There was another person Xiong Jingfei has been looking for too. He was nowhere to be found, and she couldn't just ask his soldiers. They might give her a weird look like why is she finding another man? She sighed, why is it so hard being her when she is just trying to find someone.
Xiong Jingfei ended up asking Captain Hu for directions. The directions had her traveled a little outside the training area. She wiped the sweats off her forehead. Reminding her, she needed to start training her body again! He would yell at her if he saw her in this condition.
"You became lazy with your training."
Ah, there it was! That cold, emotionless voice… Xiong Jingfei spun around, "Huan, I have been looking for you!"
Feng Huan's eyes remained cold as always. It could even compete with the harsh winter they just went through. He was still in his black armor with a sword in his hand. Tch, always training.
"You think I don't know what is going through that head of yours?" Feng Huan narrowed his eyes, putting his sword back into its sheath. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm sure you heard that I am returning home… I wanted to come bid my goodbye, and thank you." Xiong Jingfei smiled, taking out a talisman. "Please take this and stay safe."
"Okay," Feng Huan said, taking it.
Was that all he had to say to me? Xiong Jingfei thought they became friends, but seemed like their distance caused them to become strangers.
"Huan, thank you for being my master and friend. I will pray for your safety and wait for your return." Xiong Jingfei said, unsure of how to continue the conversation with Feng Huan's tight lips. His emotionless face was not helping her, either! He could at least give her a fake smile like Yang Zheyan.
"I… Forget it."
Xiong Jingfei scoffed lightly, why wasn't she surprised seeing him having a hard time expressing himself? Inside her pouch, she took out a pink jade ring and handed it to him.
"When there comes a day that you need my help. Bring this ring to the pawnshop that is located a little outside the Capital, and I will be summoned to come to meet you."
The ring looked much more expensive than the jade bracelet thrown away by him. Feng Huan hesitated to take the jade ring from her. Accepting the ring was like he finally acknowledged his feelings for her. Not taking it, when will he ever get a chance to see her again?
During their time apart, he tried to forget the feelings building up inside him. He distracted himself by doing some insane training. It was enough that his father had to step in to stop him.
The feelings he had for Xiong Jingfei was different from what he had for Zhao Fan. He thought they were probably the feeling of friendship? He just wanted to continue denying everything!
But, how can he continue to keep denying it? When he doesn't see her, he can't stay still and have this desperate need to go find her. Even if it was just a glimpse, he would be satisfied.
So, during practice. Feng Huan will purposely let himself get hurt to have an excuse to visit the medical tent. He was taking his chances because Xiong Jingfei was not always there. There was also Wu Yuan, who stood as an obstacle in his way.
Wu Yuan claimed, which he had the right to, that he was the better doctor for someone as important as him. Obviously, it was such a blatant excuse to distance him from Xiong Jingfei. Wu Yuan couldn't make it any less obvious of his intention.
"This is just wishful thinking on my part, but I hope you can come back in time for the lantern festival." Xiong Jingfei smiled, it was time for him to get over Zhao Fan. Finding someone to replace that empty spot in his heart would do him good.
For a second, Feng Huan had hope that there was a chance for him at the mention of the lantern festival. The only time of the year where both genders are allowed to leave their home. Be out on the street to celebrate with their betrothed person or find the one. Lighting up lanterns and making a wish.
Until she said, "You might just find the one there."
Although Xiong Jingfei didn't mean any harm behind what she said. It was like an indirect hit on Feng Huan. Reminding him that nothing will and can ever happen between them. She was a taken woman. Whether she was married or not yet, soon, she will become Yang Zheyan's wife.
"Yes," He bitterly answered with a smile. Perhaps, he will get rid of these feelings when Xiong Jingfei is no longer around. "Take care of yourself."
Xiong Jingfei smiled even brighter, she finally got to see a smile on his icicle face. "Then, until we meet again, Huan."
Feng Huan watched her walk away. Getting further and further away from him. He wanted to pull her back and begged her not to go. Yet, he knew if he confessed his feelings. The friendship she thought they mutually had will no longer be the same.
She wanted to remain friends with him, but does she not realize that it will not be the same once she is married? Her status will skyrocket by becoming the future Right Prime Minister's wife. While he will remain nothing more than a general.
The Feng family was not powerful enough to go up against Yang Zheyan, so he could only let her go.
"You can be so cruel…" Feng Huan gripped onto the jade ring. He whispered the rest, "Yes, until we meet again, Feifei."
He didn't think that the next time when they met again. Everything in both their worlds had drastically changed and turned upside down. The only chance he had with her was at this moment.
The moment he didn't take, and now, he can only be filled with regret later on.