Chapter 2: The New Talent

The music produced by the zither broke the stillness of the air. It was soon followed by the sound of footwork and cloths being brandished as the dancers moved in a synchronized pattern. Some girls had missed the routines and rushed to catch up, others perfectly learned the steps, yet lacked that certain vigor to present the dance. A select few danced prettily, never missing the beat, and correctly executing the steps.

Yet, one woman stood out.

From her agile stance, to the way she powerfully executed the dance, up to the passionate aura she exerted, as if she put her all into it. The dance was supposed to be a simple routine that was commonly seen in different dancing houses. But this woman was able to transform something so common into a seemingly magnificent work of art.

Simply watching the way she dances was mesmerizing.

As the song neared its end, Jin Yu, grasped by the emotions that she wielded with every step, upped her tempo, adding intensity to the dance, as she gave it a fervent finish.

Gasps was heard all throughout the practice hall. Most haven’t seen such passionate dancing performed before.

Suddenly, claps were heard as giggling girls surrounded Jin Yu, in awe of her dancing prowess.

“Our Luo Yu Fang has been famous in the city for a long time.” A feminine voice interjected, disrupting the commotion. “Our dancing style is among the most graceful. Hands as if holding flowers. Body like a willow tree.”

Shuang Shuang, the lead singer and dancer of Luo Yu Fang, roamed her eyes at Jin Yu from head to toe, clearly trying to dissect a non-existent flaw. The woman arrogantly crossed her arms before stepping up close to Jin Yu.

“People are interested in seeing graceful dancing.” Shuang Shuang smiled condescendingly, as she stared down at Jin Yu. “You are like those at the desert. No grace at all.”

The other girls in the practice hall stayed silent as they held no courage to go up against Shuang Shuang, seeing as Hong Gu highly favored her. Clearly, they didn’t know Hong Gu that well, as the older woman that Jin Yu knew was impartial and fair. Jin Yu noticed this early on, so she then decided to bring the arrogance of her ‘senior’ down a notch.

“You say people are interested in graceful dances.” Jin Yu replied, giving an acquiescing nod to her senior. “That is true. Nonetheless, one has to take account that drinking the same tea, or even eating the same food… well, one would eventually grow tired of it, would they not?”

“After all,” Jin Yu continued, returning Shuang Shuang’s earlier smile back at her, and despite half her face still hidden by a crimson veil, she managed to pull off a more superior look than the senior’s attempt. “There was a saying to not keep looking for ‘something’ in a bag of ‘nothing’, as you will see the same thing again and again no matter how many times you repeat the look.”

Shuang Shuang was so indignant that her mouth dropped and stayed that way for a few second. Her face was so comical that Fang Ru suddenly snorted loudly in laughter, before putting her hand to mouth to stop herself, eyes widening in embarassment.

Shuang Shuang sputtered indignantly before she let out a screech and went off like a bat.

There was a few seconds of silence, before laughter erupted from the practice hall.

…

The Luo Yu Fang’s popularity began to rise.

Even though it was already considered as one the finest dancing houses in Chang An, it may be hard-pressed to call it as the best. Especially when Tian Xian Fang was among the competitors.

Nevertheless, more and more people began visiting Luo Yu Fang. It all started when a new talent appeared. The first few customers had greatly enjoyed her performance, what with her unique way of dancing, her seamless execution, coupled by an emotional display of action that had them on the edge of their seats, eyes wide, and halted breaths, not wanting to miss even the slightest part of this dancer’s performance.

Every performance made by this young maiden always ends with a thundering applause.

Eventually, news began to circulate around Chang An about this mysterious maiden with the crimson veil. Curiosity was alighted in the minds of the people, thus, the continued rise of popularity of this particular dancing house.

No, Luo Yu Fang wasn’t considered the best, but it was getting there.

…

A melodious tune was heard rising towards the clear night sky. Every strategic strung of the zither was accompanied by the sounds of the crickets.

Delicate hands caressed the strings, plucking at certain times, and gently sliding along the cords to balance its tune in between intervals. The result was a lingering yet riveting melody.

“Not only talented in dancing, but in the zither as well.” The older woman observed, casually approaching this young girl which upturned her dancing house. She re-arranged her shawl to fit snugly around her arms as a shield from this breezy night. “If I didn’t know any better, you’re also trying to steal the position of the musician in our esteemed house.”

The woman didn’t stop playing, her hands gently gliding along the cords, yet a hint of a smile was shown as the corner of her eyes crinkled slightly. Well, Hong Gu preferred to think that she was smiling. One really never knows what was hidden beneath that veil.

Heaven forbid if she was frowning, surely not. Just thinking of the wrinkles that one would get from frowning or scowling made

Hong Gu’s vain side shudder.

“I enjoy playing the zither. It relaxes me.” Jin Yu closed her eyes, drinking in the beautiful tunes of the familiar melody she was performing. “Anyone who can compete only with oneself defeats the very first and the basic purpose of doing anything really excellent.”

Hong Gu sighed, sitting beside Jin Yu on the pagoda.

“I’m at fault to a certain extent.” Replied Hong Gu. “I let Shuang Shuang get away with strutting around the house because she was our number one talent. Now that there’s competition… I hope this doesn’t come to a head.”

“I honestly have no care about what others think they’re self-entitled to.” Jin Yu plucked a few cords as the song came to a climax, before gently balancing the tremble again. “What matters most is the ability to do it. If she wanted to be renowned and admired, then she should work hard for it, and not just command others to worship her for her so-called talent. Her arrogance dampens her judgement, before long, it may also dampen her career. If she couldn’t take the competition, then maybe she isn’t fit in this line of business.”

Hong Gu looked at the woman beside her, seeing her in a new light. This girl was frank, calculating, and most importantly, smart. In just a matter of months, she had managed to rise up in the ranks of Luo Yu Fang, even becoming one of the most sought after talents in her house. She clearly had a purpose, a purpose-driven goal that made her almost desperate to give her all in every performance. Excellence was what she sought after.

When this girl came to her house a few months ago, Hong Gu first noticed her for her looks. Even covered with a veil, she couldn’t discount the air of elegance that this young woman emitted. At that time, she was in a desperate need for a new talent, especially when Shuang Shuang managed to develop a perfect Prima Donna outlook, only performing when she felt like it, and always bossing the other talents around.

So, when this girl came along, Hong Gu immediately grabbed her. Thank heavens she did, this girl really was a diamond in the rough.

Although, after a while of letting this girl into her house, Hong Gu began to notice that there was something deep going on. After all, in this line of business, whether intentional or not, one would eventually develop a keen eye in reading people. She didn’t know what this girl was planning, nor did she really care. As long as they both traverse the same path in bringing glory and greatness to

Luo Yu Fang, Hong Gu didn’t have any qualms with that.

The melody came to an end. Jin Yu gently rested her hand on top of the strings to extinguish their trembles.

“I have an idea for a new act.”

“Oh?” Hong Gu. Curiosity was peaked.

“It actually came to me while performing the zither.” Stated Jin Yu. “Why not combine it with a song?”

“What do you mean?” Hong Gu didn’t believe that this idea came up just from a whim, and the girl knew that Hong Gu knew. A smile began to form on Hong Gu’s face. She’ll humor the girl in this one.

“I dare not to perform it without your permission.” Jin Yu simply said. “But I do assure you that it will definitely be a success.”

“Tell me all about it.”

A devious smile was seen.

…

She was surprised that it took them the same length of time to find her. They didn’t seem to take into account that she would enter this kind of business. Now that she thought about it, it was perfectly plausible to miss this fact. After all, who would’ve thought that a nomadic thief would be able to showcase a talent, enough to be able to enter a dancing house?

Wu Ye, the manager of Luo Yu Fang that was under the Shi Enterprises, muttered under his breath whilst looking at me. No doubt wondering if he finally got the right person.

As we sat in the carriage, Hong Gu looked a little pale. No use letting her suffer, so Jin Yu grabbed her hand to placate her.

“What’s wrong?” Jin Yu asked, in a teasing manner. “As far as I know, you didn’t do anything bad. Is the Big Boss really that scary?”

“You don’t know who it is?” Hong Gu looked shocked for a moment. Jin Yu feigned confusion. “Shi House takes care of almost all the business in Chang An. Luo Yu Fang is also under Shi Enterprises.” Hong Gu then went on to explain some of the basics that she knew about the Shi House, as well as the various rules that they set in place.

When they finally arrived at the Shi compound, Hong Gu looked so pale that Jin Yu was momentarily worried that the usually confident woman might pass out any minute now. Nevertheless, they went on towards the waiting room.

A few moments later, Jin Yu was being guided towards Jiu Ye’s location. They needn’t bother, even with her eyes closed, she could traverse the corridors of this compound with ease and still get there in time. But of course, they didn’t know that, and they never would.

She was guided through the familiar bamboo forest that she had so loved to play in for so many years ago.

And there he was.

In the middle of the bamboo courtyard sat a refined man, his back to her as he faced the direction of the sun. He made such a beautiful yet forlorn picture.

He turned around and just stared at her.

“Is Chang An fun?” Jiu Ye finally said, smiling gently.

Is it?

The first time Jiu Ye asked her, she had readily agreed that yes, it was fun. But now, embroiled with her goal and desperate pursuit to power, she didn’t have an answer to that. The innocent her was long gone.

Instead of answering, she just tilted her head in acquiescence.

Silence permeated the surroundings.

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Jiu Ye’s gentle smile faltered as he continued to observe her, nonetheless, he resumed his welcoming gesture by waving a hand to a vacant chair, indicating her to sit beside him.

She complied.

As they sat there, neither broke the silence. She stared straight ahead and observed the swirling of the smoke rising from the tea pot. On the other hand, Jiu Ye never let his gaze wander away from her.

She shouldn’t have come. Jin Yu tried her best to avoid the men in her previous life, tried to avoid letting them near her in this life, so as not to get caught up in her suicidal plan this early on. She didn’t know exactly when Jiu Ye fell in love with her.

By wearing a cloth to hide her face the first time they met in this life, she hoped that he would ignore her, carrying on with his business in solitary silence. Nevertheless, she knew deep within that it was futile. The fates of these men intertwined with hers was likened to that hauntingly beautiful Gold and Silver Flowers. The vines will part, but no matter how long it would take, they will meet

and intertwine again in a never ending cycle.

“Yu-gege!” ran towards the courtyard, before abruptly halting as he noticed the presence of his master. “Ah, Jiu Ye.” He bowed.

“Go Wa Zi.”

“Eh, don’t call me that, it’s Shi Feng now.” Shi Feng began. “Jiu Ye was the one who brought me back.”

“Shi Feng’s grandfather got ill.” Explained Jiu Ye. “So he brought the clothes you left with them and sold it to a thrift store.

Fortunately, the owner of the store was one of my companions that traveled with me in the desert. He recognized the dress and informed me.”

She could’ve avoided him. Avoided meeting him in the desert. Chose not to pretend to steal from that certain caravan months ago. She didn’t want to implicate Jiu Ye in this mess.

However, at the same time, she could not. If she had avoided him, she wouldn’t have acquired that dress. If she had avoided him, Shi Feng’s grandfather may not have survived. There were so many factors at stake. So many lives hanging by a single thread. Her knowledge of the future was her most important weapon. She had to be careful and cautious. She had to let certain events play out, whilst planning a strategy to circumvent others.

One wrong move will end it all.

Failure to her was certainly not an option.

Not if she wanted all of them to live.

Shi Feng had long ago excused himself, leaving the two in silence. Jin Yu realized she got lost in her thoughts, she looked around and saw Jiu Ye staring intently at her.

“I realized we have not been properly introduced.” Jiu Ye smiled at her, he softly caressed the pigeon in his lap before releasing it. The pigeon flew back to its coop. “I am Mo Xun.”

“Mo… Xun…” she mouthed. Jin Yu was so used to calling him Jiu Ye that she forgot that it was not really his name, rather, it was a nickname given to him by his father.

Jiu Ye explained to her the origin of his title, ‘Jiu Ye’, and of course, she already knew all about it. He glossed over the details, but this time around, Jin Yu already knew the whole story. She was able to witness the deep sadness in Jiu Ye’s eyes that she had not seen the first time they had this conversation.

Jiu Ye, the Ninth Lord. His father wanted a big family, hence, the Ninth. However, a series of tragedies occurred, and all of his siblings died due to their respective frail health.

As Jiu Ye looked back at her, he couldn’t help but be slightly surprised at the hint of understanding present in this woman’s eyes as they reflected back at him. A warm feeling started to spread within his chest.

“I have to ask again, seeing that you had refused the first time back at the desert.” He started. “May I know your name?”

At that, Jin Yu was at a loss. Not because she didn’t know what the proper reply to say, but because she felt that answering this question was an ultimatum for her.

Xiao Yu was the innocent, stubborn girl that did anything she wanted. The innocent girl that these men fell in love with. The innocent girl that her close friends liked. She could adapt and revert to the persona of Xiao Yu again, and relieve all the pain, heartache and despair. However, Xiao Yu was also able to experience two kinds of love that not just anyone could possibly experience in their entire lifetime. With all the downsides, there were also great things that happened to Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu was the Yang of Jin Yu’s Yin.

Simply put, Xiao Yu was the innocent part of Jin Yu.

She could have all of that again with one simple choice.

Nevertheless, before she even opened her mouth to reply, before she even arrived at the Shi compound, and before she even stepped foot in Chang An, she already knew her answer.

“Jin Yu.” Came her soft reply, further muffled by the crimson veil, but there was an unyielding resolution behind her voice. “My name is Jin Yu.”

She couldn’t turn back now.

Xiao Yu is over.

“Hong Gu didn’t force me to work for her.” Clarified Jin Yu, getting to the point. “I did it out of my own volition. As I said to her, I had the talent, so why not use it?”

“If that is all.” Jin Yu finished, standing up and getting ready to leave.

“Wait!” Jiu Ye grabbed her hand, effectively stopping her from leaving. Judging from his reaction, he too was perplexed by his sudden movement. “I… if you want, you could stay here and-”

“There’s no need.” Jin Yu coldly cut him off, firmly taking back her hand despite his tightened grasp. She looked away as she didn’t want to see the hurt displayed across his face. It was better this way, she needed a clean break from him. She rather hurt him now, rather than lead him to his death later. “Hong Gu is waiting for me, I must get back.” She began to walk away.

“Jin Yu.” Called out Jiu Ye, with a tone of hurt and slight desperation that even he himself couldn’t understand. He didn’t know why he was feeling this way for a woman whom he met only for the second time. Never in his life had he thought that he would ever feel this way. He had distanced himself from everyone else. But this woman, she’s different. This unforgettable woman had made him, a known recluse, search for her for three long months. She had been able to achieve the impossible. Simply put, she was able to fascinate him in such a short period of time. Even he was perplexed at himself. “You’re a guest here, you can-”

“Jiu Ye.” Jin Yu replied in a cold tone, stopping in her tracks, but she continued to face away from him. “I thank you for the clothes that you’ve given me. But other than that, we have no more connections to each other. Good day.”

She walked away, never once turning back.

Even if she felt like her heart was being shred into a thousand pieces.

…

Jin Yu watched through the window of the carriage as snow drifted continuously from the sky. Ever since they left the Shi estate, Hong Gu had been worried about the girl. Up to now, she hasn’t uttered a single word.

“Hong Gu.”

Hong Gu looked shocked for a moment, before composing herself.

“Yes?”

“Can we eat some noodles?” Jin Yu asked, still staring out of the carriage. Hong Gu felt her worry increase as she noticed the despondent tone of this girl. Normally, the girl was distant, always keeping to herself most of the time. But today, it felt different.

“It’s my birthday today.”

“Really? Why didn’t you say so? I would’ve prepared you a feast, the girls back at the house had always love celebrating such days.” Hong Gu prattled on about petty things, wanting to alleviate this girl’s somber mood.

…

Turns out Shuang Shuang had really wanted to leave. The business closing for a few days in her previous life was just an excuse that the other woman grabbed. Not even a week at that start of the year, had the woman jumped ship towards Luo Yu Fang’s competitor. The Xian Tian Fang.

It wasn’t really a loss, she was becoming a burden in Luo Yu Fang with her high and mighty attitude. Better yet, this means less competition for the other talents in the dancing house. Those once oppressed by Shuang Shuang had begun to shine in their own right.

But not all talents had the heart and even the will for it.

“Crying doesn’t solve anything.” Stated Jin Yu, leaning her back against the pillar with her arms crossed.

Fang Ru immediately wiped her tears away with her sleeves, before standing up, awkwardly she just stood there, not knowing what to do.

Jin Yu observed her for a few more moments, making Fang Ru uncomfortable as she averted her eyes from the other woman’s unwavering stare.

Suddenly, Jin Yu tossed something to Fang Ru.

The piece of cloth lightly hit her on the chest and bounced off, but Fang Ru was able to catch it. Fang Ru gave the other woman a confused look whilst looking at the cloth.

“That’s your contract to this house.” Jin Yu explained. “I paid off your debt. You’re free now.”

Fang Ru gave her a look of disbelief, before looking at the contract again. She let out a sob before throwing herself at Jin Yu, hugging her tightly.

“Thank you.” Fang Ru sobbed. “But, why? Where did you get the money? I couldn’t possibly-”

Jin Yu just patted her back in a placating manner.

“Truthfully? I couldn’t stand you crying every other night.” She said frankly. “I asked Hong Gu about it, and she said that she could release you as long as the contract is paid in full. I have accumulated enough money from my performances, and the customer’s that wanted to see me had also somewhat increased. I got money on the side and I honestly don’t know what to do with it.”

After her explanation, Fang Ru rained her with thanks, all the while saying that she’ll never forget about her kindness, and

promising to pay her back. After that, Fang Ru bolted out, happy to be free.

“You know.” A seductive voice stated. “I had never seen Fang Ru move so fast before.”

Jin Yu just smiled at the older woman, before continuing on her way to practice her skills.

…

A flash of light was reflected as the blade moved swiftly, cutting through the air. The figure moved with agile speed, going through a series of slashes in predetermined executions. Pivoting in position, the figure raised the sword in a wide arc and swung it down in a powerful finish.

In a split second, the sword swung to the side cutting clean through a solitary leaf that fell down.

Jin Yu heaved a deep breath before exhaling slowly and opening her eyes.

She relaxed her stance and sheathed her sword. Glancing at the full moon above, she briefly wondered how Brother wolf was doing.

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