1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Guilt

Jiao started to open Shuwan's bandage. Then he asked her to talk. “Shuwan, did you know that Zhang carried you from the bottom of the cliff to here?”

Shuwan who heard it was shocked. “M-carrying me? From the bottom of the cliff?”

“Yes. Thas right. Since you were unconscious for some time, that's why you were also unaware of this place.” 

What have they actually been through? I can't remember anything. “Where is this?”

Jiao smiled, then responded to Shuwan's words with her focused hand wrapped around the bandage to Shuwan's stomach. “We have arrived in Cloud Country, Shuwan.”

“S-have arrived?”

“Iya. We've arrived. This place was above a cliff that soared into the sky. There's no way to get here other than by climbing it. It took me a day last night to get there. In addition to your concern, I'm also worried about Zhang. He took pains to climb by carrying you when climbing the cliff.”

Shuwan. He really didn't know that Zhang had done that much for him. He only remembered when he was hit by a poisonous needle in a food stall at the time. After that, he didn't know.

 “You'll cry seeing his concern for you Shuwan. Moreover, when you vomited blood that was pitch black at that time.” Jiao said as he watched Zhang struggle to get to the top.

“Is all that true, Jiao?” Shuwan tried to confirm Jiao's words.

“You can see the wound on his palm, Shuwan. Our hands are both hurt. But nothing is as bad as hers,” added Jiao. “He wants to get to the Land of the Clouds to find the antidote to the poison needle that hit you, Shuwan. Zhang no longer thought about his condition, all he was worried about was you a.”

Shuwan just sat. He did not want to tell Jiao that this morning it was him who made Zhang's lips bleed.

He got that way because he was worried about me? Huh... Whatisthis? I felt guilty after treating her badly this morning. But it was also his fault. Why did he suddenly sleep in the same bed as me? And again, he kissed me forcefully.

Jiao looked at Shuwan. Does Shuwan finally understand my words? If it's touched, then that's a good thing. 

It did not feel like Jiao had finished changing Shuwan's bandage. “Well, Shuwan. Now I'm done replacing the bandages.”

Shuwan straightened his clothes. “Thank you, Jiao.” 

“Same-sama, Shuwan. I'll go back to the kitchen to help prepare breakfast.” Jiao moved from the bed.

“T-wait! Can I help?” 

Jiao patted Shuwan's right shoulder. He then said softly, “No Shuwan. You still need a lot of rest. If until you are exhausted before recovering, it means that the medical treatment we do is in vain.” 

Shuwan. “Then I will rest here. But, if you need my help just call.”

“Here there are many maids. You focus on recovering yourself.”

Shuwan. 

Jiao then replied with a smile. He then leaves Shuwan alone in his room.

What am I supposed to do with Liem now? I'm really confused. Shuwan leaned his head against the mosquito net pole on his left.

Shuwan looked at the ring that Zhang had forcibly attached to his finger. Every now and then he stroked the soft black pearl that was there.

He gave me a ring, does this mean he's proposing to me? But even if it's true I won't last long here. We'll be separated soon, Liem. Why don't you understand too?

***

In the backyard Zhang was focusing on cutting wood with an axe. Luo Shu monitored him from the small hut that was there while drinking his favorite ginseng tea. 

“Zhang, let's take a break first,” call Luo Shu.

Zhang wiped the sweat that was pouring on his forehead. “Good, Sir,” sahut.

He then put down his axe and walked over to Luo Shu. Luo Shu immediately poured the tea into Zhang's cup. Zhang then drank it slowly.

“Is your friend conscious?” asked Luo Shu.

Zhang nodded. “Yes. He's already conscious. Maybe only his recovery period remains.” Zhang again drank the tea in his cup.

“That means, did you give her the ring?”

“I've already installed it. Right on the ring finger of his right hand.” Zhang stared at the rest of the tea that was in his cup. He was fighting with his own feelings. There is a sense of guilt for forcing Shuwan to accept the ring. Plus, his behavior was bad this morning.

Luo Shu leaned her back on the chair. “Thank God then. Hope you guys can formalize your relationship huh?”

Zhang quiet. There was something he had spoken about so much, and Zhang felt it was the right time. “Actually, I plan to marry her before she leaves.”

Luo Shu who was sitting quietly in her swaying chair was jolted. “When is the plan?” asked Luo Shu.

“Just when I've been on medication.”

“So apparently. If you want to get married, I have an acquaintance who can help you prepare,” Luo Shu offers help.

Zhang's gaze turned into a glare. He smiled forcefully. “But I don't know, does he agree or not?”

“Then, are you going to give up on him?”

“No. I won't give up.” Zhang looked forward with certainty.

Luo Shu nodded. A faint smile spread across his face. He remembered his youth when he pursued his late wife. “I love your spirit, son. You don't give up even if you know what's going to happen.”

“I can't possibly retract my words. As a man, it is a matter of self-worth. So, I'll hold fast with him.”

After the two of them talked for a long time, Jiao called them both,. “Shifu, Liem, breakfast is ready. Let's go breakfast!” 

“Ya, we'll be there soon.” Zhang said out loud.

Zhang and Luo Shu walked together towards the dining room. Tracing the hallways of the house that looks artistic.

As soon as he reached the dining room, Zhang's gaze immediately fell on Shuwan who was sitting down. Shuwan looked towards the window on his right. 

Luo Shu who was next to Zhang also realized that. He smiled, then walked over and immediately sat down beside Yu Hao who was already there.

The dining table was round, and now leaves only an empty bench to Shuwan's right. Zhang noticed it, and then walked closer to the bench near Shuwan.

He drew the bench, and sat down beside Shuwan. 

While Shuwan who noticed Zhang's presence to his right instantly turned his gaze towards the food available on the dining table.

“Happy meal!” Jiao directly took the side dish and placed it on top of her bowl.

Yu Hao chuckled at Jiao's bowl which was already full of food. “Hey, didn't you realize that your bowl was so full?” ledek Yu Hao's.

Jiao just smiled shyly, “A-I'm so hungry. So, not realizing that it turns out my bowl is too full.”

“Master Luo Shu, I hope you don't mind nurturing him,” Yu Hao said as he pursed his lips pointing at Jiao.

“Huz! What the hell are you saying? You think I'm in the lap?” Jiao became annoyed by it.

“It's not true? Look at that much food. If Mr. Luo Shu let you stay here, it is certain that he lost a lot.”

“You are!”

“Hahaha! Never mind, it's okay. Just enjoy. If less stay add it.” The alchemist Luo Shu was very open. He chuckled at Yu Hao and Jiao teasing each other.

He then turned his eyes to Shuwan and Jiao. The atmosphere of these two people was really not what I expected. His inner self upon seeing the ring of his late wife was worn by Shuwan. I have to find a topic that can glue both.

“Zhang, when will you start your treatment?” ask Alchemist Shu.

Zhang smiled, “I'll start tomorrow. So, chances are tonight I'll go to the palace.”

Shuwan's eyes widened to hear it. He's gonna start his treatment?

“Good then. The faster, the better. Don't put yourself in danger for holding it too long.”

Zhang nodded, “I understand.”

Yu Hao and Jiao who had been listening to Zhang's conversation and alchemist Shu were confused.

“You will go to Zhang's palace?” ask Yu Ho.

“Yes. I will go and stay in the palace for a week to undergo treatment.”

“S-week?” Jiao surprised.

“It is not an ordinary treatment. So, it took a week to cure it.”

He's gonna stay a week at the palace? I should have been happy that he left, but why do I feel a little lost? Shuwan's heart churned at Zhang's planned departure.

“Then I will accompany you, Zhang,” Yu Hao volunteered.

“Do you not mind? I'm afraid you'll get bored with me.”

“What are you saying? We've been on a long journey together. How could I mind.”

“Alright if you're willing. After dinner, we leave.”

“Ready, captain!”

“Captain? What do you mean?” Zhang squinted his eyes. His forehead wrinkled in confusion with Yu Hao's call.

“Yes. You're the captain, Zhang.”

“Of course. You are the leader of this journey. And that is your nickname,” Jiao chimed in.

The dining table is warm. But not with Shuwan who is still fighting with his own feelings.

Zhang realized. He stared fixedly at Shuwan's face. A week without seeing you, I will miss you.

Luo Shu was still monitoring the two of them. I need to find a chance to talk to this girl later.

***

Twilight... It is like a farewell. The sun that had been shining, slowly went away leaving dark. Butwhy? Why does dusk have such a beautiful color? Is the farewell so beautifully colored? Shuwan thought about how when he left Zhang later. 

Shuwan sat on the terrace, looking at the slowly sinking sun. 

Suddenly, Zhang approached him. He realized Shuwan was daydreaming. “Are you still mad at me?”

Shuwan did not stare much less answer it. He just silently looked at the orange sky of the sorea.

“So apparently. I just want to say goodbye to you. I might not be able to see you for a week. And.. Regarding my attitude this morning, I'm really sorry.”

Is correct. He's leaving tonight. I should be happy, right? But why do I feel guilty. Inner Shuwan was still a dilemma. 

He's still mad at me. Zhang's gaze became sad. “Then I will pack.” 

As Zhang was about to walk into the house, Shuwan held his hand. “Sit for a moment here. Accompany me.”

A knot smile was immediately painted on Zhang's face. He sat down next to Shuwan.

“Are you really going away for a week?” ask Shuwan.

“Hah... Thas right. I will treat my illness, so I have to settle there for treatment.”

Shuwan's face suddenly became sad. “Actually you suffer from what disease? You even fainted a few times, didn't you?” Shuwan stared at Zhang sharply. His eyes looked teary.

Is he worried about me? Zhang then nodded. “I have a disease I can't explain. The point is, in a week's time I'll heal myself. Only then, I will give you a beautiful gift.”

Zhang looked at Shuwan with a warm, fluffy smile. 

As for Shuwan, he bowed languidly. “Why... Why is it like this you still think of me?” Shuwan's emotions exploded afterwards.

“Enough one reason for me to stay afloat. That's you, Shuwan.”

The pile of warm liquid in Shuwan's eyes just fell out. His heart seemed to warm to see Zhang's sincerity all along. As for Shuwan, he felt so guilty for treating him badly. Plus, he couldn't reciprocate Zhang's feelings.

Zhang who noticed it immediately wiped Shuwan's tears. He hugged Shuwan tightly. “You are the most important thing in my life, Shuwan.”

Hehe. This is better.  Inner Luo Shu who had been eavesdropping on Shuwan and Zhang from behind the wall.