked around and asked, “Grandfather? Then where is your grandfather now?”

Minghao's face looked sad, “He had long since died. At that time I was 13 years old, because my grandfather was old and sick, he died. I'm living alone. The stuff you see in this hut is his relics. He taught me a lot of things. Not only did he learn to write, he also taught the art and simplicity of life. We survive by becoming pottery craftsmen sold to the nobles.”

“Do you have no intention of looking for your biological family?” ask Shuwan.

Minghao simply shook his head. He then said, “In this way, who would acknowledge me as their family? Even during my life here I was always shunned. Because of this face also grandfather had to stay away from the village. People are afraid that my face will bring misfortune to their village. For that, he built this hut as our residence.”

Shuwan looked at the ceiling with a long sigh. He then asked Minghao a question, “If I could treat your face, would you change your mind and look for your biological family?”

“I... I'm not sure. If they love me they shouldn't have dumped me just because of my bad looks right?” Minghao's emotions exploded after hearing Shuwan's words. “You never felt there was in my position. How does it feel to be underestimated and looked down upon by people? The people who saw me were disgusted and went away from me. I also want to be like children in general, have friends, and also get love from parents. But the truth is, I'm just a bad kid who was dumped by my own family. This is enough to wake myself up.”

“Then, I will keep treating you,” Shuwan said.

Minghao who heard it suddenly became shocked. He still doesn't believe, “But why? We just met, didn't we?”

Shuwan just smiled and looked at Minghao, “Maybe I was the answer to the prayer you've been saying,” he said.

Minghao's face still seemed confused with her.

Shuwan then goes on to ask his three friends a question, “Can we stay here for 3 days?”

Jiao nodded in agreement. “If it's for good, why not?” answer Yu Hao. “Then what about you, Zhang?” asked Yu Hao back.

“I will follow the most votes,” replied Zhang briefly.

Shuwan looked at Zhang, knowing that Zhang was still angry because he rejected his feelings. “Good then,” said Shuwan breaking the silence.

The night began to arrive. After dinner, they rest in their designated room. Shuwan and Jiao slept in one room, while Zhang and the others slept in another.

While in the room, Jiao changes Shuwan's bandage while talking to him. “Shuwan, did you know that Zhang likes you.”

“Know,” replied Shuwan briefly.

Shuwan. Then he opened his mouth again, “I can't Jiao. I'm just afraid I'll let her down one day. Moreover, once we complete the mission to get to Cloud Country, I will go to a very far place from here.”

Jiao who heard it still couldn't believe it, “Why are you going to let her down? I saw when Zhang was with you he got happier, and again, why do you have to leave when we make it?”

“You will know the answer later. Now I still can't answer it. Please understand Jiao.”

Said Shuwan to end the conversation between them, and put his clothes back on.

“But why? Why should I wait for the time to answer? Why can't you be honest with us even though we've been together until now?”

After saying so, Shuwan looked at Jiao's face which became sad. “I'm tired Jiao. I want to rest so that tomorrow I can get up early to concoct medicine,” Shuwan said, ending the conversation and resting his body on the bed to rest.

Jiao just pecked. He follows Shuwan to rest because he does not get the answer he wants. When he lay down, did I put too much pressure on Shuwan? Anyway, it seems like I've gone too far with him. “Shuwan, I want to apologize for forcing you to say something you don't want to say.”

Shuwan, who had not fallen asleep, heard Jiao's apology. “It's okay, Jiao. I understand that. But please don't offend me with this question again,”.

“Alright..” Short Jiao.

The night was so quiet, and people were sound asleep. Not with Shuwan. Again he had a nightmare, just like the dream he had before.

He was aware of the condition of the breath that was wheezing like being hunted down, did not feel his tears falling down his cheeks.

Why would... Why dream the same thing again? Who are the women and men that I have in my dreams? Why do I feel so sick and sad? Inner Shuwan while wiping away the tears that were soaking his cheeks.

He also looked at Jiao who was still soundly asleep. Unable to sleep anymore, Shuwan decides to go to the living room and read a book. Maybe that way he will feel sleepy again.

“What are you doing here yourself?”

Suddenly someone asks and shocks Shuwan. He saw it was Zhang.

“You're. Since when are you there?” ask Shuwan.

“Since I heard your room door is open,” is short Zhang.

This guy is really dangerous and annoying. Inner Shuwan. “I just can't sleep, so I'm here and reading a book,” Shuwan said briefly.

“Are you having nightmares again?” ask Zhang to be sure.

Shuwan just nodded.

Zhang then approached Shuwan and sat down beside him. “If you want to sleep, lean on me. Last time was like that, right?”

Unexpectedly Shuwan's face flushed red from remembering himself who had slept in Zhang's arms. “A-what do you mean? Are you trying to tease me?” shuwan denied Zhang's words.

Zhang responded calmly, “I'm just talking facts. Doesn't my hug feel comfortable?”

“You!” Shuwan became annoyed at Zhang's words. He moved from his seat.

Zhang hurriedly stood up to catch up with him. He pulls Shuwan's hand and makes him fall right into his arms. He hugged her tightly so Shuwan wouldn't leave her.

“Le-let me go! Basic pervert! What do you want to do?” shuwan said while rebelling wanting to break away.

“If you keep yelling, you can wake up the whole house?” bluff Zhang to defend Shuwan.

“Ka-you threatened me?”

“Take a minute Shuwan. There's something I want to say. So, I beg your attention for a moment.”

Shuwan calmed down.

Zhang, who asked him to stay, started talking, “I want to apologize to you, Shuwan. Forgive my rude attitude yesterday. Even if you reject me, and don't fall in love with me, I still won't give up. I'll keep looking after you, and come after you. I'm sure that someday you will be able to accept my feelings.”

Zhang, I'm sorry. Perhaps, until that time comes, I will no longer be by your side. Inner Shuwan. “If you're done talking, can you let me go?” Shuwan.

Unexpectedly Zhang took it off just like that. He then held Shuwan's head and said, “Alright... But after this you should hurry back to sleep. Otherwise, I will hug you back all night,” Zhang said with a wicked smile.

Shuwan only showed an annoyed face and turned to leave Zhang to head for his room.

Zhang only looked at her while smugly satisfied from successfully teasing her. He decided to sleep in the living room waiting for dawn, just in case Shuwan would return and not rest.