The tune ended, and red blossoms fell to the ground.
Petals drifted down like a gentle rain as Jiang Yang put away his sword and walked inside.
Shang Qingzheng lowered her flute as well, settling the emotions that had surged within her.
Their eyes met, and neither spoke.
All their feelings had become clear in the meeting of their minds as flute and sword danced together. Though wordless, it had spoken more than a thousand words.
Shyness lingered at the corners of Shang Qingzheng's eyes, and faint blushes rose on her jade-like cheeks. There was an innocent awkwardness about her, and when she looked up, she seemed utterly at a loss.
Jiang Yang swallowed, his eyes astonishingly bright as he stared at the young woman. He took a few steps closer, then forcibly stopped himself.
At his soft footsteps, Shang Qingzheng seemed to sense something coming. Her lashes fluttered, her hands had nowhere to rest, and her head sank lower and lower.
Jiang Yang's heart beat like a war drum, kindling an endless blaze that scorched his chest. He raised his sleeves, then lowered them again, unsure what to do.
Up in the pavilion's rafters, Bai Tang clenched her fists and stamped her feet in frustration. Seeing the young man standing there bewildered, unable to advance or retreat, she slapped her forehead, unable to bear watching.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Tang finally spoke, urging him within his mind:
"Idiot! When a girl closes her eyes, she wants you to kiss her! Get over there and kiss her!"
The sudden scolding made Jiang Yang's heart leap. Only then did he remember that Senior Bai was still watching from the sidelines, and he replied with some embarrassment:
"Of course I know. I... I'm getting ready."
"Getting ready? What is there to