"What if the pandemic breaks out again and we're stranded there?"
"Haha, then I'll just buy a small house and live there until the pandemic is over!"
"..." This woman's actions are so unpredictable; she's over thirty and still acts like a rebellious teenager, Qi Yi'an thought to himself. But she's rich, so she can indeed do whatever she wants. The J Islands are an overseas enclave of Country E, so there's no need to worry about visas.
"What if you get infected over there?"
"To die in the middle of a stunning ocean, it sounds rather romantic," Qin Ruoshui inexplicably thought... euthanasia...
"Life isn't that long, it's all about the experience. You might die tomorrow, so why not enjoy it while you can, right?"
"..." That makes sense. Qi Yi'an was also a follower of Taoist philosophy, and the phrase "There is a fish in the Northern Sea" began to surface in his mind...
Qin Ruoshui imagined Qi Yi'an looking dazed again. Had she frightened the child again?
"How about I give you some time to think about it?"
Before she could finish speaking, Qi Yi'an interrupted her, saying, "Thank you, miss, but let's forget about it..."
…
A week later, Qi Yi'an followed Qin Ruoshui off the plane, took off her coat and was left in only a short-sleeved shirt, feeling the warm, humid sea breeze and the island's broad-leaved trees all around her. She felt like she must have lost her mind, otherwise how could she be so stubborn?
Author's Note:
I wrote a lot in the last chapter, so I'll keep it short this one. I'm not feeling well right now, I'm worried I might have caught an infection [panic]!
A tribute to Eileen Chang; only she could write a work like "The Golden Cangue."
Chapter 8 is unreal.
Qi Yi'an and Qin Ruoshui transferred planes twice before finally landing at the only small airport in the J Islands, located on J Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Even from the plane, they could see the clear blue-green sea and the egg-yolk yellow sand below, bathed in bright sunshine—a stark contrast to the gloomy weather of L City. Qi Yi'an was happy; with sunshine, blue skies, and the sea, she could be happy forever.
As the plane circled for landing, she looked out the window and could see half of the island's outline. Amidst the turbulence, Qin Ruoshui reached out and ruffled the small animal's fur. "We're almost there!"
Qi Yi'an turned his gaze back to the cabin, pursing his lips to suppress a smile, but his eyes were full of excitement. "Mm!"
Stepping out of the plane, Qin Ruoshui said, "See, you're all talk and no action," putting on her sunglasses. "Who said they didn't want to come?"
Qi Yi'an stared blankly into the air, feeling the warm, humid sea breeze and the lush green island broad-leaved trees. Qin Ruoshui helped her take off her coat, leaving her in only a short-sleeved shirt. "What are you thinking about now?"
She felt like she must have lost her mind, otherwise how could she be so stubborn?
But... I'm so happy!
"Hmph!" Qin Ruoshui snorted at the little animal, frowned at the air, pouted slightly, and then relaxed her brows and grinned foolishly.
Oh dear, what a strange child. I never know what's going on in her head. I'll tease her again later.
"Let's go get the car," Qin Ruoshui said, leading the little animal to rent a car.
Public transportation on J Island isn't very convenient, so Qin Ruoshui acted as their driver. It was already afternoon on the island, and time seemed to stretch on leisurely. There weren't many cars on the road, so Qin Ruoshui drove slowly along the coastal highway, admiring the mudflats, grasslands, and fields. The world was vibrant and bright; the sunroof was open, letting in sunlight. Qi Yi'an looked at the woman beside him… long, slightly wavy hair, blue sunglasses, a fair complexion… red lips… like a shaky film.
The car stopped at their rented villa. Qi Yi'an was still engrossed in the video. Qin Ruoshui pinched her cheek. "We're here~ Let's get out and take a look at our little house..."
Before she could finish speaking, two slightly cool lips pressed against hers, swallowing the words she wanted to say.
Qi Yi'an kissed her tenderly, feeling as if it were unreal. Qin Ruoshui was slightly surprised, then closed her eyes, smiling as she returned the kiss. It was so beautiful that it felt almost unreal.
…
The detached house they rented was in a small seaside village, not far from J Island's largest town, a short walk of several tens of minutes along the coastal path. It was a two-story house with off-white walls and red tiles, surrounded by a small courtyard enclosed by white walls, hedges, and a wooden fence. Potted plants and flowers adorned the courtyard walls, and vines from the trees grew naturally, overflowing the fence and creeping over the little house. The little white house, nestled against a large tree under the deep blue sky, was quite charming.
They went up to the second floor. The bedroom connected to floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, leading to a large terrace filled with various potted plants and vines growing up from the yard. Part of the terrace had a glass canopy with curtains, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. Qi Yi'an leaned against the terrace railing and looked out, seeing the deep blue sea through the trees.
"How is it? Are you satisfied?" Qin Ruoshui wrapped her arms around her from behind, resting her head on her back, which felt very warm.
After enjoying the moment for a while, Qi Yi'an turned around and hugged her back. "Mmm, so beautiful!"
The two embraced quietly, and in the slow, drawn-out moment, something slowly began to grow within them. The western sky was already tinged with red.
"Are you hungry? Let's go to town and grab something to eat. Let's rest well today."
"Mmm." She reluctantly let go of Qin Ruoshui.
…
…
…
Qin Ye received feedback from the personnel sent to Country E to look after her; the situation had worsened and was far from optimistic. Furthermore, with the resurgence of the mutated virus, Qin Ruoshui could no longer be left alone abroad. After assigning tasks back home, he decisively arranged a chartered plane and personally led a team of medical personnel and equipment to the country to handle the situation.
It wasn't until he stepped into the ward that he truly realized the seriousness of the situation. He barely recognized Qin Ruoshui.
The woman lying unconscious on the hospital bed had her head completely shaved and wore a breathing mask. Her face beneath the mask was pale and haggard, lifeless, and looked several years older. Several drainage tubes were inserted into her body, and others were still bandaged. She was emaciated and a shocking sight. This was a completely different person from Qin Ruoshui, whom he had met just over six months ago. Qin Ye couldn't accept the reality before him and went outside to calm down, clutching his forehead.
His sister was always radiant and beautiful; she would never appear in front of anyone in such a disheveled state.
It was already morning in China when it was early morning in Country E. Qin Ye's hand trembled slightly as he answered his father's call. "Hello, Dad..."
"Xiao Ye, how is Xiao Ruo now?" Qin Ruoshui's mother asked anxiously first.
"..."
"Qin Ye!" Qin Weilin spoke up.
"Dad, Mom...please calm down...Xiao Ruo's condition is not good for the time being..." In fact, it was very bad.
What's going on?
“He’s still unconscious…” Qin Ye couldn’t bear to recall the horrific scene from just now. “Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for medical experts to make all the necessary preparations immediately.”
"Okay, please, please make sure they help Xiaoruo return home safely. Remuneration is not a problem."
"Hmm...don't worry too much..." Qin Ye sighed heavily after hanging up the phone.
He walked back to the ward, went to Qin Ruoshui's bedside, and looked solemnly into Qin Ruoshui's slightly open, lifeless eyes.
"Qin Ruoshui, I am your brother."
Did you hear that?
"Don't die, don't die, don't die."
...
Qin Ruoshui's body was immobilized; she could only stare vaguely at the white ceiling and the monotonous white light. Occasionally, she could turn her eyes to glance at the green curtains around her. Time stretched on endlessly; her body was numb, and her mind was tormented by the boundless emptiness of time.
It's always like this.
This living hell is happening again. How can I die?
After an unknown amount of time, a figure walked to her bedside.
She strained to turn her eyes, and this time she finally saw the person's face. Her eyes focused with difficulty; the person's face was heavy with worry… Qin Ye?
What happened? Why is he here?
…death…, she tried with all her might to beg him for help, or to beg for death.
I can't make a sound with my vocal cords and lips; I can't move anything. Make a sound, please!
Let me die, kill me, kill me...
…
"Qin Ruoshui, I am your brother."
Did you hear that?
"You are not allowed to die."
"You are not allowed to die."
"You are not allowed to die."
…
"Don't die..." Qin Ruoshui suddenly opened her eyes and sat up.
A few wet drops landed on her palm, and she realized she was crying. Another night, another that tedious nightmare?
How terrifying.
Wiping away her tears, she turned to look at the pillow beside her, but the other body was nowhere to be seen. Where had he gone?
She looked up at the terrace again; the sky was already faintly lit. A soft white light, a gradual blending of deep blue and pure black, the stars and moon growing paler. The air was still, save for the sound of the sea breeze rustling through the trees. She saw the girl's pale body leaning against the terrace railing, reflecting the faint light and moonlight. Completely naked.
She must be a very charming woman…
She already is...
Qin Ruoshui leaned against the headboard, turning to quietly observe. ...Which of the scenes before her was a dream?
Seeing that the girl's hair was becoming increasingly disheveled, and the wind outside seemed to be picking up, Qin Ruoshui got up, grabbed a blanket from the bed, put it on, and went outside.
Qi Yi'an woke up naturally very early today. She loved looking at the clear, crisp sky and the ocean; they gave her a wonderful feeling of being confined to a physical body while her heart roamed freely in the wilderness. The stars and moon shone brightly, and the Milky Way stretched across the sky. There was no sound of human voices, only the sounds of the trees.
She always felt joy and contentment in places devoid of human presence. The heavens and stars, flowers and trees, and animals were all clearly and lovelyly presented before her. Human beings, on the other hand, were always filled with inexplicable contradictions between individuals and groups, which was unbearable. She once said, "In places where there is no human interaction, I am filled with the joy of life"...
Qi Yi'an was lost in his own empty world when he suddenly felt a warm, undulating softness press against his back. Then came a familiar, faint fragrance—it was her.
Qi Yi'an was like a startled little bird, abruptly pulled out of her own world by the sudden warmth, or perhaps, this woman suddenly barged into her world.
She instinctively shrank back, snuggling even deeper into Qin Ruoshui's arms. Qin Ruoshui embraced her from behind, their skin pressed tightly together, then reached over and pulled the blanket draped over her back, wrapping her completely inside.
Qi Yi'an relaxed, turned his head slightly, and pressed his cheek against Qin Ruoshui's forehead, which was resting on her shoulder, nuzzling against her. He silently felt the warmth surrounding him, the rise and fall of her body, and the touch of her hair against his back. After a moment of silence, Qin Ruoshui said in a soft, languid voice:
"Why are you up so early?"
"...jet lag…"
…
"Aren't you cold standing outside all by yourself?"
"A little bit."
Qin Ruoshui then tightened the blanket and hugged her even closer.
"And now?"
"Um…"