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It is known to the staff of Feiyun Commerce Guild that when their Second Young Master is nowhere to be found, he is most definitely taking some time off for the moments of solitude that he needs. Some have a vague idea of his hobbies involving books or martial arts, fewer — or perhaps, as Xingqiu might like to think — none have any clue of his acts of chivalry. It puzzles them but does not bother them, for the young man would always ensure all of his job responsibilities are well and completed before he disappears.
This “moment of solitude” was long-planned by Xingqiu ever since the release date of next volume of hit martial arts novel, «The Peerless Twin Stars»2, was announced. He even set up the right opportunity to do his dear friend Chongyun a favour (read: caused him an incident then saved him from it) so that he would have to agree to repay the favour (read: comply with blackmail) by helping him to stand in queue at Wanwen Bookhouse so that he can purchase the much awaited light novel.
"Good afternoon, my good friend!" greets Xingqiu, having rushed over to the bookstore as soon as his business appointment was done. "Thank you for your efforts, allow me to take over from here."
Chongyun steps aside to let Xingqiu replace his spot in the queue. He was the first in line, having been here since morning.
While it was true that he had relied on Xingqiu to get him out of a sticky situation last week, he would have helped his best friend out even without owing him anything. After all, he knew how much books meant to Xingqiu. Whenever a new volume of a novel series that Xingqiu follows is released, the young merchant would always be amongst the first to purchase it, then seclude himself somewhere until he had finished reading it from cover to cover.
Xingqiu claims that this is because reading a new work is a very special activity that requires the right place and mood. Chongyun understands. He has watched Xingqiu read before: placing his bookmark3 against every line, with the square cutout of the sandalwood isolating portions of the text so that he can process each word clearly, one at a time.
Both Xingqiu's genius and his hideous handwriting are public knowledge to everyone acquainted with him, but only his teachers and closer friends are aware of the extra effort that he has to put into being able to read. Chongyun feels both honoured and humbled to be privy to this side of Xingqiu that he so rarely allows others to see.
"I got it! With the limited edition release day bundle too!" Xingqiu hugs his new purchase of a book packaged with some art prints to his chest in satisfaction, walking in brisk steps towards Chihu Rock.
"I'll be hastening to our warehouse in Lisha now, see you!"
"Do you have to go so far just to read?" comments Chongyun, keeping pace behind him.
"Of course! The longer I tarry in the Harbour, the higher the chances that I'll hear spoilers, which would be horrible, won't it?"
And there goes his friend, disappearing into one of his “moments of solitude” again.
It was after midnight when Chongyun completed his exorcism job in a nearby village. “Exorcism” though it may have been, but it was really just beating up a few dendro slimes that were bothering the crops. Which turned out more time-consuming than it should have been due to the dendro slimes preferences of playing hide-and-seek with humans, making Chongyun momentarily wish that Hu Tao would show up and set all of them on fire.
On the topic of friends who love pranking him, How is Xingqiu doing? He may as well drop by to visit since he is in the area.
Chongyun could see the lamp inside the Feiyun Guild's Lisha Warehouse still lit from afar. The front door is bolted, as expected. But Chongyun knows Xingqiu's habits well enough. He slides his claymore under the door, and sure enough, a clink sound can be heard. Slowly, he drags the claymore out, pulling out the keys on floor with it. He opens the lock then shuts it behind him.
Xingqiu is in the small office room, seated cozily in a cushioned armchair, wrapped in a thick blanket, eyes affixed to the book in his left hand with a smile of amusement on his lips while he shifts and slides his bookmark across the page every few seconds. Fully engrossed in its story, he does not move as he welcomes Chongyun.
"If you're here for tea, I've finished this pot. You'll have to help yourself in boiling more water."
That meant Xingqiu emptied the teapot hours ago but was too occupied to get a refill himself. The young exorcist may be impartial to warm tea as someone quite comfortable with the chill of the night, but Xingqiu could use a hot drink, so Chongyun boils some hot water for the tea.
"Tea's ready." Chongyun says.
And Xingqiu finally puts down his book and reaches for the warm porcelain cup.
"It is late, Xingqiu, you should go and sleep. Why not continue reading tomorrow?"
"That won't do," the young merchant sips at his fragrant tea gratefully. "I have a stocks discussion in the morning, followed by a lunch meeting."
"... Ehh? Then you're not going to sleep at all??"
"I can take a quick nap later. I'm almost at the climax... I'll be done soon!"
Chongyun frowns and squints at the position of the bookmark, indicating that its reader is a little more than halfway through the volume.
"Not possible. By the time you finish, it would already be sunrise!"
"I'll sleep after lunch then," replies Xingqiu nonchalantly.
Chongyun sighs.
"Uhm... Give me that book... ..."
"...?"
"I'll... read it for you."
"Won't you be spoiled about the first half of the volume since you didn't read it ye-"
"It's al-all right...! I don't think I mind it... spoilers... too much. I'll try to... just forget everything when you lend it to me later."
A grin breaks out on Xingqiu's face.
"Thank you, Chongyun! You are indeed the most reliable friend."
Chongyun finished reading aloud in three hours what would have likely taken the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild twice that duration to read by himself. Which gave him enough time to get sufficient sleep before he attends to work.
"Well, I'll be attending to my duties now, Chongyun. Remember to lock up and hand the keys back to me!" Xingqiu gives the exorcist a polite bow and heads back towards the Harbour.
Chongyun waves his friend off sleepily. He does not understand how Xingqiu could look that refreshed on three-and-a-half hours of sleep while he feels like he is about to collapse into the ground and sleep with with the dendro slimes.
"Oh." Xingqiu pauses in his steps and turns back.
"I really like your voice, I'll bring you another book to read to me next time!"
... ...
... ... ...
...
... Wait- no, Chongyun did not sign up for that.
(But this is fine. A little liveliness is all right with his friend.)