Unintended Immortality

Housing prices in Yangdu were exorbitant—far more expensive than in Le Commandery. Song You had initially planned to stay at an inn, but in the end, he could only afford a chema inn.

The room on the first floor was old and worn. Besides a canopy bed with darkened wooden frames, there was only a square table and four stools, which were placed upside-down on top of the table. The only small window was set high on the wall, allowing a slanted beam of sunlight to filter in, casting a bright patch on the floor where dust motes danced in the light.

Song You entered with his travel bag, glanced around, and set down his bedding. Then, he pulled the stools down from the table.

His bedding contained everything he needed. Even in a ruined temple deep in the mountains, as long as it provided shelter from the wind and rain, he and his companion could manage just fine. Naturally, this simple, rundown room did not bother him in the slightest.

The cat cared even less. In fact, she had never even formed the concept of “good” or “bad” rooms. As she entered, she simply walked along the walls, sniffing around to familiarize herself with the room's scent. Once reassured, she quickly trotted over to the sunlit patch on the floor, rose up on her hind legs, and reached out her paws, playfully swiping at the floating dust particles in the golden light.

Before she knew it, she had stepped fully into the sunbeam.

The sunlight illuminated her fur, making it shimmer as if glowing.

“...”

Song You sat by the table. He had intended to take out teacups, bowls, and an oil lamp from his bedding, but his hands paused as he watched her. The simple, pure joy in her actions, the sheer beauty of the moment, made something in his heart soften. Even in this entirely unfamiliar city, in this unfamiliar place, a sense of peace settled over him.

After a while, he chuckled, shaking his head before returning to his task.

A teacup, a small bowl, an oil lamp, chopsticks, a spoon. One by one, he placed them on the table.