Waterbound Love - Chapter 9

The departure of a person brings only temporary sorrow; life must go on. After all, in the play of one’s life, only oneself is the protagonist, leaving little room for others to linger too long.

Did they really leave nothing behind? The pain, perhaps, can be ignored but not erased.

Du Bai continued her days, one after another, without great joy or sorrow-like a calm glass of water.

The upcoming marriage of Tinna left Du Bai feeling lost. Could a mere piece of paper so easily bind two people together? Is this what they call security? Isn’t it tragic to express intense feelings with just a piece of paper? Yet why do people still pursue it so persistently?

Feeling a headache from imagining it, she stopped thinking, picked up her clothes, and went to Somn. If she remembered correctly, today a group of kids would be gathering there.

Recently, Du Bai rarely called Tinna out. Every time she saw Tinna, exhausted but excitedly talking about the wedding plans and her future husband, Du Bai sadly realized that their conversations always revolved around her wedding and her future husband. It wasn’t dislike, just a lack of interest.

Feeling empty and a bit sour, they grew more distant. Intense feelings can’t tolerate any impurities. But they should be very much in love, and she would be happy, right? Those sudden immature impulses were suppressed. Ji Feiling, you better treat Tinna well, don’t make me regret entrusting her to you.

At Somn, she pushed the door of the private room open and saw Shao amidst a group of vibrant young girls, playfully teasing a few attractive kids. Without greeting, she picked a corner and sat down.

Du Bai wore fashionable and suitable attire, combined with short, strikingly golden hair that made her look particularly alluring and seductive. In truth, Du Bai no longer liked the golden color, finding it too flashy for her age. After everything that had happened, she decided to change her hair color to make a fresh start. When the hairdresser asked what color she wanted, she inexplicably asked, “Does sunlight have a color?” The hairdresser got all excited, saying Du Bai understood the artistic nature of their work and immediately started the transformation without further discussion. They even offered her a 25% discount as a generous gesture, almost saying it was free of charge.

Du Bai smiled bitterly, sunlight, it seems, exists only for the sake of sunflowers. What kind of fresh start is this, just self-deception.

Unnoticed, a few girls gathered around Du Bai. She smiled and raised her glass as a greeting. To these girls, her gesture appeared elegant and reserved, stirring their hearts.

“Oh, Du Bai, haven’t seen you in a while. Have you turned over a new leaf? Not reacting to the beauties around you, huh?” Shao sarcastically teased Du Bai with her big innocent eyes, thinking, You’ve barely paid attention to us since Lian Yinyun. Now’s my chance to tease you back. You disappeared with your little beauty without a word, leaving me to clean up the mess several times.

“With you around, Shao, how could I dare misbehave with others?” Du Bai thought, Today’s mood seems off; she’s probably been holding a grudge for a while.

“Less lip service, please. Make me happy today, and I’ll have a surprise for you,” Shao retorted.

Du Bai ignored her, knowing she was just like Tinna, lacking patience. The more you engage with her, the more determined she becomes. Leisurely, she continued savoring her drink.

Shao, getting anxious, wondered why Du Bai wasn’t taking the bait. She whispered something to the person next to her, who then left. “Let’s see if you can stay seated later,” she said, crossing her arms and glaring at Du Bai.

A moment later, a group of girls entered, each with an innocent and pure demeanor. Du Bai was startled, nearly dropping her glass, thinking, In a few months, has she turned into a madame? She’s got a good selection of talents here.

Du Bai smacked her lips, “I have to say, Shao really knows me well, knowing I like the innocent type.” As she caught sight of those crescent-shaped smiling eyes, her own smile froze, and a sharp pain pierced her heart.

Shao followed Du Bai’s gaze and smiled knowingly, placing that particular girl next to Du Bai. Shao thought, Du Bai is peculiar, ignoring so many beautiful girls to choose Tiantian. Fine, it’s going to be an interesting show. Will two heartbroken souls support each other, stumbling together into the prison of love? Or will they cry in each other’s arms until dawn, sharing their tales of sorrow and tears? Imagining Du Bai and Tiantian, both grabbing for tissues and crying, Shao couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Du Bai’s heart felt as if it was holding something that couldn’t be released, a feeling she very much disliked, making her slightly tremble. She took out a cigarette and, just as she lit it, met those crescent-shaped smiling eyes again, just like she remembered, hanging high like a new moon. In frustration, she extinguished the cigarette, not noticing Tiantian’s nervous and somewhat saddened expression.

Seeing Tiantian trying to start a conversation, Du Bai caught sight of her distorted reflection in the wine glass. Despite the dim lighting, she could still see the streak of yellow, so glaring like piercing sunlight. Startled, Du Bai abruptly stood up before Tiantian could speak. Realizing her awkwardness, she nodded to Shao, saying she had an urgent matter and had to leave.

Du Bai walked out without looking back, missing the shocked expression on Tiantian’s face, her eyes brimming with tears. It didn’t seem like she was feeling wronged; rather, there was a hint of joy, filled with nostalgia.

That night, Du Bai received Shao’s expected scolding, but the concern was evident. Du Bai knew that while Shao never asked her about anything, she understood her well. Not knowing what to say, she cynically replied that she didn’t want to drag others into her mess.

She knew Shao would understand.

She was already engulfed in darkness, so why drag someone else down? Having given her heart away, she couldn’t take it back. Therefore, she had nothing left to give to others. No one can feel happy by the side of someone whose heart isn’t with them. If you can’t provide happiness, then don’t even try.

Some candies, when overly sweet, turn bitter; some happiness, when held too tightly, becomes a shackle. If it’s bound to spoil, if it’s destined to dissipate, if it will eventually lead to estrangement, why start at all?

Closing her eyes, Du Bai saw those crescent-shaped smiling eyes again.

“Are you well? Do you ever think of me while you’re by her side?”

The trip to the ancestral home could no longer be postponed. Since Du Bai had been hospitalized, Master Du personally sent someone to fetch her. If she delayed any longer, Master Du might get so mad he’d thump the table and send her to guard the borders at the military district.

Du Bai instinctively shuddered, quickly packing her bags and obediently following behind Secretary Zhang, heading home.

In reality, there wasn’t much for Du Bai to pack, just a few gifts for Master Du. Her little scheme was nothing more than the idea that gifts might soften his attitude. Upon arrival, any reprimands might be more lenient.

Arriving at the ancestral home, the lecture Master Du had prepared was immediately dissipated by the gifts Du Bai offered. Everyone was used to this scene. Who didn’t know that Old Chief doted on his youngest granddaughter? Raised alongside him as if she were his grandson, even his real grandsons didn’t carry as much weight as this ‘pretend grandson.’

Seeing the watercolor painting in her grandfather’s hands, Du Bai felt a faint sense of oppression. She knew her grandfather had always preferred traditional Chinese paintings, yet he cherished this watercolor as a treasure. Her heart warmed, and her eyes grew misty.

Some things were not as hard to face as they seemed.

During her stay, the eldest brother of the Du Family, Du Xing, brought up the matter of Du Bai’s arranged meeting with Wei Wen. Initially, Du Bai wanted to use the five-year promise, which was still two years away from completion, to reject the idea. But Master Du wouldn’t have it, saying things like, “Who forces their daughters away like this? Even if that guy comes with an eight-carriage sedan chair, I wouldn’t part with my precious granddaughter.” His blustering and glaring scared Du Xing into silence, fearing that another untimely comment could earn him a court-martial and a thorough beating. After all, as a city mayor, he couldn’t possibly afford to lose face like that, could he?

Seeing her big brother’s defeated look, Du Bai was thoroughly amused. She rushed forward, hugged her grandfather, and planted a big kiss on his cheek, making Master Du quite embarrassed.

Du Bai lowered her head, her heart warm. It was only in front of her grandfather that she could be so unrestrained, smiling so genuinely. Being enveloped by familial love without any worries was truly wonderful. Du Bai took a deep breath, fighting back her tears.

Du Xing and their mother were well aware of Du Bai’s situation, both conspiring to keep it from Master Du. When everything was laid out, they agreed on a five-year arrangement: Du Bai could have her freedom and do as she pleased, as long as she didn’t go too far and tarnish the Du Family’s reputation. After five years, she would have to return home and resume her life as Du Ruo, adhering to their plans.

At the time, Du Bai thought, “If I can gain five years of peace, so be it.” She figured she’d deal with what came after when the time arrived. A little deception never hurt anyone.

On the other hand, Du Eldest thought five years would be enough for her to get it out of her system. Thus, each with their own agenda, they agreed to the five-year deal. Du Xing crafted an elaborate illusion of Du Ruo studying abroad, allowing Du Bai to live quietly and freely with a modest background.

Originally, after staying for a month, everyone would go their separate ways. However, Master Du, feeling bored, insisted on keeping Du Bai with him until he felt at ease. Du Bai thought, “I have nowhere else to go, might as well spend time with Grandpa.” She jokingly said that being with Grandpa was the best reward, not a punishment. This flattery delighted Master Du, who took Du Bai fishing, promising to prepare her a special meal that evening.

The older generation often has its quirks, like a reverence for nature. Master Du was no exception, disliking commercial fishing spots for their artificiality. Luckily, the ancestral home was located in the countryside, surrounded by water. Master Du led Du Bai to a small river, amusing her.

Du Bai, not one to fuss, quickly set up her gear-adjusting the rod, baiting the hook, casting the line-all in one swift motion. Seeing his granddaughter’s skilled and spirited demeanor, Master Du beamed with pride, more so than if he had caught a huge fish himself.

Before long, Du Bai caught two fish, though they weren’t very big. Glancing at her grandfather’s empty basket, she teased him with a grin.

“Grandpa, looks like I’ll be adding to your dinner tonight.”

Master Du felt a bit embarrassed, thinking, “How could these fish be so disrespectful? The same bait but they only go for her hook? Must be that they’re captivated by my granddaughter’s charm.”

Master Du, a seasoned battlefield commander, couldn’t let Du Bai see his growing impatience. With a mysterious smile, he replied, “Young people should be patient; the best part is yet to come.”

Du Bai, seeing the expression on her grandfather’s face, thought, “Just keep worrying, old man,” but she smiled and kept the secret to herself.

Master Du was indeed anxious but didn’t show it, occasionally sneaking glances at Du Bai’s progress, worried that losing to his granddaughter would be quite humiliating. When he noticed Du Bai looking his way, he quickly acted engrossed in his fishing.

After much glancing back and forth, Master Du spotted a white floating object in the distance. An idea sparked in his mind, making him smile in a way that was, admittedly, a bit sly.