Fang Yuan was just about to speak again when the sound of approaching footsteps broke the quiet.
A familiar voice followed next which was far too cheerful for the mood.
"Brother Fang!"
Both Fang Yuan and Lin Zhaoyue turned together towards the garden path.
There stood Xiao Pei with the Crimson Soul Spear slung over his shoulder, hair slightly tousled, the grin on his face utterly self-satisfied.
"Ah, perfect timing!" he declared, stepping onto the garden stones. "I was getting bored, so I thought I'd come and grace you with my presence, Brother Fang."
Fang Yuan closed his eyes briefly. A faint sigh escaped him. Lin Zhaoyue, on the other hand, was visibly less composed.
Her smile vanished and the gentle curiosity that had filled her eyes moments before dissolved into a faint, unmistakable frown.
The shift was subtle but sharp, like a cold breeze through warm sunlight.
Xiao Pei froze mid-stride. His grin faltered as he caught her expression.
