Volume One: A Young Man Enters the World Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Box

In Zhou Xiaodie’s room, Fang Tian was conversing with her, their laughter and lively chatter filling the air. Though they hadn’t seen each other for several days, the bond between them remained unshaken. The days apart had softened Zhou Xiaodie’s earlier shyness and anxiety about meeting Fang Tian; instead, she found herself thinking of him constantly, longing for his arrival. Her tender feelings were plain for anyone to see.

Today’s meeting had been arranged at her behest; she’d sent her maid to notify Zhou Quan, dropping a hint for Fang Tian. As for why she hadn’t sought him out directly, it was likely due to the subtle intricacies of a young woman’s heart.

Having not seen each other for days, they found themselves with endless things to share. Time slipped by unnoticed as they talked, dusk quietly settling in and the light outside gradually fading.

Noticing the hour, Fang Tian realized it was late and he’d lingered in Zhou Xiaodie’s room long enough. He stood up, signaling that it was time for him to leave.

“Xiaodie, it’s getting late. I’ll head back now and visit you again another day.”

Though a trace of reluctance flickered in Zhou Xiaodie’s eyes, she knew it was improper for a young man and woman to remain alone together into the evening. She nodded and said, “Alright, Brother Fang Tian, let me walk you out.”

Together, they rose and walked toward the courtyard gate. Upon reaching it, Fang Tian continued on for a few steps, but Zhou Xiaodie showed no sign of stopping, clearly intending to accompany him further. Sensing this, Fang Tian spoke first, “Xiaodie, this is far enough. No need to walk me any further. Go back and rest early.”

Zhou Xiaodie responded softly, “Alright, then I’ll head back. Brother Fang Tian, you should get some rest too.”

“Yes, I will. Go on now.”

With a gentle smile and a wave, Fang Tian turned and departed.

Yet Zhou Xiaodie stood watching his retreating figure, unwilling to leave, a gentle smile unconsciously blooming on her face—a look of quiet infatuation. She lingered at the gate for a while, but when Fang Tian finally disappeared from view, she knew there was nothing left to see. Turning back to her room, she gave instructions to her maid and began preparing for bed.

Her maid, who had been waiting nearby, quickly brought over the things needed for her mistress to wash and change.

Not long after, Zhou Xiaodie lay quietly on her bed, lost in thought. Once the maid had finished her duties, she closed the door gently and withdrew.

Zhou Xiaodie reclined at the edge of the bed, showing no intention of sleep. Her mind dwelled on the upcoming competition between the three clans, now only days away. Soon, Fang Tian would leave for elsewhere.

The more time she spent with Fang Tian, the harder it became to imagine him gone. Her wish for him to stay grew deeper with each passing day.

At this thought, a hint of pain crossed her face. She struggled inwardly, unable to untangle her emotions.

She did not know how many hours passed before weariness finally overcame her and she drifted off to sleep.

Elsewhere, Fang Tian was much the same. He, too, was deep in thought, but in the end, he chose to focus on his own responsibilities. In his heart, nothing else could compare to this. If he stayed, the guilt he felt toward the people of Qingchuan Village would torment him for the rest of his life.

As for his feelings for Zhou Xiaodie, he resolved to make amends in the future. As long as she remembered him, he would one day return.

With this resolution, Fang Tian ceased his restless thoughts and soon fell asleep.

While Fang Tian was slipping into dreams, in another part of the Zhou household, in a study, Zhou Yunshu sat reading at his desk. After a while, a knock sounded at the door, followed by the voice of a man.

“Clan Leader, I have returned.”

“Come in.”

A middle-aged man entered, respectfully standing before Zhou Yunshu, a box in his hands.

He said, “Clan Leader, I have brought what you requested. Please have a look.”

He set the box before Zhou Yunshu and waited for instructions.

Zhou Yunshu put down his book and regarded the box. It was finely crafted, suggesting it was made from precious materials. Yet the container itself didn’t interest him; only its contents mattered.

After a moment, he asked, “Were you seen by anyone on your way here?”

The middle-aged man immediately replied, “Rest assured, Clan Leader, I was extremely careful. No one noticed me.”

“Good. But remember, you must never mention this delivery to anyone. If I find out you’ve let it slip, I will not forgive you. Do you understand?”

The man’s heart tightened with anxiety and he hurried to answer, “Clan Leader, I swear I will never speak of this to anyone. If I do, you may punish me as you see fit. I will have no complaints.”

Satisfied with this assurance, Zhou Yunshu said, “Very well. You may go.”

The man bowed and left, closing the door behind him as he departed.

Once alone, Zhou Yunshu’s gaze lingered on the box. After a moment, a slow smile appeared on his lips and he murmured to himself, “After all this time, it has finally arrived. My chances are that much greater now.”

He gently opened the box. Inside was a small bottle, its contents known only to Zhou Yunshu himself.

He didn’t keep staring at the bottle. Instead, he closed the box, found a hidden spot in the study, and concealed it there.

Certain it would not be discovered, he left the study and returned to his quarters to rest.

Thus, another night passed.

The next morning, after rising, Fang Tian went to the martial training grounds, intending to spend some time there. But Zhou Quan wouldn’t even let him stay, insisting that Fang Tian should go see Zhou Xiaodie instead, saying his presence was no longer needed at the training ground and urging him not to waste time there.

Others among the Zhou family’s young men joined in the teasing, assuring Fang Tian that they could handle their own training and urging him to leave.

Fang Tian could only smile wryly at their banter, feeling a bit awkward. It seemed he had little choice but to go to Zhou Xiaodie, for the training ground and her residence were the only places he wished to visit.

With that, he turned to leave, the laughter of the Zhou youths and Zhou Quan ringing out behind him. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he paid them no further mind and strode away.