Chapter Forty-Eight: Sobering Up—Laughter and Conversation Among Friends

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed into the room, casting their gentle glow over the slumbering figures scattered throughout. Yet, the warmth of dawn did nothing to rouse them from their dreams. Instead, each one lay as stubbornly as a child, unwilling to leave the comfort of sleep. After a while, Yu Shang seemed to be gently stirred awake by the lively chirping of birds outside. He rose slowly from the floor, yawning and rubbing his eyes with a muddled gaze that lingered on his surroundings for a time before clarity returned.

For some reason, he did not call out to wake the others who were still lost in sleep. Instead, he moved quietly toward Meng Youyuan, who lay with her head resting on the table. In that moment, Meng Youyuan appeared as docile as a kitten, unmoving and serene. Sunlight bathed her delicate face, imbuing her with an innocence that was both pure and charming. Her eyes, which so often brimmed with a pitiful, endearing vulnerability, were now closed, only serving to highlight her long, tender lashes—on which a shimmering droplet, whether tear or sweat, twinkled enchantingly. Her lips, soft and pink as flower petals, curved into a faint, beguiling smile, as if she were dreaming of something that filled her heart with joy. A stray lock of hair had fallen across her cheek, painting a playful stroke upon her countenance—simple, yet imbued with rare mischief. It is often said that a woman in slumber possesses the most captivating charm; seeing her now, one could hardly disagree.

“So it seems that I truly was drunk last night. She isn’t who I thought she was—everything was merely my own foolish imagination,” Yu Shang murmured to himself with a self-deprecating shake of his head, his heart filled with a tangle of emotions. It was a complex blend of unspeakable disappointment and reluctant relief. Deep down, he both wished and dreaded that this woman before him might be her; conflicting desires tangled together, leaving his thoughts in turmoil.

“And which is it that you truly wish for in your heart?” Xiao Yin had awoken at some unknown point and now walked over to Yu Shang, who was still lost in his musings, speaking softly. His tone was utterly neutral, as if he cared little for the answer itself, or perhaps for whether Yu Shang would even speak it aloud. What interested him more was the expression on Yu Shang’s face as he heard those words—for sometimes, the truth lies not in the answer given, but in the silent language of the eyes.

“What difference does it make, whether she is or is not? It’s not as if my words alone could change anything,” Yu Shang replied with surprising calm, as though he had already known Xiao Yin was awake.

“It’s good that you understand. Some things do not change no matter how much you worry or how deeply you feel. At the right time, you should change yourself—harden your heart a little.” Xiao Yin spoke with the air of a seasoned elder, passing on every lesson he believed valuable, as if hoping Yu Shang would quickly grow strong. Though Yu Shang appeared mature and composed, always methodical in his actions, he could never let go of the woman who had betrayed him. It was his greatest pain, and—if left unchecked—his fatal weakness. Xiao Yin was determined to help him overcome this, to ensure that old wound, which had once nearly cost him his life, would instead become the strongest part of him. No one, not even that woman, would ever be able to use it against him again.

Yu Shang smiled silently, understanding Xiao Yin’s intentions perfectly. Xiao Yin was, in many ways, another version of himself—he understood Yu Shang’s thoughts, his troubles, everything that weighed on his heart. For so many years, they had relied on each other. Even before Yu Shang was aware of his presence, he had always felt there was someone quietly watching over him. Between them, words were rarely needed; a single glance, a fleeting smile, and all was understood. Yu Shang trusted Xiao Yin, and Xiao Yin was loyal in return. In front of him, Yu Shang felt no need for pretenses. He knew Xiao Yin pitied his lingering affection, wished him free of weakness, and hoped he would soon find a way to cross to the other world and reunite with his parents. He would strive to do all these things, but there was one he could not promise: to let go of that woman. If he could not force himself to do so, how could anyone else?

Seeing the look on Yu Shang’s face, Xiao Yin realized that any further words would be useless. He sighed softly, then walked over to Lan Wu, still fast asleep, and pulled her gently into his arms, rocking her as he said, “Wake up, the sun is already high. Do you want everyone to see how disheveled you look in your sleep?” In truth, his words were nothing but a tease. Lan Wu’s sleeping posture was anything but unseemly; if anything, she was more enchanting than ever, her usual spirited and mischievous self replaced by a rare gentleness and peace. Anyone unfamiliar with her would easily be fooled, mistaking her for a refined young lady.

Lan Wu stirred at the sound of his voice, slowly opening her eyes. Reluctantly, she sat upright in Xiao Yin’s embrace and protested, “Yesterday was so exhausting. Why not let me sleep a little longer? I was just dreaming of chasing the most beautiful butterfly, nearly catching it when you woke me up. You’re so mean, taking away my butterfly!” She pouted at Xiao Yin, the very picture of playful petulance.

“What’s a little butterfly? I’ll catch the butterfly king for you to play with, if you’re good. But first, go wake up those two girls. After all, you’re all young ladies—it wouldn’t do to let too many people see you just waking up.” Xiao Yin affectionately adjusted her hair, his demeanor now that of a steady elder brother, quite unlike his usual bantering self when it came to Lan Wu.

“You really do think of everything. You know, the thing girls hate most is letting others see how messy they look after waking up!” Lan Wu replied with a laugh, tidied her hair and clothes, and went off to rouse the two young women still lost in sweet dreams.

“Morning already? I can’t help but feel a little reluctant to let go of last night’s joy,” Meng Youyuan sighed, a hint of regret in her voice. She knew well that if they wished to enjoy such carefree revelry again, it would be a long time coming. The tournament was about to begin, and once it ended, they would each go their own way, with no certainty of reunion.

“Wait, Brother Yu, let me wake him!” Yan Xuesu called out softly to Yu Shang, who was about to rouse Yin Boxuan. Everyone immediately understood—poor Yin Boxuan was in for trouble again.

Yan Xuesu gathered her inner energy, summoning all the water in the room, and sent it crashing down upon the still sleeping Yin Boxuan. In an instant, a torrent like a summer downpour drenched him from head to toe, leaving him a most bedraggled spectacle. Not a single spot on his body was dry; water dripped from him in rivulets, and his appearance was comically pitiful. Most amusing of all was the way Yin Boxuan, upon awakening to find himself soaked, blinked in confusion and muttered, “Is it raining?” At this, everyone doubled over with laughter. Only when he saw their mirth did he finally realize what had happened and, feigning indignation, exclaimed, “Wait a minute, aren’t we indoors? Oh, it’s you mischievous girls playing tricks on me again!” He looked helplessly at his drenched self, at a loss for what to do.

“Did you forget I can hold a grudge? Just because you had your fun with words last night doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Consider this your punishment—let’s see if you dare to bully us again!” Yan Xuesu declared with satisfaction, clearly pleased with her handiwork. For some reason, she didn’t truly wish to punish him; teasing someone who never got angry just felt too much fun.

“Heaven bear witness, I think it’s you girls who are always picking on me!” Of course, with all that noise, Yin Boxuan could hardly have slept through it. He simply wanted to amuse the girls, and seeing his beloved so delighted made it all worthwhile. If it brought her laughter, he’d accept anything; let these moments of joy be his farewell gift to her.

“Ah, I did try to warn you, Brother Yin—best not to provoke these fearsome ladies! You’ve only yourself to blame now,” Yu Xiaoran remarked, unable to hide his amusement.

“Fearsome? When have I ever been anything but well-behaved?” Yan Xuesu put on a pitiful expression and looked plaintively at Yu Xiaoran. “Is that really how you see me? As something terrifying?”

“Of course not. Blame it on my muddled head, half-asleep. Don’t take it to heart,” Yu Xiaoran hastened to comfort her, unable to resist her pleading gaze.

“Strange… Where is Senior Brother Leng?” After watching the commotion for some time, Lan Bingxian suddenly asked, puzzled. It was odd—hadn’t they all been together last night? How could one person be missing without explanation?

“I didn’t see him when I woke up. Perhaps he rose earlier than any of us, and seeing us all still asleep, did not wish to disturb us and quietly slipped away,” Yu Shang surmised, having searched the whole room for any sign of him.

“No one knows me better than you, Brother Yu!” Leng Huaiyi suddenly entered from outside, carrying a tray laden with teacups, the air around him filled with a fresh, intoxicating fragrance. “When I saw everyone still fast asleep, I took the chance to gather some blue tree leaves and brew a pot of sobering tea for us all.” Indeed, Leng Huaiyi’s thoughtfulness was unmatched; he always looked after everyone as though he were their elder brother, taking care of every detail. It was little wonder that even Fu Youming trusted him to manage all their affairs.

“I truly cannot compare to your attentiveness. I ought to learn from you how to care for others,” Yu Shang said earnestly. He realized this was precisely what he lacked—a willingness to take the initiative in caring for those around him. Despite their longstanding friendship, he had never gone out of his way to do anything for them; instead, he was always the one being looked after. In this, Leng Huaiyi surpassed him—at the very least, he understood the importance of heartfelt concern, whereas Yu Shang remained aloof and indifferent.

“If you wish to, none could surpass you. Take your time—we can all see you’re changing, becoming better with each day,” Leng Huaiyi replied. He knew well that for Yu Shang to open his heart and spend an entire night in cheerful company was no small feat. Their relationships had come a long way; at least now, words no longer drew swords.

“You are ever at peace with the world,” Yu Shang observed quietly as he accepted a cup of tea and drank. The blue tree leaf brew possessed a unique flavor—perhaps infused with the sincerity of the one who had made it. Even the simplest things, when touched by genuine care, become precious beyond price. Yu Shang thought, perhaps he truly should learn how to better connect with those around him.