Chapter 42: A Duck Bearing Leeks On Its Back

Chapter 42: A Duck Bearing Leeks On Its Back

Hui darted up Starbound Peak, slipping through the trees as he followed the familiar path up the mountainside. At this time of day, plenty of disciples wandered around, but no one cast Hui a second glance.

He sprinted across the path and ducked around to the back door of the cafeteria, then rapped quietly at the door. Sis Mei.

The door flew open. Mei bustled out and snatched Hui into a hug. Hui! Its been so long, I missed you!

Sis Mei! He hugged her back happily.

She released him and gave him a quick look-over, then nodded, satisfied. Stay right there. Ill fetch you a bowl.

Wait, wait, Sis Mei Could I have some scraps instead? Ive spotted some fat ducks out on the lake, and I want to celebrate. Hui licked his lips and smiled.

Oh? You know, you ought to be careful. Our Sect Leader loves ducks, Mei warned.

Hui waved it away. Ill share some with him if he stops by. These are some fantastic ducks, Mei. I have to have some.

She chuckled. Alright, alright. Ill grab some scraps.

Do you want some? Hui offered. If she does, Ill talk her into cooking it!

Mei shook her head. Oh no, no, Im quite happy with the cafeterias food. But let me know how it goes! She vanished into the kitchen.

Damn. Oh well, I guess Ill just have to cook it myself. Im no Sis Mei, but I fed myself in my first life. I can do it again.

Mei returned with a bag, bulging with bits and scraps. Theyre all fresh and clean, so if you get hungry, you can eat them, too.

Sis Mei! Im going to catch those ducks, I dont need scraps to eat!

Just in case, okay? She smiled and waved, backing into the kitchen once more.

Hui sighed, shaking his head at the door. He peeked into the bag. A full bao bun glistened up at him, hot and steaming. Despite himself, Hui cracked a smile. Sis Mei, always looking out for me.

Fishing out the bun, Hui snacked on it as he wandered back to the lake. The fat ducks floated on the pond, blissfully unaware of his intents. Hui kicked off his boots, sat quietly at the lakes edge, and spread the scraps along the shore in front of him.

He barely sat down before the ducks rushed the shore. Beady black eyes locked on Sis Meis scraps, they bit and flapped at each other, warring over the best bits.

The fattest duck floated on the water, uninterested in Huis meager offerings. It ruffled its wings and preened, casting Hui an occasional disdainful glance.

Oh, you think youre so much better than me, you stupid duck? Hui glared at it. The duck fluttered its wings, then settle back on the water, fat and happy and completely out of Huis reach.

Hui reached to his bun and pulled off a piece. Casually, he tossed it to the other ducks.

The fat duck sat up at that. It puffed out its chest and glared at the other ducks. Lost in their lust for the bun, the ducks ignored it.

No one can resist Sis Meis cooking! Hui tossed another piece of the bun out into the water, closer to the fat duck.

Am I? he murmured. He lifted a hand to pet Zhubi, lips twisting.

Zhubi hissed happily and wound around his fingers.

Mmm, should I confirm it before I speak this time, too? But I think Im right, Li Xiang said. His downcast eyes suddenly found hers gazing at him, Li Xiang bent almost double to look up at him.

Startled, Hui jumped back. Li Xiang giggled and straightened, tossing her hair back over her shoulders. What are you up on Jade Garden Peak for?

Er Hui instinctively shifted the bloody bag behind his back, though he wasnt sure why. Leeks, and citrus, and uh ginger?

Pill ingredients, then, the same as us! Theres some thousand-year ginger up another few gardens, Ive heard, Li Xiang said.

Thank you, Elder Sister, Hui replied, bowing formally. Its not for pills at all, though.

Actually I could use company at my duck roast. Li Xiang, would you like

Xiang! Hurry! one of the girls called.

The male cultivators all glared fiercely at Hui. He bit his lip to silence himself. Right! I forgot, shes their idol! I cant be so bold in view of everyone, or Starbound Peak will have it out for me again!

Lan Taijian is one thing, but I dont want to have to sneak up to see Sis Mei every day!

Hmm? Li Xiang asked him, tilting her head.

Its nothing. Ill see you later, Hui said, rushing off at random into the gardens.

Li Xiang glanced after him, then shrugged. She turned and ran back to her friends, pausing once to wave before she went. See you!

--

Singing under his breath, an older man walked through the quiet forest, soft steps barely disturbing the grass underfoot. As he drew near, the songbirds stopped singing, then, in one great burst, took to the air. Leaves dropped off the trees as he approached, spontaneously wilting.

Im coming, pretties, he murmured, a bright smile on his face.

The path curved down, leading toward a lake. Still water reflected the sun, almost a mirror. Milling around at the edge of the lake, a flock of ducks wandered, confused and downtrodden.

What is it? What happened, pretties? the older man asked, rushing over to them.

The ducks quacked half-heartedly and ignored him.

The older man froze. He looked around. Wait. Wheres Fatty?

He sniffed. The scent of blood caught in his nose. Startled, he ran to the lakes edge. There, in the water, a faint sheen of blood and a few mussed feathers floated amidst the lotuses.

The older mans eyes narrowed. He clenched his fist, shattering the bag of feed to scraps of cloth and a flying mess of seeds and fruit. The ducks scurried around his feet, hungrily pecking at the feed.

He gazed up at the sky. A single tear streaked down his cheek. Whoever did this to you, Fatty Ill make them pay.