THE CURSE OF TIME

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

I took a trip to our house, I had received a call from the interior designers who told me that they had wrapped up with the designing and as I stood in the newly finished house, the interior designer's question hung in the air. "How do you like it?" he asked, and I couldn't help but smile. "It's beautiful," I replied, genuinely impressed by how everything had turned out. He nodded, clearly pleased. "We made sure to follow all your instructions." I felt a warmth in my chest as I added, "I love it."

"Well then, you can move in anytime because our work is done," he said, and I turned to him, extending my hand for a handshake. "Thank you... I'll have the final payment sent to your account today," I assured him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Lee," he responded, and as he turned to leave, I took a moment to admire the house one last time. Pulling out my phone, I started snapping pictures to send to Haejun's mom, who was planning to move in with us.

Just then, my phone rang—it was Haejun. "Hey!" I greeted him as I picked up. "Hey... I just picked Xiao Mei up from the airport. Will you be meeting us at the hotel?" he asked. "Yes," I replied, feeling a sense of excitement. "Okay," he said, and then I remembered something important. "By the way... did you send the money to Malin?" I questioned, a hint of concern creeping in. "Yah... it was the first thing I did early in the morning," he reassured me. "Okay," I said, but as I hung up, a nagging thought lingered in my mind. Why hadn't she called me yet? I didn't expect a thank you, but a simple acknowledgment that she received the money would have sufficed.

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MALIN'S POV

"Thank you!!" I said to a customer as I handed her the things she had bought. Today had been a busy day; I hadn't had a moment of relaxation since it started. Finally, I sat down and had some water, then remembered to check my phone. Just then, I was welcomed by a message saying that I had received some money. I instantly knew the money was from Lee Yi, and as I happily opened the message, I realized that he could have made a mistake. "Why is it 10,000?" I asked myself, panic setting in as I checked the message I sent, but that wasn't the case. "Did he see it wrong? Should I send the remaining money back to him? Or should I call first? I mean, I was going to call first and thank him anyway," I thought as I picked up my phone and cleared my throat as it rang.

"Hello," he said. "Hey!" I replied. "I'm sorry I couldn't call you earlier; I've just been so packed and busy today," I added. "It's okay... I was a bit scared you didn't get the money or if it was misdirected," he replied. "No, I got it," I said. "Well, thank you so much... but..." I sighed deeply. "I think you sent a lot..." I said. "I'm sure it was a mistake, so I was wondering if I could send it back..." I started to explain, but he cut me off. "It wasn't a mistake," he said...."What?" I exclaimed, taken aback. "It wasn't a mistake... I figured that considering you're going to use all that you asked for on rent... and you might need more after you move in, I decided to put something more," he explained. I felt a mix of gratitude and concern. "Well, you didn't have to... my part-time jobs could cover my living expenses," I replied, trying to ease the situation.

"I know... I just..." he started, but I interrupted my own thoughts. "I'll send it back... I mean, 1,000 is already a lot for me to pay back, so 10,000 is even more... thank you for being thoughtful, but I'll be okay," I added firmly. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "Yes, I am," I insisted. "Okay then... I'll send you Haejun's account; you can send back the money on that," he said before hanging up. As the call ended, a wave of worry washed over me. Did I come off as rude? Did he feel offended? Or was he cool with it?

"I still couldn't take that much money," I said to myself with a sigh as I turned my attention to a customer who had just arrived. After work, I sent back the money and made my way to the landlady to give the final payment. "It took you long enough... I almost gave the house to someone else," she threatened, her tone sharp. "I'm really sorry for the delay... so when can I move in?" I asked, hoping to get some clarity. "Well, in a day or two... I'll be letting you know," she replied. "Can you please make it a day? I have nowhere to stay at the moment," I pleaded. "Aren't you being a bit cocky? You're the reason why we delayed the renovations... but I'll see what I can do," she said, her expression softening slightly. I happily shook her hand, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," I said as she pulled away.

LEE YI / SHI YI'S POV

" Where is she?" I asked Haejun about Xiao mei "She's in her room...getting ready for dinner," he said. I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. "I guess I'll go and get ready as well," I replied, turning to leave.

After my shower, I pulled out the trunk where I had kept the sword. As I stared at it, doubt crept in, fueled by Xiao Mei's words. "No, no, let's not think about that," I told myself, quickly closing the trunk and hiding the sword away. I stood up, shaking off the uneasy feeling, and got dressed for dinner.

At the dinner table, Xiao Mei confidently ordered, "I'll have your special chicken stir fry, some rice, a vegetable stir fry with tofu, and then some wine, please." Haejun raised an eyebrow, questioning her appetite. "Are you sure you're going to eat all that?" he asked. "Yah," she replied, unfazed. When the waiter turned to me, I decided to follow suit. "I'll have what she's having," I said, and Haejun added, "Me too." I glanced back at Xiao Mei, intrigued. "So how's the search for the powerful witch going?" I asked, eager to hear about her progress.

"It's going great, in fact, I'm almost close," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You are!" I exclaimed, leaning in closer. "Yah, I went searching and searching, and it turns out there is a lady called Miho... Go Miho, a wuyi witch. Apparently, rumor has it that she gave birth to a child who has the crescent mark at the back of her neck. Some of the elder witches went to meet her, hoping she would give her child for training to rebuild the clan, but then next thing you know, she ran off with her child. I guess she didn't want her child to get involved in any of the wuyi witches clan." She explained, "Are you sure about this lady?" I questioned. "Yah...even if I'm not, I have to follow some clues. It's what I've been doing for the past years," she replied confidently.

"So where are you going to find this lady?" I asked, curious about her next move.

"I'm still not sure...but I've put someone on the task, and they will find out soon," she answered. "I'll make sure to give you some great news soon," she added with a hopeful smile.

"I hope so," I replied, just as our meals arrived. As we dug in, Xiao Mei suddenly turned the conversation back to me. "So, you found the sword," she said, looking intrigued.

"Yes, I did," I confirmed.

"Are you sure it's the sword?" she questioned, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Why...do you think it isn't?" I asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my voice.

"No...I trust that you might have found a sword, but are you sure it's the actual Wuyi clan sword?" she pressed, her eyes searching mine for answers..."Yes... I am sure," I replied, trying to maintain my confidence. "Well then, I can't wait to have a look at it once we're done eating," she said, turning her attention back to her meal. I did the same, but her question lingered in my mind, slowly planting a weird sense of doubt within me.

After dinner, we headed back to my room, where I pulled out the trunk containing the sword. "Is this it?" Xiao Mei asked, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Yes," I replied, my heart racing as I slowly opened the trunk, revealing the sword inside. "What do you think?" I asked, watching as she examined it closely.

"Do you mind?" she asked, reaching out to pick it up and wield it. Then she chuckled, and my heart sank. "This isn't the Wuyi clan sword," she said, and confusion washed over me. "What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a wave of panic rising. "This isn't the sword. I know because the real Wuyi clan sword has a crescent symbol on its handle, and this one doesn't," she explained, her voice steady but firm.

"What crescent symbol?" I asked, pulling the sword away and staring at it as if it would reveal its secrets. "What are you talking about? This is the exact sword that old man drew for me. You also looked at the sketch and approved it, so what's happening now?" I questioned, my anger bubbling to the surface.

"I didn't really pay attention when you showed me the sketch, but I recently interacted with some Wuyi witches and looked at some more real sketches. That is not the Wuyi sword. I also heard about the story of making a replica to blindside enemies that wanted the sword for the wrong means," she said, her words hitting me like a cold wave. Doubt crept in further, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I might have been misled.

I took a deep breath, trying to wrap my head around everything Xiao Mei was saying. "So let me get this straight... there are two Wuyi clan swords," I said, my mind racing. "One original that's been missing since my battle with Moon Kyung, and then a replica used to blindside enemies?"

"Yes," she replied, her tone steady.

"But if this is just a replica, how come it was worth so much at the Qingzhen artifacts auction?" I pressed, feeling a knot of confusion tighten in my stomach.

"I'm not sure. I guess they thought it was some expensive relic," she admitted. "Actually, there's another way to find out if this is real or fake."

"What's that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"The real Wuyi clan sword is made out of indestructible steel. It was smelted by Ahora, a Wuyi witch who gave it the power to never be broken. If this is the real sword, it won't break, no matter the circumstances," she explained, her eyes shining with determination.

"Are you willing to try it out?" she questioned, and I felt a wave of doubt wash over me.

"How do I know this isn't you trying to destroy the sword by making up some stupid story?" I shot back, not wanting to appear naive.

"What would I gain from destroying the sword?" she replied, her voice firm. "You have no idea why I'm searching everywhere for the powerful Wuyi witch. It isn't just for you; it's for me and all the other Wuyi witches who want to rebuild our clan. Rebuilding it requires not just the witch but her rightful sword too, so trust me."

I took a moment, weighing her words. The urgency in her voice, the passion behind her quest—it all began to resonate with me. I realized that I had to give in to trust her. If there was a chance to uncover the truth about the sword, I had to take it. I nodded slowly, feeling a mix of apprehension and resolve. "Alright, let's do it." I said confidently.

As I stood there, the tension in the air was palpable. "So, we're going to use two tests," Xiao Mei announced, her eyes gleaming with determination. "First, the hammer test. I'm going to strike the blade with a hammer from different angles, and if it remains unscathed with no dents or chips, then it's indestructible." She paused, looking at us. "And then we'll do the fire test. We'll expose the sword to extreme heat, and if it doesn't melt or warp, then it's the Wuyi witch's sword. So, are you ready?"

I glanced at Haejun, who looked skeptical. "Are you sure we can trust her?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"No, but there's some truth to what she's saying," I replied, trying to convince both him and myself. "I mean, the crescent symbol—it makes sense that it's on both the sword and the powerful witch. There's some kind of connection. I don't trust her, but I need to find out if this sword is real or fake." I took a deep breath, trying to muster some confidence. "Okay, let's do it."

Xiao Mei's excitement was infectious as she declared she would go get a hammer. "Wait, where is she going to get a hammer?" Haejun asked, looking bewildered. "Does she carry one with her?"

I couldn't help but scoff. "It's Xiao Mei, so everything is possible."

When she returned, the hammer in hand, she laid out the sword and started striking it. Each hit echoed in the room, and I held my breath, hoping for the best. After she finished, she called us over with a triumphant look. "See... dents and chips," she said, and my heart sank.

"Now onto the fire test," she continued, lighting the fireplace and placing the sword inside. We watched in horror as it began to shiver and warp.

"I think that clears all your doubts," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "This ain't the Wuyi clan sword." It felt like a heavy blow to my head, the weight of disappointment crashing down on me....

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I sat there in thoughts of what to do next..."Are you okay?" Haejun asked as he sat next to me, concern etched on his face. I shot him a look, the frustration bubbling inside me. "What do you think?" I snapped, my voice sharper than intended.

"I'm really sorry about the sword... I should've paid extra attention," he said, his tone filled with regret. I could see the guilt weighing on him, and it only made my heart ache more.

"It's not your fault... even I couldn't tell that the sword was fake..." I replied, taking a deep sigh, my fingers running through my hair vigorously. The weight of the situation felt heavy, like a stone pressing down on my chest. "We're back to square one," I said, tears welling in my eyes, threatening to spill over. It felt like all our efforts had been for nothing, and I couldn't shake off that sinking feeling.

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MALIN'S POV

"Why are you scared, Malin? Just knock, tell them you've come to pick your things up, and then go in, pack your bags, and get out of this house... officially." I pep talked myself as I approached the Ying mansion. I knocked at the door, and when it opened, it was the housekeeper.

"Malin!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. "Where have you been all these days?" she questioned, worry lacing her voice.

"Hey, Nanny... I'm actually here to pick up my things and leave," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

"Does Madam know about that?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"No... but it's not like she would care to know anyways," I replied, my voice tinged with bitterness. "I'll go and pick my stuff and leave." I added as I headed towards my room, where I started packing up. Despite all the horrible days, this room had been my safe space in this house, and I was definitely going to miss it. I packed up most of what I needed and headed out of the room.

"Let me help you with that," Nanny offered as I fidgeted to get my luggage down the stairs, grateful for her kindness in this moment of chaos."Thank you," I said as she helped me with my luggage. "Are you sure you want to leave? I know Madam and her daughter can be uptight, but how will you survive out there?" she asked, genuine concern in her eyes.

"I'm okay... I'm almost 19, and I'm sure I can handle myself. Thank you so much for everything, Nanny," I replied, trying to reassure her.

She offered me a hug, and I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. "Take care of yourself," she said softly, and I nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. This was it; I was stepping into a new chapter, and despite the uncertainty, I knew I had to do this for myself.

As I stepped out of the house, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. Just then, we crossed paths with Hana. She stood there, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. I could feel her eyes scanning me, taking in the sight of my packed luggage and the housekeeper by my side.

"Oh look who we have here..." she said, her voice dripping with a hint of disdain.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I'm just... picking up my things," I replied, my voice steady but my heart racing. I could sense the tension in the air, and I knew this moment could go either way.

"You're leaving..." she asked, a smirk creeping onto her face. "Wow... I should call mom... we both have been waiting for this moment since the time you came into our lives..."

I felt a surge of anger but held it back. "Can I ask you something? Why do you hate me so much?" I questioned. "I mean, what did I even do to you? I hate to just believe you're bored and that's why you're always out to get me... and to be honest, if that's it then I guess I am sorry, but I can't be your source of entertainment anymore."

She glared at me, and I could see the irritation bubbling beneath her cool facade. "I'll get going then," I said with a smirk as I turned to leave.

Ten years ago, I walked into this house at a moment when I had just lost everything—my mom and my family. But coming here, I thought I had just received a chance to start again, and I was more than willing to open up. Sadly, these people weren't. And now, it was time I left.

I looked back at the Ying mansion, memories flooding my mind, especially that rainy day when everything changed. I had followed a letter from my mom, a lifeline she had left behind after her passing. It spoke of a friend who lived here, someone I could turn to for help if I ever needed it. I was lost after losing her, desperate for guidance, and this mansion seemed like a beacon of hope.

When I first met Mr. Ying, I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. He was the friend my mom had mentioned, and he helped me navigate the chaos that followed her death, including the painful process of her burial. Just when I thought I would be assigned to an orphanage, he offered to adopt me, to take me in as his own. I should have felt joy, but there was an underlying sadness too, knowing that my life had changed so drastically.

But as the days turned into months, the reality of living in this mansion became a nightmare. I don't blame Mr. Ying; he was honoring his promise to my mother, but he failed to protect me from his wife and daughter, who made my life miserable. I never wanted this to be a story of revenge or plotting their downfall. I just wanted peace. And now, as I stood there, I felt a sense of relief washing over me. I was finally leaving this place for good...

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"I never thought this place was so dark," I whispered to myself as the taxi navigated through the alley leading to my apartment flat. When we arrived, the taxi driver kindly helped me with my luggage. "Thank you," I expressed gratefully as I settled the fare. My heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had imagined this moment countless times, but now that it was real, a wave of fear washed over me.

I gathered my bags and stepped into the apartment. It wasn't the fanciest place, but some renovations had been done, brightening it up a bit. "Time to get to work. School starts tomorrow," I motivated myself as I began organizing my things. After everything was in place, I fixed myself a quick cup of noodles and decided to call it a night.

As I lay down to sleep, I was taken aback by the cacophony outside. The noise was overwhelming, just as I had been warned. Car engines, people shouting, and even unsettling sounds that made my imagination run wild.

Due to the long and unsettling first night in my apartment, I was feeling a bit drowsy at school. Forget the dark circles under my eyes from the lack of sleep. "Ms. Malin... isn't it a little too early for you to be dozing off in class?" My teacher startled me awake, drawing attention to myself and causing the other kids to laugh. "I'm sorry... I'll go wash my face," I mumbled as she nodded, letting me leave.

I quickly walked to the washroom, splashed some water on my face, and took a deep sigh. This was my life now. "You don't look good," a voice said behind me. I turned to see Hana. "Right, I forgot I still had to see you around school," I replied, drying my hands and trying to leave. "Where are you staying now?" she questioned. "And why do you care?" I shot back. "I do not... I just want to see if you made an upgrade or downgrade," she smirked.

"Your little obsession with me is scary. To be honest, I left your house, so let's pretend we don't know each other at school either," I said, turning to walk away. "Don't tell me you're living with your sugar daddy," she called after me. That was it. I spun around and slapped her across the face. "You need to know your limits so you don't blindly cross them. I'm done putting up with you. I don't owe you anything... so stay out of my life." I said as I stormed out...

I let out a frustrated yell from the school rooftop. Urrghhhhhh... she really knew how to mess with me...but I wasn't going to entertain her anymore.

Back at the apartment.. I had a bit more to fix before I could fully settle in. "Why isn't this open...?" I muttered to myself as I struggled with the window. "Is it stuck?" I wondered, frustration creeping in. I reached for my phone to call the landlady, but before I could dial, a strange text message popped up on my screen.

«THANK YOU FOR GROWING UP SO WELL» it read, and an icy chill ran down my spine. I glanced around the dim room, my heart racing. «WHO IS THIS?» I typed out, my fingers trembling slightly. I hit send, but there was no response. The silence felt heavy, and the message echoed in my mind. Who would send something like that? A sense of dread washed over me as I realized that someone was watching me, or at least thinking about me in a way that made my skin crawl. I felt exposed, vulnerable in my own space, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pulled into something I didn't understand.

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