THE CURSE OF TIME

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

"Are these all the guests we're inviting to the housewarming?" I asked Haejun, scanning the list in front of me. He nodded, "Yes, that's all of them." My eyes narrowed as I spotted a name that didn't sit right with me. "Why is Mr. Ying on the list?"

Haejun hesitated, "Well, I thought that since you are like his investor then..." I shot him a glare, and he quickly backtracked, "I'll take him off."

"No, leave him. I'll consider this as make-up for the birthday party of his that we crashed when we first came to Qingzhen," I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the annoyance.

"I also want to invite someone else..." I added, and before I could finish, Haejun asked, "Is it Hong Malin?" I couldn't help but smirk. "Yes," I confirmed, pulling out my phone.

"I'll add her to the list and send her an invitation," he said, but I shook my head. "No, I'll personally invite her." I was already planning to stop by where she worked anyway; I was craving a tin of beef noodles.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Haejun questioned, but I waved him off. "No, you work on sending the invitations to everyone."

As I stood up to leave, he called after me, "Lee Yi! Are you sure you're okay?"

"I am fine... but if you keep asking me if I am, I might not be the next time you ask," I replied with a hint of playfulness. "We shall find the sword... if anything my 100 years of existence has taught me is patience." I patted his shoulder, a reassuring gesture before I turned to leave. "Get to work," I added, feeling a sense of determination as I headed out.

*

*

MALIN'S POV

"Who could have sent this?" I wondered aloud, still staring at the message. The words echoed in my mind, and I felt a mix of curiosity and concern. "Thank you for growing up well..." What did it mean?

As my colleague headed out, I nodded, "Okay, I'll handle the rest." But deep down, I knew I couldn't just brush this off. I stood up, my mind racing. "I need to find out where this text came from," I told myself, pulling out my phone again.

"Right... Sa Won." The name popped into my head, and I felt a spark of hope. Maybe he would have some insight or could help me figure this out. I quickly reached out to my phone and called him.

"Hello..." I said after he picked up.

"Hey, who am I speaking to?" he questioned, sounding a bit confused.

"Hong Malin... from your class," I replied, trying to jog his memory.

"Sorry, but your name doesn't click..." he said, and I could feel my frustration rising.

"I literally sit behind you..." I added, hoping that would help.

"Ohhhh Malin... to what pleasure am I receiving this call?" he asked, his tone shifting to a more playful one.

"I heard that you're good at tracking down phones..." I said, cutting straight to the point.

"What? I'm not..." he tried to play dumb, but I knew better.

"Everyone at school knows," I replied, determined to get his help.

"Okay fine... what do you want from me?" he questioned, finally giving in.

"I received a strange text. Can you help me find out who it's from?" I asked, my heart racing a bit.

"Uhhmmm text me the number from which the text was sent, and I'll help you find out who the number belongs to," he replied, sounding a bit more serious now.

"Okay, thank you," I said, relieved to have his assistance.

"Don't thank me... that will be 30," he said, trying to sound casual.

"30 what?" I questioned, taken aback by his sudden demand. This was going to be more complicated than I thought..."30 bucks... send that to my phone account and I'll send you the information you need," he said, and I couldn't help but scoff. "I don't have 30, maybe 20?" I shot back, hoping to negotiate.

"Okay fine, considering we're sort of classmates, I'll take 20," he replied, sounding a bit more accommodating.

"Great, then send me the information I need and I'll give you the 20," I insisted, wanting to keep the momentum going.

"What?" he questioned, clearly caught off guard.

"Yes..." I affirmed, trying to keep my tone light.

"You're not an easy one to deal with... fine, I'll get the information, but make sure you send me the money after. I wouldn't want to hurt you," he threatened, but I could hear the playful undertone in his voice.

I chuckled, "Okay." I felt a rush of excitement at the thought of finally uncovering who sent that mysterious message.

As I hung up, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be an interesting journey. If everything went according to plan, I was finally going to find out who was behind that stupid text.

I couldn't help but feel a bit impatient as I waited for Sawon to get back to me. "Does it really take this long?" I muttered under my breath. I decided to put the boxes up myself, so I placed my phone down and grabbed the ladder. As I started to reach for the top shelf, the doorbell jingled, signaling a customer.

"Welcome..." I began, but just then, I misstepped and nearly fell off the ladder. My heart raced as I opened my eyes to see Lee Yi there, catching me just in time. "Lee Yi!" I exclaimed, relief flooding over me. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. I took a moment to steady myself, still feeling the adrenaline. "I am okay...thank you," I managed to say. "How may I help you?" I asked, trying to regain my composure. He pointed at the boxes, asking, "Are these the boxes you're trying to put up?"

"Yes...but you can do that later," I replied, but he interrupted me, insisting, "Let me help you." I hesitated, wanting to handle it myself, but he was persistent. "Just let me help you," he said kindly. I stepped aside, allowing him to take over, reminding him to be careful as he took off his jacket and handed it to me. Watching him work, I felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. After he finished, I handed him a bottle of water, saying, "Thanks again." He smiled and replied, "You don't need to thank me."

Curiosity sparked, he asked, "Did you move into your apartment?" I nodded, and he followed up with, "How is it?" I sighed, "Not as exciting as I expected, but I'm still getting used to it." I appreciated his concern, feeling a bit more at ease in his presence....." Just be careful....it's not safe for girls to be living in their own..and I don't mean that in a way that you vulnerable but in a way that I worry for your safety..." He said as I smil e crept on my face.." Oh yeah I understand..I'll keep that in mind." I replied..." There is actually this trick I heard that girls use to scare away any possible threats..." He added.." It's not like the best security measure out there but you can try to use it." He added as I listened quietly.." Make it seem like you stay with some one..a man..like by hanging a man's outfit on your balcony or placing his shoes at your entrance..." He said as I chuckled.." I was actually thinking of doing that..a friend from school gave me the same advise but I didn't know how to get the clothes...I might have to buy some.." I said.." Why would you buy? I can give you mine." He offered.." Yours!" I exclaimed.." Yes...text me your address and I'll have some one deliver them to you..." He added.." It's actually okay..." I tried to say but he insisted.." I want to help." He said as I felt heat rush up my cheeks..." okay..thank you." I said...with my heart racing.....After spending some time at the store...he got ready to leave..." Right...I came to tell you something." He said as I got curious.." What?" I questioned.." Iam having a housewarming party this Saturday and I'd like you to join us in the celebration." He said as I got taken aback.." Me?" I questioned.." Yes..you...would you like to come?" He questioned.. I took a moment to think about it, weighing the excitement and the nerves. "I'd love to," I replied, a smile breaking across my face. His smile in return made my heart race even more. "Okay... I'll see you then," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'll text you the address," he added before turning to leave.

As he walked towards his car, a wave of happiness washed over me. "Good night," he called out as he got in, and I couldn't help but smile wider as I watched him drive away. The thought of the party filled my mind, and I felt a rush of anticipation. This could be the start of something special, and I couldn't wait to see what the weekend would bring.

*

*

Back home, I settled in front of my laptop, scrolling through various gift ideas for the housewarming party. "He must have all of these," I thought to myself, letting out a deep sigh. Just then, my phone rang, and I saw it was Sa Won calling. I picked up quickly, eager to hear what he had to say. "Hello," I said.

"I have all the information you need. Send the 20 bucks, and I'll send it to your phone," he replied. I rolled my eyes at his usual straightforwardness. "How do I know you're not blindsiding me? Send the information first, and then I'll send the money," I insisted.

"How about we both do it at the same time?" he suggested. I couldn't help but tease him. "How will we know we're doing it at the same time? What if one of us is faster?"

"Just immediately send the money after I hang up, and I'll send you the information," he said, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Okay, fine," I relented as he hung up. I quickly sent the money to his mobile wallet, and almost instantly, I received the information.

"Okay, mysterious texter, let's see who you are," I murmured to myself as I opened the message. I didn't know why I was so curious, but something drew me in. As I read through the details, I discovered that the phone number was registered under the name of a woman named Song Jia. "Who is this?" I asked myself, my mind racing as I looked at everything, including her home address.

Am I reading too much into this? I wondered. It could just be a text sent by mistake. There was no way I was going to chase after this person to ask why they sent me the text or if they knew me. I decided to let it go for now, but the mystery lingered in my thoughts...."But I just spent 20 bucks on some information about this person, so maybe I should go and confront them and fill my curiosities..." I thought again, the idea swirling in my mind. "Yes... let's do that."

I turned back to my laptop, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I contemplated my next move. Should I really seek out this Song Jia? What if she had no idea who I was? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but my curiosity was piqued.

As I tried to shake off the nagging thought of confronting her, my focus shifted back to my original mission—finding the perfect housewarming gift for Lee Yi. "Should I get him a watch?" I pondered, scrolling through various options online. A watch could be practical yet personal, something he could cherish.

I continued browsing, weighing my options, but the mystery of Song Jia lingered in the back of my mind, tugging at my thoughts as I searched for the right gift.

*

*

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

As I sat outside the hotel, staring at the shimmering surface of the swimming pool, I opened a box of cigarettes and placed one between my lips. It was a habit I had picked up, even if I didn't really smoke.

"I didn't picture you to be one that smokes," Xiao Mei said as she emerged from the pool, droplets glistening on her skin as she joined me.

"I don't smoke... I just like putting a cigarette in my mouth and pretend I'm smoking to relieve stress," I replied, pulling the cigarette out and setting it down.

"Well, I do, so can you please hand me one?" she asked, and I handed her the entire box.

"Thanks," she responded, her voice casual.

"Lighter," I added, glaring at her.

"I don't have one," she shot back, leaning back in her seat.

"You are such a boomer," she teased, standing up and leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I slowly closed my eyes, trying to forget everything about the sword, at least for now. The cold breeze brushed against my skin, and I relished the silence.

"You know I don't like you, right?" Xiao Mei said upon her return, breaking the stillness.

"Yah... our first meeting made that pretty clear," I replied, a hint of sarcasm lacing my words.

"Yah... I slit your throat," she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Only to find out that I couldn't get hurt," I added, a wry smile creeping onto my face.

"When I first found out about Moon Kyung's curse towards you, I found it unfair... why did she curse you with a long life when you cut hers short?" she explained, her tone shifting to something more serious.

"But then after seeing you sufferably search for a way to break the curse and end your life, I realized that... it actually was a sensible choice from her," she added, her words hanging in the air as I considered the weight of her statement....As I listened to her words, the tension in the air felt palpable, each syllable striking a chord deep within me. "I'd like to respect her decision and let you live a long life... but then again, I'd also like to watch you die at the hands of the wuyi witches since that will feel like justice towards what you did to Moon Kyung..." Her voice was steady, yet I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface.

She continued, determination etched on her face. "And with that being said, I am going to continue my search this time round, not just for the powerful wuyi witch leader but for the wuyi clan sword as well. I'll find them both, and when I do... make sure you fulfill your promise and die at the hands of both." My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through me.

"Okay..." I managed to reply, forcing a smile despite the weight of her words. She shifted the conversation, revealing her plans. "Well, I'll be leaving Qingzhen tomorrow. I got news that the lady I told you about earlier stayed at Tanzi after escaping from the wuyi clan leaders... so I'll be going there and probably I'll get more information."

I seized the moment, hoping to keep her close a little longer. "If you aren't in a rush to leave, then you can stay and celebrate the housewarming party with us..."

But she shook her head firmly. "No... I can't waste any more time... I'll be leaving tomorrow." With that, she turned to leave, and I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of her earlier words settle heavily on my shoulders. Leaning back, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much darker path ahead.

*

*

MALIN'S POV

"Take me to this address," I said to the taxi driver, handing him Song Jia's address. My fingers couldn't help but rub nervously, but I felt the urgency to unravel the mystery. It wasn't long before we arrived at our destination...."Here we are, Ms," the driver said as I anxiously stepped out of the taxi. In front of me stood what seemed to be a cafe... "S.J Cafe!" I exclaimed. "S.J as in Song Jia," I added as I walked in.

"Welcome," a lady said as I looked around. I had gotten every piece of information I needed about her except her exact photo.

"Excuse me, would you like to order?" the lady asked as I approached her.

"I actually have a question," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Do you by any chance know anyone called Song Jia?"

"Yes, it's our boss," she replied.

"Can I meet her?" I questioned, my heart racing.

"No, she isn't here right now," she answered.

"Well, when will she be around? When is she usually here?" I pressed on.

"Who are you, Ms, and why do you have a lot of questions about my boss?" she asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I am sorry, I just have a question for her, that's it," I replied, hoping to ease her concern.

"Well, she isn't around; maybe come by tomorrow, and you will get to see her," she responded.

"I can't wait till tomorrow. How about I wait for her right here?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

"No, just come back tomorrow," she insisted.

"I'll order... I'll order something to eat as I wait," I offered, and she reluctantly let me.

I sat at a table in the corner and ordered a latte and some cookies, then settled in to wait for Song Jia, my mind racing with thoughts of what I might say when I finally saw her....

I waited and waited and waited until I didn't have any more money left to order snacks... she was nowhere to be found. "I am really sorry, Ms, but she might be coming in today..." the lady from earlier said as I sighed deeply. "Okay... I'll come back tomorrow," I added, feeling the disappointment wash over me. Today was a bummer, but I was determined to come back tomorrow, hoping I wouldn't have to spend more than I could again. "Why is this place so expensive...?" I muttered to myself as I walked out.

The next day, I returned with renewed hope. "Is she here today?" I questioned as I approached the counter. "I am sorry, but she isn't..." the lady replied. I glanced at her name tag and saw "Ji Eun." "I guess I'll wait for her today as well," I said, staring up at the menu. I decided on black tea since it seemed like the least expensive option. After two cups of tea, I settled into my corner, still waiting.

Then Ji Eun walked towards me with a plate of cake. "I didn't order this," I said, confused. "We're having a cake tasting project... help us test this and rate it out of 10. It's Madam Song Jia's new recipe," she explained. I hesitated, wanting to decline, but my stomach groaned in response. "Okay," I relented, taking a bite. It was definitely tasty. And just like that, another day went by without meeting Madam Song Jia.

I came back again and for some reason it felt like I was in a loop. Just like yesterday, I walked into the café, asked for Madam Song, and was told she wasn't around. I offered to wait, ordered some tea, and then sat in my usual corner. Then, Ji Eun approached me, but this time it was for a tiramisu cake testing. What are the odds that they are always testing something out when I'm here?

I sighed, feeling frustrated. I should just give up. It's Saturday tomorrow, and I haven't even bought Lee Yi's housewarming gift because I've been so caught up with this. Maybe it's time to take a break from this café adventure for now. I told myself as I left, determination mixed with disappointment swirling in my mind.

*

*

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

" What do you think of this..should I change?" Haejun asked as I couldn't help but chuckle. "Since when do you ask me for fashion advice?" I teased, but he was serious. "It's not about being fashionable; it's about showing mom that I've changed. I'm not the old careless boy I was, and now I am responsible." His determination struck a chord with me. I knew he had been through a lot, and it was refreshing to see him wanting to make a good impression.

"Your mom will see the change in you, even if you're in shorts," I assured him, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Plus, you have me to vouch for you. Now stop stressing about clothes and go get the car. Your mom's plane will land in 20 minutes." Watching him rush off, I thought about how far he had come. Haejun's past was complicated, filled with struggles after his dad left, and his rebellious phase had led him down a dark path. But I believed he was turning a corner.

As we arrived at the airport, I noticed Haejun pacing, clearly nervous about seeing his mom again. Just then, someone covered my eyes, and I immediately recognized the familiar touch. "You know if you're going to play these games with me, then you should at least change your perfume," I remarked, and when the hands pulled away, there she was—Heejo, Haejun's mom. "I can see you're still as smart as you were a few weeks ago," she replied with a smile. Standing up, I welcomed her warmly, "Welcome to Qingzhen." I said as we hugged...."Are you just going to stand there...?" she asked as Haejun ran and hugged her. "I missed you so much, mom," he said, and I watched them with a smile. "Okay then, shall we?" I questioned. "Let's go..." I said as we got into the car and headed home. Haejun and I had checked out of the hotel and occupied the house yesterday in preparation for Heejo. It wasn't long before we arrived.

"Is this it?" Heejo exclaimed as she slowly got out of the car. "Yes..." I replied. "This will be our home for the next couple of months," I said as she smiled. "I'm already loving it," she replied. "Wait till you get inside," Haejun warned as we walked in. "I can already tell you were involved in the interior designing," Heejo said. "I just gave instructions, and thankfully they followed them," I replied. "Yeah, thankfully," she chuckled.

"Okay then... Haejun will show you to your room. Freshen up and have some rest... I'll order us something to eat," I said. "Why order? I can cook," she offered. "Trust me, I miss your home-cooked meals, but you just got off a long flight... let's eat out for today, and you can grace us with your cooking at the housewarming party tomorrow," I explained. "Okay," she replied as she headed off to her room with Haejun. I stayed back to order our meal, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.

*

*

MALIN'S POV

After an entire day of searching and turning the internet upside down, I finally decided on a gift for Lee Yi's housewarming party. I figured he would have gotten most of everything from other people, and I needed to think about my budget. So, I decided to custom make something for him.

After lots of struggle—like me yelling at the instructor lady on YouTube despite knowing that everything is pre-recorded and she couldn't hear me—I finally made him the gift. Just as I took a sigh, thinking it was all over and all I had to do was show up, I recalled something... "What am I going to wear!"

Now, I was in a panic, scrambling through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit.

*

*

*