The smoke in the distance faded into a faint haze by the time Ju Xian and
Taotao reached the edge of the village. Mud-stained, bruised, and carrying
the wear of sleepless days, they paused atop a small hill overlooking the
valley settlement.
Chickens scattered through open courtyards. Lanterns flickered gently
outside straw-thatched homes. The evening market buzzed, and laughter
floated up like incense.
"We can't walk in looking like fugitives," Ju Xian said, adjusting the satchel
on her back.
"Agreed," Taotao replied. "We need a disguise. Something simple, something
no one will question."
He glanced at the laundry line hanging behind a nearby farmhouse and then
smirked.
Moments later, a very confused Taotao stood in a floral-patterned skirt and
oversized headscarf, clutching a straw basket.
> "I look ridiculous," he muttered, glancing at Ju Xian.
Ju Xian—now dressed in a loose male tunic with her hair bound under a
peasant cap—arched a brow. "You're the one who said we needed a
disguise."
> "Yeah, but you got to be the 'strong, silent husband' while I look like
someone's grandmother."
> "Convince them you're my loyal, hardworking wife and I might not leave
you in a ditch," she replied, fighting a smirk.
They approached the village hand in hand, heads low. No one gave them more than a passing glance. To the villagers, they were just another married
couple from the hills, maybe passing traders or displaced farmers.
က
Later that evening, while sharing a dry rice bun and sipping bitter tea, Ju
Xian stared out the window, deep in thought.
"We need money," she said bluntly. "If we settle anywhere, even briefly, we
can't live on rice scraps."
Taotao sighed, leaning back. "I'm aware. But unless we suddenly start
farming turnips or selling poems—"
"You're a thief," she interrupted.
"Was a thief," he corrected, raising a finger.
"Good. Then steal something."
He choked. "Excuse me? Are you suggesting I go rob someone just because
you're out of tea leaves?"
Ju Xian turned slowly. "Do you want to eat tomorrow or not?"
He paused, then muttered, "Fine. But if I get arrested, you're breaking me
out."
"Obviously. You're useless behind bars."
Taotao groaned and buried his face in the basket. "Worst husband ever."
> "This skirt itches. I've risked death twice and now this? I want my thief
dignity back."
Ju Xian dropped onto the mat beside him. "You never had dignity."
He smiled, eyes half-closed. "Fair."
Outside their window, the soft chimes of the market faded into the night.
And beneath the disguise, the old threads of fate wove tighter still.