Whispers in the Winter Wind

A few weeks had passed since that day, and summer vacation was nearing its end for Yasushi and his group of friends who had traveled to Yuwu. During their time there, they contributed to the construction efforts, completing about ten percent more of the buildings.

Their involvement also helped others pick up the pace, bringing the total progress to seventy percent of the town being built. The next phase of work would incorporate advanced artificial intelligence systems and quantum technology, but that was a task projected to take another year or more to finish.

As Yasushi bit into his sandwich, sitting with the group during a lunch break at one of the sites, he commented, "Honestly, this place has felt a little weird. I thought we'd have a lot to do, but nothing big really happened — especially with what Nandini said about those people who might come after us."

Nandini stood nearby, her arms crossed as she leaned slightly against a post. "I said it was a precaution, not a guarantee we'd be attacked," she replied, keeping her tone even as she glanced at him.

Yasushi laughed softly, inclining his head slightly. "At this point, all we can do is get as much done as possible before heading back to Japan."

Yinhaie, who had just finished distributing food and drinks, approached with a calm expression. "Keep in mind, you only have a few years left to wrap up your studies before moving to London to continue them. We'll also expand our efforts to gather information on those council members. Once we complete the homelessness reformation for the city, we'll need to rely on the organization you selected to carry out the rest of your plans, Yasushi."

Yasushi lowered his gaze, his thoughts briefly turning inward. Progress on his goals had been steady, especially for the first of his priorities. Fixing the homelessness issue in his hometown, Ginsukimura, had always been the most important step. Beyond that, he intended to wait a few years, keeping an eye on developments in quantum technology and artificial intelligence before deciding what to pursue next.

"One is finished, and we're what — seventy percent through with the second member out of four?" he asked, glancing between the two women for confirmation.

Yinhaie shook her head. "We recently wrapped up the investigation on the second man, and we're about 30% into the third. He's been more open, easier to track, so we've made faster progress this time. Even so, it's going to take more time," she said plainly.

Yasushi didn't hide his surprise. He hadn't expected them to move along this quickly. The idea of not waiting too long, though, left him a little relieved — at least, that's what he hoped.

"Really? That's good to hear. Thanks for all the effort you've been putting in. When it's done, is there anything you'd like in return? Something I can manage... and afford?" He asked, adding a small laugh as he smiled at them.

Nandini thought for a moment before answering, her tone direct. "I'd like to take some time off once it's finished. I want to visit family back home."

"Fair enough," Yasushi replied without hesitation. "How long do you think you'd need for that?"

"Nandini, I'd like two weeks—" she began, but Yasushi interrupted without hesitation.

"Take a month or two," he suggested, leaving her visibly taken aback.

"B-but…" she stammered.

"It's fine," he replied, his tone calm yet certain. "I've got Yunxue, Layena, and Yinhaie. And honestly, I can manage just fine on my own. You can take the time you need — a month or two, if that's what it takes." His eyes met hers, unwavering, as if his resolve was already made.

Nandini hesitated, her lips parting to speak before closing again. After a few moments, she sighed. "Thank you, Yasushi. Then I'll take you up on that two-month break when the time comes," she said, bowing her head slightly, her voice quiet but filled with gratitude.

Yasushi acknowledged her words with a small nod and shifted his focus to Yinhaie, who seemed deep in thought. After a pause, she looked at him and said, "Can I let you know in private later?"

Yasushi raised a brow but nodded. "Sure, just come find me whenever you're ready."

The rest of their day passed at the site, where they worked alongside the others, speeding up the construction efforts and lightening the load for the workers, who expressed their appreciation in subtle but genuine ways.

+-+

Later that night, Yasushi was going over the reports Yinhaie and Nandini had handed him from their investigation. The contents left him unsettled and oddly satisfied at the same time. The documents detailed numerous illegal activities — money laundering, drug trafficking, and human slavery.

He was shocked by the extent of these crimes. These three stood out the most among the violations, although the reports hinted at other illicit operations as well. The way these enterprises were interconnected meant that targeting one would likely implicate all four culprits involved.

"It's disturbing how they managed to pull this off in what's supposed to be a relatively safe city," Yasushi muttered to himself. "How could the mayor and the police ignore this? Either they're being paid off, or... something else is at play. Something that might not even be..." He stopped himself, unwilling to voice the unsettling possibility fully.

The thought stayed. He hated to even consider it, but it refused to leave his mind. He decided to bring it up with Nandini later, knowing she had more knowledge and experience with the kind of unusual elements that might explain the unthinkable.

Just as he was about to return to his reading, a knock came from the door, breaking the silence. Yinhaie stepped into the room without hesitation.

"Evening. Can I help you?" Yasushi asked, setting down the stacks of paper he had been sifting through. His eyes flicked toward her, registering her presence fully.

"I'm…here to talk about what you asked earlier in the day," she said, her tone low, her words almost hesitating as she stood by the doorway.

Yasushi nodded, his expression calm as he pulled a chair closer to his desk and gestured toward it. "Take a seat."

Yinhaie approached and settled herself in the chair, though she didn't immediately speak. Her fingers moved faintly, her hands clasping and unclasping as though she were bracing herself. The room, though not heavy with tension, held a stillness that matched her uncertainty.

Finally, she decided to push past whatever held her back. "…I'm getting older, and I'd like to have a family of my own," she said in one breath. "But…I've never been very good at finding someone." She paused, glancing briefly at him. "I spoke about this with Lady Jingliu…and both Master Liang Yang and Lady Yuhan Yang…"

Yasushi decided to keep quiet, feeling that pushing her to speak might not be the best approach. He leaned back in his seat, his attention locked on her, waiting. After another pause, Yinhaie finally broke the silence.

"I've thought about two options… Either I take a year off to explore that path in my life, or I ask you to help me through artificial insemination. Like I mentioned, I spoke to Lady Jingliu and her parents, Master Liang Yang and Lady Yuhan Yang, and they're fine with it. But Lady Jingliu… she hasn't responded yet," Yinhaie admitted, her face turning crimson.

Yasushi found himself staring up at the ceiling, his mind shutting down as the weight of her words sank in. Her request had blindsided him. Though he'd suspected she might have feelings for him, he hadn't imagined it would reach this point.

After letting the shock settle, he managed to stammer, "S-so… you're saying… you want me to… have a child with you?"

Yinhaie's face flushed deeply as she waved her hands frantically in front of her. "I-I'm not asking you to…uh…you know, do that with me. I'm asking you to…uh…put your seed on a dish so it can be inserted into me instead…" Her voice trailed off as her face turned an even deeper shade, the words clearly uncomfortable to say.

"…I understand that part," Yasushi said, rubbing his forehead. "But I want to know — why me?"

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Or maybe I am. Right now, you're the best option for me. I know what kind of person you are, and that makes it easier for me. It saves me the trouble of looking for someone else." Her voice wavered slightly, though she pushed through. "I-I get that if I go through with this, I'll have to take maternity leave when I get pregnant and later when I give birth, so…"

Yinhaie hesitated, her resolve crumbling as she bit her lip. Her eyes welled up, and she shifted in her seat as if regretting the entire conversation. She began to rise, looking like she wanted to flee, but Yasushi reached out, stopping her.

"I care for you, Yinhaie, and I've depended on you a lot since we met. But this isn't something I can decide on my own, not while I'm in a relationship with Jingliu. I'm planning to marry her, and her feelings matter just as much. Still, I don't want to hurt you. If this is what you want, if having a family or a child is what you truly wish for, then... I won't refuse to help. If donating my semen is what it takes, I'm willing," he said, the words sounding strange as they left his mouth.

Yinhaie stared at him, her eyes wet and her face streaked with tears. Before she could say anything, the door swung open, the sound breaking the tension in the room. Jingliu walked in, her face calm but carrying an intensity that immediately drew attention. She took in the scene with a brief glance, and her expression softened just slightly, enough to show she understood what had been discussed.

"Yinhaie," Jingliu said, her voice measured, "I've made my own decision about this. Let's sit and talk on the sofa for a bit, alright?" Her words made Yinhaie flinch slightly, her nerves betraying her, but she nodded and followed Jingliu without hesitation.

They sat without speaking for a few moments, the silence lengthening between them. Yasushi leaned back slightly, his uncertainty about whether to stay or leave apparent in his posture. Before he could decide, Jingliu glanced at him, her expression unreadable. Taking the cue, he moved toward them, settling on the sofa across from the two women.

"I've been asking the other staff about you," Jingliu began, her tone calm but direct. "Anfeng, Heinz, and of course, my parents. I wanted to know more about your... history in romance." The words seemed to catch Yinhaie off guard, as a faint color rose to her cheeks.

Yasushi's interest piqued. He had some knowledge of Yinhaie's past but hadn't explored it deeply, and now he found himself curious to hear more.

"You've been with our family for most of your life," Jingliu continued. "Ever since my father took you in, you've dedicated yourself to us — and to me, especially. I'm grateful for that. But I learned something interesting. There was a time, albeit brief, when you tried to find a partner for yourself. Anfeng mentioned that you took a one-month break and gave it a shot… but, apparently, it didn't go well at all."

Yinhaie's face turned red again as the topic came up, but she didn't argue against it. She gave a small nod and exhaled shakily. "I did… Back then, I was naïve, and it nearly got me into trouble. Someone older and kind warned me just in time, and I fought my way out of the situation. After that, I gave it another shot for the rest of the month, but most people my age only seemed to care about sex and parties. That wasn't something I could relate to," she admitted, her voice quieter by the end. She let out another breath, the weight of the memory still pressing on her.

Yasushi gave a short laugh and said, "Well, not much has changed. That's still what most people in our generation are into. Honestly, it was probably the same for our parents and their parents too. It's not like we're the rule — we're the odd ones out for not being into that stuff."

"I suppose you're right," Yinhaie replied after a pause. "Though, I can't help but feel let down. I wanted to believe that people would grow out of it, that they'd be different. Maybe it's just me? Maybe I'm too boring? When I brought it up to some men back then, they'd lose interest right away. I started to think that most people only care about those things when they're young and only settle into what's considered normal when they're older." She frowned, the corners of her mouth pulling down slightly as her thoughts lingered on the idea.

"We can't force people to think a certain way. That's just life. Don't let it drag you down too much. I used to think like that too in my old life — not about partying, but… fighting and dabbling with drugs now and then, nothing too heavy. It wore me out fast. I didn't get very old before I died," he admitted.

They both listened quietly, then Jingliu resumed speaking. She reached out and held Yinhaie's hands. "Thank you for everything you've done. I love you like an older sister, Yinhaie. If this is what you truly want, and if Yasushi is alright with it… then I won't stand in your way."

Yinhaie's eyes filled again, overcome with gratitude for Jingliu's support. "T-thank you… Lady Jingliu. It means so much… I was so worried I'd reach my thirties alone, still single…" she said, her voice catching as she wiped her tears.

"H-however, I wish to wait until you, Yasushi, and Lady Xinyi graduate from here and move to London to continue your studies…if that's all right, I mean," she said, her words carrying hesitation.

"That's fine. I was hoping you would wait until I graduate and start working. I didn't want to start a family yet while still in school," Yasushi said, exhaling deeply as though a weight had been lifted.

Before either could say more, the door burst open, and Xinyi stormed in with an energy that demanded attention. "That's unfair! Put a baby in me too!" she declared, leaving the room stunned.

Without waiting for a reply, Xinyi lunged at Yasushi, grabbing at his clothes with frantic determination. Jingliu reacted immediately, rushing forward to grab Xinyi and pull her away, her movements driven by urgency. The room erupted into pandemonium, filled with shouts and resistance as they struggled to contain Xinyi's sudden outburst. It took time, but they eventually managed to subdue her and explain the situation as thoroughly as they could.

"Fine. But I still love Yasushi, so deal with it," Xinyi said, folding her arms and refusing to back down.

"I'm going to beat you up…" Jingliu muttered under her breath, her expression radiating hostility as she focused entirely on Xinyi.

For the rest of the night, they engaged in deep conversation about certain topics concerning Xinyi, navigating the subtleties of those discussions with careful consideration and curiosity.

The remainder of their time in Yuwu remained largely peaceful, characterized by continued efforts assisting in the construction of the town's buildings, establishing and strengthening connections with the people, and immersing themselves in learning the nuances of what their future roles within their parents' work would entail.

When summer break came to a close, they all made their way back to Japan, ready to resume their schooling and everything it brought.