The Creatures that We Are

Two seconds before, a cool wind entered Heavenly Dog’s brain. It was the first time since the Starcatching Pavilion that the Nine Scions reestablished contact with the Twelve Zodiac Signs.

Heavenly Dog had been visiting Songstress’ flower shop more frequently these days to wait for the Nine Scions to contact him, which was War Tiger’s mission for him.

[Nine Frost: The Nine Scions need help.]

[Heavenly Dog: What help?]

[Nine Frost: Medical supplies and a person.]

[Heavenly Dog: Who?]

[Nine Frost: Adept Horse.]

[Heavenly Dog: I’d need Uncle Tiger to approve it.]

[Nine Frost: Please do it ASAP.]

“Um…” Heavenly Dog recovered his composure and scratched his face. “I suddenly remember that my afternoon classes aren’t skippable, or I won’t be able to graduate.”

Songstress smiled wryly. “I almost forgot you’re still a college student. Go.”

“Okay. Bye.” Heavenly Dog put on his headphones and hurried out of the higher level of the shop.

Instead of going downstairs immediately, Songstress took advantage of the brief time when there was no patron to put a record on a turntable, lounging on the sofa to enjoy the jazz music with coffee.

She spent the next twenty minutes in silent enjoyment of the coffee. Then with the coffee finished, she washed the cup and went downstairs.

There was a middle-aged man in the shop. He must have kept a bald head before, which he covered up with a black winter hat now. Dressed in black casual clothes, he stood with his profile to Songstress, back slightly hunched with one hand in his pocket and the other hand reaching forward to rustle a white tulip.

“Welcome. What may I do for…” Songstress walked up to the man. Her friendly smile suddenly froze.

The man pulled back and slowly turned around.

He was in his thirties. While he could be described as being on the handsome side, there was a strange gloom to his presence, most likely due to his dull-looking brown eyes that seemed covered by fog.

“Little Nan, it’s been a while.” The man’s voice sounded strangely gritty like the sound of a calloused palm rubbing against a dusty hardcover book.

He was Miss, a former member of Team Chen Ying of the Hundred Rivers Union, but now the Protector of Team Yan Liang at the Ocean River Union.

Songstress did her best to relax her smile into a more natural one. “It’s been a while, Miss.”

“You’re treating me like a stranger.” Miss curled his lips. “You may call me Brother You like you did in the past.”

“I’ll call you by your codename.” Songstress remained polite but distant. “We’re no longer who we were in the past.”

Miss gave her a long hard look and said with traces of guilt in his voice, “Do you still blame me, Little Nan?”

“No.” Songstress didn’t want to get into it, so she changed the topic. “Are you here for flowers? Or are you here on behalf of the Ocean River Union?”

“Little Nan.” Miss smiled. “I’m here to share good news with you.”

Songstress stayed silent.

“From today on, I’ll officially be the Protector under Elder Yan Liang’s command at the Ocean River Union.”

“Congratulations,” Songstress said politely.

“I helped Surnamed Li find the Nine Scions’ hideout and acquired my fourth Talent recently. I’m no longer the weak man I used to be.”

“Qin You.” Songstress had run out of patience. She met his gaze. “If there’s nothing else…”

“Nan Feng.” Qin Yo walked up to her with a serious expression and lowered his voice, “Come to the Union with me. I’ll protect you.”

Songstress paused, amused by the absurdity of it. “Don’t you find it a little too late to say that?”

Qin You said after a moment, “You still blame me, Little Nan. I didn’t have a choice back then. You have to put yourself in my shoes…”

“You misunderstood,” Songstress cut him off coolly. “I don’t blame you. I just want to tell you that things have changed. We each have our path and life. There’s no need to dwell on the past.”

Qin You frowned. “We separated because of circumstances, but I’ve never forgotten you all these years. Now, I’m given a chance by heavens. I’m stronger now. I can protect you…”

“I don’t need anyone’s protection.”

“That’s because you can’t see it!” Qin Yo suddenly shouted, losing composure. “Nan Feng! A war is breaking out. Do you think the Twelve Zodiac Signs can stay on the sidelines?!”

Songstress fell silent. She could read the urgency in his eyes. She softened her voice, “I’m grateful for the offer, Qin You, but I have my own reasons for not leaving the Twelve Zodiac Signs. I’ll pretend you hadn’t made the offer all that. Don’t come to me again.”

Qin You’s dark eyes turned icer. “Is it because of Ghost Horse?”

Songstress blinked.

“I heard long ago that you two had a thing going on.”

Songstress cracked a smile after a few seconds. It was a happy and content smile. “Yes, we were together.”

“I don’t care!” Qin You’s eyes shone with madness as he suddenly seized her hand. “He’s dead! I don’t mind your past! Come with me…”

“Let go!” Startled, Sonstress struggled against his grip but couldn’t break free. “I know what I’m doing! If you don’t let go, I won’t stay civil!”

“Little Nan! He’s dead! Dead!” Qin You wouldn’t relent. “We’re still alive! We have to look ahead! We can have a better future…”

“Don’t touch me!” Songstress shouted, her voice imbued with powerful hypnotizing energy.

Qin You felt like an invisible hand had strummed the cords that were his nervous system. Then an overpowering sleepiness hit him.

He let go of Songstress and staggered back, trying to stay awake.

Songstress retracted the energy of Requiem, the heaving of her chest subsiding. Her voice was brimming with disappointment she couldn’t hide when she said, “Do you know what’s the biggest difference between us, Qin You?”

Qin You stared at her in disbelief.

He couldn’t believe such a reaction from the innocent cute girl who always tagged along, calling him Brother You every few words.

Songstress continued, “You’re always looking ahead and never pay attention to the scenery around you. I’m different. I don’t have to reach the destination. I’ve already seen the most wonderful scenery, and that’s enough for me.”

“Little Nan.”

“Protector Qin You, please go if you’re not here to get flowers.” Songstress politely turned him away.

Qin You glared at Songstress with disappointment and anger, his eyes dimming and cooling before growing hazy again. “You don’t know what you’ve missed, Songstress.”

“I’ve missed nothing.” Songstress smiled.

“You’ll regret it.”

Qin You turned to leave, stopping after taking two steps.

A beautiful silver-haired woman was standing at the entrance to the flower shop, Liu Qingying.

She smiled in a natural and friendly manner without a trace of awkwardness and embarrassment. “Isn’t it Mr. Miss? What a coincidence. You’re here to get flowers?”

“Yes, but I don’t find what I’m looking for here.” Qin You scoffed.

“Haha, there aren’t a lot of varieties at Songstress’ shop. I would be visiting other places if not for her extraordinary skill in making bouquets.” Liu Qingying sauntered inside and winked at Qin You. “Should we meet up someday? I know a thing or two about flowers.”

“No need.” Qin You left the shop and strode away.

After making sure that he was out of earshot, Liu Qingying broke into a derisive sneer, taking off her friendly mask. “What a scumbag.”

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