Whispers Amidst Autumn's Tears 2

Cao Jinchang opened the door to the apartment, the clicking of her keys somehow louder than the raging storm outside. From the window, she caught sight of paper lanterns swaying precariously in the rising wind, casting soft, flickering shadows that danced across the earth-toned walls. The tapping of the rain against the window panes created a melody, almost lulling her into a trance.

She didn't bother removing her shoes, more than willing to be petty in thinking she might bring Wu Xin and his new lover some bad luck. Cao Jinchang felt she should start with some of her cherished knickknacks, most of them small gifts from Feng Zhiyan and some of her practice pieces when she first began metalworking. She kept most of these on a shelf above the couch. As she reached up to grab the teacup set she had received from Feng Zhiyan, she realized one of them was missing. Cao Jinchang blinked, feeling her breath leave her. Where did it go? Those had been hand-painted by Feng Zhiyan herself, and they had always used them whenever they would have afternoon tea together.

She raced into the bedroom, looking for the silk embroidered handkerchief. It had been a breezy afternoon, and they had decided to spend time exploring the marketplace. Amidst the alleys lined with stalls and colorful tapestries, Feng Zhiyan had led Cao Jinchang to a quaint antiquities shop tucked away in a secluded corner—the same place she had met Wu Xin for the first time.

Feng Zhiyan had spotted a small, intricately embroidered silk handkerchief displayed in an ornate wooden box. The delicate thread depicted a tranquil landscape—a sense of rolling hills, cherry blossoms, and a serene river winding its way through the countryside. She didn't hesitate on purchasing it as it had belonged to her deceased grandmother, a woman known for her embroidery skills.

Cao Jinchang later received it as a birthday gift, with Feng Zhiyan insisting that the true artist between them should hold onto the handkerchief. It was a sign of respect from her older sister, an acknowledgement of her budding skills with metalworking. She didn't want anything to have happened to it.

Yet, as she dragged all the drawers of the wardrobe open, tears gathered in her eyes as her mind became blank—it became more and more obvious that half of her things were missing. She let out a strangled cry as she spotted the wooden box where a plain handkerchief now laid.

"Wu Xin!" she shouted as she yanked the last drawer out of place, landing on her foot, causing her to let out a string of curses. "You're such a thoughtful friend, getting rid of all my cherished items ahead of time for me!" she heaved in a trembling voice.

From there, Cao Jinchang didn't have the energy to lament being forced out of the apartment. She was desperate to gather all of her belongings before he had a chance to take anything else from her. He had misused her heart and care despite knowing the side effects. He trampled over her dignity at any turn, belittling her metalworking career, calling her an uneducated tradesperson. But, he had thoroughly made it clear how much he despised her stubbornness, her loyalty to her people because he had taken everything that reminded her of Feng Zhiyan. It was nothing but spite, and she had never felt so used—realizing that each and every gift she had from her older sister had turned into cheap replacements.

Cao Jinchang managed to pack all her remaining belongings, the few items she held dear, into a single duffle bag and suitcase. However, anything truly precious to her was missing. Wiping at her running nose, she stumbled down to the first floor. As the rain intensified, occasional flashes of lightning illuminated the shelves, briefly highlighting the store. Thunderous echoes reverberated, commanding attention all around her.

With determination, she reached for the metal sculpture she had crafted, a representation of her grief for her older sister. Cao Jinchang was reclaiming it. This piece was hers, not something for someone else to buy or discard. It belonged to her and her alone. She hastily stowed it into her bag and ventured out into the storm.