Vol 9 Chapter 128 (2/2)

“Because of this.” I said as I picked up her gourd and shook it in front of her, “There was no news about you after you left but I figured that if you were still in Xinye than you would definitely be doing something.”

And that something is definitely related to her sugar water. It’s lucky that today is a market day so it’s natural that Yuan Zhi would think about trying to sell some here.

“I see.” Yuan Zhi replied tiredly. She neither nodded nor seemed surprised Nd it felt like she was not particularly concerned or interested in my answer. Of course, given Yuan Zhi’s personality, she probably has some thoughts on what I said but she probably will not reveal them.

“Of course, it’s a lot easier said than done and I took a fair bit of time and effort to find you as there really are a lot of people out in the streets today.” I said as I looked about.

Because Yuan Zhi was no longer singing, the surrounding people closed in slightly. At the same time, my gra.s.s circlet was beginning to attract curious glances by the pa.s.sers-by again.

“But in the end, it was still Yuan Zhi yourself who helped me find you.” I said as calmly and naturally as possible, “Honestly, I was here thanks to your singing.”

“I see.” Yuan Zhi nodded, “Looks like my practice came in useful after all.”

I am sorry but I have to take responsibility and tell her the truth.

“But Xuan De’s train of thought was right. I do indeed like to make sugar water and sell it.” Just then, Yuan Zhi looked up at me with a melancholic expression. To be honest, I was not used to her staring at me with those big eyes of hers and had to look away.

“When I was young, my dream was to be the poster girl for my own shop that would sell sugar water.” Yuan Zhi said as she instinctively reached down and touched her gourd, “Back then, I thought it would be possible to live a safe, secure and stable life forever. So I thought that there would always be enough demand for something that was more of a want than a need like my sugar water and I would eventually be a renowned artiste with a sugar water franchise that would have shops all over the world.”

“I think that.i.t’s possible.” i nodded and smiled stiffly as I added, “a.s.suming you stop singing of course.”

“I think that it’s actually rather nice.” Yuan Zhi said with surprise.

“No no no.” I shook my head vigorously and did an ‘X’ with my srms. I really wonder where she gets that confidence from.

“Really… This is acturally very dishearteneing to hear.” Yuan Zhi said as she frowned but did not seem too downcast though she probably does feel that way.

When I saw this, I felt like I had said too much and hurriedly added, “But if you think about it, it was thanks to your unique melody that allowed me to find you here.”

“…” However, when she heard what I said, Yuan Zhi’s expression did not lighten up. In fact, it actually worsened.

“Did you know, Xuan De?” Just as I was wondering if I had something wrong and was trying to think how I ought to continue the conversation, Yuan Zhi looked at me seriously and spoke up in her level and calm voice, “You and I should have met here, like this.”

“Un? What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, you and I should not have met before Xinye.” Yuan Zhi said slowly and clearly as her eyes bulged, “Originally, we should have met in the market, and our first meeting should have like how it was today, you being drawn to me by my singing.”

“Eh?”

“Xuan De, y-you still d-don’t understand?” She stammered as her calm demeanor began to break down, “– I-I-I was just acting according to the script given to me.”

… Eh?

“What do you mean? Are you saying that our meeting and the strategies you gave me all pre-arranged?”

Hu… Yuan Zhi nodded and took a few deep breaths before she was able to calm down.

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