Fairy, Don't Be Afraid, I Am Blind

He Shutong appeared very enlightened, deeply touching You Su.

"Su’Er will definitely do that!"

"Alright, your wishes have been fulfilled, go rest now, it’s very late."

He Shutong felt as if she had completed a major mission, experiencing a sense of relief after wishes were granted.

"Thank you, Master! Have a good rest, Master!"

You Su quickly bent over to give a bow and was about to leave with his senior sister.

But He Shutong called him back: "Wait, I told you to rest, I didn’t say Wangshu could leave, let Wangshu stay with me, I need to talk with Wangshu."

You Su was first startled, then realized the situation, akin to a bride and groom not meeting a few days before the wedding.

The reason was two-fold: one to avoid over-excitement, the other was for the bride’s mother to teach the daughter some private knowledge before becoming a wife.

"I know you both truly love each other, but Wangshu is still not fully understanding many things. Over the next few days, I’ll teach her more, so unless necessary, no need for you to come to Lotus Pool. After three days at the wedding feast, I’ll return your senior sister to you."

"Yes, I’ll come to pick up my senior sister in three days."

You Su naturally wouldn’t oppose Master’s plan. He understood some things were better taught by Master, which was for the best.

Reluctantly, You Su played with the girl’s smooth jade-like hand, "Senior sister, I’ll leave now. I’ll come to get you on your birthday."

Though newly engaged to You Su, Wangshu was unwilling to part from him, gripping his hand tightly:

"No..."

"Wangshu, don’t be stubborn, a short separation is for a longer companionship."

Wangshu hesitated but eventually released her grip, her mindset still immature yet understanding of priorities.

You Su gave Wangshu a reassuring smile before walking into the ethereal forest, looking back with every step.

He Shutong sighed softly, feeling overwhelmed by the burden of teaching this innocent girl such matters. Yet, it’s an essential path to becoming a normal person, inherent rather than being an ethereal spirit.

Walking through the forest, You Su anticipated the days ahead with growing confidence fueled by today’s success, persistently recalling Master’s wedding phrases and his time with senior sister.

Master was both a teacher and mother to the senior sister, and You Su held a sense of filial duty toward her.

However, romantic notions of life beyond mere teacher-student bonds enticed him sometimes.

His thoughts scattered as he almost tripped on a roadside stone, unusual for him to miss obstacles while walking. His heart raced like a thief caught in the act, attempting to calm himself and avoid overzealous fantasies.

Engaged just now with senior sister, his thoughts shouldn’t stray far...

...

Upon returning to his room, You Su found Ji Lingruo waiting inside.

She flipped through a book beside her, unable to focus on the text, feigning casualness:

"Did the senior sister not come out?"

"Master said she’d keep her for three days and told me to pick her up with junior sister afterward. The four of us from Lotus Peak can just gather for a meal."

The candle’s glow illuminated Ji Lingruo’s radiant, emotionless face.

"The implication is after three days, a wedding feast, and preparation of senior sister as a suitable partner?"

You Su dared not engage in deep conversation, replying: "Three days later is senior sister’s birthday..."

Ji Lingruo pursed her lips, her book filled with distasteful text she quickly shut.

"Looks like I guessed right. What if I don’t attend? What would you do?"

You Su pressed his lips, sensing her quick temper:

"Without junior sister attending, the wedding feast can’t proceed. We’ll host it when you wish to attend."

"You’re sensible."

Ji Lingruo’s gaze softened towards the timid You Su, whose awkward demeanor brought her comfort.

Worrying during her bath about seeming too lenient and allowing him door to wander, pondering her place in his heart.

You Su’s actions assured her significance, at least recognizing her as the primary partner.

"Why so stiff? Sit down."

Ji Lingruo nudged a stool, casually handling scissors and red paper.

"Why is junior sister crafting paper art? What are you making?"

You Su seated himself, showing concern.

"Just cutting randomly. Nothing specific." Ji Lingruo dismissed, querying, "What did you say when introducing senior sister to Master?"

You Su knew he couldn’t evade, poured two cups of tea, and narrated the poolside conversation with Ji Lingruo.

"The day senior sister saved me, I saw her face through her broken mask, a glowing mist. It shocked me, realizing now how magical these beings are. To see it is truly reaching beyond one’s grasp."

"Junior sister is the second princess of Snake Race; I’m equally reaching high." You Su’s words were flattering.

Ji Lingruo rebutted his flattery, remarking: "Second princess isn’t surpassing the long princess."

You Su hesitated, unable to respond, only to scratch his head and smile wryly.

Ji Lingruo scornfully eyed You Su, refraining from further criticism, focusing inwardly on her task.

Sitting silently alongside her, You Su sensed unresolved irritation in her, wondering why after she’d tacitly agreed to things and how unwarranted vexations arose.

Reflecting, You Su discerned the reason.

"Though we are partners, junior sister and I haven’t had a formal ceremony. Tomorrow is New Year’s Day, the first day of the year. Perhaps we should seek Master’s witness?"

Ji Lingruo suddenly glanced at You Su, surprised by the ease of guessing her thoughts, muttering:

"Who’s eager for that? While Master is good, not exactly a close relative. For witness, it should be in front of my mother’s grave at least."

You Su felt guilty, aware of the junior sister alone in Zhongyuan Continent without tribal acknowledgement, accepting her left him indebted.

Ji Lingruo didn’t aim for guilt in him, adding:, "And... my sister isn’t present either."

You Su gently nodded, proposing, "When the time comes, junior sister and Xueruo can celebrate together, two joyous occasions."

Ji Lingruo’s eyes widened, kicking You Su lightly, "What are you thinking! Elder sister as mother, wishing she witnessed it personally, not necessarily marrying alongside. Of course, I’m first, and she’ll have to call me elder sister thereafter!"

You Su slightly raised his brows, realizing the girl’s ’malicious’ intention, wanting the proud Xueruo to call her elder sister.

"What, you’re unwilling?"

Ji Lingruo accused upon seeing You Su’s difficulty, teasing, "How you love bullying me!"

"Not at all, surely junior sister holds priority!"

You Su reassured affectionately, fearing junior sister’s competition with Miss Xueruo would ultimately cause her hardships.

Receiving affirmation, Ji Lingruo laid her worries to rest. Knowing she’d share him with other women, her household position needed certainty.

She set aside the scissors, unfolded red paper, crafting the character ’Double Happiness.’

From the coffin to now, her moments lacked formality, although willing to delay such ceremonies for others, Wangshu’s preceding it left her uneasy.

She pasted the paper onto the window, blushingly whispered:

"Kiss me..."

On New Year’s Eve, amidst fireworks bans, sounds of crackling firecrackers echoed across Lotus Peak.