Chapter 50: Another Time 16

Chapter 50: Another Time 16

Time passed soundlessly, as the inky night gradually faded, and moonlight melted away into the increasingly bright sky.

Morning had arrived.

A gentle breeze rustled the sheer curtains by the window, and in the tranquil and serene courtyard, faint sounds of the dawn began to emerge.

Beside the desk, a small lamp had been extinguished. Next to it lay a closed notebook, its corners slightly yellowed from age but without a single crease, suggesting it had been carefully preserved.

When the clock on the wall struck five, a barely audible tread of footsteps echoed through the elegantly decorated suite.

The footsteps traversed the living room and halted at the entrance of an open bedroom door.

In the center of the large bed, there was a gentle indentation, where a person, buried under fluffy blankets, slept deeply. Facing inward, their face was concealed, but the warm, russet hair spread across the white pillow was visible.

According to numerous scientific studies and expert recommendations on waking up, the most frequent optimal time was between five and seven in the morning.

However, Yu Bai rarely woke up during this period.

No longer a student and not bound by a 9-to-5 job, he considered himself a freelancer, barely needing an alarm clock.

Only on those occasional deadline-crunching nights would he be awake at five in the morning, having not yet found sleep.

At all other times, he'd be contentedly lost in slumber, engaged in a peaceful game with Morpheus.

From the spacious bed, there emerged a soft and steady rhythm of breaths.

Pausing momentarily at the bedroom door, the footsteps eventually retreated, leaving tranquility undisturbed.

Time continued to flow, and the pale blue atmosphere brightened gradually, as the sun rose, painting the horizon with rich hues of golden and orange.

The round clock ticked methodically towards seven o'clock.

Once more, footsteps sounded.

The bedroom was even more serene. The person in the bed shifted, burying their head under the covers for a deeper slumber, leaving a tiny gap for air, while the fluffy duvet muffled their prolonged breathing.

It also insulated against any faint noises from outside.

By the open bedroom door, a pair of grayish-blue eyes watched the still-sleeping figure in silence.

Until a soft whoosh sounded from the bedside table.

The phone, flipped face down carelessly before going to bed last night, now screen-side up, signaled the arrival of a new message.

The gaze that followed the sound seemed hesitant.

Moments later, the phone beeped twice more. The small mountain of blankets on the bed stirred.

The person in slumber instinctively curled deeper into the covers, shifting slightly away from the source of the noise, as if to avoid disturbance.

Soft footsteps retreated and then returned once more.

This time, a pristine pillow from another bedroom covered the intermittently beeping phone, muffling the sounds almost entirely.

In the newly restored tranquility of the room, the blanket hill shifted back, unintentionally pulling the cover off its head, perhaps seeking air.

The morning light brushed against his cheeks, making his already excessively fair skin nearly translucent, save for a hint of flush from being smothered.

Soon, the figure in the bed shifted restlessly again, turning onto their side, their face now concealed.

The footsteps that had paused by the door retreated once more.

Imperceptible footsteps traversed the suite, softly closing the outer door. It wasn't until the figure stepped into the courtyard that their steps regained their normal tempo.

By seven in the morning, everyone else who had originally resided in the estate, apart from the young guest who had arrived the previous night, had already risen.

In the pristine corridor, occasionally, hurried servants would pass by. Beside a lush path lined with trees, a young boy was crouched down, amusing himself with the resident dogs.

At his core, Yuan Yuhang was an elderly man, and like many seniors, he had little need for sleep and woke up quite early.

Upon seeing the young man with black hair and blue eyes, he was surprised, "You're also up this early?"

His spontaneous words rang out clearly in the courtyard's early morning stillness, echoed by a yap from the puppy at his feet.

The young man gave him a quiet glance but didn't respond. Instead, he frowned, "Your voice is too loud."

"..." Which part is big?

Despite his thoughts, Yuan Yuhang didn't dare to refute in front of the intimidating grayish-blue lake. He obediently lowered his voice and asked humbly, "Did you have breakfast? Should I take you to the kitchen?"

Yuan Yuhang was somewhat intimidated by this young man of unknown origins, especially after witnessing the intense Go match last night, which had made him break into a cold sweat. However, it was also because of Go that he found a bold courage within himself.

He was braver than the short-legged Corgi that was currently desperately trying to cuddle up to him.

"After we eat..." The little boy rubbed his hands together, looking slightly embarrassed as he ventured, "Can you play a game of Go with me too?"

Although Yu Bai mentioned that he had played with Xie Wufang before, it wasn't in this time and space. Last night, watching the two of them play had left him itching to join in.

The little boy's eager expression and the trembling yet adorable Corgi failed to sway the man across from them. He remained unmoved, neither looking at the child nor the dog.

"No," Xie Wufang replied with a detached tone. "I'm not eating."

...

If he's not going, then he's not going. But how can he skip breakfast altogether?

Sigh, so heartless.

With a tinge of disappointment, Yuan Yuhang scooped up the nearly-frightened puppy and watched as the figure disappeared into the distance.

At the same time, a spark of curiosity ignited within him.

Getting up so early, skipping breakfast, and without Little Bai by his side...

What on earth is this person up to?

In another corner of the courtyard, an elderly man, accustomed to rising early, was searching through his study when he heard a knock at the door.

Assuming it was one of the servants, Zhang Yunjiang turned around, only to be startled. "Ah—Comrade Little Xie?"

"Why are you up so early?" Concerned, he inquired, "Didn't you sleep well? Was there something uncomfortable about the room?"

Ordinarily, young people tend to be fond of sleeping in.

"No," the other party denied, pausing for a moment before refraining from further explanation and instead shifting the subject. "I have a question for you."

Zhang Yunjiang was somewhat taken aback and immediately set down what he was doing. He smiled and said, "What question? Go ahead and ask!"

Could it be that Xie Wufang had gained some insight about Go from their game last night and wanted to discuss it with him?

The old man speculatively wondered with anticipation.

But Xie Wufang's question completely surpassed his expectations.

"What would happen if someone were to utterly lose their best friend?"

Hm?

Zhang Yunjiang froze for a moment before he grasped the meaning behind the question.

The previous night, before they entered the Go room, they had indeed discussed the topic of friendship, which ended when Doctor Little Yu arrived.

This exceptional young Go prodigy before him, with his straightforward personality and peculiar innocence, seemed unusually curious about the concept of losing a friend.

"Completely lost? Do you mean a falling out or... passing away?"

"We'll never see each other again."

Never see each other again.

That must mean passing away, then.

"I see... Let me think about how to put it."

Although the question was unexpected, Zhang Yunjiang still pondered over it sincerely.

"Emotionally, one would undoubtedly be saddened," he deliberated. "But the extent of the blow would depend on how close they were to this friend."

Xie Wufang repeated, "The best of friends."

"I understand that's the condition," Zhang Yunjiang smiled, patiently responding, "But that still varies from situation to situation."

"To some, even their best friend might just be an acquaintance. They might not place much value on friendship and prioritize other relationships. Yet, there are others who might hold their friends in higher regard than their own lives. To them, losing a friend would be like the sky collapsing."

"What kind of friend are you referring to in your scenario?"

After he finished, the young man before him fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"A friend known since childhood, the only one who genuinely treated me with sincerity."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunjiang couldn't help but wonder who 'himself' referred to.

But he refrained from asking unnecessary questions. Instead, the words led him to recall someone.

Not everyone could genuinely relate and answer such a demanding premise.

Yet he was precisely the one who could.

They had known each other since childhood, a relationship spanning a great deal of time.

He was the only one who genuinely cared for her, unlike others who were more concerned with superficial possessions.

"If I were to completely lose such a friend..." Zhang Yunjiang's expression turned wistful. "It wouldn't just be about sadness and sorrow."

"I'd feel utterly hopeless, as if life itself had lost its meaning, and even the sky would turn gray," he continued. Then, gathering his emotions, he smiled. "But I'm an old man, at an age where there isn't much to look forward to anyway. That's why I cherish what little I have even more. Perhaps it wouldn't be as severe for a young person."

Xie Wufang, standing by the study door, listened quietly and didn't ask further. Instead, he softly said, "I understand. Thank you."

As he spoke, he suddenly turned sideways, looking to the side.

"What's there to thank me for... Huh?"

Zhang Yunjiang, still smiling, instinctively approached and followed his gaze.

In the corner of the corridor outside the study, Yu Bai's nephew stood, presumably having just eavesdropped on their conversation.

At that moment, the peculiar little boy held Zhang Yunjiang's Corgi in his arms. His shoulders quivered as tears rolled down his cheeks, dampening the fur of the trembling puppy in his embrace.

"Little Hang?!"

Zhang Yunjiang, at a loss, instinctively turned to Xie Wufang beside him. "This, this, Comrade Little Xie, why is this child crying again?!"

The young man, when called, didn't respond immediately.

Fixing his grayish-blue gaze on the sobbing boy, he gradually seemed to recall something and made a decision. After a brief silence, he replied to the elder by his side.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you the reason."

Xie Wufang spoke earnestly, leaving Zhang Yunjiang even more perplexed.

Before he could ask further, the boy, who had been caught eavesdropping, snapped out of his deep distress and took a sharp step back.

Then, with a panicked look in his eyes, he gritted his teeth, turned around with the Corgi still in his arms, and ran away.

The wails of sorrow and the quivering barks of dogs faded into the distance.

"..."

The old man was deeply astonished, momentarily unsure where to step next.

Unable to comprehend what had just unfolded, he turned back to Xie Wufang, who seemed more familiar with the child, and uncertainly asked, "Should we chase after him...?"

But Xie Wufang paid no attention to the fleeing boy. Instead, his gaze fell on the items on the bookshelf, and he inquired, "Are those books related to Go?"

Zhang Yunjiang followed the sound and looked over. "Ah, yes."

Before Xie Wufang knocked, the elderly man, who had gleaned much wisdom from last night's chess game, was perusing the shelves of Go-related books that he had accumulated since his youth.

There are game records, established patterns, theoretical books, as well as some notebooks filled with insights I've accumulated over time... This bookshelf is a hodgepodge; essentially, if it's even remotely related to Go, you'll find it here.

Zhang Yunjiang casually narrated, noticing Xie Wufang's lingering gaze. Noticing this, he offered, "Do you want to take some for reference? While it might not be of much use to you, it should still provide a bit of assistance to Doctor Little Yu."

He recalled that Xie Wufang had mentioned he would teach Little Yu how to play chess today.

At the mention of that name, the young man's gaze shifted towards the elder.

The ashen-blue lake water rippled gently.

Twenty minutes later, several different Go books were stacked atop a familiar yellowing notebook.

The man sat quietly at the table, flipping through the pages with a soft rustling sound.

Outside the window, the courtyard was a tapestry of varying shades of green, lush and picturesque, with the distant hum of cicadas filling the air.

In the room behind him, the person in the bedroom still slumbered.

When the clock on the wall struck nine, there was no sign of stirring from within.

The man who had been seated at the desk entered the bedroom, gazing at the quiet mound of blankets, completely obscuring whoever lay beneath.

His footsteps paused momentarily before he finally left the room.

In another corner of the courtyard, in an antique-styled dining room, the table was laden with steaming breakfast dishes.

Yan Jing, after a night of haunting nightmares and restlessness, was indulging in a hearty meal, comforting his severely wounded body and soul with food.

Though he had absolutely no clue why this was happening.

Still, at some point that morning, the inexplicable sense of suffocation that had tormented him mysteriously dissipated.

A joyous relief of having survived a crisis washed over Yan Jing.

Unfortunately, Little Bai was likely still asleep and hadn't replied to his messages, leaving Yan Jing unable to share this surreal experience with him.

He wondered how Little Bai had managed to get along with that terrifying individual the previous night.

Why wasn't Little Bai afraid of that menacing figure at all?

Yan Jing was perplexed, and in the next moment, nearly choked on his fried dough stick. A terrified "Grandpa" almost slipped out of his mouth.

For at the entrance of the restaurant stood a figure he would never forget, even in his wildest nightmares.

... Speak of the devil!

Next, Yan Jing hastily swallowed his fried dough stick, forcing a warm and ingratiating smile onto his face.

"Good morning, Brother Xie!" he enunciated dramatically. "What would you like? We have both Chinese and Western options!"

"..."

Those gray-blue eyes silently swept over him without responding.

Yan Jing's legs began to weaken involuntarily. Instinctively, he felt that this enigmatic non-human disliked him immensely.

It was a gaze that despised him but, for some reason, couldn't actually do anything to him – a cold stare that sent shivers down his spine.

So terrifying.

With trepidation, Yan Jing set down his food with a pained expression and hastily stood up to make way. "I'm done! I'll go back first. Take your time!"

He chose to leave gracefully, not wanting to be an inconvenience to the other party.

However, that icy gaze followed him as he attempted to dash out the door.

There was a moment of confusion in Yan Jing's eyes.

Didn't they come for breakfast?

Why did it seem like they were here to find him??

...Then why weren't they acknowledging him??

This made it awkward for him to leave or stay!

Just as the atmosphere froze, light footsteps sounded from outside the room.

A primary school student, who had rarely slept in on a school day, followed the maid's guidance to the dining room. Upon seeing the scene, she was surprised but politely greeted both of them separately.

"God..." The little girl paused, then changed her words. "Good morning, big brother. Good morning, Brother Yan Jing."

With the crisp and innocent greeting from the little girl, Brother Yan Jing heaved a sigh of relief as if he had seen his savior. He quickly replied, "Good morning, good morning! You're very cute today! Especially cute!"

The disguised Godly big brother also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He turned his gaze and called out her name, "He Xi."

He Xi reflexively responded, "Oh! What's the matter?"

Five minutes later, the elementary school student, still on an empty stomach, was led to a suite within the courtyard. Her curious and clueless expression transformed into one of earnest amusement as she tried to stifle her laughter.

Having finished her tour of the Quiet Hill in the bedroom, He Xi followed Xie Wufang outside and whispered, "Big Brother Little Bai is sleeping!"

The much taller divine brother, upon hearing this, replied softly, "He's been asleep for eleven hours."

"Eleven hours?" The little girl wasn't surprised at all. She stated matter-of-factly, "That's how it is when you sleep in. I can sleep that long too."

Seeing the concern on the divine brother's face, He Xi offered an explanation, "If he's very tired or sleepy, it's normal to sleep longer!"

"Big Brother Little Bai is just sleeping in, and he's sleeping soundly."

A hint of suppressed laughter emerged on her childish face as she emphasized to this god who knew little about the mortal world, "Nothing's wrong, really!"

Assured by her certainty, the divine brother nodded gently, as if he had learned something new that wasn't found in any book.

After that, the air grew quiet. The god with beautiful blue eyes had his answer but gazed intently at her, seemingly on the verge of speaking but holding back.

Hmm?

The clever little girl suddenly picked up on something.

Instantly, she wiped away her smile and adopted the most serious expression she could manage. In a hushed voice, she said,

"I won't tell Brother Little Bai, I promise!"

"..." The divine being finally averted his gaze and softly replied, "Mm."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "Thank you."

The little girl was taken aback to be thanked by a deity.

"No, no need," she stammered. "Should I go have breakfast now?"

In the bright and sunny morning, the little girl skipped through the courtyard with an unconscious, joyful grin on her face.

So even gods could feel embarrassed, huh.

In the stillness of the suite, the round clock on the wall ticked steadily forward.

As the time approached eleven in the morning, there was finally movement from within the fluffy, cloud-like blankets.

A fair and slender finger emerged from the warmth of the covers, instinctively reaching for the phone at its usual spot, only to find emptiness and the soft mattress instead.

...What a large bed.

Yu Bai, who had just woken up naturally, gradually became aware of his surroundings, realizing that he was not at home.

He had slept incredibly comfortably.

Moreover, it seemed he had experienced a long, pleasant dream.

With his eyes still closed, Yu Bai lazily lingered under the covers for a while before finally throwing back the sheets and getting out of bed.

Under a pristine white pillow, he found his phone, which he had forgotten to put on silent the previous night.

The screen was flooded with unread messages.

Did he cover his phone with a pillow to muffle the noise while sleeping?

But this spacious bed already had its standard four pillows; how did another one end up here?

... Was it a common practice in Uncle Zhang's house to have five pillows on the bed?

Yu Bai was slightly surprised but didn't have time to ponder over it, nor was he currently able to check his messages.

For he soon realized that there were numerous matters he needed to face today.

He instinctively walked to the window and nudged it open a crack.

The courtyard outside was serene, with servants occasionally passing by, their footsteps light and expressions unremarkable.

His room was similarly tranquil.

Right, last night, he had shared a room with Xie Wufang.

With this thought, Yu Bai promptly exited the room out of curiosity to inspect the adjacent bedroom.

The identical grand bed in his room was unusually tidy, suggesting it had not been slept in.

Focusing again, Yu Bai noticed a familiar figure seated at the desk nearby.

With the approaching footsteps, the person turned to look, their eyes meeting his in perfect synchronization.

He caught sight of the antiquated book in the man's hand, its pages filled with script pausing between slender, strong fingers. The very air around them seemed to quieten even more in contrast.

It was a morning that seemed utterly normal, save for the inexplicable addition of an extra pillow.

How wonderful.

Compared to yesterday's rollercoaster of emotions.

Yu Bai thought to himself, feeling more at ease. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and greeted the man engrossed in his book with a cheerful tone.

"Good morning," he said, his voice clear with a hint of playful laziness. He softly called out, "Little Xie."