Untouchable Lovers

Chapter 95: Chapter 90 I Am a Mortal_2

She thought she had let go, but in fact she had not. The experiences of the past twenty-four years and the environment in which she grew had been branded deep into her soul. How could it be so easily erased? And today, the bracelet that Tian Rujing wore served as another clear reminder to her—she did not belong here.

Engulfed by an intense loneliness that emanated from her soul, Chu Yu felt as if all her strength had been drained from her body in an instant. Although she had a clear and definite plan for her future, at this moment she could not muster any energy.

Today’s confrontation with Tian Rujing seemed to be a victory on the surface, and indeed she had the advantage, but Chu Yu could not feel any joy. As she looked back to clean up the aftermath, she found her heart heavily wounded. An uncontrollable sense of loneliness chilled her to the bone. In this world that was not her own, she could not find a sense of belonging or attachment. All her painstaking efforts to extend her life were merely for the sake of survival.

The light inside the room slowly dimmed, and Chu Yu lay motionless on the bed, her figure gradually enveloped by the dimming light until the room was dark. Only then did Chu Yu slowly climb out of bed, her stomach growling.

She had ordered not to be disturbed, and when dinner time came, the maid did not dare to knock on the door. Chu Yu had not eaten since the morning and was famished.

Initially intending to call for the maid, Chu Yu thought better of it and decided to look for food herself. She walked lightly out the door, heading outside, but as she walked, she gradually forgot her initial purpose and aimlessly wandered. When she came to her senses, she found herself amidst a peaceful bamboo grove, already within Muxue Garden.

How did she end up here?

Chu Yu shook her head with a smile, planning to turn back, but a glimpse of the green stone platform in the distance, the one Rong Zhi often leaned on, stirred something within her, and she could not resist walking over.

The green stone platform was smooth and cool to the touch. Chu Yu ran her hand over it, felt no dust, and lay down with confidence. Although a bit hard, the platform’s surface was slightly concave, fitting nicely against the contours of her back, and it was quite comfortable to lie on. The cool sensation was not bone-chilling but softly refreshing, like water, and it was no wonder she often saw Rong Zhi leaning against this stone.

The night breeze in summer was cool but not cold, warm but not dry. After lying down, Chu Yu did not want to move again. She closed her eyes and drifted off for a while. However, feeling something unusual in her half-awake state, Chu Yu opened her eyes only to find Rong Zhi, dressed in white, standing nearby like broken ice and scattered snow.

His gaze on her was unfathomable, with a hint of a smile that was not quite a smile. Chu Yu, however, did not smile. After looking at him for a while, she suddenly spoke, “Rong Zhi, I am very unhappy. What do you do when you are unhappy?”

Rong Zhi was slightly taken aback by her question, surprised. He thought carefully for a moment before smiling and replying, “I do not know, if unhappy, I am just unhappy. How many people can truly be happy? However, when I play chess, my mind feels more at ease.”

Chu Yu smiled and did not say anything more.

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Rong Zhi did not stand there for too long. Seeing that Chu Yu did not intend to talk further, he smiled, turned, and left.

Chu Yu did not ask him to stay and did not even turn to watch his retreating figure. She just lay there quietly, facing the sky. Through the sparse bamboo branches, she could see the ink-blue sky, the stars bright and sparkling, but each one terribly lonely.

In recent days, she had strained her mind planning every move, and when it came down to it, it was still because she herself lacked the strength and confidence. If she could switch places with Tian Rujing, with that Light Shield bracelet for protection, she would probably be able to go anywhere she pleased and not have to worry about so much.

Chu Yu imagined in her mind for a moment, how wonderful everything would be if she could have the bracelet? At the very least, if someone wanted to kill her, she could rely on the Light Shield to defend against all physical harm, and the historical information within the bracelet could also help her better grasp the current situation, to directly know who would try to seize power, rather than fumbling alone in solitude.

But of course, that was impossible. Tian Rujing valued that bracelet so much that whether she tried to take it openly or by stealth, it would likely be very difficult to obtain.

After an unknown period of time, amidst the tranquil fragrance of the bamboo grove, a very tempting food aroma wafted through the air. Chu Yu frowned, remembered something, got up and walked out of the grove to see Rong Zhi sitting on the ground with a fire in front of him. A pot was suspended above the fire, and the delicious smell was emanating from a thick soup boiling within.

Rong Zhi tossed a handful of diced mushrooms into the soup, glancing at Chu Yu with twinkling eyes and a smile, as if to say, “I knew this would bring you out.”

Chu Yu felt a bit defiant and wanted to walk away, but the rich aroma of the soup kept burrowing into her nose, rousing her hunger completely. When she saw Rong Zhi stir the soup with a ladle, revealing the tender-cooked meat and bones in the pot, her willpower faltered, and she walked towards him.

Since willing to be lured, be lured then. People view food as paramount, and to be bested by such a force wasn’t too embarrassing.

Rong Zhi had prepared two bowls and filled one with soup, deliberately scooping a large piece of meat into it before handing the bowl to Chu Yu. He didn’t speak, only continued to smile. Chu Yu, who was initially a bit sullen, couldn’t help but smile as well and took the bowl, saying, “Thank you.”

Drinking meat soup on a summer night, one would sweat profusely afterwards. Although it was somewhat uncomfortable, the feeling of a full stomach was particularly satisfying. Chu Yu gazed at the empty bowl for a while, then raised her eyes to Rong Zhi and said with a smile, “Thank you.”

The first thank you was for the meat soup, and the second was for Rong Zhi.

The fire was burning brightly, and its heat enveloped her, but Chu Yu didn’t want to leave. Just like the meat soup she had just tasted, the real and warm atmosphere made her feel suddenly secure. All the unhappiness from the afternoon slowly dissipated like smoke.

She was, in fact, a very mundane and ordinary person, capable of mistakes, obsessing over things, feeling longing and dejection. Yet, it was also simple to bring her joy, such as with just a bowl of warm meat soup, which could dispel the chill of loneliness.

Her body was warm, and her heart gradually became warmer as well.

No home, no matter, she would build one for herself; no kin, also no matter, she could find caring people right here.

Take it slow, it will get better.

“Rong Zhi,” Chu Yu called out softly, putting down her bowl. Upon calling his name, she suddenly fell silent again.

Rong Zhi put down his bowl and moved closer, his hand resting on the back of her hand. In the light of the fire, his eyes were still clear as snow, with a tender smile, “I won’t leave.”

His words seemed random, but Chu Yu knew he was steadying her heart. She couldn’t help but ask, “Even if it’s very dangerous?” The touch from his palm transmitted a smooth and moist sensation, making Chu Yu uncomfortable, eager to withdraw her hand.

Rong Zhi smiled faintly, took her hand, interlaced her slender fingers one by one, and then slowly clasped them: “Even then.” His slightly warm palm pressed against her fingertips, skin rubbing against skin, his nails neatly trimmed, and while his grip wasn’t strong, it was very steady.

His voice was like a vow.

The night breeze was cool and tranquil, like the still waters of spring. Chu Yu involuntarily widened her eyes, her heartbeat pounding like a drum.

So urgent.