Buffalo

"I'm just so happy, truly so happy to have met you!" Chen Yage’s voice faded lower and lower, until only she could hear herself. Dujuan was a simple child, as pure as a blank sheet of paper—this was the only way Chen Yage could think of her. She had never intended to deceive her, yet she had, simply because Dujuan believed every word she said.

"Is that true?" Dujuan leaned in closer, her wide eyes blinking incessantly, and in that instant, Chen Yage was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt.

Chen Yage forced a smile and shifted the conversation. "Where is this place?" she asked, though she knew the answer hardly mattered, but she couldn’t help herself.

"This is Peach Blossom Valley. Yesterday I found you by the river and saved you. By the way, how did you fall into the river?"

Dujuan’s question caught Chen Yage off guard. She hesitated for a moment, scratching her head awkwardly. "I just accidentally fell in. Thank you so much for saving me, Dujuan!"

Dujuan stammered, "Actually, it wasn’t me who saved you, it was my brother!" She pointed to a thatched hut on the left, from which smoke was curling into the air. A young man in a blue robe, with a simple, honest face, approached carrying a bowl.

He stopped in front of Chen Yage, grinning widely. "This is ginseng soup. Drink it!"

Chen Yage studied him intently. He looked about twenty, his skin dark, but his eyes were clear and bright. His hair was tied up with a strip of coarse cloth, and he stared straight at Chen Yage, grinning foolishly all the while.

Was this a genetic anomaly? The sister was fair as jade, with bright eyes and perfect teeth, clearly sharp and clever, while the brother’s skin was dark and his features simple and honest. Chen Yage couldn’t help but marvel at the endless wonders of the world.

"He’s my brother, Water Buffalo!" Dujuan introduced him just as Chen Yage was lost in thought.

Chen Yage nodded with a smile, then accepted the bowl of ginseng soup from Water Buffalo and drank it in one gulp. No sooner had she finished than her stomach rumbled loudly. Embarrassed, she looked at Dujuan and Water Buffalo. "I haven’t eaten all day."

Though she felt a little awkward, hunger took precedence over pride—besides, Chen Yage had never been one to care too much about saving face.

"I made some flatbread," Water Buffalo said, pointing towards the thatched hut, still wearing his simple, honest smile.

Chen Yage felt uncomfortable all over, especially under Water Buffalo’s direct gaze, as if she were some sort of thief. Fortunately, Dujuan noticed her discomfort and quickly took her by the hand, leading her into the hut.

The delicious aroma of fresh flatbread filled the air, and Chen Yage’s hunger intensified. Without hesitation, she grabbed a piece and began to eat heartily. She had never tasted such flatbread before—delicate and not at all greasy, leaving a lingering aroma on her lips and teeth. The more she ate, the more delicious it seemed, and before she realized it, the entire tray of flatbread had disappeared into her stomach. When she finally looked up, she found two pairs of eyes staring at her in astonishment. Smiling sheepishly, she braced herself and asked, "Is there any more?"

Dujuan was utterly stunned, but Water Buffalo simply grinned and said, "You want more? Wait here, I’ll make you some right away!" And with that, he rolled up his sleeves and stood up.

Just then, there was a sudden, urgent knock at the door. Dujuan’s expression immediately grew nervous. She grabbed Chen Yage’s hand. "Quick, hide! My mother is back!"

Chen Yage was thoroughly confused. Why did she need to hide just because Dujuan’s mother had returned? She wasn’t a thief, nor did she bear any grudge against the woman. Could it be that Dujuan’s mother was ill and couldn’t see strangers?

Finding Water Buffalo more approachable, Chen Yage asked, "Brother Water Buffalo, why do I need to hide?"

Dujuan, however, pulled her aside. "I’ll explain later." She turned to Water Buffalo. "Brother, wait a moment before opening the door for Mother. I’ll hide her first. Remember, under no circumstances can Mother know she’s here, understand?"

Water Buffalo nodded, and Chen Yage, seeing the wisdom in discretion, fell silent. After all, she was eating and staying in their home—she ought to make things easier for Dujuan. Besides, if Dujuan’s mother turned out to be eccentric or fierce, it would be best to avoid her altogether.

Dujuan led Chen Yage into the very room where she had awoken. Without a word, Chen Yage sat down on the edge of the bed, then said with an air of leisure, "Dujuan, surely it’s safe now?"

Seeing Chen Yage so relaxed, Dujuan hurriedly pulled her up. "You can’t stay here! What if my mother comes into my room and sees you?"

Dujuan had a point, so Chen Yage didn’t argue. "Then where do you think I should hide so your mother won’t find me?"

Dujuan looked around anxiously, and in her panic, she pulled Chen Yage behind a screen, tucking her behind a clothes rack. She whispered nervously, "Don’t come out, and don’t make a sound, or my mother will kill you if she finds you!"

Fated in the Tang Dynasty: Poet Immortal, Please Stay! 011 — Water Buffalo’s update is complete!