Both Zhang Heng and Okita Soki seemed to be seriously injured, but in fact, they were fine.
After lying in bed for three days, Zhang Heng was able to move around freely. After another two weeks, his physical and mental state had recovered to its peak. He had to admit that the battle with Kirino Toshiaki had brought him more benefits than when he challenged all the dojos. During this period, Zhang Heng tried his best to digest and absorb all the experience he gained.
A mini-boss like Okita Soki that could increase a player's experience was rare even in the Bakumatsu era. However, Zhang Heng had another one with him.
After waiting for another week, Zhang Heng estimated that Okita Soki should have recovered by now. As promised, he went to challenge him to a sword duel.
However, Okita Soki was nowhere to be found. After asking around, Zhang Heng learned that Kondo Isami had given Okita Soki a long vacation after the Okita incident. However, Okita Soki did not stay in bed. He always went out early in the morning and returned after sunset. No one knew where he went.
Since Zhang Heng had nothing to do anyway, he did not wait here. Instead, he wanted to try his luck and see if he could bump into Okita Soki outside.
He asked the people who lived with Okita about the places he frequented, but he couldn't find Okita Soki anywhere. So he thought about it and went to Izumi, the place where the two met that night.
Zhang Heng remembered that there seemed to be a tea stall on the right, and he found Okita Soki there.
Zhang Heng did not know how long he had been sitting here, staring at the house across the street. However, the door was closed.
"Give me a pot of tea," Zhang Heng said to the owner and then sat next to Okita Soki.
Okita forced a smile and wanted to say something, but his lips moved. In the end, he could not say anything.
"Have you been here recently?" Zhang Heng asked.
Okita Soki nodded. Finally, he reluctantly withdrew his gaze from the opposite door, lowered his head, and looked at the cold rice cake in front of him that hadn't been touched at all.
"It's impossible for the two of you to be together." Zhang Heng wanted to persuade Okita Soki slowly, but after seeing him like this, he decided to cut to the chase.
"I know," Okita Soki's eyes dimmed. "I don't expect her to forgive me. I just want to come here and see her from afar. Just one look."
"Persisting in a relationship that doesn't bear fruit will only add to my troubles. You still have a long way to go, and you will meet … "Zhang Heng paused. He almost forgot that Okita Soki would die in May next year. In other words, this hearty young man in front of him only had about a year to live.
Therefore, this relationship was very likely to be the last one in his life.
Okita Soki coughed twice. "That's what Hijikata told me, but … it's different," the teenager said stubbornly. "Every relationship is different. Even if I meet someone I like in the future, she can't completely replace Miss Saya in my heart."
Okita Soki's words touched something in Zhang Heng's heart, causing him to fall into silence.
At this time, the owner served the tea, and Okita seemed to realize his willfulness. "I'm sorry. Kondo-sensei has told me many times that I'm too emotional," he said apologetically.
"There's nothing wrong with letting your emotions get the better of you. If you hadn't let your emotions get the better of you, I would have to find a way to escape that night." Zhang Heng said, pouring tea for Okita Soki and himself. "I heard your bureau chief gave you a day off?"
Okita Soki took the tea, thanked him, and continued, "Well, I killed Shinsaku Takasugi, but I heard that the situation is a little different now. The higher-ups are considering cooperating with the Tobaku. So, this matter was kept a secret. The director said that my credit should be recorded first, but I don't really care about it. That's why I asked him for a long vacation."
Okita seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, by the way, you're here to compete with me, right? I happen to be free now. Where are we going? Koyama Dojo?"
"No need." "The person I want to fight is the Shinsengumi's number one expert, the man known as the Bakumatsu Heavenly Blade, not a heartbroken person who is trapped by love and disheartened. In this state, you have no value to me at all."
"I'm sorry," Okita Soki said apologetically, "I really don't want to use my sword now."
"Come to Koyama Dojo to find me when you've adjusted yourself." Zhang Heng finished his tea, got up, and left ten copper coins on the table.
"Okay, I won't stand you up again," Okita Soki said seriously.
…
However, Zhang Heng still underestimated the impact of this incident on Okita Soki. It was said that the owner of the house was worried about the Shinsengumi's revenge. Not long after, he betrothed his daughter to a family in his hometown. Okita Soki learned about the news three days later, and by then, Xiao Ye had already left Kyoto.
That day, Okita Soki sat in front of the small tea stall from morning until night. When the boss went home, he did not dare to take back the stool he was sitting on. Until the moon was high up in the sky, Okita Soki was still staring at him with bloodshot eyes, refusing to get up and leave.
Another month later, Zhang Heng heard the news that Okita Soki was seriously ill. When he visited him again, Okita Soki had lost a lot of weight. Some parts of his body were even skin and bones. His cough seemed to have gotten worse, and he had a low fever. When Zhang Heng saw him, he was sitting in the yard, looking at an orchid in the corner.
When Zhang Heng walked into the yard, Okita Soki did not notice him at all.
This was almost impossible for a top expert.
Zhang Heng sighed in his heart. He could see that Okita Soki's body was rapidly deteriorating. Okita Soki had tuberculosis to begin with, and coupled with the stimulation of his emotional injury, his life might be even shorter than before.
However, he seemed to be in good spirits. When Zhang Heng put down the pork in his hand, Okita Soki finally noticed him and said, "You are a rare guest here."
"I happened to have something to do nearby. I thought of you, so I came over."
"Are you still challenging the dojo in Kyoto? Mr. Abe is also a strange man, "Okita Soki said with a smile. Okita Soki laughed. "Now, your legend is spreading everywhere in Kyoto. I heard that because of you, Koyama Dojo has become very famous, and there are many disciples."
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