Chapter 11: Guests Stay on Rainy Days

Chapter Eleven: Rainy Day Hospitality

Hu Sheng, returning from Jiaozhou, happened to witness Qintong—who often accompanied Zhao An to deliver strawberries to Ruyi Restaurant—being chased and slapped by a slave trafficker.

Intervening was a simple matter. By presenting the Jiaozhou Commander's calling card and offering ten taels of silver, the trafficker respectfully handed Qintong over to him.

However, upon escorting Qintong back to the village, Hu Sheng overheard villagers gossiping, branding Zhao An an ill omen and describing him as ruthless. At that moment, he realized that even without his intervention, Zhao An could have resolved the situation himself.

Then he saw Zhao An in a completely new light—no longer the courteous young master who was polite even to the elderly woman selling yarn. Now, he held a stick, with a burly man, hands and neck bound, crouching at his feet. Yet, Hu Sheng had to admit that Zhao An looked even more captivating than before. His eyes were fierce and lively, like a young leopard hunting and leaping through the mountains.

He greatly admired Zhao An’s actions. Dealing with petty villains who resorted to underhanded tricks demanded uncompromising strength.

So, he followed Zhao An home, only to notice that Zhao An’s gaze had changed. It lacked the pure innocence of their previous encounter on the street. Having spent most of his life in military camps, Hu Sheng had seen admiring glances from young women before. Compared to those overly shy maidens, Zhao An seemed much more direct, yet without any hint of disrespect. At the very least, Hu Sheng didn’t find Zhao An’s intense gaze unpleasant.

However, his own identity was that of a man who had violated military law on the northern battlefield, been exiled to the Jiaozhou border troops, and ultimately deserted. Perhaps one day, his sworn brother would remember him and send someone to kill him. He truly had no time to indulge in romantic entanglements.

All these thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. Steadfastly, he met Zhao An’s bright eyes, stood up from his chair, and cupped his hands in respect. "I reside on the nearby Great Green Mountain. The journey takes no more than two *ke*, so I needn't trouble Young Master Zhao further."

Hu Sheng declined the offer to stay, but Zhao An noticed his stiff movements and how he seemed to avoid making eye contact. It was clear that Hu Sheng also felt something unusual between them. The budding emotions in Zhao An’s heart seemed ready to break through the surface. Tentatively, he said, "Since you live nearby, I won’t insist on you staying. How about you come by early tomorrow? A batch of strawberries will be ripe by then, and you can accompany me to Zhao Tongming’s house to reclaim the silver."

Hu Sheng hadn’t expected Zhao An to persist even after his refusal. At twelve, he had been taken to the battlefield by the man who sired him. His unusually fair skin and uncommon appearance had drawn much attention, including from officers who had designs on him. Some backed off after realizing his capabilities, but those who persisted were long dead.

Yet, faced with Zhao An’s determination, he didn’t find it entirely unpleasant. He could only put on a cold front and say, "I have matters to attend to tomorrow. If you’d like to give me strawberries, you can deliver them directly to Ruyi Restaurant. As for the money your cousin owes me, I’ll collect it on my way back."

Rejected twice in a row, Zhao An couldn’t help but doubt himself. Perhaps he was falling for one of life’s three great delusions: "They like me too."

Since he couldn’t make Hu Sheng stay, Zhao An didn’t want to make the situation awkward. Managing a strained smile, he said, "Then let me see you out."

Hu Sheng raised a hand to stop him. "That won’t be necessary."

"Then take care, Hu Gongzi," Zhao An replied, still maintaining his composure as he stood up to bid farewell.

Uncle Hai, who had been boiling water in the kitchen to make tea for the guest, hurried out upon hearing that Hu Sheng was leaving. He cupped his hands and said, "Hu Gongzi, you saved this old one and Qintong. How can you leave without even a sip of water?"

"It’s getting late. If I don’t return soon, my family will worry," Hu Sheng replied. He looked up to check the moon’s position but found the once-clear night sky now covered with dark clouds, devoid of starlight or moonlight. The darkness deepened, and in such weather, many with poor eyesight might struggle to see even nearby houses.

Zhao An felt unsettled by Hu Sheng’s mention of "family." Gritting his teeth, he couldn’t resist asking, "I wonder if Hu Gongzi is married?" He paused, fabricating an excuse. "I happen to have two bolts of vibrant-colored cloth at home. No one in my household can wear them. Perhaps you could take them for your wife to make some clothes—a small token of my gratitude."

He had intended to casually reply that his wife didn’t care for dressing up, but when he looked down and saw Zhao An’s tightly clenched fists, he hesitated briefly. Then, he answered truthfully, "I joined the military at a young age and have wasted my years since. I’ve never married and remain a confirmed bachelor." He laughed self-deprecatingly and continued, "But I accidentally sustained an injury while in the army and doubt I’ll ever marry now. Those I consider family are just an elderly couple who once took care of me."

The phrase "sustained an injury" hit with devastating force. Zhao An couldn’t process anything else.

Having lived over twenty years in two lifetimes, he had finally found someone he liked. If he gave up easily, would he have to wait another twenty years? Perhaps he could try taking the initiative.

But Hu Sheng was determined to leave. Even when Qintong brought out freshly brewed tea, he made no move to drink it and stepped directly out the door.

Zhao An was still pondering the dynamics of taking initiative, his mind wandering. However, Uncle Hai and Qintong, who owed their lives to Hu Sheng, didn’t notice the awkward atmosphere between the two. With great enthusiasm, they urged Zhao An to see Hu Sheng off at the gate.

Just as everyone stepped into the small courtyard and reached the entrance, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky. A loud crack of thunder followed, and raindrops as large as soybeans poured down, pattering loudly on the roof tiles. In mere moments, Hu Sheng, standing outside the courtyard wall, was half-drenched.

Zhao An’s heart leaped with joy. Without a second thought, he grabbed Hu Sheng and pulled him back, muttering, "It’s raining, it’s raining."

Yet, what kind of wind, frost, snow, and rain had Hu Sheng not experienced? Still, once his wrist was caught, he couldn’t break free. He allowed himself to be pulled back inside, where old steward Hai offered him a cup of hot tea, and the young servant brought a clean cloth to dry his hair.

Zhao An handed him a comb. "Let your hair down first and dry it slowly." Then, regarding clothes, he said, "I’ll give you my new clothes to wear. I’m not sure if they’ll fit."

Author's Note:

This story is primarily from the shou's perspective: which probably means the shou has to take the initiative.jpg

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