Work Text:
After enduring the melancholic winter, the blossom of spring has finally come. Flowers show off their beauty and trees dance with the wind cheerfully. By the road, a breeze enveloped Zuo Yunqi in her walk as her snowy long hair sway in her back. She was wearing an elegant black blouse with wide v-neck hole that almost expose her shoulders fully, the smooth thin fabric of her dark baggy slacks that enwrap her legs gives a comfortable touch.
Her busy footsteps then halt its track at the entrance of a specific restaurant. The intricate ancient appearance outside of the restaurant seem designed to sell a certain image but in truth, the whole establishment is already an antiquity. Time already turned the place into a relic yet this place remained special to her heart. Since its the place where she always reunited with her important person.
She entered the door with great anticipation.
On this day, Zuo Yunqi decided to confess her romantic feelings to the woman of her dreams. The woman that changed trajectory of her life. For only that, she believes she's fortunate.
Her lady luck is none other than Lou Zhu, a career woman in her 30s. Successful in her line of work with limitless opportunities. Her mind always filled with spending, earning and saving money. That's the only life she know. In other words, a business woman who has no interest in romance.
As her mind and legs wander aimlessly, a waiter approaches Zuo Yunqi to ask if she has reservation. She confirmed it, a table for two and that she's still waiting for someone. She was then guide to a table near the window, a perfect spot to watch the person she's waiting for enter the restaurant.
Few minutes passed and her favorite flower finally appeared in the field. Her movement is a strange combination of elegance and carefree, Lou Zhu was wearing her traditional light blue Qipao with long sleeves with inner long blue Mamianqun fluttered along the gust of the wind. When she turned around, her skirt spin akin to a blooming flower. A beautiful nemophila coloring the dull scenery.
Lou Zhu's cream-colored hair was tied messily in loose pony tail. Her smiling grey eyes was hidden behind the orange retro round frame sunglasses yet her high angled eyebrows is quite imposing. Clutching in her hand, a travel luggage with wheels that she always brought for business trip. Her whole presence resemble a bright blue sky with visible night stars in the morning.
It didn't take long until the aroma of the flower reached the tip of Zuo Yunqi's nose. Zuo Yunqi didn't noticed that she's staring at Lou Zhu for a long time until the woman of her dream was already in front of her. To the extent, Lou Zhu even already received the dish she ordered. She's that ridiculously starstruck.
"Ahem, what would Xiao Yunqi want to talk about?" Lou Zhu smiled playfully, her fork twirled with the pasta.
"Lo-Lou Zhu, I..." Zuo Yunqi mustered up her courage before she serenade Lou Zhu with her romantic feelings. "I like you. I've always like you and admire you. I want you for myself. You're beautiful, has a fun personality... and I love being with you."
"Ah, I knew it. I know Xiao Yunqi always like me."
"Am I that obvious?" Zuo Yunqi was ashamed.
Lou Zhu nodded lazily. "I like Xiao Yunqi too. But there's a problem...
Lou Zhu struggled to find the right word, "What did my friend call me? Uh Aro? Aroace? Asexual? Aromantic? Arospec? She describe me like that."
"Is that a no?" Zuo Yunqi's face turned pale, she didn't understand what she's talking about, she never heard all those words before.
"But if its Xiao Yunqi, maybe I can turn into demi...? ...I don't know. I never think about it. Crush, dating, preference, marriage, romance... Those words sounds too alien for me. I know what it is but I've always think its not for me." Lou Zhu's eyes fall into sadness, her long eyelashes flickered whenever she close her eyes. Her continuous mumbling only gave the other party a confusing look.
"Which is it?" Zuo Yunqi almost want to cry, she expected this rejection.
Lou Zhu clear her throat, afraid her uneasiness will only hurt Zuo Yunqi. "I'm sorry for not giving a clear answer. I just think I can't live up to your expectations but I don't mind hanging out with Xiao Yunqi. I want to try... and at least give you a chance. We can date first to know if we're compatible? What do you think?"
"I... I'll do my best. Thank you for considering." It was an ambiguous answer but its better than nothing. Zuo Yunqi accepted it with utmost care.
Zuo Yunqi is already at her 20s but she never find her age gap with Lou Zhu a problem. Also, Lou Zhu looks like she's only in her 20s. Not only she's young looking, she's good looking as well. How can Zuo Yunqi turn away from an eternal flower that beautiful? In addition, they are both adults already with established career and been friends for years.
Their encounter all started way back during her high school. Back then, she's known for her hot temperament. She fought back in every trivial thing.
A teacher demean her low self-esteem classmate? She'll talk back.
A pervert took a picture in a girls changing room secretly? She'll seek out the one responsible.
A frail child being bullied by entitled kids? She'll beat them until she's satisfied.
She was a lost case in her school but the principal is afraid to kick her out since her father was rumored to have connection in the underground world. They find Zuo Yunqi's existence in their school quite terrifying, a superstition that can't be broken no matter what to prevent a curse to befall in their premise.
At that time, Lou Zhu visits their school to be a speaker for an entrepreneurship seminar for students. Not everyone can afford to get in university so someone like Lou Zhu is appreciated to open a new path for lost youths. Starting a small business sounds easy but its still better to hear an advice from an experienced professional like her. What's more, she even offer free workshop for those interested so the school without much money sought her out specifically. It serves as part of her goodwill, a charity work she consistently love doing to help others to get by in life as if she know what it felt like to have nothing.
When Zuo Yunqi attended the seminar, she's not originally interested. She understood she will choose a path different from her father. Her father never hurt her physically but their beliefs don't aligned with each other so they always ended up in argument. Her problem is she can't still find what exactly her path going to be until Lou Zhu's charisma and eloquence captured her heart entirely. She finally noticed the answer she's looking for, its always within her.
"Do you think everyone are privileged to make a choice?"
A young girl in high school uniform with delinquent demeanor suddenly appeared at Lou Zhu's back as she puts her travel luggage to her bicycle's side car. She just finished what she came for, the seminar so she's preparing her leave. It was unexpected that one of the high school girls will come approach her.
Honestly, she don't know how to answer it. She believe she's bad at rhetorical questions nor giving lecture about life to others. She rather talk about the technicalities of entrepreneurship. The only thing she can do is give her well-thought sincerity, hoping it will help others a little bit.
"I know everyone have their own circumstances but I still think everyone deserve to make a choice for their life. Even if it cost you more than the privileged ones, how can you keep making choices if you're scared at making your first step? After all, its your life."
It was a confusing answer but Lou Zhu know this girl is not looking for perfect answers but someone who encourage her to push her forward. A tap in the back in her shoulder before her starting line.
The high school girl smiled brightly to show her gratitude, "Thank you, miss."
After that, Zuo Yunqi decided to still enter a university in a scholarship program. It was tough but she endured it. She enjoyed studying pharmaceutical chemistry and finished with PharmD degree with intention to start her own pharmacy. Hoping this gesture will sever her ties with her father, to prove they are different people despite their blood relation. If her father sells illegal drugs, she want to sell affordable medicine for those in need. It didn't take a while, she later passed the licensure examination with flying colors to become licensed pharmacist.
In a trick of fate, Zuo Yunqi reunited with Lou Zhu at World Expo. Zuo Yunqi just started her small pharmacy recently and her school mentor, Tao Zhongchi invited her to attend the event to check on her. Surprisingly, her mentor is quite close to Lou Zhu's best friend, the organizer of the event Lin Kai so Lou Zhu's attendance is a must. In her head, she admit Lou Zhu is her childhood crush but she didn't expect her puppy love will have a continuation. She never find a woman as striking as Lou Zhu in her life so her long lasting impression etched deeply in her memories.
With common grounds, they instantly became friends. After all, they belonged in the same circle of friends so their meetings and separation became a routine at this point.
Eventually, Zuo Yunqi find their rendezvous something to look forward. She don't know when it started but Zuo Yunqi always found herself yearning for Lou Zhu's voice. When Lou Zhu talks, it calms her mind and her heart. Whenever they meet, they talk endlessly. It reached to a point that they even talk to each other via phone everyday, their distance can no longer stop them. Therefore, Zuo Yunqi became determine to confess her feelings.
The sound of doorbell resound in Lou Zhu's apartment. Zuo Yunqi waits patiently outside as she glared at the door knob. She might looked furious but in reality, she's just nervous. It was her first time visiting Lou Zhu's home. She's wearing her favorite black color, a comfortable cotton shorts, loose long sleeves shirt with wide neck hole and a choker. A good match to her snowy hair.
The motive of her arrival is to spend quality time with Lou Zhu. It was part of her courting strategy to win Lou Zhu's heart. She originally invited Lou Zhu to go out and watch movie together but Lou Zhu rejected it quite bluntly. Its not that Lou Zhu didn't care about her efforts, Zuo Yunqi figured Lou Zhu is probably catching up with her deadline in work. She did spend so much time with Lou Zhu so she's already familiar with Lou Zhu's bad habits.
A familiar face opened the door from inside. It was Xiao Xue, Lou Zhu's diligent secretary. Zuo Yunqi and Xiao Xue share the same age but the secretary exude a gentle matureness of corporate office lady who strive to accomodate whoever she talk with. In comparison, Zuo Yunqi seems more inexperienced and naive. Prideful Zuo Yunqi easily felt she's inferior before this lady.
Xiao Xue smiled back at her and welcomed her at the entrance. "I have to go. I just dropped by to give the documents she needed. She's inside her room."
The apartment is not that spacious but also not too cramped. Its enough for one person to live by but for some reason, Zuo Yunqi felt the place don't feel home at all. It felt like a lifeless storage room. Wherever her eyes land, number of boxes keep blocking her gaze. Lou Zhu always had to go on business trips so its understandable that the state of the place ended up like this. Her attention then was caught by the busy sounds produced by laptop's keyboard so she followed it and quickly found the room.
"You really came?" Lou Zhu hearing the footsteps, muttered while typing numbers in MS Excel's spreadsheet while her eyes was still stuck in her laptop's screen.
"I bought you coffee and sandwiches. Have you eaten yet?" Zuo Yunqi carefully slides her body at the room's door to step inside.
"...No?" It takes time before Lou Zhu answered back as she collects scattered papers that fill her bed to organize and look at it.
Zuo Yunqi quickly peek at Lou Zhu's homely looks. Surprisingly, Lou Zhu is wearing pajamas with hood that covered most of her skin. In her eyes, reading glasses helps her focus to her work. Her hair was quite a mess as well, her hair tie is almost falling out at the end of her hair. Lou Zhu's hair is not as smooth and silky as Zuo Yunqi's hair but its easy to recognize the soft fluffy sensation by just looking at it.
Maybe she's used to seeing Lou Zhu in elegant Qipao attire so Zuo Yunqi did fantasize that Lou Zhu is the type who wear nightgown as her sleepwear choice in her home, drinking wine alone in a corner. She didn't expect this cute side of her. It made her happy. Zuo Yunqi almost fail to hide her excitement.
"Let's eat then." Lou Zhu finally glanced at her, then invited Zuo Yunqi in her bed by tapping a spot with her hand. "Have a sit. I don't really have a dining area here so I usually eat in my bed or outside. But don't worry! I always make sure to clean after! If you ask me what's the cleanest place in this house, my bed is definitely top 1 along with my bathroom and wardrobe!"
Zuo Yunqi laughs softly at Lou Zhu's defense as she glance at the laptop's screen. "So, what Miss Lou Zhu is up to? Accounting?"
"I'm finished. I just check if the Best Tower's sales is consistent. The current economy is making any business suffers but not too bad. We can still endure. Honestly, Xiao Xue already did a good job. That girl can run the place without me." Lou Zhu picked up one sandwich brought by Zuo Yunqi then took a bite.
"You don't have to come. I know you're also busy." Lou Zhu added as she sips her coffee brought by Zuo Yunqi.
"I just want to show you that I'll make time and do anything for the person I like." Zuo Yunqi show no reservation flirting with Lou Zhu. She already revealed her feelings anyway. She believe there's no reason to keep acting anxious around her crush. She thinks its better to show what kind of partner she is this sooner so Lou Zhu will feel the change in their relationship.
"...You have to be careful with what you say." Lou Zhu's sudden seriousness broke the casual atmosphere.
"Why is that?"
"What if... What if I tell you to erase someone from my life, will you do that for me?"
"..."
"Silly, its a joke. Your eyebrows look so cute when you're confused!" Lou Zhu happily touched Zuo Yunqi's furrowed bushy eyebrows as if she's massaging her temples gently.
The two are already close friends before Zuo Yunqi even confessed her feelings so obviously Zuo Yunqi know there's something wrong with Lou Zhu's words. It was half-truth and half-lies. Her job is to decipher which one is the truth and which is the fake. Lou Zhu undoubtedly has a good heart at her core but she tend to wear masks to conceal her problems, never let any weaknesses slip away from her funny remarks. Zuo Yunqi is quite familiar in this side of her so she can't helped but think, "Is there someone who would hurt Lou Zhu that far to the extent she want them gone?"
A sudden rang of the doorbell destroyed Zuo Yunqi's deep thoughts. Lou Zhu also seems surprised, her reaction shows she don't expect any guest coming aside from Zuo Yunqi.
Their fun moment was stopped abruptly. Two men in blacks appeared before Lou Zhu once she opened the door, Lou Zhu instantly became stiff as if she's seeing hell before her. Lou Zhu already know why they are here. She then asked the two men anxiously for time to change into dress before leaving and apologize to Zuo Yunqi that something came up. Afterwards, they escorted Lou Zhu toward the expensive looking car. Zuo Yunqi can't do anything but to watch her loved one be taken away by mysterious men. Her helplessness undeniably suffocates her.
She dialed her phone to call someone, "Are you free? There's something I want you to do."
"Oh you're finally here. How was your business in Best Tower, Lou Zhu?" The lady with tacky dress hugged her in friendly manner but Lou Zhu responded with stiffness instead. She tried to her best to force a fake smile out of her because this lady's high social status frightens her.
Lou Zhu with her favorite traditional Qipao found herself in a bar. Jazz music filled the place, the fragrance of wine make her nose itchy and people gambled their money through card games in their respective tables. They are laughing and gossiping, too intoxicating for Lou Zhu's taste. Lou Zhu has money but if there's something he can't get used to, its getting along with wealthy people that have no qualms or empathy for others. The lady before her is the best example of that kind, she's called Zhou Jingyi. One of the richest person in the country. Also, the person she feared the most.
"I-Its okay... I-Is there a problem? I- I already gave it to you for this month." Lou Zhu's small voice stuttered.
"What? You have money now so you don't want to hang out with me anymore?"
"I-Its not like that... It just this humbled one don't have the heart to bother you..."
"Don't forget how much you owe. Without me, you're nothing. Or must I eradicate those friends of yours so you'll have time with me?"
"I-I know. I... I-I will never forget it. That's unnecessary because you'll... you'll always be my top of priority."
"Good to hear. Then let's have fun! Let's play your favorite card game." Zhou Jingyi smiled as she dragged Lou Zhu to one of the bar's gambling table.
Her unhealthy relationship with Zhou Jingyi fueled by fear begun just because an old lady was kind to Lou Zhu. This old lady was Zhou Jingyi's mother. At that time, Lou Zhu who's still naive need a capital for her small business so she joined a business convention to showcase her sample products. Zhou Jingyi's mother appeared out of nowhere, introduced herself as Lou Zhu's fan. She then strangely offer a big amount of money to support Lou Zhu's dreams. Lou Zhu was confused at first but the offer is too tempting to be ignored. She no longer can deny that she absolutely need money.
When Lou Zhu asked her, she answered with "Because you're a good person and beautiful... Just treat it as your patron's donation." She paused for a while then added, "I rather gave you my money than those ungrateful kids of mine."
Lou Zhu appreciate the donation but she don't really need much so she agreed to accept a portion of it, a quarter. At that moment, she thinks its probably not a bad idea to accept help from a kind rich old lady. She does need help and money truly make someone blind. Its not that she's taking full advantage of it. She did promised she'll pay it back once her business has started running.
As expected, Lou Zhu's business is not successful instantly nor its not a bad start so she only able to pay half of the money she borrowed before the old lady died. She didn't manage to pay it full at the right time. After Zhou Jingyi finds out Lou Zhu has a debt to her deceased mother, she took advantage of it to take control of Lou Zhu in her palm. Like a new toy she love seeing squirm. With Lou Zhu's passive personality, she instantly became Zhou Jingyi's favorite playmate.
Every year, she increase the interest until Lou Zhu suffers from it. Lou Zhu never complain and she always pay before the deadline. She pay like her life depends on it similar to how she treat her monthly bill from her electricity and water. At the end of the day, its for her survival. Afraid to offend Zhou Jingyi, she didn't noticed someone already put her in shackles.
A sad drunk figure on her way home walks at the side of the street. Lou Zhu became drunk as a result from getting consecutive loses in the game she played with Zhou Jingyi. She have to keep drinking strong wine as punishment. For someone like her who want to run away from problems in front of her, its more like a sweet haven than punishment.
She's still somewhat sober but her mind and heart are at its limits. She want to shout and cry for help but she can't. Lou Zhu's business circle is like a spider web. Its a double-edge sword that helps earn her popularity but also chains of responsibility. So many lives are on the line, her wrong move will cost their lives. The people she helped and the people who want to help her. She don't want others livelihood be affected just because she offended one of the rich person. She rather endure until she can.
With empty eyes, she noticed an abandoned building and walks toward the abyss. The flower's fragrance fades and jade scatters.
A black motorcycle drove fast until it reached the hospital. A lady in black with snowy hair took off her helmet and quickly runs toward the entrance.
In early morning, Zuo Yunqi received a bad news that Lou Zhu committed suicide. She fell from an abandoned building. Zuo Yunqi was worried sick, tears in her eyes she came quickly as possible. Her heart will not calm until she see Lou Zhu.
She saw Lin Kai and Tao Zhongchi talking in the hallway before they enter a specific room. She followed them and found Lou Zhu. She was sitting in a wheelchair. Her right leg and arms are covered in bandages. It seem she only has bruises in her arms but heavily injured in her leg.
When Lou Zhu's eyes meets Zuo Yunqi's darkened face, her face turned pale. She didn't want Zuo Yunqi to misunderstand and make her worry so she panicked and attempted to explain herself.
Before Zuo Yunqi can even open her mouth, Lou Zhu already shouted "IT WAS AN ACCIDENT I SWEAR!!!"
The silence deafening the room until Zuo Yunqi's annoyed "What?" broke it.
Lou Zhu gulped and show off her eloquence "Its bad to bottled up things to yourself for a long time so I want to distress by shouting my problems in a quiet place. I found the abandoned building and climbed up at the top. I shout until I have no voice left. When I'm done, I turned back to go down but old stairs finally gave in so I fell. I didn't go there to die! T-trust me!"
"Is this one of your joke? Because its not funny." Zuo Yunqi was in disbelief, beyond furious. Thankfully, the doctor take her turn to speak about Lou Zhu's condition.
"Miss Zuo, she only got leg fractured. Its not life threatening. She just need to spend months in a wheelchair and she'll be fine." Tao Zhongchi who can't read the room calmly reassure her.
Tao Zhongchi is the head doctor of the hospital where Lou Zhu was admitted and good mentor during Zuo Yunqi's internship in this hospital back before she graduated. She excels in her career and a good friend so her words is most likely true. The only problem is she's bad at social cues even if she don't meant it in bad way.
"Also, she's been a friend of mine for a long time so I know her. Lou Zhu can't kill herself. She's too coward for that. The best thing she can do is not eat for one day. So you don't have to worry." Tao Zhongchi coldly made a joke, her inexpressive face made them uneasy.
Tao Zhongchi and Lou Zhu are both career woman who excelled in their expertise but unfortunately the doctor don't have any funny bone in her compare to Lou Zhu.
After saying her piece, Tao Zhongchi left the confused pair to return to her work. Lin Kai tap Zuo Yunqi's shoulders then followed after the doctor so that the two will be left alone to talk.
Once they are alone, Zuo Yunqi's glare turned into teary painful eyes and Lou Zhu cowered in fear knowing she disappointed her little Yunqi.
Zuo Yunqi brought Lou Zhu who's sitting in a wheelchair at the hospital's rooftop. Hoping a breath of fresh air will calm the both of them before they converse seriously.
They enjoyed a moment of silence before Zuo Yunqi confront Lou Zhu.
"I'll take you home so that I can watch over you."
"I'll do fine by myself in my apartment."
"How can you move there with your wheelchair? So many boxes all over the place. You know, you should try selling boxes for your next business." Zuo Yunqi was irritated. She's already starting to calm herself but Lou Zhu have to destroy it with ungrateful response. She gave the other a glare again and Lou Zhu responded with cowered silence.
"..."
Zuo Yunqi changed the topic to return to her disrupted calmness, "Lou Zhu, I know about Zhou Jingyi."
Lou Zhu widen her eyes, she stare at Zuo Yunqi's serious face and her head fall defeated. Her most embarassing secret is actually out of the bag. The reason why she's successful now as entrepreneur is because of her connection with Zhou Jingyi dawned on her, reminding her she owe everything to that person. Her self-pity possessed her instantly.
"You're right. I'm not talented and don't have skills. I just have connection and lucky. I'm a fake."
"No, you're not. You're my inspiration."
Zuo Yunqi understand that being only angry will not comfort Lou Zhu so she try to make it casual as possible. Not forgetting to praise Lou Zhu to give her a boost of morale. Yet Zuo Yunqi's sense of justice is hard to please.
"I told someone to investigate her background, one of the men who used to work for my mother but now turned new leaf who decided to follow me instead. It looks like she's a major offender in tax evasion. She's also a perpetrator of her step-mother's death."
"Why didn't you ask for help? Report to the police? Do some of your friends know this? Tao Zhongchi, Lin Kai or Long Daxia? Why didn't you tell it to me? You hid it well." Zuo Yunqi mocked with a smirk.
"They know. I just told them to not do anything. Zhou Jingyi never hurt me physically. She just threatened me. Its not a big deal." Lou Zhu explained.
"Lou Zhu, she's exploiting you... At this point, you must have finished paying your debt. She just make excuses to tie you up. What are you? An idiot?"
"Or are you afraid the justice system will not side with you so you just endure it? Dr. Tao is right. You are really a coward."
"..."
Nevertheless, Zuo Yunqi is still fond of this coward. She has a sudden urge to kiss Lou Zhu to quell her anger. She touched Lou Zhu's forehead and gave it a kiss.
Zuo Yunqi sighed. She already say what she want to say so her heart feel lighter now.
"Do you hate it?" Zuo Yunqi asked referring to a peck in her forehead.
"No..." Lou Zhu didn't hate nor like it. She hate being touched by others but it was Zuo Yunqi so its an exception.
"Come home with me, okay? I want to take care of you." Zuo Yunqi said tenderly, her pleading eyes tell to not defy her wishes so Lou Zhu reluctantly nodded.
Zuo Yunqi smiled finally.
At that moment, the gust of wind passed by. It was so strong, almost making them collapse. Their hair became messy so instantly and entangled with each other. Seeing how ruined their hair are, the two ended up laughing by their funny state.
Before her, Lou Zhu witnessed the most beautiful thing in the world - Zuo Yunqi's laugh. It didn't fail to captivate her every time this happened, she finally understand why she love making jokes around Zuo Yunqi even in the most serious conversation. She's already under Zuo Yunqi's spell for a long time.
Weeks passed quickly, Zhou Jingyi's sudden death is in the headlines of the news. According to the investigation, the dead body is covered by slashes and cause of death is unidentified poison. Someone undeniably murdered her and the half-sister was suspected but strangely, the police can't find any evidence nor trace to put the blame on her.
Lou Zhu was conflicted at first, terrified Zhou Jingyi's ghost will haunt her dreams but also, thankful that someone ends her misery. Its not that she hate Zhou Jingyi to want her dead. On the contrary, she's always prepared to forgive the person as long as she stop her wrongdoings. She just wish her problems along with that person will disappear like a smoke. She didn't know if it was Zuo Yunqi or someone killed her by coincidence after her conversation with Zuo Yunqi. All she know is her chest felt lighter now.She admit that killing someone is wrong but she think she can forgive that someone no matter what everyone says. For her, that stranger is her caretaker who just get rid of pest around her flower field. Without any pest, she can finally bloom carefreely.
End.
This exchanges happened at the same day when Lou Zhu left for Zhou Jingyi.
A lady with snowy hair reunites with a friend from her highschool. This friend is currently in the middle of her date. It might look rude to appeared in someone's date but her ulterior motive happened to be there. The lady with snowy hair didn't even waver and go straight to the point to her agenda, to her friend's special someone.
"I believe you're Zhou Jingyi's half-sister? Do you seek revenge? I can help you."