A/N: Hmm…. How many months has it been since I first published this? Sigh. Now I can officially call this story over….
Chapter 6: Dearest
Jiang Wei just sat beside Nu Wa's bedside, holding her hand with a bleak expression on his face. "Dammit Nu Wa.. You're so damn reckless!" he whispered. He looked at her blank face, and sighed, "Face it … I know you're awake." Jiang Wei said merely. He saw a grin carved on Nu Wa's face. "How'd you know?" she asked, as she sat up. Jiang Wei shook his head. "No one would squeeze my hand that hard if they were unconscious." Jiang Wei answered. "I was getting nervous…" Nu Wa excused. "About what?" Jiang Wei asked slyly. He leaned a little closer to her. "NOTHING!" Nu Wa cried, embarrassed. "OK, settle down, jeez. Hey… why DID you come to Tian Shui, anyway?" Jiang Wei asked. Nu Wa just looked away. Jiang Wei rolled his eyes. He softly put his hand on her cheek and turned her face towards him. "You were reckless when I first met you… you're reckless now. I'm glad…" He kissed her softly on the lips. "Because I know it's because of me." he continued. "You do know what would happen if my Uncle found out about... us." said Nu Wa. Jiang Wei shrugged. "I'd tell about 'us' to the whole world if I wanted to." he said to her. Nu Wa smiled.
A few days later, Liu Bei came with a convoy to take Nu Wa back to Cheng Du. He was very upset with his niece's actions, but nonetheless grateful that she was safe. Before he left, he gave a nodd to Jiang Wei. "You're expected back at Cheng Du in four days. See me immediately after you arrive. I wish to talk to you." Jiang Wei then watched the group of horsemen ride away, a thick cloud of dust behind them. His mother suddenly appeared behind them. "Splendid! You've just gotten yourself a chance for a promotion!" she said excitedly. Jiang Wei just raised his brow.
When Jiang Wei reached Cheng Du a few days later, some soldiers encountered him. "Are you Lord Jiang Wei?" one asked. Jiang Wei nodded. "I was asked to meet Lord Liu Bei as soon as I arrived." he replied. The soldier nodded. "Follow me." he said, and they galloped to the castle. They dismounted their horses at the stable, and then the soldier showed Jiang Wei to Liu Bei's private quarters. There, Liu Bei was sitting patiently at a table, a 'Go' chessboard in front of him. "Please, sit down." he said, gesturing at the empty chair on the other side of the table. Jiang Wei hesitantly sat down, and Liu Bei moved one of his white pieces on the chessboard. "Your turn." Liu Bei replied. Jiang Wei looked around uncomfortably, then moved one of his black pieces.
They continued playing, until they were both taking a long time to move. On his turn, Jiang Wei broke the silence. "My Lord... please forgive me for being rude, but I thought we were supposed to have a conversation." said Jiang Wei. Liu Bei laughed. "Hmmm... well it has been quiet for a while now. Ah, found a move.." Liu Bei then moved one of his white pieces. "He then leaned back a little. "Tell me... do you know why Nu Wa rode to Tian Shui?" Liu Bei asked. Jiang Wei studied the Go board. "I'm... not sure, my Lord." he lied. Liu Bei shook his head. "Come now, Jiang Wei... you don't need to hide anything from me. I'll understand anything you say." Liu Bei reassured. Jiang Wei then took one of his black pieces, and started to depict to himself where he should put it. "... It was because of me. That's all I know." Jiang Wei said half-honestly. Liu Bei smiled."There we go! Wasn't that easy? Now tell me the whole truth... or should I say it for you?" Liu Bei asked. Jiang Wei looked up, surprised. Liu Bei leaned a little closer. "You love her, don't you?" he asked. Jiang Wei was taken aback, but he didn't respond. Liu Bei's smile turned to a grin. "And she loves you?" he continued. Jiang Wei dropped his black piece. Liu Bei chuckled. "If that's the case... let me offer you a position I know you won't refuse." he said slyly.
Onecloudy morning, Nu Wa woke up, and with the help of Xie Jia, she dressed up and brushed her hair. She was walking to the royal library, until suddenly a servant came up to her. "Lady Nu Wa... Lord Liu Bei wishes to see you." said the servant. Curious, Nu Wa followed the servant.
Nu Wa bowed to her uncle. "What service is it that you require from me?" she asked in a civilized matter. "Be at ease, niece. There is good news today. I have found you a husband." Liu Bei replied. Nu Wa gasped. Marriage? Was she ready? "I-I don't know about this..." she started. "Don't worry... I'm positive you'll approve of my choice." He looked at the door, and it suddenly opened. Nu Wa gasped as her new fiance entered the room. "Jiang Wei?" she asked, dazed. Jiang Wei grinned. "Looks like I've found myself a protege." he replied.
A/N: Well how was it? Hey, it didn't bite!