1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Settling or Leaving?

While sitting in front of the porch of Ying Jie's house, Zhang invited Shuwan to speak with four eyes.

“Shuwan, I want to apologize for my attitude this morning? I, really ignited emotions to say words that hurt you so much,” Zhang regretted.

Shuwan nodded, “I accept your apology. I also want to apologize for making you and the others worry.”

“Can you promise me something?” “What?” Shuwan. 

“Ppromise that you will not fight alone anymore, and let me and others help you,” Zhang said as he extended his little finger to Shuwan, as an expression of a promise to be kept.

“I..” Shuwan was doubtful of the agreement. He was worried that he could not keep it.

Who would have guessed that Zhang took the initiative to pull Shuwan's hand, and directly wrapped his little finger around Zhang's as a sign of agreement.

“You are not allowed to refuse. Your body is now so fragile, how are you going to protect us again with such a body?”

Zhang clasped Shuwan's hand tightly. “Shuwan, from now on I won't dodge anymore. I'll try to protect you, anytime, 'cause I like you. Honestly, I feel jealous when you're so close to other men. I want to be angry, but I have no right to it. That's why I'm going to fight for my feelings.” 

Zhang looked at Shuwan deeply. They also looked at each other.

Zhang, you've always been like this. In past lives, to the present. Do you know that I feel very confused about this kind of feeling? Inner Shuwan's dilemma. “Zhang, what if later we will split up? Will your race remain the same? Aren't you going to feel disappointed when that day comes?”

“Let us part ways, my feelings will still not change, Shuwan. Later, I'll find you back. Even if you have to wait hundreds, or even thousands of years. No matter how long I have to wait, I will definitely still find you.”

Shuwan's tears just fell. Your words are even the same as what you said back then. Zhang, what should I do?

Zhang wiped away the tears dripping on Shuwan's face. “Do not cry. My heart hurts when I see you sad. “

Zhang then embraces Shuwan's head, and drops it right into his arms. “I promise, won't make you sad Shuwan. It's okay if you want to cry now. I'll be a solid backrest for you.”

Meanwhile behind the bamboo wall, Yu Hao and Jiao were still coolly eavesdropping on Shuwan's conversation with Zhang.

“Hihi, our mission succeeded,” said Jiao while smiling widely.

“Of course! Who was the planemaker?” reply Yu Hao with confidence.

Back to Shuwan and Zhang who were hugging in front of the porch of the house. The awakened Shuwan suddenly felt so awkward being in Zhang's arms.

W-wait first! Why am I so melancholy? Shuwan immediately took off Zhang's embrace. He seemed embarrassed by it. His eyeballs tried to look the other way and tried to ignore Zhang who had been with him.

“Why Shuwan? Why did you let go of my embrace?”

“It's okay. I've been feeling better. Thanks for the hug.”

“So apparently. Alright. If you need my help, just call me. And, don't ask another man for help,” whispered Zhang who made Shuwan's face flushed.

“Yes yes, I know!” I don't want to feel pain. I can't fall in love with her until then. Inner Shuwan is trying to control his feelings.

***

The day of alternating. It had been about a week Shuwan was at Ying Jie's residence to recuperate. It was for him to say goodbye and continue the journey.

Meanwhile, Zhang who was packing in the room cubicle was visited by Ying Jie.

“You should keep Shu’er well,” Ying Jie said.

Zhang is still focused on his activities. “Of course. I know what I have to do to keep Shuwan.”

“Really? If you knew what you had to do, how could he possibly get hurt like that?”

Zhang became annoyed at Ying Jie's words, and let go of the items he was holding to pack. “You! Watch what you say! You're just a stranger we happened to meet. If it wasn't because you had saved Shuwan, I would have beaten you with all my might,” snapped Zhang who squeezed tightly onto Ying Jie's collar. 

“Heh, if until you get him hurt, I don't hesitate to snatch Shu’er from your hand!”

“One more time you talk, I'll rip your mouth off!” Zhang let go of his grip and pushed Ying Jie to stop talking.

Zhang quickly packed his things and walked out of the room, towards the living room where Shuwan and the others had gathered.

“Sister, do you have to go?” whining Yue to Shuwan.

Shuwan smiled, his hands gently stroking the head of the girl. “Sister does have to go, because sister has to find a cure. After all, his journey was still quite far away as well. If delayed again, worry will be dangerous for sufferers.”

“So yeah? Though I wish you could live with us, and be a companion of Ying Jie.”

Is this brat setting me up with Ying Jie?

“Ahem.. Did you say goodbye to them?” Zhang knew the direction of this conversation was trying to thwart Yue's actions. Trying to match my Shuwan to that jerk? Heh, that won't happen as long as I'm here. You rancid boy.

“Yes, I already say goodbye to them,” Shuwan replied with a gentle smile. What's the matter? Why is the atmosphere like this? Inner Shuwan who feels the competition for him.

“Then we should leave immediately,” invite Zhang.

Shuwan, Jiao, and Yu Hao nodded, agreeing.

Shuwan then tried to get up with the help of his cane. He then faced Ying Jie while bowing his head as a sign of respect. “Thank you for saving me. If it wasn't for you, maybe I wouldn't have lived to this point.”

Ying Jie smiled, “Already. All this has become destiny. Be careful on the journey. I hope that useless man beside you can take good care of you.”

“You must know the answer. So I don't need to tell you.”

“Hey, you!”

Shuwan tries to stop Zhang, “Here is Zhang, don't make a fuss here. There's a little kid watching us.”

“Hmph.” Zhang finally collapsed and held himself back. 

“Then we say goodbye first, Ying Jie. Yue, Yin, you must grow up to be a good and healthy child. Brother believes that you will become great people someday,” Shuwan said with gentleness.

“Of course, we will be great people who can protect the world,” Yin said with great spirit and confidence.

Eventually, Shuwan and the others left the house. As she was about to exit the gate, Ying Jie suddenly called out to her with her two horses.

“Wait!”

Shuwan looked back, “What's Ying Jie?”

“This, ride my horse so you have no trouble walking. And the other one can be used by your friend,” Ying Jie said as she handed the two horses to Shuwan.

“Is it okay to hand this horse over to us?”

Ying Jie shook her head, “I sincerely gave it to you.”

“Alright, I'll take it. Ying Jie, I'm sorry I couldn't give you anything as a thank you. Me...”

“It's okay. Just meeting you I feel grateful. At least you owe me a life this time. Later, you have to repay him in the next life.”

“Alright then you want. May fate bring us back together, so that I can repay your buds.”

Shuwan rode the horse, followed by Zhang, who sat behind him to control his horse. Ying Jie stopped him.

“Shuwan, don't you want to stay here? I can give you anything you want. Even this whole world.”

“I really want a quiet, safe life. But, there are still a lot of important things that I have to finish, and promises that I have to keep. So, sorry, I can't choose to stay.”

“Then, how are you going to take responsibility for my feelings?”

Does he like me? We've only been together for 1 week, and she's already fallen for me? It's too fast. “Can you come closer for a moment?” shuwan pinta.

What will Shuwan do? Zhang's mind was filled with curiosity.

Ying Jie walked over to the horse Shuwan was riding on. He dropped his eyes on the girl who had stunned him.

Cup. Shuwan kissed Ying Jie's forehead. 

Zhang's contact is like a beard fire. In-dicium? The insolent! His mind was full of jealousy and resentment.

Not only Zhang, Jiao and Yu Hao were shocked by Shuwan's actions.

“Sorry, but I can't accept your feelings. Hopefully, you will find a better woman than me, and be able to love you sincerely. That kiss, I take it as our farewell. Goodbye, Ying Jie.”

Ying Jie's face flushed red in embarrassment. Instantly he was silent. The words that had been running around in his head suddenly disappeared and collapsed.

“Zhang, let's go,” pinta Shuwan.

They also continued their journey. Leaving Ying Jie and the two twin boys who had accompanied her for a week.

After quite a distance, Zhang stopped his horse. Jiao, and Yu Hao walked first.

“Shuwan?” call Zhang.

“Yes, what's up Zhang? Why did you stop the horse?”

“See me?”

Shuwan turned to look at Zhang, and...

Cup. Zhang kissed Shuwan's lips. He holds Shuwan's head back from letting go of his kiss.

This brat! Is his brain damaged? Shuwan tries to fight back, but his strength is not enough. He just didn't want to go back to feeling the pain of the ice heart curse.

After a few seconds, Zhang let go of the kiss.

“You're crazy huh? Doing something silly like this,” Shuwan was annoyed.

“I've gone mad because of you, Shuwan. I said it yesterday, when we sat in front of the porch of the house.”

Shuwan suddenly recalled Zhang's words while sitting together on the porch of the house. His face flushed in embarrassment of being kissed by Zhang. 

Without any other words coming out, Zhang again spurred the pace of his horse. Following Jiao and Yu Hao who had already walked first.

No, I can't be like this! Shuwan tries to deny his feelings amid the speed of the horse that is getting faster through the forest.