Cherishing You As Always - Chapter 28

She gave a faint smile, her gaze full of gratitude.
“I know you’re very smart. After what just happened, you must have made a lot of connections in your mind, right?”

I couldn’t deny it I had made many connections. I linked several things together and boldly said,
“You were violated in the past, weren’t you? That’s why you hate being touched? Is it because of those men that you keep getting bullied?”

Her fingers glided over the rock without leaving a trace. A look of release appeared in her eyes.
“You’ve seen through me, haven’t you?”

So it was true. A wave of pity suddenly rose in my heart for her. She was strong and independent, supporting herself. Even though she worked in a place like a brothel, she was doing honest work. What was infuriating were those good-for-nothing rich brats who kept treating her like a courtesan.

“So you hurt me  it wasn’t without reason. Don’t worry, from now on, I’ll stay by your side. I won’t let them bully you again.”

I ignored my own injury, thinking only of her at that moment. I wanted to protect her until she found someone who could truly guard and care for her for a lifetime.

When I mentioned my wound, a trace of guilt flashed across her face, and her voice turned concerned.

“I’m sorry. Yesterday, I didn’t mean to I was just really scared, that’s why I grabbed the scissors.”

Maybe she wasn’t truly unwilling to be close to others. She had just been hurt and closed herself off. And since I lived with her, it was only natural that I could see through some of her pain.

“Don’t blame yourself. I understand  I won’t hold it against you. But I’m really curious: why don’t you tell the Academician about how they treat you? Does he just watch and let them bully you?”

That sunny, smiling face came to my mind. He couldn’t possibly be unaware of what was happening. Why didn’t he do something to stop it? Would he really allow those so called noble ladies and arrogant young masters to bully a helpless girl?

At the mention of the Academician, a faint blush appeared on her fair face. She lowered her head and spoke softly,
“He knows they bully me… But they come from powerful, wealthy families. If the Academician publicly scolds them, he’ll surely face retaliation from those young lords. Offending such influential clans is a risk not even he can afford. I also don’t want to drag him into this mess. Letting me stay at the academy and not letting me roam the streets is already a great kindness. What’s a few times being bullied compared to that? I have my own ways to protect myself they won’t hurt me.”

Only then did I understand the Academician did know about her situation. But all he could do was watch from afar, and then come out after the fact to say a few words before hiding in the shadows again. After all, offending a powerful family for the sake of one woman wasn’t a wise decision.

She said she could protect herself. I sneered,
“Is holding a pair of scissors and freezing everyone out your way of protecting yourself?”

Some men, when denied, only grow more obsessed. Her cold and distant demeanor like an untouchable glacier  only made her more of a conquest in their eyes. They’d fantasize about melting her frost, painting her lips red for them.

My harsh words must have struck a chord. Her face turned pale, and she stepped back. It took her a long while before she finally said,
“I’m a woman, after all. That’s all I can do to protect myself. What else… what else can I possibly do?”

I turned and started walking uphill. From behind came the sound of soft footsteps. I knew she was following me. I kept speaking,
“So why did you come to the academy? You said the Academician took you in were you homeless back then?”

A soft sigh behind me made my heart tighten. I couldn’t see her expression, couldn’t imagine what kind of feelings she was carrying as she looked at me just now.

“Don’t you think you’re asking a bit too much, Miss Song?”

She clearly didn’t want to answer. I didn’t mind. There was plenty of time. One day, I’d understand everything about this woman.

Some things would eventually come to light. The mysteries surrounding her would one day unravel.

When we returned, it was just time for lunch. Today, because Yin Yunchi was punished by the teacher, she was excused from helping in the dining hall. But because we didn’t fetch enough water, we were both punished no lunch for us.

We also weren’t given our afternoon lessons. The teacher said we had to reflect, and continue hauling water.

So that afternoon, Yin Yunchi and I went down again to carry water. Her strength was much less than mine, so each time her buckets were only half full. I, on the other hand, filled mine to the brim. I had plenty of strength from climbing trees and poles back home, so although the water was heavy, it didn’t slow me down much.

After several trips, we were both exhausted, nearly collapsing to the ground. Supporting my back and staring at the huge row of water vats, I realized we’d only managed to fill five. At this rate, who knew when we’d finish? Gasping for breath, I grumbled,
“Is this work even meant for humans? I’m about to die from exhaustion.”

Soaked in sweat, clothes damp, the strong smell of perspiration rising off my body I lay flat on the corridor floor like a tired turtle. Yin Yunchi, still managing to look graceful, walked over and sat beside me, rolling up her sleeves to wipe her sweat. I laughed,
“How can you still look so elegant at a time like this?”

In the afternoon, everyone else was napping. The kitchen courtyard was quiet only the two of us.

The cicadas were chirping happily somewhere nearby, their sound blending with the mountain echoes unique to this valley.

I stretched out my arms and lay down along the corridor. The sun couldn’t reach here, and there was a slight coolness in the shade. Occasionally, a breeze would blow through the corridor, mixing with the sweat on my back slightly sticky and yet refreshing. I sniffed myself  yep, definitely sweat.

The wind blew again, and in the silence of the afternoon, it brought with it her unique fragrance. Her soft breathing, a few drops of sweat slipping into her collar, her back damp the wet fabric clinging to her skin, outlining her slender, delicate figure.

My heart began to pound loudly. I could feel my own obvious panic. I quickly sat up. The sunlight had left my head dazed, but now it began to clear.

Breathing heavily, I didn’t dare look at her. Afraid of being seduced by her beauty.
So strange  a face that was only “pleasant” before now seemed more and more beautiful. Her eyes, black and white and full of clarity. Her dainty nose. Her pale pink lips. The soft gasps escaping from between those lips stirred up such dangerous thoughts.

She was a temptress.

Even as a woman, I couldn’t help but want to praise her beauty. Not just in appearance but the unique aura she carried made her shine so brightly.