101 Romantic Endings and Beginnings (1/2)

Just as the moon and stars began to appear, so did Ji Er and Hou Lei. Beneath the willow tree on the outskirts of town was Ji Er covered in a black cloak and Hou Lei. The two stood there awkwardly.

His face was blank. She couldn't tell whether he was happy to see her or not.

Hou Lei couldn't see how stressed and anxious Ji Er looked. One, for it was quite dark and two, he did his best not to look her in the eyes. The two of them had been silently staring at each other for a while now. Even though she was standing next to him, she felt like he was so far away. She was afraid the closer she got to him, the further he would get.

”Consort Nuan must have an urgent matter to summon me here this late?” Hou Lei was the first to speak.

Ji Er gripped her sleeves tightly.

”I am willing to throw everything away as long as you leave with me.” For the first time in her life, Ji Er wanted to do something for herself. To say these words, she was desperate. She wished he could her the desperation in her voice. But he couldn't.

For a moment Hou Lei's body betrayed him. Thankfully he reacted fast enough to stop himself from grabbing her hands.

He stared at her.

The her in front of him was still the same from years ago. She was still the most beautiful woman in his life. The memory of her etched in his heart was still the same. She had not changed one bit.

Hou Lei didn't know how to react to this sudden boldness. Why was she playing him? At one point he would have thrown everything away for her. But now…he knew he would never be able to live knowing he betrayed his highness.

When Hou Lei was a nobody, it was Pei Nan who saw his worth. It was also Pei Nan who supported and taught him. He would not be the man he is today without Pei Nan.

He never blamed Ji Er for marrying Pei Nan. He understood. All these thoughts clouded his thoughts.

Ji Er anxiously waited for his reply. To see him so engrossed in his own thoughts scared her. This meant he was hesitating. She hurriedly took two steps and desperately held onto his hands. Hou Lei felt her cold hands cover his.

”Lei ge'ge, run away with me, okay? Didn't we say we would live where only the two of us existed? Somewhere no one could find us? We can still do that. Let's leave right now.” Her eyes beamed with hope.

”Ji Er.” This soft and pleasant voice of his, she never thought she would be able to hear it again. A smile immediately appeared on her face. Were they going back to how they were?

”This isn't like the past. We are not our young and carefree selves anymore. How can we abandon our duties to the country? You are the wife of Prince Nan, the future emperor and I, his adviser. If I leave with you now, how would I face my ancestors? Or Pei Nan? Or the country?”

”I don't care if the world turns their back on me. But you can't.” She quickly cut him off.

”This is the decision you chose for the both of us. We can only continue to move forward. It's late...This is the last time I am meeting you. Let's go our separate ways..” Hou Lei knew if he stayed any longer he would really leave everything and take her away.

A heartbroken Ji Er let go of his hands. ”I understand.”

Even after Hou Lei left, she didn't move. [Ji Er, this is the choice you made for yourself. Lei ge'ge is right, there is no turning back.]

***

Pei Nan was seen at Yu Mei's courtyard early the next morning. The two of them were taking a casual stroll along the paved road where thousands of flowers were planted.

At the same time, a flustered Chu'mei was running around looking for her lady. She had only left her lady's sight for a little over twenty minutes to get snacks. When she got back to the pavilion, her lady was gone. Chu'mei didn't get far from the pavilion when out of nowhere Feng Ju appeared. His sudden arrival made her jump.

”Why are you here?” She placed her hands on her hips and rudely asked. She still hadn't gotten even with him for stopping her yesterday.

”Why else would I be here if his highness wasn't here. It's not like I would come here on my own. ” He was quick to give her attitude too. He looked her up and down as if she was an unsightly sight. ”Especially with an airheaded maid around.” Feng Ju crossed his hands and looked away as if looking at her would hurt his eyes.