Chapter 64: An Unexpected Encounter, Secrets Exchanged

Chu Junhan pursed her lips, sniffed at her clothes, and looked thoroughly displeased. Now that Zimo was awake, she could finally take a proper bath.

By the waterfall, beside a bamboo grove, there was a clear spring. From within the spring came bursts of joyful singing, light and carefree. On the bank lay a pile of children’s clothes—there was no need to guess; someone was bathing here today.

Perhaps because she had not bathed in so long, Chu Junhan lingered in the water from noon until dusk.

The gentle light of the setting sun streamed through the bamboo, casting a soft glow on her small face. Her already delicate, pale skin was now tinged with a golden hue, enchanting and adorable.

Chu Junhan raised a handful of spring water, letting the droplets trickle down her arm. Satisfied, she nodded to herself, then climbed ashore, her hair dripping wet down her back.

“Junior... Junior Brother... you...”

All at once, Chu Junhan’s vision went black, her head buzzing. She snatched up her clothes from the ground in a panic. “Ah! You scoundrel, turn around!”

“Oh! Oh!” Zimo’s mouth fell open in shock, round as an egg, and he quickly spun around, turning his back to her. “I only came looking for you because you hadn’t returned. I thought—”

As Zimo spoke, he turned slightly, spreading his hands with an innocent look, trying to explain.

Chu Junhan clutched her clothes to her chest, flustered. “You... you, turn around!”

Realizing his mistake, Zimo hastily covered his eyes and turned away again. “I only feared something had happened to you, so I came. When I saw you bathing, I remembered how all these years you never let me join you. I felt guilty, so I wanted to bathe with you... Who would have thought—”

“All right, you may turn around now.” Chu Junhan crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the boy. If he said even half a wrong word, she would not hesitate to kill him.

Over the years, anyone who knew her origins either became hers—or met only one end.

Zimo sensed the murderous intent in her stare and took a step back until his body pressed against a tree trunk. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“And so?” Chu Junhan shook out her damp hair, her expression dark and cold.

Zimo winced under her glare, his heart racing uncontrollably, his gaze darting away. “So... so, how about I tell you one of my secrets as well?”

“Very well! Let’s see if your secret can sway me. Otherwise—” Chu Junhan lifted her chin, scrutinizing him as a starving beast might watch a doomed prey. One wrong answer, and she would bare her fangs.

Zimo nodded. With swift movements, he stripped off his clothes, revealing his left shoulder. There, tattooed, was a ferocious dragon, its jaws clutching a scroll covered in minuscule script—too small to discern without drawing close.

“Do you know of the Great Kang Dynasty’s treasure? This dragon on my shoulder is the key to unlocking it. That’s why I’ve always refused to bathe or sleep beside you.”

Chu Junhan stepped closer, but the boy averted his head, glancing off into the distance and shaking his head. Before she could approach, he hastily pulled his clothes back on, shrinking in on himself, his eyes full of unease. “So... so now we’re even. If you don’t speak, I won’t either. Agreed?”

A mocking smile played at the corner of Chu Junhan’s lips. She hooked her finger under the boy’s chin. “No wonder you are so different from the others. I know this isn’t your only secret. I won’t ask about your tattoo, and you mustn’t ask about my past. Let’s each keep our own confidences.”