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A man can see without his eyes, but he cannot see without his heart.
Hua Manlou learned this truth after his sense of sight was taken away from him at a young age. But he's for...
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Two days.
Two days had passed since the chief of the Beggar Sect had left the city, and yet here Hua Manlou was, wandering the bustling streets while Lu Xiaofeng trailed behind, questioning beggar after beggar about the whereabouts of their leader.
Most of them played ignorant, even as Hua Manlou generously slipped coins into their hands. Nearly all the beggars were part of the sect, especially those who had spent years on the streets. The wealthier members of the sect provided them with food as they could afford; it would be disadvantageous not to join with the influence of the group.
"Thank you for your time, sir," he said before dropping coins into a begging bowl for what seemed like the dozenth time that day.
Once Hua Manlou came back to the main path, Lu Xiaofeng moved in front of him, blocking his way and preventing further travel. "Yes? Do you need anything?"
"Do you have to do this?"
"I'm worried for her," he responded simply. "If you've noticed, many of these beggars have heard no news of Chief Jiang. Isn't that odd to you?"
He rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he grasped his companion's sleeve, dragging him to an alcove of the path that crossed over a nearby river. Out of other passersby's way. "No, that isn't odd," he lowered his voice. "She's a sect leader; she's probably just having secret meetings with other leaders or even across the border and gathering vital information."
Despite his reassurance, Hua Manlou only gave him a hesitant nod. "I still can't stop myself from fearing the worst," he revealed. "I'm not sure why, but even though I've just met her, I wish I could know that she's safe at this moment."
Lu Xiaofeng bit his lip, reflecting on the moment he'd witnessed between the two. There was something undeniable between them—a spark, an easy camaraderie that made it clear to him that, for all his usual cynicism, Hua Manlou seemed genuinely happy. And if that happiness was fleeting, even just for a moment, Lu Xiaofeng could share in it.
But deep down, a gnawing unease lingered.
Chief Jiang was a vision of elegance and grace, a beauty that commanded attention. As much as he loved Hua Manlou like a brother, Lu Xiaofeng couldn't ignore the comparison. His friend was charming, yes, but he was hardly as striking as the woman he had begun to admire. It was hard not to worry for him.
"I'm not saying I don't want you to be happy," Lu Xiaofeng said, his voice quieter now, hands resting gently on Hua Manlou's shoulders. He gave him a small, reassuring tap, though the weight of his words was heavy. "But please, be careful. I don't want to see you hurt again. You give so much of yourself, sometimes too much. Everyone has their breaking point."
