8 A Day of Celebration

The day of harvest inched closer and closer. After taking in the many pieces of advice provided to him by Old Gi, Jilun felt less anxious about the trip. This was obvious as going into an unknown place blindly is never a good idea.

Of course, Jilun patiently waited for the day Jia would ask to be taken along. It would only be a matter of time before her little act broke apart.

Today was Jiluns birthday, and in another week, the city of the New Moons transport would arrive, carrying with it goods and gold.

Both Jia's and Jiluns family were gathered at Jiluns farmhouse. There were many special dishes that Mei only made for special occasions. Although they could have it everyday with the vast amount of ingredients that laid on the farm grounds for their taking, doing so would take away the meaning and value of the special dish.

On todays date, even Jia's father, Guo, brought a special dish. As birds were raiding the farm grounds recently, Guo, along with the older sons of the other farmers created a group that called themselves the Flying Spear for fun. Ever since Guo learned how to create lightweight throwable spears, the Flying Spear would use them as large arrows that would pierce the lurking birds, serving as an extra meal of fine delicacy.

So, as a treat and testament to Jiluns birthday, the special dish was cooked bird. Although they didn't even know the bird type, growing up surround by plants and herbs taught them how to identify a

poison within a plant or animal. This of course was learned through experience. So while the species of bird may be unknown, as long as it's not dangerous to eat, the Flying Spear will call it editable.

Even though Jilun also grew up in a farming community, he was no where near as comfortable eating a food approved by a bunch of men who have gotten poisoned more times than years he's lived.

Nonetheless, with all eyes on the birthday boy, Jiluns last thought would be to reject it.

So, he bit into it. As the meat broke down with every close of his jaw, Jilun only hoped he wouldn't die before his journey even started. And thankfully, his wish was granted, as he lived to tell the tale.

"So? What do you think? This bird is extra special. It was a serial bandit that has struck both of our fields many times! I'm sure this bird is very nutritious!"

I feigned a smile at Guo as I hold my breath to make sure none of the birds tastes remained in my mouth.

"Yes… it was good haha."

Guo then with his bare hands grabbed at another piece of bird meat as he handed it to me.

"Here! Have another one! The bird ate a free service of fresh food the past month, he is plenty big to have seconds!"

I put my hands up, waving them in the air in rejection.

"No, no I'm very full, thank you."

But before Guo could retracted his arm, a pearly white hand snatched the piece of bird meat from him.

"Awww don't be like that. I'm sure Jilun feels bad taking away fathers hard work. He hasn't ate much today and I'm sure he would be drooling for another piece."

Jia waved the piece of bird meat in front of Jiluns face.

Jilun eyes stared daggers at Jia, to which she lightly smiled.

"What? You want to eat me instea-"

Before Jia could finish, Jilun snatched the piece of bird meat out of her hand as he gobbled it down in one go. Jilun patted his belly to convey the message.

"Yes, now I am fu-"

"Ah! You were starving! Don't be afraid to have some more~"

Jia turned to her father as she signaled for him.

"One more fath-"

Jilun grabbed the rowdy Jia as he pulled her onto his lap, restraining any problems she may further cause. Jilun smiled at Guo who was in the middle of reaching at another piece.

"I'm full now, thank you Guo."

Guo stopped as he shrugged and laughed.

"It's your loss. Don't come complaining to me in the future when you don't get to try such a delicacy again!"

Jilun let out a sign of relief as suddenly felt a pair of eyes staring at him. Looking in their direction, Jilun saw his mother and father looking at him with a grin on their face. Jilun didn't realize that in the heat of the moment, he had intimately acted in front of his parents. Jilun then quickly turned his head to look at the women who was seated next to Guo.

Huiying sat looking the other direction as if she hadn't notice the events that had transpired. Though Jilun knew well it was all but the opposite.

If there was one thing Jilun hated, it was acting such as intimacy, so embarrassingly in front of his parents.

After a while, everything calmed down as Jia and Jilun's parents conversed.

He then heard a long awaited whisper beside his ear.

"Take me with you."

Jilun grinned as he heard his sign of victory, but quickly erased his smile.

"What ever do you mean?"

Since she had him waiting this long for her, it wouldn't hurt to tease her a bit. Besides, Jia was a teasing master herself, it would be funny if the tables were turned for a bit.

"I'll kiss you"

Jilun nearly collapsed in shock when he heard her nexted words.

"W-what the hell are you even talking about?"

"Oh, I don't know."

Jia looked over at her mother who was facing the other direction as if unaware of anything that was going on.

"Mother! I have something to tell you!"

This caught the attention of Mei and Feng as they refocused their gaze at their son.

Jiluns eyes widened in realization of Jia's next actions. Kissing in front of his parents? Of course, Jia who didn't know what boldness was would think of such a thing. But before he could stop her, Jia blurted out.

"I plan to also to The City of the New Moon with Jilun."

Jilun was the only one surprised in the room, though it was for different reasons. Though Jia may have acted as if she didn't care about Jiluns trip to the City of the New Moon, everyone knew better than to believe her year long charade of rebellion.

Both Mei and Huiying smiled at the same time. They knew that this was most likely the sealing deal to complete Jia and Jiluns relationship. A trip alone, both exploring a world by themselves. They only dreamed for such an occurrence. And it had happened. Now, only time will tell with the future relationship between the two of them.

Yes, 'time' will tell…