Spring approached, softening the air.The siheyuan prepared for the Lantern Festival, stringing red lanterns across the roofs, brushing ink onto strips of red paper.
Lin Wei, using his new architectural insight, reinforced the courtyard gate so the lanterns would hang straight and proud.
Even Liu Fang admitted grudgingly,"You made it look… good."
The festival night was bright with firecrackers and the scent of roasted chestnuts. Neighbors laughed, bargaining over riddles written on lanterns.
Lin Wei stayed on the side, warming his hands by a brazier.
Liu Fang approached hesitantly.She held out a lantern, hand-painted with plum blossoms.
"Here," she said, cheeks flushed from the cold. "I… made this. For you."
Lin Wei blinked."For me?"
"You protected the courtyard," she said softly. "You protect all of us. So… I wanted to thank you."
He took the lantern gently.
And in that moment, the system whispered—
[Emotional Resonance Detected: Gratitude][Reward: Heaven-Favored Luck – 24 hours]
The lantern in his hand glowed a little brighter.