Chapter 18: Letting Go

After the monk by the pond finished chanting, the worshippers began clearing the emptied water tanks and birdcages, carrying them out together. Qiao Jiu quickly stepped aside, and as she moved, the figure hidden beside the pavilion pillar came into her view.

She paused, surprised; she had assumed at this hour he’d be with Song Wan. Gossip columns said Song Wan’s schedule was packed—one production wrapped, the next set to start, with barely two or three days of freedom in between. She’d rushed back so eagerly to see him, and yet he didn’t seize the chance to dote on her.

There were still two days left of the ceremony; it seemed unnecessary for him to be here so early arranging things.

The two of them exchanged a silent glance across the distance. Lu Fengzhou moved first, stepping out of the pavilion and walking towards Qiao Jiu.

As he approached, Qiao Jiu spoke first, “I came to see where my father’s memorial tablet is placed for the ceremony. I wanted to burn some incense.”

Lu Fengzhou replied, “The tablet was burned on the day of the memorial ceremony. I remember telling you.”

Qiao Jiu let out a soft “Oh,” then said, “I see. I forgot.”

Perhaps he had mentioned it, but in the past half year—her father passing away, then Lu Fengzhou asking for a divorce—each blow had left her reeling. Days blurred together, and she’d paid little attention to such things.

She steadied herself. “I just wanted to burn some incense. If there’s no tablet, it’s fine.”

Lu Fengzhou said, “If you want, after this ceremony you can set up a new tablet.”

Qiao Jiu thought for a moment. “Forget it. I wasn’t much of a filial daughter when he was alive. Doing all this after he’s gone feels ironic.”

Lu Fengzhou was a little surprised. “You’re quite philosophical about it.”

“There’s not much choice,” Qiao Jiu smiled faintly. “When you asked for a divorce, I couldn’t accept it, clung to you for so long—and look, things ended up the same anyway.”

Her tone carried no resentment. After she finished speaking, she turned and walked back the way she’d come. “So, letting go is best for everyone.”

After a few steps, she raised her hand in a casual wave, carrying herself with surprising grace. “There’s nothing more here for me, so I’ll be off. Goodbye, Mr. Lu.”

Lu Fengzhou half-turned to watch her leave, his face impassive, but his gaze grew darker and deeper.

Qiao Jiu left Taiping Temple and ambled down the mountain. But at the foot, her expression collapsed.

She’d forgotten to ask the taxi driver to wait, and now he was gone. Only private cars were parked here.

Qiao Jiu grimaced. This was a terrible place to catch a ride, and if she called for a car, the trip would cost a small fortune.

Her earnings came from burning the midnight oil, and she was reluctant to spend them.

After pondering for a while, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. There was really only one person she could call.

When Guan Wei answered, she was cursing under her breath, a little out of breath. “What’s this? Why are you calling at this hour?”

Qiao Jiu, experienced enough to guess, immediately understood. “Sorry to bother you. I need a favor.”

Guan Wei gritted her teeth. “Speak.”

Qiao Jiu said, “I’m at the foot of Taiping Temple. Can you send someone to pick me up? There are no taxis here.”

Guan Wei was silent for a moment, then exploded, “You called me just to save a bit of cab fare?”

Qiao Jiu made a couple of affirmative sounds, admitting it outright. “What can I say? I’m broke.”

Guan Wei hung up immediately. Qiao Jiu smiled, put away her phone, knowing her friend wouldn’t leave her stranded.

She waited at the base of the mountain for a while, but Guan Wei’s people hadn’t arrived yet. Instead, she saw Lu Fengzhou coming down the mountain.