Chapter 13: Moutan Affection

Moutan Affection

Two days have passed and Cold Face's fever subsided. During those past two days, I never left his side. I always fed him the moutan tea and continuously wiped his body with a damp cloth. I spent my nights taking care of him. Hoping that he will already open his eyes.

However, he's still lying on the bed unconscious. The old man told me that there's nothing I have to worry about. He also said that maybe one of these days, Cold Face will wake up. But I still can't help but feel anxious. If there's nothing wrong, then why can't he wake up?

"Lady, for one hundredth time I will ask you to stop worrying and take a rest. You didn't even eat properly and you just keep on staring at your husband. Maybe if he wakes up, you're the next one he will take care of."

"He's not my husband."

"Eh? That's not what I am seeing."

I averted my gaze off of Cold Face and went to the table where the old man is. I sat next to him and started eating the food he's offering.

"Then what's with the two of you? What's your relationship?"

"I... I am just a nobody to him. He only saved me from evil creatures. After that, I joined him and his apprentice in their journey. While passing this mountain, assassins ambushed us and one of us got killed. That's where he got his wound too."

"Hmm. That explains his wound."

The two of us resumed eating.

"Old Man, there are no words that can describe how thankful I am to you. You sheltered us without any thoughts. You saved my dying friend. If there's anything that I can help you with, just tell me and I will gladly do it. So that I can repay just a little bit of your kindness."

"Originally, I am not expecting for any repayment but now that you suggested it, I found it tempting. I already thought of one, but I will tell you once your friend recovers. For now, just take a rest first."

"Thank you so much old man! By the way, I didn't have the chance to ask for your name. I am Roseanne."

"Roseanne? What kind of name is that? Haha. Just call me Tal Tal."

"Then I'll call you old man Tal Tal."

"How about him? What is his name?"

His question made me stop for a while. I glanced at Cold Face. How ironic. He asked me that when me myself doesn't know what Cold Face's name either. How am I supposed to answer that?

"I don't know. I don't know his name too."

"What?! Wah! What an odd friends you are."

I smiled awkwardly.

"Yeah. We're odd friends."

We kept on talking until we both finished our meals. To feed my growling curiosity, I asked him why he's staying here in the mountain and not in the plains. He unhesitatingly confirmed that he's a doctor. He's living in the town near this mountain where he has a clinic and this hut is only his temporary house whenever he's going here to pick some herbal plants.

After finishing our meals, Old Man Tal Tal told me that he will now go back to his clinic now that he already collected the herbs he needed. He said that we can stay here as long as we want in condition that we will clean and take care of the house.

"And to that payment you're offering, I will ask you to pick the herbal plant you're feeding your friend."

He took out a flower with a long woody grey brown stem.

"This is the Moutan Peony. Look carefully young woman. This flower has a woody grey brown stem that reaches 4 to 10 feet. The leaves of the plant are dark green above and blue-green below. And the flower, any of these maybe white like this, pink, or red in color. The silken, often flagrant blossoms can reach 6 to 12 inches."

Like what he said, I carefully look at the beautiful and fragrant flower. I memorized each details and also the smell.

"Don't peonies bloom every spring and early summer? The color of the leaves have changed meaning that it's already autumn. How could I find them?"

"Don't you know Mount Twilight? This mountain is a rare one. It is blessed with resources. Don't worry, I will give you a sample of this. There's also some in my pots outside. You can find it in the cold area of this mountain."

I also noticed it. With the amount of fruits and vegetables I saw when Cold Face and I while wandering, I can say that this mountain is really bountiful. But I still find it odd. Well, there are people who grow excess fingers in their hand so nothing is impossible.

"How much should I gather?"

"The greater, the better. When you collect them, dry them."

"Alright!"

"So I'll be taking my leave now. I don't know when will I come back. Maybe after two weeks?"

Carrying his basket on his back, Old Man Tal Tal left the hut. Now there's only Cold Face and I again. I stood up and took a bowl full of water. Then I went to Cold Face and sat beside him. I soaked the cloth into the water and squeezed the excess water from it. I gently wiped it on his face. Then to his neck and arms.

"Wake up soon."

--*

I woke up feeling soft touches on my hair. My eyes widen in realization. When I take a look at it, I saw Cold Face looking at me with his usual blank face.

"Cold Face! You're awake!" I screamed in happiness.

"You're so loud."

Instead of frowning and yammering after hearing his remarks, I let out a huge guffaw. His aggravation means that he's back to his normal self!

"Sorry! I am just overjoyed that you're not in the verge of dying anymore! Can you see it? I'm crying because of happiness!"

I wiped my non existent tears of joy. I really love over reacting. Sometimes I feel like there's a loose screw in my head.

But when I looked at him, my eyes nearly popped out. Cold Face is freaking smiling at me. And I can see a faint circle in the corners of his smile.

"WAH! Am I hallucinating or are you really smiling right now?!"

I touched my forehead and neck checking if I am now the one who contracted a fever.

"What are you doing? Are you feeling sick?!"

"I don't have a fever. You don't have too. So you're undoubtedly freaking smiling! Wah! Is it end of the world now?!"

"Mad woman." he said then chuckled after.

When I heard him chuckled, my jaw finally dropped. His slanted eyes crinkled up and disappeared. The faint circle I saw earlier on both of his cheeks are now flaunting in front of me. Dang! He has dimples!

"Oh my Gosh! Oh my gosh! I think I'm gonna faint! You're not only smiling but you're also chuckling! I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. And you also have dimples!"

He stopped laughing and his brows creased.

"Dimples?"

"Yes! Dimples. Those two little circles on your cheeks when you smile! Wah! I can't believe that you have those!"

"Damn. You saw it."

I glanced at Cold Face and saw him looking at the other side with his gloomy expression. What the hell? His mood change quicker that the climate.

"Hey. What's the matter?"

"Do I look hideous in your eyes now?"

"What?! What are you talking about?" I asked in confusion.

"You... You saw those odd circles on my face."

Odd circles?

His dimples?

What does he mean hideous?!

"That's what you say is hideous? Is that the reason why you're not smiling?! Man are you kidding me?! That two cute little circles made you more handsome!"

Cold Face looked back at me.

"You are already handsome with your stoic face. It gives you the serious and bad boy vibes. But when you're smiling and you're showing those dimples? Damn! You're a lot cuter. It gives you a soft look! Total opposite of that cold face of yours! I like your dimples and your smiling face better!" I explained while making gestures.

"You like my smiling face and those circles?" he unbelievably asked.

"Hell yeah! Ah! You don't know how lucky you are to have that! Some people go under the knife to have dimples! If I were you, I will smile as often as possible. For sure you will attract more beautiful girls out there!"

This guy doesn't know what kind of treasure he has. Although dimple is really a genetic muscle defect, dimples are attractive because they are very prominent and it catches one's eyes.

I glanced at him. Chills crawled down my spine when I saw him staring at me with that unexplainable look in his eyes. I cleared my throat and stood up.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I nervously asked him.

He didn't speak and continue staring at me.

I don't know but it's making me feel something under my skin and it's making me uncomfortable.

"HAHA. Do I sound like an idiot again? I will close my mouth now so don't kill me with your glare. HAHA. I'll get you some food. I know you're starving."

I turn around and went to the table. Geez. Why is he staring at me like that? If I were an ice, I probably melted a long time ago.

Oh fuck.

I called him handsome!

Yes he's handsome but it's discomfiting to call a man that he's freaking handsome!

Gosh!

It's embarrassing!

I freaking over reacted again earlier. I certainly looked dumb and shameless. I just realized that my words may imply different meaning. I should control my emotions and carefully choose my choice of words.

I don't want him staring at me like that again.

With a tray of food and water, I went back to the bed.

"Can you feed yourself or do you want me to feed you?"

"I can manage."

Cold Face tried to sit and I helped him lean on the wall. He took the wooden spoon and began scooping the congee. I can see his hands shaking while lifting the food. But before he could even put it in his mouth, his hold on the spoon loosened and it fell making the congee scatter.

It's obvious that he still can't feed himself.

"Alright, I'll feed you. Don't refute."

So I took the spoon and scooped the congee. I lift the food and placed it in front of his mouth

"Open your mouth."

He was still hesitant at first but he then let me feed him.

"Eat a lot to regain your strength. You didn't eat anything for two days except the moutan tea."

I continue feeding him and fortunately he didn't resist anymore. Silence prevailed. Only the sound of the hitting spoon on the bowl and Cold Face's silent chewing.

"Have you eaten?" he asked.

"Yep. How's the congee? Is it good?"

He nodded.

"Ha! I cooked this! My cooking skills are better than those MSG dependent."

I saw a grain of rice on the side of his mouth so I wiped it off. Suddenly Cold Face started coughing. I handed him the water and he gulped it.

"Hey! I know you are starving but slow down." I scolded him.

He didn't say anything and he just glared at me. Wah. This ungrateful bastard.

Cold Face finished his food. I cleaned the scattered rice and put it in the bowl. I stood up and took the emptied bowl.

"Thank you."

I glanced at him and saw that he's not looking at me and instead the other side. The faint light of the lantern can't hide his bright red ears. Haha. This shy boy.

"Thank you for taking care of me. I can see the dark circles under your eyes so you must have been staying up late. Thank you for that."

"You're very welcome!"

"I promise to repay your kindness. Just say anything you want and I'll give it to you once I get back in our camp."

"Ooh. That sounds tempting! You'll give me anything?"

"Anything."

"Let me think of it. Hmm. Can you give me this empire?" I jokingly said.

Cold Face didn't speak and just stared at me with a serious expression on his face. Muahaha. I'm sure he got mad with my impossible request. It's crystal clear that I'm messing with him when he's damn serious. Before he could even yell at me, I speak.

"Just kidding! You don't have to repay me." I said then smiled at him.

"I can give you that."

Goosebumps filled my skin when I heard how serious and confident his tone is. There's something in him that is releasing a fearsome aura and I can't help but feel intimidated.

I faked a laugh and respond.

"Chill. I'm just messing around with you. No need to be po-faced."

I will remember not to mess with him again because he's freaking scary. We're the total opposite. I like messing around while he's a staid one. It's really not surprising that the two of us always bicker.

"Okay. It's already evening we should take a rest now!"

Cold Face moved backward to give me some space on the bed. I went to the side where the lantern was and turned it off. Then I carefully walked to the bed. Luckily I didn't trip and I successfully got there. I sat on the hard bamboo sticks and lay down. Now that my back is on the bed, I can feel the exhaustion and wakefulness ate me that my eyes instantly closed. I am so drained out. Finally, I can sleep peacefully.

"Good Night Cold Face." I said before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning I woke up with a big smile on my face. I have a great sleep and I felt like all my energy are now recharged. I cooked rice and vegetables. I also boil water for the moutan tea. I noticed that our food was running out also the moutan powder. So after eating, I decided to go to the woods.

I changed my clothes into the gray robe Old Tal Tal lend me. My long black hair is now tied with an orange fabric.

"Where are you going?" Cold Face asked.

"I will just go outside and get some food and moutan. I already have prepared food for you until dinner but I'll be back before the sun sets."

I took the weaved basket and carried it on my back.

"Don't go."

I heard him murmuring something so I looked at his direction.

"What did you say? I didn't hear you."

"Nothing. Just take care and go back here before dark."

I gave him a smile before going out the hut. I began walking and started my expedition to some far-off corner of the mountain. The sun is already striking on the blue sky. The trees are all standing tall and firm while its bright orange leaves are all swaying and sometimes falling in every blow of the wind.

I took a deep breath. Wah. The air smells crisp and cold. It smells earthy and musky. I never thought that air could be this fresh or I just got used to polluted air.

Where is that cold part of the mountain that that old man was talking about?

My gluttony took over me when I saw a tree full of crab apples. I happily picked it up and put it inside my basket. Fortunately, the basket I brought was big so there's a lot of space. When I'm satisfied with the numbers of the apples, I continued my search while eating an apple.

But damn. This mountain is full of resources. I took the opportunity and gathered all the fruits and vegetables I saw. I accumulated bananas, wild grape, wild cabbages and carrots. How good it is in this ancient times where you can harvest free foods.

"Aish. I forgot my purpose. I had to pick moutan before nightfall."

After a long search, I finally found what I was looking for. I lowered the heavy basket to the ground and looked at the blooming flowers in front of me.

"Wow. It is really moutan."

The vibrant display of flowers cover the ground. There are pure white, soft pink, vivid red and all of them together flaunt undeniable beauty and grace. The sweet and crisp smell of blossoms filled the air making me intoxicated. This majestic field is aesthetic. If I only had a camera with me, I would have taken a picture of it or took a selfie and post in on Weibo. Too bad that I don't have so all I can do is stare at the flowers.

"Okay back to work."

I crouched down and dig the soil to pluck it from root. I carefully placed each one of them in the basket. After minutes of plucking, I stood up and rubbed my hand to remove the dirt.

"Maybe that's enough."

I raised my head and gaze to the sky. Its color indicates that the night is about to come again. Shoot. I was too preoccupied and I did not notice the time. I carried the basket and walk faster.

But luck is really not on my side because night caught up with me on the road. Fortunately I brought a lantern otherwise I would not be able to go home.

Because it was dark, I could not see the road clearly. I couldn't help but feel nervous and scared. What if I get lost? What if there is a wild animal here?

Aish.

Why am I thinking this way?

I should be positive and I should believe in myself that I can go home because that's the only thing that I can do.

And that is very effective because after minutes of walking, I can already see the lights coming from the lantern in the hut. I entered the yard and I'm finally standing outside the door. At last!

Before I could even knock on the door, it opened. Cold Face's worried face greeted me.

"Hey the-"

I didn't finish what I was going to say when he suddenly pulled me closer to him and hugged me. I heard the basket fall to the ground but I could hear my heart beating louder. I don't know if it belongs to me or it belongs to him because my head is on his chest.

He held my shoulders and looked at me directly in the eye.

"Why are you so late?! Where have you been?! Do you know that I almost went crazy worrying about you?!"

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't notice the time." I muttered.

"How are you?! Did you get hurt?!"

"No."

He discern me as if he didn't believe in my answer. When he found out that I am fine, he sighed. Then he removed his hands from me and moved to give us a distance. Suddenly his face turned red and he started moving like a flushed fool.

"I... I'm sorry... I just got carried away!"

To escape this akward moment, I turned around to look at the basket I had dropped. The fruits and vegetables were scattered on the floor and beneath it were the moutan I carefully picked. The fruits and vegetables can still be used but the moutan can't because the petals are crushed.

What a waste!

Wait!

I can still dry the bark and the roots.

I crouched down and started picking  them.

"Let me help you."

"No. I don't need your help. I can manage."

"Are you mad? Look, I'm very sorry."

"I'm not mad. Just go back to the bed and rest. You have just recovered."

Thank God he didn't speak a word and followed what I said. I am really not mad at him. I just don't want him near me because I am afraid that he'll hear how loud my heart is beating right now.

I deliberately slowed down picking up the fruits so I could calm down the clutter in my chest. I also washed them just to make sure that my heartbeat was normal again.

"Have you eaten?" I asked him.

"Not yet. I...I was waiting for you."

Fuck.

Here's my racing heart again!

"Oh! You should have not wait for me and eat first. You must be very hungry. Come on let's eat now."

Cold Face and I both sat on the wooden chair. I opened the cover of the food I left on the table. I scooped rice to his bowl and put some vegetables above it then I gave it to him.

"I'm sorry if it's vegetables again tonight. Tomorrow I'll hunt some rabbits for us."

"No it's okay. I should be the one apologizing because I'm being a burden here."

"No. Don't think like that! You're not a burden!"

"I'm fully healed now so I can do things already. Starting tomorrow, I'll  be the one to find foods for us and all you have to do is stay here and wait for me to come home."

I looked at him and saw how decided he is. Well, if he's really that vigorous then I'll just let him do it.

"Uhm no. I don't know how to cook so you'll be in charge for that. I'll probably burn this hut if I try to cook."

His statement made me laugh. I can already imagine him blowing the fire in the fireplace with his eyes squinting because of the thick smoke coming from the burning woods.

"Okay. If you say so. I don't want this house to turn into ashes or Old Man Tal Tal will kill us."

"Old Man Tal Tal? Who's that?"

"He's the owner of this hut. He's also the one who cured you."

"Where is he?"

"He went back to his clinic in the town. He'll come here again after two weeks. We're very lucky that we encountered a man like him. Aside from treating you, he also let us live in his hut. I can only get him moutan as a payment to his kindness."

After eating, the two of us went to the bed and sleep. Maybe because I'm exhausted from my expedition earlier that I fell to sleep after just closing my eyes.

The next morning I woke up without Cold Face beside me. I heard a noise outside so I immediately checked to see what it is. I was surprised to see Cold Face cutting woods with a bronze bolo.

"Hey what are you doing?! Why are you cutting woods! Your wound might open!"

"It's alright. I'm already healed. I already roasted the rabbit I catch earlier. It's almost cooked."

I looked at the grilling meat. So that's where the delicious smell come from. I thought he said he doesn't know how to cook? Maybe he knows how to grill.

When the meat is finally cooked, he gave me the bigger one. My stomach growled and my mouth watered when the aroma filled my nose. The first bite almost brought me to heaven. The texture of the meat is tender and and juicy. It's been ages since I ate meat. I probably looked like a starving beggar right now.

-*

"I now present you the prettiest view you'll ever see! Tadaaaaa!" I joyfully said.

We're currently standing in front of the moutan field. I really should be the only one going here but he insisted on coming so I just let him. He also carried the basket so I don't have anything with me. He truly don't want me to work.

I ran into the middle of the field. I picked up a bunch of moutan and smelled it. I smiled when I smelled how good it is. Can I make a perfume out of these?

Suddenly a strong wind blew. The leaves from the tree fell and some moutan petals flutter. I combed my tangled hair that was blown by the wind and looked at Cold Face who was still standing there looking at me.

"Will you just stand there until it gets dark? Come on let's start plucking now!"

Cold Face seemed to get back to his senses and ran to my side. We both crouched down and I taught him what to do. He is a fast learner so we finished plucking quickly. I sat on the ground and released a deep sigh.

"At last we're done! Maybe this is enough for that old man."

I looked at the sky and watched the sunset at the horizon. The former blue sky has been replaced by the brilliantly red and orange rays. This kind of scenery can be only seen in a picture but here I am gazing at it with my naked eye.

"Sunset shows how an end of a journey can be so beautiful. Isn't it tranquil and gorgeous? The sunset? It's as if the colors and the intensity of light can calm you."

I turned to see his reaction but I was surprised to see him looking at me.

"Yah! Cold Face!" I called to send him back to the Earth.

He blinked several times then looked at the spectacular view in front of us.

"Why do you always call me Cold Face?" he said with a slight annoyance in his voice.

"Why? That nickname perfectly describe you! You never smile. You always have that cold and stoic face. So Cold Face! HAHAHA."

He didn't speak and just stared at the horizon.

"Why? You don't like it?"

"Who would like that?"

"Well I gave you that nickname because I don't know what to call you. I don't even know your name."

My last sentence sounded like an air passing through the wind. Now that I think about it, we have been together for almost a year. We met during spring and now it's autumn. We have spent so many trials.

"We have spent so much time together but despite that we remain unfamiliar with each other."

I know that he only protects his privacy but I still can't help but feel sad. Can't he just tell me his name? Just his name. I want to get to know him better but it's unlikely to happen. He always had a wall around him. It's very tall and strong as if he didn't want to let anyone in.

"Aish. Here I am again with my nosiness. Haha. Don't mind me. Forget what I said." I uttered while faking a laugh.

"My name is Jie Yun."

I stared at him in utter disbelief. Did that really happen? Did I really hear him tell me his name?

"The character Jie for outstanding and the Yun for heroic."

"Wah. You have a nice name. It suits you very well. You're unquestionably outstanding and heroic."

A big smile appeared on his lips. Oh my lord. Cold Face, I mean Jie Yun is truly starting to change.

"Uh, there's something I want to ask you." he spoke.

"What is it?"

"Can I just call you Rou Rou?"

"Rou Rou?"

"Yes. That's if you're okay with it. I find your name odd so I just shortened it."

"Well. I don't mind."

"Then I'll call you Rou Rou. Even if you're the complete opposite of that name. It stands for soft and gentle while you're loud and brazen."

"What did you say?!"

He laughed out loud. Not just simple laugh but crossing his arms over his stomach in attempt to catch his breath. His laugh was contagious. I tried to suppress my giggle but I still ended up roaring in laughter too. Peals of laughter burst from deep within. I was supposed to beat him but here I am laughing hysterically.

My eyes brimmed with tears of mirth and the smile tugging my lips broke into a grin. He continue looking at the setting sun and bear a smile. He looks like he is enjoying his thoughts whatever they may be.

With this occurrence I think there's a barrier that broke between the two of us. Like we became closer to each other.

We stay lost in the moment a while longer.

Sunset is truly the most precious gold on Earth.