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Milk Doll
墨書 Inktalez
In the dim corner of the Mingyang Chamber, I, Zhou Yi, stood before my master Zhao Liang, my heart turbulent with emotions. This morning, the lord of Ling Xuan Pavilion had visited with his disciple Mo Bai. The boy's mocking laughter pierced my heart like a thorn.
"Immature child, always relying on your master," Mo Bai's words dripped with disdain, as if my very existence was a joke. He was only seventeen and already preparing for the First Expedition Trial. Meanwhile, I was twenty and still here, feeling like a child who would never grow up.
Unable to endure it any longer, I immediately approached my master after they left and expressed my desire to undertake the trial. My master always said I was still young, but Mo Bai's taunts left my self-esteem in tatters.
"Master, I'm already twenty! Mo Bai is three years younger than me, and he's preparing for the First Expedition Trial! Am I really worse than him?" I nearly shouted, my voice echoing in the Mingyang Chamber.
Master Zhao Liang looked at me with concern in his eyes. "Yi'er, you are still young; the world outside is far more complicated than you think."
"Master, I don't understand why you always treat me like a child. I'm not small anymore; I have my own judgment and the ability to face challenges." Desperation tinged my voice.
He sighed. "I'm afraid you'll lose yourself."
I could no longer bear the oppressive atmosphere and turned to storm out of the Mingyang Chamber. His voice called after me, "Yi'er, where are you going?"
I didn't answer; I just quickened my pace. I needed to breathe and prove myself, even if it meant facing the unknown alone.
By noon, hunger struck me. I recalled the colorful meal Master had prepared when I first arrived at Mingyang Chamber at eight years old. It was fresh and salty; after that, I took over cooking duties. Having wandered for two years as a child, I had learned how to cook long ago.
Thinking about how Master might be upset and not eating made me feel uneasy. I shouldn't let him worry about me, but once I completed the trial, I could manage things on my own.
I didn't want to give up on the trial; for people like us, it represented maturity and independence. I intended to return to Mingyang Chamber to check if Master had eaten but saw someone approaching instead. Compelled by curiosity, I hid outside to eavesdrop.
It turned out to be a commission from Misty Village; this was fortuitous. However, I worried that Master might not eat properly without anyone to cook for him. So, I gave some money to Uncle Li next door and asked him to deliver meals to Master on time.
Uncle Li was a chef who ran a modest restaurant down the street with two other cooks and about ten waitstaff. Seizing an opportunity, I slipped into Master's room and took the commission letter while leaving him a note before departing.
In the letter, I wrote:
Master:
When you read this letter...
I may already be on my way to Misty Village.
I know you disagree with my First Expedition Trial, but I feel it's time.
I have grown up and can handle things independently.
I can't always hide under your protection.
I have arranged for Uncle Li to bring you meals, so you don't need to worry about your diet.
Please forgive my sudden departure, but I believe that when I complete this trial, you will be proud of me.
Disciple Zhou Yi
I placed the letter on my master's desk and shouldered my bag.
I set off towards Misty Village.
I knew this would be my own trial, and regardless of the outcome, I would have no regrets.
Mo Bai's mocking laughter seemed to linger in my ears, but I had decided to respond to all doubts with action.
What I didn't know was that my master was watching me from behind.
When I arrived at Misty Village, an unnatural fog enveloped the sky, as if nature had deliberately set up a maze.
I thought to myself how strange this place was; what village is shrouded in mist year-round?
I took out the Bagua Mirror, trying to find a glimmer of clarity in the haze.
Just then, a middle-aged man emerged from the fog; his surname was Wang, and he was from Misty Village.
He asked if I was the master from Mingyang Chamber, and I nodded in acknowledgment, handing him the letter of commission.
Upon reading it, he appeared delighted, as if he had found the key to solving a problem.
He said to me, "Young master, your arrival is truly a blessing for us."
The fog hung like a heavy curtain over the entire village.
Uncle Wang and I navigated through the haze, but I felt a figure following closely behind us.
She was Xiao Mei, a girl who grew up in the mist; her steps were light as if she could merge with the fog itself.
We wound our way through the village, trying to shake off any potential pursuers.
After a sudden turn, Xiao Mei couldn't dodge in time, and we unexpectedly encountered each other in the mist.
Uncle Wang's expression darkened, his voice carrying an undeniable severity: "Xiao Mei, this is not a place for you; go home."
Xiao Mei's figure appeared lonely and helpless in the fog.
Yet her gaze was resolute, revealing an indomitable determination.
Despite this, she turned and left, disappearing into the thick mist.
As night fell in Uncle Wang's home, he had fallen into a deep sleep.
But I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
Suddenly, I heard faint sounds outside, as if someone was cautiously approaching.
I got up quietly and stepped outside, discovering Xiao Mei there.
"It's me, Zhou Yi," I whispered softly so as not to wake Uncle Wang.
Xiaomei stepped out from the shadows, her face filled with anxiety and anticipation. "I was hiding from Uncle Wang to find you. I know you are here to investigate Wang Zhigang's cause of death. I... I want to know the truth too." Her voice trembled in the night, and I could feel her pain and confusion.
I nodded, signaling her to continue.
"Wang Zhigang is Uncle Wang's son and the man I deeply love." Xiaomei paused, seemingly struggling to control her emotions. "He was killed on his way to find me, and... I'm pregnant with his child."
The news struck me like a bolt, and I looked at Xiaomei. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but more than that, there was determination.
"Uncle Wang doesn't like me and disapproves of our relationship. But no matter what, I will take care of Uncle Wang in his old age."
I was astonished by Xiaomei's kindness and didn't respond. She didn't seem to mind and continued, "I know why you are here. I just hope that after you find out the truth, you can tell me who harmed Wang Zhigang."
Her voice was filled with desperation.
I remained silent for a moment before answering her seriously, "I will."
Xiaomei looked at me deeply, then bowed and said, "Please."
She turned and disappeared into the night.
I stood there, filled with complex emotions. The death of Wang Zhigang, Xiaomei's persistence, and Uncle Wang's pain all weighed heavily on my heart. I had to uncover the truth, not just for them but for this village as well.
I returned indoors and lay on my bed, silently vowing. No matter how thick the fog may be, I will find the light that pierces through it. Because I am Zhou Yi, Zhou Yi who never gives up.
I closed my eyes, letting my mind immerse in the challenges ahead, preparing to face the unknown fog.
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