Chapter 125 (1/2)

Chapter 125 Cascades: The Flavours of Life

“Fish in Sour Soup, Soured Bamboo Shoots with Chicken, Soured Pork Ribs, Chicken Feet in Vinegar, Sweet and Sour Pickled Carrots…” Qi Jianqiu proudly introduced the names of her dishes, but Feng Luodi and Scarlet had their mouths wide open. Even Duo, who was hiding in the shadows, was dazed by the “sour-ness” of the menu.

“Jianqiu, did vinegar do something to offend you?” Feng Luodi grabbed Qi Jianqiu's hand while motioning for Scarlet to quickly return the dishes into the hamper.

“You're making fun of me again!” Qi Jianqiu smacked Feng Luodi on her arm but did not notice Scarlet's actions. She plopped back down into her seat cradling her head in her hands, obviously distracted.

Feng Luodi looked at her friend closely and suddenly thought of a possible cause for her distractedness. Her lips turned upwards into a smile.

“I'd heard that Gan Qingjia went to Moonglade again yesterday, is it true?”

“I knew he'd go there again, that sleazy fellow!” Qi Jianqiu immediately spouted a whole load of complaints about Gan Qingjia. “He's already a Rank Three Official of the court, yet he still spends many of his days in Moonglade; it's as if his soul has been stolen by that Linglong! And he does it with the excuse that he is meeting other officials on official matters; is there any official matter that will need to be settled in a zither parlour? How brazen!”

Feng Luodi did not expect such an outburst from Qi Jianqiu. “I'm just joking, Jianqiu. I'm not even sure if he went yesterday.”

“He definitely did!” Qi Jianqiu was still upset, her cheeks puffed in anger.

“Jianqiu…” Feng Luodi finally asked the question that has been nagging at her. “Why are you so upset at him going to Moonglade? Have you ever thought about your own feelings? You might regret it for life if you let some people go just like that.”

“I'm not…” Qi Jianqiu turned to look at Feng Luodi, about to retort. A tiny voice in her heart called out to her and she recognised the truth behind Feng Luodi's words. It's time for you to mature, and make heads of your feelings. After all, you are Qi Jianqiu, a girl with the courage to love and hate.

“Alright. I've made a decision.” Qi Jianqiu stood up. “I'm going to finish this and then get my answer. Don't stop me, Luodi!”

“Why would I stop you?” Feng Luodi laughed, thinking that Qi Jianqiu was going to talk things out with Gan Qingjia. Qi Jianqiu got the support she needed from her good friend and quickly bide farewell, leaving the hamper of food behind.

Feng Luodi stood in the courtyard and sighed. “Jianqiu is finally growing up.”

Scarlet interrupted her thoughts. “Young miss, you're almost the same age as Young Miss Qi, why do you speak as if you're her elder?”

“Do I?” Feng Luodi acted surprise, covering her mouth with a hand.

Scarlet laughed at her antic. She looked earnestly at Feng Luodi. “You were all sad and sickly a while back; please don't go back to that state, young miss. We all like you better like that.”

Feng Luodi smiled and patted Scarlet's hand. “Let's bring these dishes back for Jet; I remember her fondness for sour foods.”

Scarlet nodded and picked up the hamper. “Jet is in luck again. Man, why is she never putting on any weight even though she eats so much everyday?”

Feng Luodi shrugged. “I can't do anything to help you about that.”

Scarlet sighed, bringing the hamper back to Jet in her room, leaving Feng Luodi alone in the courtyard. Only then did Feng Luodi drop her façade and laughed bitterly. She can give good advice to Qi Jianqiu, but she cannot accept her own advice. It was but a mask.

Qi Jianqiu first headed home to change into the clothes of a man, then headed straight to find Xue Yiqi.

“Are you busy today?”

Xue Yiqi shook his head truthfully. “My s.h.i.+ft is on tonight; I'm free in the day.”

“That's good; let's go then!” Qi Jianqiu grinned. “I'll show you the world.”

Naturally, Xue Yiqi was glad to spend time alone with Qi Jianqiu. He quickly followed her out of his residence, not even bothering to ask about their destination. Before long, they arrived in front of The House of A Hundred Flowers.

“Let's go.” Qi Jianqiu was about to enter but Xue Yiqi quickly held on to her.

“Wait a minute, this is a brothel! How can you, a girl, go into such places?”

“I've told you that I'd wanted to come here.” Qi Jianqiu was composed. “You didn't say no to me that time.”

Now Xue Yiqi remembered what she was talking about. “I thought you were joking.”

“I never joke about things like that.” Qi Jianqiu shook her head and looked Xue Yiqi in the eye. “I won't force you, but I am going in no matter what.” She walked towards the brothel but Xue Yiqi held her back again.

“Don't be so stubborn, Jianqiu. You can't go in there! You are the daughter of the Minister of the Right; it'll severely damage your reputation!”

Qi Jianqiu frowned and shook his hand off. “I've never cared about the judgement of others and have always done things however I'd wanted. I like to be free; I don't need you to tell me such things.”

“I'm not trying to…” Xue Yiqi hated his clumsy tongue; he could not win the quarrel against Qi Jianqiu. Seeing her walking towards the brothel again, Xue Yiqi could only try to grab her arm again. However, Qi Jianqiu was ready for him this time. She quickly sidestepped and nimbly continued her advance towards the brothel.

“Stop there!” A familiar voice called out. The two of them turned around to see the uncharacteristically sombre face of Gan Qingjia.

“Are you talking to me?” Qi Jianqiu frowned, looking as if she was on the verge of exploding.

“What do you think?” Gan Qingjia stepped forward and gripped her wrist tightly, dragging her towards an alley by the side of the street to avoid attracting attention. Qi Jianqiu struggled furiously but to no avail.

“Third Brother, don't use so much strength on her! Her wrist is already red.”