章節 125: Tour of Mengyinhu (1)

As Yasushi, Jingliu, and Yinhaie lingered outside their residence, anticipation hovered in the air. They awaited the arrival of the final member who would complete their gathering.

Yasushi turned his gaze from the horizon, catching the interplay of sunlight on Yinhaie's face. "So, who exactly is this new addition joining us?" he inquired, curiosity etched into his tone.

Yinhaie's eyes met Yasushi's, holding a touch of nostalgia. "Back before our move, I was responsible for training and mentoring several newcomers. One of them was a young woman we intended to bring on as an additional maid for Lady Jingliu. The relocation, however, put those plans on hold. With us returning for the summer, we're now in a position to resume her training. And, since you're here, you'll be a part of it."

Yasushi's gaze wandered upward, captivated by the unblemished expanse of sky. Sparse clouds drifted lazily, and the occasional bird flitted by, adding a serene touch to the clear blue canvas. He allowed himself a moment of admiration before focusing back on Yinhaie. "So, we should expect her to be around during the summer break? And what about you — what's your role going to be?"

A hint of concern edged Yasushi's voice, his curiosity laced with genuine interest in the unfolding plans.

A teasing smile spread across Yinhaie's face as she, the older maid, glanced at Yasushi and asked, "Are you saying you'll miss my presence, Yasushi?"

Without hesitation, Yasushi replied, "Yes. After spending more than a year with you, it would feel strange not having you around."

His blunt response caught Yinhaie off guard, making her stare at him with a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks before she chuckled. "I didn't realize I had such an impact on your life for you to want me around," she admitted.

Yasushi shrugged, and they settled back into a comfortable silence. This quiet moment didn't last long, as they were soon joined by the last person they had been waiting for. The newcomer had short brown hair, green eyes, and wore casual clothes suited for the summer heat. Standing at about five foot four, she was noticeably smaller than the rest of them.

"She's Yunxue Na, the maid who was set to serve Lady Jingliu before our move," Yinhaie introduced, gesturing to the girl now standing before them.

Yasushi raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Yunxue. "Snowy Cloud of Grace?"

Yunxue's eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and surprise. "You're familiar with the translation of my name, Lord Yasushi? It's an honor. Although I wasn't aware you spoke Chinese, this makes things much simpler."

"Yeah…nice to meet you too," Yasushi responded, then turned his attention to Jingliu, who gave him a reassuring nod.

Jingliu's excitement was evident as she addressed Yunxue. "We'll be taking you on a tour of Mengyinhu. We'll visit all the spots that draw tourists, if they ever find our town, as well as some of the lesser-known places that only locals frequent. Be prepared; it'll take the entire day."

Yasushi's interest sharpened. "Lead the way then. I'm eager to uncover what this place has to offer. I can already see some mountains and forests in the distance. I assume we'll be heading there at some point?"

Jingliu's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes. It's quite popular, especially among people our age. Let's go." She grabbed his hand, pulling him forward. Yinhaie and Yunxue trailed behind, their footsteps crunching softly against the gravel path.

+-+

"Mengyinhu spread out in a secluded valley, cradled by the gentle curves of the Qingxi Mountains. This town held a rare kind of beauty, the kind that seemed to grow deeper with each passing season. At its heart, Mengyinhu Lake sparkled, a vast expanse of crystal-clear water, reflecting the surrounding landscapes like a perfect, liquid mirror. The lake, stretching roughly 5 kilometers across, gathered its life from several cascading streams and waterfalls, creating a natural orchestra that filled the air with a constant, soothing murmur.

"The town basked in a temperate climate, with each of the four seasons bringing its own distinct charm. Summers brought warmth and humidity, making it a haven for those who loved to be outdoors. The town buzzed with activity as people hiked, swam, and explored, the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter.

"Autumns in Mengyinhu were a spectacle. Trees burst into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry. The air grew cooler, crisp, and perfect for long walks under canopies of fire-colored leaves.

"Winters were sharp and clear, the landscape often dusted with snow that glittered under the sunlight. The season offered a serene beauty, an almost magical quietness broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional cheer from someone enjoying winter sports.

"Spring arrived with a gentle touch, a renewal that brought blossoming flowers and a refreshing atmosphere. The valley seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, shaking off the cold and welcoming a burst of new life. Flowers of every color dotted the landscape, and the air carried the sweet scent of new growth."

+-+

The first place they reached was Qingxi Bamboo Grove. Towering bamboo stretched endlessly, forming a verdant oasis where sunlight filtered through the dense canopy. The grove seemed alive, the towering stalks swaying gently, their leaves creating a soothing rustle. Meandering paths wound through the bamboo, inviting peaceful walks and moments of meditation. Each step along the path felt like stepping into another world, a place where time slowed and nature's symphony played softly in the background.

"This is Qingxi Bamboo Grove," Jingliu said, her voice a quiet reverence. "Paths and unique spots have been made over the years. When I was younger, I didn't get the chance to explore much. After my grandparents passed away, I ventured out here alone, discovering many places on my own."

Yasushi, walking beside her, squeezed her hand gently. "Is there a spot you like the most?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

"There are two," she replied. "I don't know if others have found them. I never saw anyone there during my explorations. It always felt like they were mine alone, hidden away from the world."

Jingliu led him towards the first hidden spot, steering him off the familiar path onto a less-traveled route. They walked along an established trail until they reached a junction, where they turned onto a path not marked by recent use. The ground showed no signs of frequent visitors; it was clear this route had been left undisturbed for a while.

They pushed aside clumps of grass and tangled bamboo as they made their way. The progress was slow but steady. After a short while, they emerged into a small clearing, where the bamboo grew even denser, encircling the space.

In the center of this clearing, a stack of bamboo lay, assembled without much effort but clearly enduring through the years. It wasn't freshly placed but had been there long enough to settle into its position.

Beyond the stack, the view opened up to the town below. The vantage point offered a perspective not too high, but enough to cause serious harm if someone were to fall.

They approached the stack and sat down, taking in the view. Silence enveloped them, broken only by the occasional whisper of the breeze through the bamboo. They savored the tranquility and the fresh air of the secluded spot.

As the silence lingered, Jingliu closed her eyes, leaning against Yasushi. A soft hum escaped her lips, a gentle tune that seemed to blend seamlessly with the whisper of the breeze. The others, drawn by the melody, closed their eyes as well, letting the peaceful sound wash over them. Yasushi, however, kept his eyes open, his gaze fixed on the view before him.

Before finding himself in this world, he never paid much attention to views. It wasn't something that had ever caught his interest. But after arriving here, he made a decision to reinvent himself. This new life came with its own set of challenges, yet he slowly managed to change. Meeting Jingliu had catalyzed many of these changes, making them more significant and profound.

One newfound interest was an appreciation for scenery. He found a certain peace in gazing out at beautiful landscapes, something rare in his previous life. This particular view, with its serene, almost untouched beauty, held a special place for him. It reminded him of the breathtaking vistas he had once seen in Hawaii, both places leaving a deep impression on him.

Jingliu continued to hum softly beside him, her tune blending with the rustle of the bamboo. Minutes slipped by in a tranquil silence until she finally stopped and opened her eyes. She squeezed Yasushi's hand once more and said, "I first came here the day after my grandparents passed. I felt strange. It was freeing but also painful. Even though they caused a lot of pain in my life, I still felt pain from their passing. Is it strange?"

Yasushi looked at her, his expression gentle. "It's completely understandable to feel that way. It's not strange at all. Relationships, especially with family, can be incredibly complicated. The mix of emotions you're experiencing — relief, pain, sadness — reflects the complexity of your ties with your grandparents."

Jingliu nodded, her eyes distant as she listened.

"It's normal to feel a sense of freedom after a difficult relationship, yet still grieve the loss of someone who once played a significant role in your life. It's possible to recognize the pain they caused while also cherishing some of the moments you shared or simply mourning the absence of family."

She sighed, her grip on his hand tightening slightly.

"Grief doesn't follow a straight path. It comes in many forms. It's okay to feel conflicted; those feelings are valid and part of your healing process. Acknowledging that complexity is important. Remember that it's okay to seek support as you navigate through these emotions. You're not alone in this experience," Yasushi said, bringing her into a hug.

The emotions Jingliu spoke of reflected a deeply complex interplay of feelings. This kind of emotional response, where relief and sadness intertwine, often emerges in relationships marked by both difficulty and significance. Even when a relationship was fraught with pain and conflict, the connection shared with the person can make their passing evoke a profound sadness.

In psychological terms, this mixture of emotions can be described as emotional ambivalence. It's a state where contradictory feelings coexist — like resentment and relief — alongside a genuine sorrow for the person's death. This duality captures the essence of how grief can be complicated by both negative and positive aspects of the relationship.

Another relevant concept here is complicated grief, sometimes termed disenfranchised grief. This type of grief occurs when the loss might not be universally acknowledged or understood, particularly when the deceased caused distress or suffering in the survivor's life. The relief felt at their passing doesn't negate the underlying sadness; rather, it intertwines with it, creating a multifaceted emotional experience.

These complex reactions underscore the intricate nature of human relationships and highlight how grief can encompass a broad spectrum of feelings.

Yasushi helped them up, his gaze shifting to Yinhaie and Yunxue as they, too, rose from their seats. Yunxue observed him with a blend of curiosity and respect. She had witnessed how gently he managed her master's emotions, handling a delicate situation with care.

"Let's head to the next spot," Yasushi suggested, his tone practical. "It would be a shame to spend all our time here." Jingliu released him, looked up with a soft smile, and then placed a brief kiss on his lips.

"Alright, the next place is even better," Jingliu responded. They clasped hands once more, and as they left the clearing, a sense of renewed lightness accompanied them.