You've Got Mail: A Cautionary Tale

Chapter 38 — This New Year is Rough

Wu Xingzi was crying very sorrowfully, and Guan Shanjin did not know how to coax him. He had never coaxed anyone before in his life. Mr. Lu was introverted, and he never revealed much of his emotions in front of Guan Shanjin. Guan Shanjin was good at pampering and taking care of people, and the only moments his past lovers cried were mostly when he was leaving them. At that time, no matter how upset they were, those tears were unable to create even a ripple in his heart.

However, Wu Xingzi was different. The spot on Guan Shanjin’s chest, wet with tears, burnt as though it was on fire. The heat left his heart aching, left him feeling guilty, left him feeling depressed. He was angry that a few dead pieces of paper ranked higher in Wu Xingzi’s heart than him, a living thing, but he too regretted his rash actions.

He had thought that the old man had a gentle temperament, and had neither desires nor demands. He thought that Wu Xingzi would probably feel down for a period of time after losing a few of his pengornis drawings, but he would not be too upset. Who would have thought that he had guessed wrongly?

“Don’t cry anymore… It’s my fault, I’ve gone overboard…” Guan Shanjin repeated this sentence, consoling Wu Xingzi and apologising. However, Wu Xingzi ignored him. Although the sounds of crying had stopped, tears still flowed down his face.

“Let me go.” A hoarse, tearful voice came muffled from his arms. Guan Shanjin froze, wanting to reject his request. However, due to his little hesitation, he ended up letting go.

Having gained his freedom, Wu Xingzi immediately avoided him, standing far away. He turned his head around, wiping away the smear of tears on his face with his sleeve. Other than the redness of his nose and eyes, he had a deathlike pallor.

“On the tenth day of the New Year… I won’t be returning with you to Bastion City anymore.”

“Hmm?” Guan Shanjin’s face darkened, and his hand, hiddened in his sleeve, clenched tightly. However, worried that he would scare the old man, he tried his best to control his expression, though it still looked as cold and sharp like an ice statue.

“I won’t be going to Bastion City anymore.” Wu Xingzi exhaled, his voice still a little hoarse from crying. “I want to stay at home. I’ve seen the world outside already, and it’s enough for me.”

“What about your cucumbers?” Out of nowhere, Guan Shanjin asked. Wu Xingzi was stunned momentarily, foolishly looking towards him. While still sniffling, a big snot bubble came out from his nose. Instantly, he blushed red with shame. His will that he had mustered up with great effort vanished in a flash, and flustered, Wu Xingzi lifted up his sleeve to hide his face.

Guan Shanjin instead stood up and carried a basin of water, wringing out a wet cotton cloth and handed it to Wu Xingzi to wipe his face.

“Thank you, thank you…” Wu Xingzi accepted the cotton cloth, reproaching himself internally for not being able to stand his ground. Yet, he was secretly a little delighted, and he thought himself to be too useless.

Wu Xingzi! Think about your innocent pengornises that lost their lives!

His eyes fell onto the torn remnants of the drawings on the table, and Wu Xingzi immediately pulled himself together. Sparing no effort to put on a stern face, he carefully wiped his face clean. Only when he was sure that he would not produce another snot bubble did he then stare at the wet patch on Guan Shanjin’s chest left by his tears. “I’ve said it before, all I want to be is a frog in the well. Mint and Osmanthus will watch over the cucumbers, and once they are harvested, you can eat some, they’ll be very sweet.”

“You don’t want me to send some over to you?” Guan Shanjin’s voice had an unprecedented gentleness to it. Wu Xingzi blinked, nearly losing control of his lips. He had to take a few deep breaths before he kept a firm grasp on his emotions.

“Mn, it would be enough to just send two cucumbers over.” Wu Xingzi did worry over those cucumbers. Did any of them get eaten by worms? Were they growing well? They were about to flower, right?

“Just two?”

“Five is fine too, I won’t be able to eat too many of them.” He could even gift two cucumbers to Auntie Liu for her to try.

Seeing how Wu Xingzi was now distracted by the thought of cucumbers, Guan Shanjin took the opportunity to stride forward, once again pulling the man in front of him into his arms and hugging him tightly. Grazing his chin against the top of Wu Xingzi’s head, Guan Shanjin spoke gently, backing down. “But I want to return to Bastion City with you. I’ve been overbearing with regards to this matter, don’t be angry with me anymore, alright?”

Uh, uh… With Wu Xingzi’s tender-heartedness, he softened.

Guan Shanjin had backed down like this, and so Wu Xingzi’s temper wilted. Rubbing his nose, he did not know how he should respond.

“Are you still angry with you?” Not getting a response, Guan Shanjin was feeling a little anxious. He reached out and gently lifted Wu Xingzi’s head by the chin, frowning slightly. “Those pengornis drawings are so important to you?”

The guilt within him was now replaced by sourness. It felt as though there was a huge boulder pressing onto his chest, and he did not understand why he was feeling so gloomy about it.

“Are… are you going to continue tearing up the pengornis drawings?” Wu Xingzi dared not answer easily. If he were to agree, would his entire case of pengornises be all brutally murdered?

He really cares too damn much about them! Guan Shanjin’s eyes darkened, and he released the man in his arms. Clenching his fists tightly, he had to huff out a few breaths before his temper settled. There was a sort of iron taste at the back of his throat, which he could only forcefully swallow back into his stomach.

Was this old fellow sent by the heavens to test him? He was THE Great Southern Garrison General, famed demon of the battlefield. His Chenyuan Sword had left rivers of blood in its wake, bodies strewn everywhere. Seeing his figure from afar, his enemies would tremble in their boots, throwing everything down and fleeing in a panic. Even in the imperial court, there was no one who would dare steal his glory, and even that emperor would speak warmly to him.

But this old fellow had made him so angry till he vomited blood.

What was going to happen to his dignity?

With bloodshot eyes, Guan Shanjin stared at those pengornis drawings on the table. He gritted his teeth, and amidst Wu Xingzi’s alarmed cries, he shoved them all back into the rattan case, along with the torn shreds.

“Let’s go to Goose City.” He lowered his head halfway to hide the ferocious look on his face. “Go dress more warmly, I’ll bring the horse over.” Without turning his head to look at Wu Xingzi, Guan Shanjin sped away.

Left behind, Wu Xingzi was confused. He paused for quite some time before walking forward to tidy up his treasures. When he kept the torn shreds of paper in another pouch, his tears nearly fell again. He was now left with less than half of his top ten pengornises. Were the owners of those pengornises still making friends? If he were to send them another letter, they probably would not reply with another pengornis drawing again.

Wu Xingzi did not know why Guan Shanjin wanted to bring him to Goose City. Was he going to seek trouble with Rancui? Thinking about this, Wu Xingzi became even more nervous. He pulled on his clothes any old how, and he stepped outside his house only to see Guan Shanjin’s upright figure upon his horse, Zhaixing.

As compared to how Wu Xingzi was bulkily wrapped up like a dumpling, Guan Shanjin was lightly dressed. His fitting clothes made him look even taller, and his expression was aloof, like an immortal banished to the mortal realm. After seeing Wu Xingzi, his lips curved up slightly, his faint smile carrying a touch of melancholy. Wu Xingzi immediately forgot what he was about to say.

“Come on,” Guan Shanjin held his hand out towards him, and once Wu Xingzi grasped it, he was pulled up onto the horse. Guan Shanjin’s actions were very gentle and did not make Wu Xingzi feel an iota of discomfort.

“W-why do you suddenly want to go to Goose City?” Leaning in the man’s warm and solid embrace, Wu Xingzi finally collected himself a little, and hurriedly asked his question.

“I’m bringing you to the Peng Society to look for someone. Now, don’t speak anymore.” Guan Shanjin used his cloak to cover Wu Xingzi’s face. Spurring his horse on, they flew ahead, leaving a trail of dust behind them.

Two hours later, the two people arrived at Goose City. Leading the horse, they headed straight for the antique shop housing the Peng Society. Probably because it was the New Year, the shop was a little quiet, but it was decorated very cheerfully. The antiques meant for admiring in the main hall had been replaced, while that salesman whom Wu Xingzi was familiar with was still there. When he saw their arrival, he came forward to welcome them with nary a change in his expression.

“Welcome, may I ask if there’s anything you’re looking for?”

“Is Rancui around?” Guan Shanjin did not beat around the bush. Placing his arm around Wu Xingzi, he headed inside.

“The manager hasn’t awakened yet. Master Guan, please wait!” The salesman hurried after him, but did not know how to stop Guan Shanjin from walking ahead. The previously destroyed courtyard had only just been repaired before the New Year, and if he were to use his body to block him, he probably would just be kicked away.

“Call him up, tell him that business has knocked on his door.” With familiarity, Guan Shanjin headed towards the direction of that pavilion where Rancui had always received Wu Xingzi. Despite his calm tone, the salesman was still scared enough to hunch over. Wringing his hands, he paced around Guan Shanjin.

“Y-you better not do anything to Manager Rancui!” Wu Xingzi too was anxious. However, he was trapped in Guan Shanjin’s arms, and forced to move along with him, so he could only persuade him verbally. “Manager Rancui has completely nothing to do with the pengornis drawings. I-if you don’t like it, I’ll throw them all away when we go home, alright? I’ll prepare the cucumbers for you when we return to Bastion City, they’re really very sweet!”

“Would the cucumbers be fully grown when we return?” Guan Shanjin snorted. His chest felt so stuffy it ached, and he was not willing to explain anything to Wu Xingzi, almost carrying him forward.

“Uhh… It’s hard to say. They might need another two months? It’s difficult to grow cucumbers in winter, but once spring sets in, they’ll grow faster.”

Guan Shanjin harrumphed. He was even more annoyed with the mention of spring. Mr. Lu would be getting married then, yet this old fellow was completely uncaring.

They soon reached the pavilion. The curtains around it were down, and there was a small lit brazier within. Rancui was already seated inside. However, it was evident that he was not deliberately waiting there for them, but only happened to be drinking tea there coincidentally.

A lift of the curtain, and Rancui looked up in surprise. After registering who the person was, he stood up, giving a superficial smile as he cupped his hands together and spoke coldly. “So it’s the General. Coming to our little shop, do you have a request of sorts?”

“I’ll like to take a look at the latest Pengornisseur.” Guan Shanjin’s words were stiff, but his actions were very gently as he cleaned a chair before letting Wu Xingzi sit on it. “If it’s convenient, I’ll like to borrow a brush and paper from you as well.”

He wants to take a look at the Pengornisseur? Rancui frowned. He glanced over at the restless Wu Xingzi. Thinking about the bridal cakes he ate about two months ago, Rancui rubbed his stomach unconsciously.

Guan Shanjin had never been interested in the Pengornisseur. Rancui was very familiar with the temper of such men, and they would definitely never allow the people they liked to look at others. Anything could happen when they explode, yet now, he was taking the initiative to read the Pengornisseur? Who was he planning on torturing with it?

Rancui ran through all sorts of speculation, but still motioned at his employee to collect the Pengornisseur as well as the writing instruments. Replacing his cold expression with a warm, smiling face, he exchanged some New Year greetings with Wu Xingzi.

“Adviser Wu, you haven’t dropped by in a long time. How have you been recently?” Rancui secretly studied his customer. The usually gentle and detached adviser was currently a little panic-stricken. His eyes were slightly bloodshot, and it seemed like he had cried.

Fiercely, Rancui could not help but consider how he should rescue his customer out from the demon claws of the Great Southern Garrison General. When he had a chance, he most definitely had to force his boss to ban Guan Shanjin from harassing anymore of the Peng Society’s members!

“A troublemaker.” Guan Shanjin could see what Rancui was thinking, snorting as he slapped a corner of the stone table away. The edges were smooth, as though carved out by a knife, but this was originally a round table.

“Would the General feel entirely uncomfortable without destroying a few of my little shop’s items every visit?” Rancui glared at that corner of the table. However, he was not scared. What storms had he never endured before? Since the general liked to tear things down, if he had the ability, just tear the entire shop down! New Year, new beginnings, Rancui would just take it that he was renovating the place.

“You’re sure stubborn.” Guan Shanjin’s fingers twitched, and a subtle snap of air shot towards Rancui’s shoulder. With no time to dodge it, it hit Rancui, and numbness shot through his entire arm and half his body. He almost could not maintain his expression, his face twisting slightly. “Being too stubborn can sometimes hurt oneself.”

“Manager Rancui? What’s wrong with you?” Wu Xingzi naturally did not know what Guan Shanjin had done. He stood up, wanting to help support Rancui who had bent over. However, he was pressed back into his seat, unable to move.

“What… what did you do?” Wu Xingzi was not a fool. He instantly knew that Rancui’s grimace had something to do with Guan Shanjin. Now, he truly was angry, and felt extremely apologetic towards Rancui. Snorting coldly, Wu Xingzi turned his head away, not wanting to look at Guan Shanjin anymore.

Even a buddha had their limits, and Wu Xingzi was only human! No matter how placid his disposition was, his temper could occasionally flare up. The thing was, he could not understand why Guan Shanjin was behaving like this. Forget about tearing up his pengornis drawings and making him cry, Manager Rancui was such a good person, but he ended up being dragged down by Wu Xingzi. It was the New Year, yet Manager Rancui had to be faced with such matters, and suffer such pain with no rhyme or reason.

“I didn’t do anything. You saw that, didn’t you? I didn’t go close to Rancui at all.” Of course, Guan Shanjin would not allow Wu Xingzi to give him the cold shoulder. He backed down, wrapping his arms around Wu Xingzi and spoke appeasingly, “I brought you to the Peng Society because I wanted to compensate you, why would I make you angry again? Hmm? Won’t you look at me?”

“Really?” Wu Xingzi turned his head towards Guan Shanjin doubtfully. “Then why is Manager Rancui in so much pain? And you’re not even letting me help him!”

“He might have snacked on too much oily food this New Year, so his stomach’s feeling uncomfortable. If you go up and help him, won’t you make his employees feel awkward?” These lies came very smoothly, and Rancui nearly burst with angry laughter.

It was clear that Wu Xingzi too did not believe him. But as he could not find a fault with his words, he turned to look at Rancui.

“Thank you for your concern, Adviser Wu. I’m well and fine.” Half his body still felt numb, and he was so angry that his chest hurt, but what could he do? Circumstances were not on his side. So what if Guan Shanjin was scum? His fist was harder than everyone else’s, and he also had his Chenyuan Sword!

“It’s good that you’re fine…” Wu Xingzi was still doubtful, and he looked as though he still wanted to continue asking after him. In the end, he shut his mouth, his head still turned away, refusing to look at Guan Shanjin’s enchanting face.

Fortunately, the salesman was back very quickly. The Pengornisseur was placed in front of them, and to bring out the festive New Year’s spirit, the cover was a cheerful red. The words “The Pengornisseur” were even dusted with gold. Such colours that could easily become tacky complimented the book very well, very celebratory, yet still exquisite.

“Here, see if the owners of those pengornis drawings are still inside.” Guan Shanjin shoved The Pengornisseur into Wu Xingzi’s hands, then started grinding ink in the inkstone.

Wu Xingzi still did not understand what was happening. He held onto The Pengornisseur in a daze.

“Hmm? Why aren’t you looking through it?” Wu Xingzi’s foolishly blank stare was too adorable, and Guan Shanjin leant over and kissed him.

“W-why are you asking me to look for them? Do you want to…” Wu Xingzi bit his lip, alarm and fear flooding his face. “Haiwang, they’re only just some pengornis drawings. Don’t tear the owners up as well! I’ll burn that entire case of drawings when we go back, alright?”

Rancui happened to be drinking tea, and hearing Wu Xingzi’s words, he choked. Did he hear a secret that he should not have heard? From what he knew, Wu Xingzi did mail out many letters, but they would never stop a member from making more friends. According to what he had just heard, did Adviser Wu ended up keeping all the drawings of penises sent as replies?

Guan Shanjin glared at Rancui with loathing. The inkstone was filled with tea, and Guan Shanjin called the salesman over to exchange it for another one. He snorted, “It seems like your surroundings this New Year has been too damp. Is your chest so stuffy that you’re not able to even drink your tea?”

“I’m afraid it hasn’t been as uncomfortable as yours. Choking on tea is nothing, as long as I’m not vomiting blood.” Rancui had a very sharp tongue. If Wu Xingzi had really kept the pengornis drawings, it was definite that Guan Shanjin had discovered them. Trouble definitely had occurred then, and so, despite almost at the verge of vomiting blood, Guan Shanjin would still help Wu Xingzi to once again collect those pengornis drawings.

This stab came in harshly and accurately. Guan Shanjin’s brows creased tighter, and he nearly took Chenyuan Sword out.

Yet he still held himself back, lowering his head and placating Wu Xingzi. “What nonsense are you saying? Why would I kill them over such small matters? I only thought that since I tore your pengornis drawings, I should return a new set to you. If we use my name to send them letters, we’ll be able to receive the drawings, won’t we? Come, take a look and see if they’re still here.”

This time, Wu Xingzi was extremely moved. With tears in his eyes, he held The Pengornisseur with one hand, and Guan Shanjin’s sleeve with the other. His mouth was shut tightly, and it took him a long while before he said softly, “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I was wrong. However…” Guan Shanjin held Wu Xingzi’s hand, his alluring, charming eyes narrowing slightly, and he looked stern. “You have to return to Bastion City with me. Also, you can’t add anymore pengornis drawings to your collection, understood?”

Wu Xingzi nodded his head non-stop, smiling with a blushing face. “Definitely, definitely.”

Seeing how the two reconciled with just a few sentences, Rancui sat by the side, drinking tea with a dark face.

Ugh, it was the New Year, but his eyes ached.