Bai Xingmei II
After a long and comfortable bath, Ying Yue decided to bring Xiao Hua along for a walk around the estate. The former owner was cooped up in her hut day in and day out and never dared to go out so she can only rely on this chatty navigator to lead the way.
As they walked along the pathway, they entered a garden with a little pavilion in the middle, the place was very serene and with the moonlight, it turned as beautiful as the painting.
Walking towards the pavilion, she heard a melodious sound of a zither. It was very gentle, like a caress of a lover. This awoke the musician's bones in Ying Yue so she decided to go closer to listen.
When she was near enough to be able to hear well, she sat down unceremoniously on the grass to Xiao Hua's mortification. As if sensing Xiao Hua's berating stare, she motioned for her to keep silent and went back to listening whilst closing her eyes.
She used to love music very much as for her, this was the only way to vent out her emotions without judgment from others. She always made it to a point that all her identities would have a certain affiliation to music as it was one of the hobbies she cannot dare to part with.
In the interstellar era, she was busy to death the moment she reached the orphanage so all she did was to listen to music when she has free time. Missing the feeling of playing was an understatement. She felt like music was another part of her soul and those years that she wasn't able to play was undeniably torture for her.
When the song ended Ying Yue opened her eyes and was about to stand up and turn back to her hut when soft footsteps sounded near her. The one playing was probably going back to her chambers as well when she spotted her.
Ying Yue stood up and looked at the young woman carrying a white zither. She was probably older than this body by 4 or 5 years. Her budding figure looks very gentle and her temperament warm. She was the very image of a virtuous maiden found in most wuxia novels.
Feeling quite lost, Ying Yue didn't know how to address her so she turned to Xiao Hua for help. But since she was veiled at the moment, this maid of hers didn't catch the drift. With a sigh, she faced the young maiden again wondering if she should bow or stay put.
As if the heavens have pitied her, the young maid beside the gentle girl spoke, "Are both of you mute? Why aren't you bowing to the third miss?"
Xiao Hua who seemed to come online bowed her head "Greetings to the third young miss Bai Xingmei!" stressing on the name to help her young lady out. She knew that this young lady of hers doesn't even know a single person in the estate apart from her.
Realizing who the person in front of her was, Ying Yue made a graceful bow to address this sister of hers. "Greetings to the third sister, I stayed inside my courtyard for a long time so I apologize if this little sister made an offense of not recognizing you." Ying Yue explained honestly and eloquently.
Bai Xingmei was stunned, isn't this her reclusive sister that was said to be dumb so their father lost expectations in her thus neglected her? It doesn't look like it though?
With a smile, Bai Xingmei gracefully greeted her as well, "No worries fifth little sister, this sister doesn't mind." As if noticing the grass stuck on her clothes, she asked, "Fifth sister, were you listening to this elder sister earlier?" She doesn't know why but this little girl gave her a very comfortable and fond feeling.
Embarrassed, Ying Yue immediately brushed off the grass then smiled sheepishly. Remembering that the other girl won't be able to see her expression she spoke, "Yes third sister, your music was gentle and warm just like you." This was her honest opinion after hearing her play. Counting on the fact that this girl doesn't give off bad vibes, Ying Yue was not reserved in her praises.
Happy at the young girl's honest words, she gave her gratitude. "Fifth sister's name is Yingyue, right? This sister of yours has a lot of free time at night, how about I teach you how to play?"
Ying Yue was happy upon hearing this and immediately agreed.
"Okay I will teach you but there is one condition." Bai Xingmei smiled slyly as if scaring her.
Ying Yue was no longer a child so she knew this older sister was only making fun of her but since she was currently in a child's body, she can only shiver petrified, as if Bai Xingmei was trying to take her treasured toys away.
Seeing this, Bai Xingmei was finally satisfied, with a laugh she let the little girl off. "This sister is only jesting. I will teach you but you have to call me Mei'jie."
"Then Mei'jie can call me yueyue." She said childishly. Although 'Yue'er' might've been easier but this endearment brings out her aversion so she can only settle for this. Besides, every time Bao'er called her this, it was really cute.
"Alright, Yueyue! Come meet big sister here tomorrow evening at the same time alright?" Bai Xingmei smiled then rubbed her head.
Looking at the back of the two girls, Ying Yue fell into deep thought. She remembered that the Bai Xingmei in the past life suffered after being married off, but as to what those sufferings were, she didn't know. But there was a big question in her mind at this moment. Looking at that gentle and sincere temperament, what exactly did she do to warrant her agony in the past life? This world is truly making her feel uneasy.
Only Bao'er can help her answer these questions. With a sigh, she motioned for Xiao Hua to go back as well.