Nuwa stood at the edge of the palace, gazing at the river of stars stretching across the heavens.
A voice suddenly came from behind her.
"All done."
Nuwa turned around.
The white-haired old man had already returned to his seat. Half a dark red gourd hung at his waist, swaying gently as he tipped his toes upward.
As though he had merely gone out for a spring stroll.
Nuwa approached him, bent down, and kowtowed.
"Thank you."
The old man waved a hand.
"No need. I told you, this was a fair exchange."
"You gave me something, and I did something for you. Neither of us owes the other."
Nuwa raised her head. "Then may I ask one last question?"
"No."
His answer came swiftly.
Nuwa froze.
The old man tapped his knee with a finger. "You were able to meet me because you managed to climb up here."
"I mended the heavens for you because I accepted that gourd of yours."
He lowered his head and fiddled with the red gourd at his waist, looking more pleased with it by the moment.
"One thing for another. We're square."
"If I gave you one more thing for free, wouldn't I be taking a loss?"
Nuwa tried to speak again.
The old man had already raised his sleeve and waved it toward her.
"Go back."
"Your people are still waiting for you!"
A gust of wind swept straight toward her.
The ground beneath Nuwa's feet abruptly vanished.
Everything around her receded at once.
She had no idea how much time passed.
Wind struck her face.
Nuwa opened her eyes.
The split heavens had closed. The sun and moon had returned to their places, countless stars hung high above, and a bright band of stars stretched across the heart of the night