act19mini

May we meet again, Mr. Yun.

You say that, but...

I don't think I actually see a path up the mountain here...

The ground is completely covered in leaves. I doubt anyone has come this way in a very long time.

Not even signs of any beast trails...

Perhaps I should find a local to ask for help.

Good day?

Good day, my lady. Is something the matter?

May I ask if you have seen my husband?

He is young, with hair of brown and a tail point of pure white. He is wearing a cloud-white tunic, trousers the color of earth, and leather boots.

I... don't think I've seen anyone who matches that description. My apologies.

Is that so? Pardon me for wasting your time.

Hold on, madam!

Do you happen to be from these parts? I wanted to ask if there was a path up the mountain nearby.

You wish to ascend? Then I fear you've gone the wrong way.

The regular path up the mountain is on the other side of town. This is the back of the mountain, which is rugged and steep. The townsfolk rarely ever come this way.

(The back of the mountain? I distinctly remember coming straight from the town's main road. How did I end up on the back?)

I see now. Duoxie, madam.

But I believe... since the gentleman guiding me told me specifically to come this way, he must have considered all this. I will continue trying.

Please, excuse me.

I shall accompany you up the mount, sir.

I'm sure there's no need—

The road up the mountain is dangerous. If we are together, we can look out for each other.

Besides, I have already made inquiries everywhere I could in town. The mountain is the last place I have yet to search. If my husband is still in the area, the only place he can be is here.

Then, I shall have to thank you again.

May I ask how I should call you?

...Bai Jin.

Still stuck on that board, Brother Lan?

I'm hardly in a hurry.

You've been at it for so long, I've learned how to play myself.

This situation on the board, isn't it a 'three <i>jie</i> cycle'? They call it a 'triple <i>ko</i>' in Higashi. Shouldn't it be a draw according to the rules?

A draw... A draw is unacceptable.

The rules were very clear. Only through a win will he grant my wish...

No, I need to find a way to victory...

What's this wish you want so bad that you need to win this game? Isn't there another way you can make it happen?

Another way... What other way...?

There is no other way for two as separate as yin and yang to meet again...

O miserable fate... From where do you flow?

Will this do, Jin'er?

It's beautiful! You really are skilled, my dear.

And here I was, thinking your ability to bake porcelain only applied to weiqi pieces.

Heheh, I can do a lot more than that. Next time, whatever you fancy, whatever you like, I'll be happy to bake it for you.

Once we are wed, I'll put this vase in the most conspicuous spot in the living room.

'Vase in the east, mirror in the west, enjoy lifelong tranquility and rest'... We're still missing a mirror, then. But if we place one, we won't have anywhere for the clock. Well, the bell in town rings in the morning and the night, it'll do.

In time, there shall be flowers in the vase, and you in the mirror's shine.

Oh, that's enough out of you. We don't have much fuel left, so head out to the back of the mountain to chop a few logs while it's still light out.

Alright, just sit tight, then. I'll be right back.

I will. Dinner should be about ready when you get back.

What the... What's going on...?

Where did these monsters come from?!

Jin'er———!

So there was... a path here... all along.

Do you... need a hand... Madam Bai?

You do not need to concern yourself about me, Mr. Yun.

I grew up amongst the mounts and fields. This is but a leisurely stroll to me.

You, on the other hand, look rather pale. Would you like to rest a moment?

I shall... take you up... on your offer.

Hoo... Hah...

Your dedication is much like my husband's.

He sounds like a very conscientious man.

He is.

He approaches everything with absolute focus. It is rare for anyone's urgings to have any effect.

He will stay in one place without food, water or moving until he is done. *sigh* He really does inspire both pity and frustration.

At least he listens when <i>I</i> speak, so it's always me who has to pull him away by the ear. That's how it's always been since we were little.

But there was a gentleman who played weiqi in town who said this temperament was suited for the game.

With a few years of study, he could become a master, perhaps even a grandmaster. If he does, he can leave town and head off to distant lands to look around.

Your husband left to study weiqi?

Yes. He has been studying for a very long time now.

He throws his all into his studies and barely listens to what anyone has to say. It's simply too much, I tell you.

Haha... I have also heard about the endless marvels of black against white upon the gridded board, and how captivating they can be.

The land is vast, and there are many things that can trap a man in a mire. Even a memory can leave one pacing back and forth for quite some time.

Your husband must have his reasons for his dedication.

Why exactly are you trying to argue his case?

I was simply moved by his tale.

Well... You said your husband disappeared, but when exactly was this disappearance?

He...

It was nearly nightfall, and he went out to the mountain to chop some firewood. I never heard from him after that.

That truly is worrying.

Let us set off then, Madam Bai.

Do you not wish to sit a little longer? Pardon me for saying so, but your body does not seem the strongest, nor do you look accustomed to steep mountain paths.

While I might not be able to perform martial arts, I practice breathing techniques every day.

The path is yet long, so I must be diligent.

I see an ancient pavilion further up. We can rest again once we arrive there.

The game's still stuck in a stalemate, huh... He's been thinking about his next move for ages now...

Just how long have you been working on this one move, Brother Lan?

I don't know.

My grandson's now as tall as I was back then.

He didn't believe me at all when I told him about you. 'Who would spend their entire life on a single lousy game?', he said.

*sigh*...

Do you still remember when exactly you got separated from Sister Bai?

I don't.

After I left town, I got lost and was disheartened. I wandered the mountain for several months before arriving here. It can't have been that long.

And what day was that?

There are some things I don't remember all that clearly.

Then do you know today's date?

No...

But that's not important. Let us speak of other things once I solve this deadlock.

*sigh*...

Oh, everyone in town's been so in a tizzy over some treasure or the other that I never expected someone to come over here.

Here to see the game as well, youngster?