The candlelight inside the room crackled noisily.
Shen Hua, dressed in begonia red, with her ink-black hair cascading down like a waterfall, slowly moved to a corner of the bed after climbing on. She rolled up the bedding and wrapped herself into a clumsy, round cocoon.
Having done these, she felt much more at ease.
Footsteps approached from afar.
Cui Yun, freshly washed, came around the screen and walked slowly. His gaze fell slightly, and the girl tightened her wrap around herself, closing her almond eyes and pretending to sleep.
He showed no surprise and, as usual, blew out the unnecessary lamps, leaving only one for nighttime use, before he leisurely walked toward the bed.
He lowered the mosquito net, covering half of the light, dimming the surroundings making it hard to see clearly. The bed slightly sunk as he lay down.
She waited a long time, and he did not react.
Shen Hua carefully opened one eye.
