[ ...ah. Thinking of master Wei so frequently, bidding master Wei's gifts bought. Then, even Wei Ying's mirror-image bends the knee to swear him a fealty of affections. Mere days in, a wistful suitor. The disciples who already trail in his wake will pale and wither to hear of a challenger of sterner, gentlemanly make.
His hand does not wilt on the ribbon. Does not withdraw, for all instincts of bitterness beg him to bruise the string and spit, Take it, then. The wretched snake of jealousy for the one friend he's earned in two lifetimes rattles, coils, aches to strike.
The girl speaks before he may appease it. Don't mind her saying, but the gentlemen don't look as coarse as the men of these lands. Best they stay in, and don't call the wind in their homes. Lock their windows and their doors, stay in their beds. Why, wrap warmly in this sheepskin she hastens to produce for them, stretched large and long and curled like babe's locks, big enough to engulf the size of her.
With a whispered voice and the shake of his head, Wangji counters: ]
We take the string.
[ Clatter of coin in his purse, swiftly relieved. Two pieces, barely finding each other's company in the yawning dark of his satchel. Do not ask, he warns Beitang Moran with dark eyes and gaze alone. The girl, gratified, rushes to take his gold and knot the string, to surrender it over after. ]
Shall we consult fishermen for our lunch meal, master Beitang?
[ Beitang Moran's turn to pay, to be certain, if they're to reap the gossip of fishmongers. ]
no subject
His hand does not wilt on the ribbon. Does not withdraw, for all instincts of bitterness beg him to bruise the string and spit, Take it, then. The wretched snake of jealousy for the one friend he's earned in two lifetimes rattles, coils, aches to strike.
The girl speaks before he may appease it. Don't mind her saying, but the gentlemen don't look as coarse as the men of these lands. Best they stay in, and don't call the wind in their homes. Lock their windows and their doors, stay in their beds. Why, wrap warmly in this sheepskin she hastens to produce for them, stretched large and long and curled like babe's locks, big enough to engulf the size of her.
With a whispered voice and the shake of his head, Wangji counters: ]
We take the string.
[ Clatter of coin in his purse, swiftly relieved. Two pieces, barely finding each other's company in the yawning dark of his satchel. Do not ask, he warns Beitang Moran with dark eyes and gaze alone. The girl, gratified, rushes to take his gold and knot the string, to surrender it over after. ]
Shall we consult fishermen for our lunch meal, master Beitang?
[ Beitang Moran's turn to pay, to be certain, if they're to reap the gossip of fishmongers. ]