Thirty Days of Classes, part 14 (after battle)
... Finally, the thirty days of lessons were completed, and the day of the final exam was upon us.
Everyone came out to bid good luck to Jia Xichun on her way to the final exam.
My lady... I have nothing but absolute faith that you will be able to complete this final exam just as excellently as you have all the others.
It is most likely you will be facing off against a skilled foe from the Xue or the Shi family.
Of course, you will doubtless wipe the floor with them.
I have taught you all that I know... I hereby give you permission to leave this boot camp.
You got this, Xichun.
Guys, you really didn't have to all come out here to see me off.
Still, I have undying faith that you will emerge victorious, my lady.
However, Zigong and I have also prepared about twenty-one alternative solutions in case things go... awry. So please, don't worry yourself too much.
... Do you have faith in me or not?
Upon our return to the classroom...
We were greeted by an unexpected guest.
Must be very nice to be Xichun. To have so many teachers, from all walks of life, helping her out...
It had been a while since we last saw Xue Baochai, which was during the regular assembly.
... What are you doing here, big sis Baochai?
I couldn't stop myself from paying you all a visit out of pity. If only... if only Xichun and Baoyu both smiled on like nothing happened...
... our blossoming years would have been peaceful still.
... Big sis.
Please stop talking to me like that.
... I didn't know you could even say such a thing.
Baoyu, it has always been this way.
If a fruit has fully ripened... we have to seize it and taste its juices before anyone else.
We can't just let go - we can't stand emptiness. My brother couldn't, my parents couldn't.
But you, who was born and raised on the very same soil we were...
... how do you walk so softly, so lightly?
I don't.
My footsteps are no longer light.
Every step, every sight I hold in my eyes as the days go by fills me with abundance.
I'm only trying to accept everything as it is, without asking for more or less.
But how could one do nothing but watch... when we're surrounded by such fragrance?
What more do you seek, big sis?
I want to be closer. That my hands may reach you.
... Have you already forgotten who had sent you that guest lecturer?
…!
Xichun's Palanquin... isn't headed to the exam site, is it?
No, it's not. It's heading to big sis Yuanchun's exam site.
... Blasted scoundrels!
I must hasten after the palanquin, before I lose track of them...!
Wei sprinted outside even before Xue Baochai finished.
A trap, huh...
Fellas, shouldn't we also get going?
... Calm yourselves for a moment.
Zigong swiftly came between us, clearly having taken a gauge of the situation.
It has been too long since the Palanquin has departed... it is better to move based on concrete evidence, not urgency.
Though... a beast seems to have chosen the latter.
I think I heard the faint sound of hooves coming from the direction Zigong was glancing in.
So this is what you've chosen.
Yes. The exams she's taken thus far were all... meaningless lies.
I could've shared this earlier, but...
... I decided to follow my own heart, as you have decided to follow yours.
Baochai smiled sweetly.
So now...
... what fragrance do you smell from me?
…….
I smell nothing.
... Xue Baochai left the room wordlessly upon hearing that reply.