Night lay over the entire garden like mist.
Ilena spread her arms, as though she were merely stretching, or perhaps embracing the whole sky.
"Was it worth it?" Jiang Yu stared into those crystalline eyes across from her. There was no anger on her face as she softly repeated her question. Her question was vague, yet clear.
Was it worth it? To give so much for a sliver of uncertain possibility.
Was it worth it? To give up so much for others.
The Gypsy witch let out a long breath, then slowly swallowed that cold air back down. "For myself, of course it wasn't worth it. But what else could I do? I couldn't live only for myself."
With that, she turned her head toward the tranquil little pond and softly recited:
"In the morning, I cast my net into the sea."
"From the dark depths, I drew up things strange and beautiful—some gleaming like smiles, some flashing like tears. Some flushed red like a bride's cheeks."
"Some people's tears flowed in daylight, while others' tears remained hidden in the darkness."
"They all need me. I have no time to contemplate the next life.①"
Jiang Yu watched her profile in silence for a long while.
"The day has passed. Now it is night." After some thought, she slowly replied, "Sleep, like a flower bud, is about to open its breast to the light. Silence will eventually make a sound, and burdens will be rewarded.②"
The Gypsy witch froze for a moment, then a smile gradually bloomed across her face.
She turned back, lifted her skirts with both hands, and gave Jiang Yu a slight curtsy. "What reward do you want?③"
Jiang Yu drew a soft breath.
"I'll discuss this with Xiao Meng. I must have her consent."
"I'll give you