2. Behind the Smile and the Different Language
Huang Yue, a beautiful 25-year-old woman, is a master as well as a captain leading an elite troop. If Yue were a man, many believed she would have already become a general by now.
Despite receiving many proposals, Yue chose to reject them all. To her, accepting a marriage proposal meant relinquishing responsibility for her own family. As the current head of the household, Yue focused more on the well-being of everyone living in her residence.
The first woman to reach the master level only gained recognition from a few people. If she were a man, perhaps everyone would acknowledge her.
"Yes, since ancient times, women's status has been considered below men's. Clearly unfair, and it's really frustrating."
Yun Zhi's voice could be heard from outside the room, as if she were talking to someone.
"Ever since Yiran came, Zhi has become noisier," Yue murmured with a smile.
Looking toward the window, Yue noticed a young man whom she estimated to be younger than herself. He had drawn attention from the start, particularly because of his short hairstyle.
"Maybe it's the style of partially abandoning worldly desires?" Yue muttered, sipping her tea.
Yue's gaze fell on her favorite mooncake. As she enjoyed the pastry, she pondered the steps she would take for the future.
"The unit I currently lead consists of 150 people. The number has increased, showing significant progress." Yue spoke to herself in a steady tone. "The Zhuge Clan is a group of neutral scholars. I'm lucky to have their support. This cooperation must continue in the future."
Yue rose from her seat and walked towards the enclosed courtyard to practice martial arts.
Yiran was busy chopping firewood with an axe, preparing it for a warm bath. Meanwhile, Yun Zhi was teaching him to count in their language.
"Thirty!" Yun Zhi exclaimed.
"Th... th... thirty..." Yiran tried to mimic her.
"Your tongue needs to go lower... Thirty~," Yun Zhi demonstrated.
"Th... thirty..." Yiran repeated hesitantly.
"Relax... Thirty~," Yun Zhi reassured him.
(Alien language, always gives me a headache...)
With a shy expression, Yun Zhi spoke in their language.
(Ni de zhongwen hen piaoliang~)
"You are very beautiful~" Yun Zhi's intention was to get a compliment from Yiran.
Yiran stared blankly at Yun Zhi.
(Arg! Nonsense!) Yiran was annoyed.
"Huh?" Yun Zhi pouted and muttered, "Are you mad? But that was so easy~"
(It would take a thousand years... This language is so strange...) Yiran murmured, looking at the cloudy sky.
"Rain~ Rain is coming~ Let's hurry inside~ Drink a glass of warm water so you don't catch a cold~," Yun Zhi sang.
(Is she singing?)
Yiran wasn't truly angry, just frustrated by the language barrier between them. Although Yun Zhi often took advantage of him for help, Yiran was certain that Yun Zhi was a kind and helpful girl.
(Let's just consider this mutual benefit. If not for you, I would be struggling...) Yiran thought, smiling at Yun Zhi.
Yun Zhi giggled. "Hehe, do you like me? Smiling at me like that. Oh, of course! I am indeed beautiful, cute, and adorable~," Zhi said confidently, patting her upper chest.
(I have no idea what you're saying... It's so long. Who understands your alien language...) Yiran replied internally.
Yun Zhi responded to Yiran's words, despite their language difference.
"Eh, I'm not ready to get married... I-I'm still too young... Don't tease me!" Yun Zhi answered however she pleased.
(...Why does she look so shy all of a sudden...)
And so, a misunderstanding occurred.