Chapter 60 (1/2)

Chapter 60: Falling into Water

The three of them walked towards an old tree with red ribbons tied to its branches. By the tree, some monks had set up stands to tell fortunes and give blessings.

Revenge was the only goal Jun Huang kept in mind. Matters of the heart did not interest her. She went to the old monk on the fringe of the line of stands and put her hands together as a show of respect. She closed her eyes. The breeze sent her black hair flying and it tangled with the catkins in the air.

The monk returned the gesture and asked Jun Huang to take a seat. ”Is the gentleman praying for someone?”

”Yes,” Jun Huang said calmly. ”My younger brother and a friend.” She was thinking about her long lost brother and Qi Yun.

The monk nodded. He took out two talismans for safety and handed them to Jun Huang. They were triangle in shape and bright red in color. ”Here. These can ensure a lifetime of safety and peace.”

Jun Huang took the talismans and put some silvers into the donation box next to the stand. She stood up and left. Nan Jihan jogged up to her and asked curiously, ”The gentleman has a brother? Why haven't I heard about it?”

Jun Huang would rather not talk about Jun Hao. Losing him was the nightmare that tortured her every day. She lowered her eyes and continued onwards without a word.

Nan Xun hadn't gone with Jun Huang. Instead, he went to another monk, who was telling fortunes in love. The monk considered him with narrowed eyes before asking, ”What does the gentleman seek?”

”Love, naturally.”

”Love is right within the gentleman's reach. Why do you come seeking it?” The monk gave him a friendly smile. ”Finding the right person may seem like an impossible dream, but they're right by your side.”

Nan Xun frowned. A wind brought up the red ribbons on the tree, drawing his attention.

He looked down and saw Jun Huang under the tree. Behind her was Nan Jihan, who had not stopped talking.

Nan Jihan noticed the plaque on the table Nan Xun was at. His eyes lighted up as he came up to the stand. He nudged Nan Xun aside and smiled at the monk. ”May the abbot tell me my fortunes in love?”

The monk closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, there was no emotions within them. He put his hands together and said, ”The person the almsgiver is trying to win over isn't meant for you. The right one will appear naturally one day. Love cannot be forced.”

It was ominous to say the least. Even Nan Jihan himself didn't understand what the monk was talking about, let alone other people. He pouted, muttering, ”I don't care if it's the right one or not. What matters is if I like them.”

Nan Xun and Jun Huang didn't hear him, but the monk did. He shook his head and chanted, ”Amituofo1. May Buddha preserve us.”

Jun Huang snorted and shook her head. These two men came to the temple to ask for fortunes in love? Are they bored out of their mind?

She looked up and fell into Nan Xun's dark eyes. She didn't know they could be so beautiful.

Nan Xun couldn't get the monk's words out of his head. A voice said in his head, maybe Jun Huang is the one meant for me.

Another voice said, even if fate dictates that she isn't right for me, I still believe she is.

Nan Xun's gaze was so intense, Jun Huang couldn't help looking away. ”It's late. We should follow the customs of where we are and try the vegetarian meals.” She turned around and started walking away. Nan Xun and Nan Jihan followed her without a word.

The sun had set when they finished dinner. It was the temple fair, however. There would only be more and more people coming to the temple later into the night. Jun Huang never liked crowds. She frowned and said to Nan Jihan and Nan Xun, ”It's late. This gentleman will take my leave. Excuse me for not being able to accompany you.”

”This prince is getting tired as well,” Nan Jihan said. ”Let me give you a ride back.”

Jun Huang nodded. She left with Nan Jihan after bidding Nan Xun farewell.

Back to Prince Chen Manor, Nan Jihan had planned to pay Nan Guyue a visit and say goodbye to her. His shadow guard arrived at the manor from the relay station, however, and told him that Southern Mu had had sent him a message. He had no choice but to depart now.

Jun Huang let out a sigh of relief once he disappeared. She felt agitated all of a sudden. She didn't take a good look at the bustling activities in the temple earlier. Now, from several streets away, the fair still seemed too chaotic for her.

She had enjoyed watching the scenery with Nan Xun today, and they had talked quite a lot. It seemed like they would never run out of things to say to each other.

Excluding Nan Jihan was something she did on purpose. Nan Jihan's gaze still made her uncomfortable. Nan Jihan should know where the line was now after how she had treated him today.

She was reminded of the way Nan Xun had looked at her. His indiscernible gaze made her heart race.

She didn't know how long it had been since the last time she felt so much like a woman. It felt… good. She didn't dislike it.

She walked through the winding hallway and saw Qi Chen and Nan Guyue in the pavilion by the lotus pond. Qi Chen was behind her, teaching her how to play the zither. Nan Guyue tilted her head back to look at him.