Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Chapter 101: Sinking

The air suddenly became quiet.

For a moment, it seemed to the two of them that all they could hear were the sounds of wind brushing snowflakes off the treetops and rustling each other’s hair.

If they had to speak, perhaps the only other sound was someone’s breathing.

Bai Zhengliu had originally thought that he would at least feel nervous when saying the words “lover.”

But in reality, he didn’t. On the contrary, as the two words slipped from his tongue, it was as if he had suddenly set down a heavy burden. His heart felt calm and steady, and even the sun, which had seemed somewhat dim and not very warm when he woke up that morning, now shone brightly.

This was probably not an illusion.

Taking a moment to glance at the sky, Bai Zhengliu realized that it must be nearing noon, for the sunlight was much brighter and warmer than when he had first awoken.

As this thought crossed his mind, a shadow appeared in front of him.

It was Mei Yinghan. It could only be Mei Yinghan.

“Brother Bai,” he said, moving slightly closer than before. Even this small movement brought a look of “restraint” to Mei Yinghan’s face—fascinatingly, Bai Zhengliu watched him with amusement. Seeing the normally composed, calm Tianshan senior’s face display such a complex mix of emotions—excitement, surprise, disbelief—was intriguing.

His Adam’s apple moved as his gaze settled firmly on Bai Zhengliu. For a brief instant, Bai Zhengliu’s back stiffened under Mei Yinghan’s intense focus. But soon, he relaxed again, thinking, “This is Brother Mei, after all!”

If there was anyone in the world whose presence could allow Bai Zhengliu to entrust his back with complete confidence, before the age of fifteen, that person had been only his master. Now, that role belonged solely to “Brother Mei.”

He smiled warmly at Mei Yinghan and responded, “Mm, I’m right here.”

It was this calm, teasing tone that made Mei Yinghan swallow all his surprise and disbelief. His expression softened, yet his entire aura became brighter and more cheerful. Bai Zhengliu noticed and found it even more interesting. It was rare—one day, he could feel such a carefree, lighthearted emotion from Brother Mei, so different from the usual “steadiness.”

He said with a smile, “I’m not drunk, my mind is clear. Brother Mei doesn’t need to worry.”

Mei Yinghan: “……” Smiling helplessly, “You remember everything?”

Bai Zhengliu raised his chin slightly, unaware that his expression made him look even more like the little black panther Mei Yinghan had seen before—proud and carefree, relaxed yet focused. Speaking to the Tianshan senior, he said, “Actually, I don’t remember everything. Brother Mei, do you want to go over it carefully with me?”

Mei Yinghan blinked.

The corner of Bai Zhengliu’s lips curled mischievously: “Let me think… let’s start from, ‘Brother Bai, you…’”

Mei Yinghan again: “……”

Sure enough, he still remembered everything.At this moment, he didn’t know whether he should laugh or feel helpless.

Of course, there was no “trepidation.”

Both were in their twenties and had plenty of experience interacting with others. Mei Yinghan wasn’t foolish; he clearly understood what Bai Zhengliu’s current attitude meant.

First, Bai Zhengliu had told Mei Yinghan that he wasn’t drunk, then said he could see and understand everything clearly. Finally, he brought up what had happened the night before, obviously intending to let what hadn’t yet occurred continue.

It was delightful.

This feeling arose from some corner deep within his heart. At first, it was just a trace, but soon it grew stronger. Like a newly sprung spring, “gurgling” with joy. It became fuller and fuller, beginning to occupy Mei Yinghan’s entire heart.

—Wasn’t that exactly “occupying the whole heart”? This was the person he loved.

He inhaled slowly and deeply. When he looked at Bai Zhengliu again, his eyes were filled with even more focus, even more seriousness. Even though Bai Zhengliu already knew Mei Yinghan’s character and attitude, facing such a gaze, he couldn’t help but become equally serious.

Mei Yinghan repeated the words from the night before, even pausing in exactly the same places.

“Brother Bai, I…”

“…truly admire you.

“Every time I see you, I cannot help but feel joy.

“I want to practice martial arts and spar with you, travel the world together, uphold justice…

“I want to enjoy moonlit nights and blooming flowers with you, see mountains and landscapes, and share our hearts.

“Brother Bai,” Mei Yinghan called again, “I treat you this way—then how do you treat me?”

His gaze was so deep, carrying countless feelings.

Bai Zhengliu felt as if Mei Yinghan’s eyes were a lake, and he had already immersed himself in it, unable to leave.

He looked at Mei Yinghan, feeling calm, gentle, and joyful.

“I feel the same.” The swordsman told the blade master, “Brother Mei, I also admire you.”

Their gazes met.

They drew closer and closer.No hand blocked them anymore. On the contrary, the hand that had once obstructed them was now tightly gripping Bai Zhengliu’s shoulder, sliding down to rest on the blade master’s waist.

Even in this moment, Mei Yinghan’s movements were gentle. He would never let Bai Zhengliu feel even the slightest unbearable pain, yet he truly applied considerable strength. Bai Zhengliu was certain that as long as Mei Yinghan didn’t let go, he would—well, at least it would be very difficult to leave this embrace.

It didn’t matter.

He didn’t want to leave anyway.

His lips parted, teeth pried open, tongue teased by the other person, and his nostrils filled with another’s scent.

Like the snow on Tianshan, yet like the plum blossoms in the snow. Carrying a delicate fragrance, pulling him into surrender.

“…Mm.”

The blade master’s mouth and tongue went numb, his waist tingling, feeling as if he were being completely absorbed into the other’s body.

Bai Zhengliu was fully swept into this raging tide of emotion, even with the illusion that “perhaps it would never stop.”

And he even thought, even if it really didn’t, it would be a fine choice.

At that moment, the young man suddenly sensed something amiss.

Not danger or anything else, but… it felt as if someone’s gaze was falling upon him and his beloved?

Bai Zhengliu’s body shuddered. Just then, Mei Yinghan happened to let go of him.

His hand was still gentle, sliding lightly over Bai Zhengliu’s back, perfectly soothing him.

Bai Zhengliu calmed slightly and turned with his beloved, just in time to meet the eyes of several Tianshan disciples who were happily unpacking their New Year gifts and determined to continue practicing martial arts in the new year.

Among them were Tian Luan and Jing Shu, whom he had only just seen before.

Bai Zhengliu appeared calm on the surface, but his mind was somewhat blank.

He didn’t think being with Mei Yinghan was something shameful, but being witnessed by so many eyes at their first intimate moment was still beyond his imagination.

Blade master: “…” Calm.

Blade master: “…” How did Mei brother do it before? I must stay as calm as Mei brother!

Thinking this, Bai Zhengliu couldn’t help but glance at Mei Yinghan.

He saw Mei Yinghan’s face reveal the signature smile of the Tianshan senior brother, nodding to greet the disciples: “Training so early?”The disciples, all thinking, “I actually witnessed something so important… What, Senior Brother and Bai Da-ge…? Judging by this, the two of them really suit each other, not worse than Ninth Prince and Gu Miao?” collectively: “…Uh!”

With Mei Yinghan’s words, the stiff atmosphere was broken.

The disciples swallowed and returned to normal expressions, each responding: “The expectations of our master and the senior uncles, we have seen as well. After all these years of New Year gifts, we naturally dare not disappoint.”

“I originally thought to go directly to the mountain’s spirit ore, but Tian Luan said it would be better to wait two more days, with more people going together, so we came to the training ground first.”

“Senior Brother is still more diligent! Arriving earlier than us…” Wait, does that sound like a pointed remark?

Tian Luan looked at Mei Yinghan with a face full of entanglement, which made Mei Yinghan laugh.

Of course, he wouldn’t misunderstand his junior brother because of such a remark. Besides, the Tianshan senior brother really did come early to practice swordsmanship and only later talked with the blade master. Being praised like this by the junior, Mei Yinghan had no reason to feel guilty.

He nodded: “Good. With such determination, the masters will surely be pleased.”

Then he turned to Bai Zhengliu.

Mei Yinghan: “Bai Brother, shall we…?”

Bai Zhengliu pursed his lips and said, “Shall we go back and open the New Year gifts?”

Mei Yinghan smiled: “Good.”

Seeing his expression, Bai Zhengliu’s previously blank mind gradually regained the ability to think.

Moreover, although Mei Yinghan had let go of his waist, from beginning to end, his hand had remained on Bai Zhengliu’s hand.

The warmth and firmness transmitted through the sword master’s palm calmed the blade master’s heart as well.

However, when passing a few Tianshan disciples, their sudden remark, “So from now on, should we also call Bai Da-ge ‘Bai Senior Brother’?” still made Bai Zhengliu pause.

“Sure,” he turned around and replied with a smile, “If you have any questions about sword techniques in the future, you can come ask me. If you want someone to practice with, I can help.”

The Tianshan disciples: “…Uh!” Why does it suddenly feel chilly at the back?

This is probably the motivation for practicing martial arts!

The Tianshan disciples responded seriously: “Good! Thank you, Bai Da… Bai Senior Brother!”

Listening to this, Bai Zhengliu’s smile widened, and his heart filled with even more warmth and certainty.Once the two had walked farther away, the noise from the training ground was no longer in their ears.

Bai Zhengliu: “But, did you think I wouldn’t agree with you? Why did you run out so early in the morning?”

Mei Yinghan: “Hmm… not really. I just felt things moved much faster than I imagined. It was a bit sudden, but I’m very happy.”

Worried that his current state might seem abrupt in front of Bai Zhengliu, he had come to the training ground first to calm down.

Bai Zhengliu listened, then smiled, saying: “And now?”

“Even happier,” Mei Yinghan said. “Bai Brother… Zhengliu, can I call you that?”

This form of address had actually been used by many before—his master, some kind adults he met earlier who had goodwill toward “the little follower of the old madman,” and friends and seniors he met after growing up. But when Mei Yinghan said it, why did it feel so different?

Bai Zhengliu said: “Of course. Then can I call you ‘Yinghan’?”

Mei Yinghan smiled and replied the same: “Good.”

Bai Zhengliu looked at him, eyes fixed, lingering long.

Now twenty-three, the blade master had endured many storms, hardships, and trials, and had even experienced a failed relationship that made him frown in disgust just thinking about it. But none of that mattered now, because he had fallen in love once again.

Author’s note:

I had an absolute blast writing this chapter.

See you tomorrow!!

Tomorrow we should be able to start the next side story as well.