Chapter 68: The End?

To Zhou Qianlin, Lan Jue appeared passive and gentle. He did not react to the Accountants malfeasance. However, as they turned to leave the Gourmets small apartment a tendril of lightning snaked soundlessly along the ground under the Accountants feet. Every hair on is body stood on end.

This wont happen again. Otherwise, Ill throw you out of the Avenue myself. The Wine Master had also stood, staring daggers at the offender as he spoke. He left on Lan Jues heels.

The Accountant opened his mouth, and a tendril of smoke slithered from between his lips. The muscles of his face twitched uncontrollably. You have to believe me, I was just having some fun! I didnt mean anything by it.

The Mechanist reached out and grabbed the Accountant by the throat. Its because I believe you that I want to beat you even worse.

The Gourmet interjected gently. Were it not be a waste of my food, Id beat you myself until you threw it all back up. You better think up some way to make it up to the Jewelry Master.

The sky had grown dark in the interim. The Avenue was lit only by the lights of the shops that lined its sides, and though not bright it added to the rustic charm of the Avenues antique construction.

Lan Jue walked in silence, Zhou Qianlin a step behind.

Are you angry?

Lan Jue shook his head. The guys just that way, he didnt do it to hurt me specifically. Its not really worth getting angry with him over. Im just thinking of other things.

Oh? Zhou Qianlin watched him carefully.

Lan Jue stopped and turned to face Zhou Qianlin. Im sorry, he muttered.

What? Her confusion only grew.

Youre so like her that in my mind, at certain times I forget you arent. Its wrong, Hera is the only one in my heart. You arent her replica, not her replacement. And so, I apologize. In the future Ill be only your bodyguard. After these three years, when my contract ends, well part ways and have no more contact.

Lan Jues voice was distant, detached. As he spoke, even he himself felt he probably went too far.

But he had no choice. Keers words had woken him up. Had Zhou Qianlin not begun to replace Hera, at least in his mind, would he have agreed to three years as a bodyguard? Would he have become an instructor at a university? And he even brought her to the Avenue, to participate in this special meal. All of this together meant only one thing; she had begun to mean something to him.

The wondrous flavors of the meal still dominated his taste buds, but in spite of their valiant efforts he couldnt shake these thoughts. Zhou Qianlin wasnt his Hera. His Hera was gone. Logic told him he mustnt continue, else one day Zhou Qianlin replace Hera as his most beloved.

It was best to deal with something like this in the beginning. The longer he let it be, the harder it would become to do the right thing.

So he had no recourse but to speak up.

Zhou Qianlin looked at him, speechless. There was no change in the expression of her pretty face. But her eyes couldnt conceal everything, and the secrets were hidden there.

She gave him a long, piercing stare. Her deep green eyes were deep, as though capable of drinking his soul in to their depths. Under that heavy gaze, Lan Jues heart couldnt help but skip a beat. He felt the pang in his chest, though it was not solely from her look.

Qianlin, youre a nice girl. I know what I said hurt you, but

Fine. She replied softly.

She followed that with a burst of pretty, tintinnabular laughter.

Are Lan Jue looked at her, dumbfounded. Are you alright?

Zhou Qianlin shook her head. You men. You think all women under the sky just love you. Surely you dont think I felt something for you?

Zhou Qianlins hard gaze kept him pinned. If you think I like you, or youre afraid Ill like you sometime in the future, then you have nothing to worry about. You took my body, which means Ill have to remember you for the rest of my life, but when I do it will be in regret. You said it, youre just my bodyguard and nothing more. Ive never thought of you as anything more. Dont think of yourself as someone special, got it? This dinner was nice, now send me home.

The words still hung in the air as she turned to leave, a small smile on her face.

Lan Jue stood in place, frozen for a good few seconds. Eventually he began to follow.

Her face was calm, revealing nothing. But deep in her eyes lived something strange, fluctuating. There was gratification, regret, pain, and something unexplainable that flowed within her.

The entire way back to her mountaintop home was spent in silence.

Alright, heres fine. Zhou Qianlin stopped and smiled towards Lan Jue as she spoke.

Right, he said, nodding his head.

Youre heading out tomorrow, be careful. Oh, by the way, so you dont misunderstand let me make this clear. I do not care for you, I say this so that you make sure to come back ready to act effectively as my bodyguard.

I will. He nodded again.

Goodbye. She waved a hand, and left without saying anything else.

Lan Jue watched her leave, unmoving. After a moment he snorted, and strode away.

He cast the experience away as though it were nothing. Still, for reasons he didnt understand, a dull ache still remained in his chest.

Zhou Qianlin went directly to her room and sat on the bed. Her face betrayed no emotion, but after a good while a bitterness crept in, and tears began to flow uncontrollably from the corner of her eyes. She made no sound, and the tears rolled down her smooth, white skin unhindered.

Skyfire Avenue was as silent as ever. At night there never were very many stragglers on the street. The darkness had grown, but Lan Jues mood had improved as he moved down the chilly street.

Come to me, a deep voice intruded in his ear. He jumped slightly from the unexpected sound, then turned towards the Gothic Winery.

You arent calling me here to apologize on behalf the Accountant, are you? Lan Jue sat beside the Wine Master, smirking.

The Wine Masters face betrayed a rare smile. Your current mood isnt due to what he did. Theres no reason to bother with him. The guy is a clown. No, its because of the girl you brought tonight. Am I right?

Lan Jue looked at his old friend. Its done.

The Wine Master gave a wry chuckle. If its done you dont need to tell me so. Youre an adult. Im not your father.

Lan Jues face grew hard. Whyd you call me here.

The Wine Master smiled. Blind taste check. Lets see if youre still as sharp as you used to be.