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I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous. It’s definitely a game, though it’s a bit chaotic. Some people are having strange reactions to getting hit, too.

We aren’t friends? But we get along so well…

And, wait- you know Baizhu? He’s mentioned me? What did he say? Is it about how much he likes me, because I’d love to know…

While I don't favor many of the oddities that stem from this resort, I do admit that people having strange reactions is preferable to them being injured. So what is the game? Don't get hit by an arrow? Well, that's not much of a game, now is it? It's not going to stop me from finishing this book.

We get along? I distinctly recall trying to avoid you. Although I think you're much more tame when we're not in the same room.

And, of course, I know Dr. Baizhu. We hail from the same land, and I suppose he mentioned you. Once. Although it was out of necessity. I think he likes to keep his secrets. Also, there are some things it is best that I know nothing of.

They’re calling it tag, though it’s quite different from the game I remember from my childhood. We used to chase each other around and try to stab one another with knives; the arrows are strange. But there are prizes to be had. You don’t seem to like games, huh?

You’re trying to avoid me??? Since when? We had a great time together whenever we met.

You’re right about him liking to keep his secrets. There’s so much more I’d like to know about him, but I also don’t want to push too hard and pry where he might not want me to. What can you tell me about him? I’ll really owe you one.

First off, tag does not involve arrows or knives. I am not sure where you got that idea. That's just plain dangerous. Not that our safety seems to concern whoever is running this establishment. The way tag works is that one person is chosen to chase all the other players. If they catch someone by tagging them, then that person is now the one that has to catch the others.

It's not that I dislike games, but all the games here are skewed.

Don't think I have forgotten what you did. Or all those inappropriate things you said.

You would make Dr. Baizhu very sad if he knew.

If you want to know more about him, you should be direct because this is still prying, although I suppose it is mostly harmless. Even so, if you really want to understand someone, you should find out what they really want.

In my clan, we used knives for most things. It would be unusual not to involve them. The game seems to follow similar rules here with some changes to what you said… I guess they figured the regular one wasn’t exciting enough.

What kind of games do you like?

Ah… come on, was I so bad to kiss?

It isn’t prying if you’re asking someone else behind their back. It’s called reconnaissance. I do want to know what he really wants… he’s like the moonlight over a still lake. Beautiful but distant, feeling within reach but never to truly hold within the cup of my hands no matter how I chase that teasing reflection upon the surface. But it’s such a pleasure to gaze upon him and bask in his ethereal glow, no matter how elusive he may be.

Or better, he’s gentle plum blossoms slipping away on a cool spring’s breeze, a coaxing flutter over my grasping fingertips before drifting away with an inscrutable but damningly charming smile.

It is unusual to involve them. In a game, that is. Doesn't it register that it would be dangerous? What if a grievous injury is caused? Then what? It's not a game. Just trust me on this. If there was another purpose... even so. I suppose I'll admit that I don't understand the logic.

Are you going to try to involve knives in the games I like?

Why are you asking me? Ask Dr. Baizhu. Just don't mention what you did. I don't think he would be happy with you.

Stop.

Stop.

Wait a minute. Since when do you compose poems?

Maybe start with that.

Maybe it's better considered as training? That's what we spent most of our time doing, so it would make sense that my brothers changed it up for fun. I wouldn't put it past them. We were all pretty competitive with one another.

No, I don't imagine you'd much like that. Unless you'd like me to.

Poetry is quite nice, isn't it? It's an excellent way to express how one is feeling, especially about another person. Like Baizhu — he's so like a tender, quivering flower, gentle in hand and soft to the touch. Fragile, yet resilient. Unknowable until his petals unfurl in the throes of pleasure. That's when he blooms like radiant dawn, flush from head to die with the kiss of sunlight breaking over a mountainous ridge.

That explains a lot. Remember, you once assumed that was the nature of my relationship with my brother. We have different roles; there is no room for us to compete. Still, what you're saying is a little concerning, but it explains much about you.

Let's pretend that I wholeheartedly agree with this idea. Where would you get knives from?

Please stop sharing intimate details about the activities you engage in when together. Believe me when I repeat this: I don't think your tender, quivering flower would be pleased to know you are sharing all this with me—especially me—maybe anyone. However, I can't say I disagree with you regarding poetry. That's why I said you should start there, but when I said that, I meant you should be taking these words to him. Honestly, how else would he know your feelings?

You know. Dr. Baizhu is an astute man. He probably already knows about your sentiments. However, that doesn't take away from your effort and form of expression. Hearing a poem weaved just for you from the one you love is always heartwarming. And he isn't the type to let these things go over his head.

True enough, getting knives here hasn’t been easy, but I’ve found a few ways. There are a couple of establishments that don’t notice when a nice knife goes missing from their kitchens. If you want one, I can certainly get it for you.

Oh, come on, now. These aren’t intimate details of what I do with him. Only how cute he looks! He’s truly a sight to see when you’ve cracked his calm, mature exterior.

Woah, woah, woah. Love is a strong word, Little Xingqiu. You can’t throw that around carelessly. Are you even old enough to know what romantic love even is?

What an enticing offer. I do mean it. It would be best to have something to use as a weapon. Although a knife alone? There is no point in complaining, so if you are willing to accept my request and do not mind acquiring a knife for me. Of course, I am limited in how to repay you for your kindness.

There is enough said there.

Anyway, you cannot expect me to see Dr. Baizhu as you do. Though I do suppose he is a man with many charms. He is generous and kind in his treatment of his patients. I am actually grateful that I am not here without him. Please don't mistake that to mean I could not survive without his presence, but it does put me at ease.

Just how old do you think I am? You messaged me out of nowhere, expressing concern for my safety. Please do not treat me like a child.

Consider it done. I’ll see what I can find for you.

Of course not, he’s old enough to be your father. But it’s good that you can understand his charm. I’ve been considering beating myself up so I can get some real proper care from him. His flushed, angry face as his eyes are shining with worry is particularly enticing.

Oh? You’re probably at least thirteen, right?

Then you have my thanks. I'll be waiting. It might be useful against those cherubs you spoke of. By the way, I saw that there weren't cherubs alone causing trouble. Do you suppose they would go away if you were to get rid of their leader?

Don't exagerate. Baizhu cannot be old enough to be father. And don't. If you hurt yourself in hopes of treatment and lavish attention, instead he might dispatch you to the clinic. Just ask him to spend time with you, he enjoys your company well enough.

No. I turned eighteen here. It was actually refreshing from the typical celebrations I have to endure.

Maybe. Since it’s a game, I imagine not, but who knows? They don’t seem especially smart.

What? He is certainly old enough to be a father. Frankly, you’re old enough to be a mother, though your child would be a baby or toddler at most.

If I were to take action, it would be a gamble. Maybe it's not worth the effort. Besides, I probably have more important things to do. Those things don't hurt anyone, correct? They only cause people to act oddly, as usual. Well, I guess it can be ignored.

Yes, to be a father. However, he isn't old enough to be my father. That's what you were saying. Please, don't even mention something like that. Do you know what kind of scolding I would receive if I had children out of wedlock? Wait! You know. Never mind.

Hey, the arrows hurt! They won’t kill you but they’ll leave a nice bruise.

Hmm… well, he could have had you young. I don’t think it’s impossible. As for children out of wedlock, of course, don’t do that! Young ladies should be properly married before children.

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