( Moya )
The sun was lowering, painting the sky in soft gold. Mei'yin skipped a small stone across the water, her laughter light as always. Yuxi stood beside her, arms crossed, watching her antics with that same serious gaze he always wore.
"A-yin," he finally said, his voice steady, "you sneak here too often. Aren't you afraid your siblings will notice?"
Mei'yin grinned mischievously, brushing her hair behind her ear. "They always notice. But I always find my way back. Don't worry, Qin Yuxi, your partner-in-spirits is clever."
Yuxi shook his head, exhaling softly. He should scold her, but instead, the corners of his lips lifted—just slightly.
There was a silence between them, broken only by the sound of water flowing. Mei'yin tilted her head, her eyes narrowing at him. "You're smiling again. Careful, Yuxi, you'll ruin your reputation as the serious one."
He looked away, but his voice softened.
"Maybe that's only with you, A-yin."
For a moment, Mei'yin froze, her cheeks warming. She covered it quickly with a teasing laugh.
"Hah, you're getting good at playing with words. Be careful—I might think you like me."
Yuxi glanced at her then, his dark eyes steady, quiet but firm. "Maybe I do."
Her heart skipped, but she pretended not to hear, crouching to pick up another stone.
"You shouldn't say things like that so seriously," she murmured, tossing the stone into the river.
And yet, despite her playful tone, her chest tightened with a warmth she couldn't shake.
Lantern light flickered faintly between the trees where Yuxi and Mei'yin rested after checking the spirit traps. The night was calm, only the hum of cicadas filling the air.
Mei'yin leaned back against a tree, kicking her feet idly.
"You know, Yuxi… people in the market already think we're married."
Yuxi, focused on adjusting the seals in his hand, didn't even glance at her.
"Because you keep telling them we are."
Mei'yin chuckled, covering her mouth.
"Well, you don't deny it either."
Finally, Yuxi looked at her, expression unreadable in the dim light.
"Why should I? It keeps suspicion away. And…" his voice softened, "you sound convincing when you say it."
The words made her heart stumble. She tilted her head, trying to hide her blush.
"Convincing? So you're saying I'd make a good wife, Qin Yuxi?"
He met her gaze, calm but steady.
"I didn't say you wouldn't."
For once, Mei'yin had no quick retort. She pressed her lips together, staring at him too long before snapping her eyes away.
"You… you say things too seriously, it makes it hard to laugh it off."
Yuxi studied her in silence, as if reading the thoughts she refused to say out loud.
Mei'yin hugged her knees, smiling faintly to herself.
"Fine. If anyone asks again, I'll keep saying I'm your wife. At least then… I'll have an excuse to stay by your side."
Yuxi's hand stilled on the seal. His breath caught for just a moment before he composed himself again, answering low: "A-yin… you don't need an excuse."
The night air between them grew heavy, charged with something both of them felt but neither dared to name.
-------
The ground was littered with faintly glowing spirit dust, dissolving into the night. Ye's men had already retreated, leaving silence in their wake. Mei'yin sat on a fallen trunk, clutching her arm where a shallow cut bled.
Yuxi knelt in front of her, his robes torn and shoulder bruised, but his eyes were fixed only on her wound. His brows furrowed.
"You shouldn't have charged in like that, A-yin. Spirits aren't toys for your mischief."
Mei'yin puffed her cheeks, trying to laugh despite the sting.
"If I didn't, you'd still be surrounded. Admit it—I helped."
Yuxi bound her arm tightly with a strip of cloth, his fingers surprisingly gentle.
"You helped… but I'd rather you safe than helpful."
His words made her heart skip. She lowered her gaze, voice softer. "You worry too much."
He sighed, glancing around the dark forest.
"You're hurt. We can't walk back to the Pavilion tonight. I'll find a place to rest."
Before Mei'yin could protest, Yuxi lifted her arm over his shoulder and helped her stand. She wobbled, leaning against him more than she intended. Their closeness made her face warm.
She smirked faintly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Hmm… so you do care about me, Qin Yuxi."
His steps faltered just slightly, but he kept his eyes ahead.
"More than you think."
Mei'yin blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. For once, she had no playful reply. She only held tighter onto him, letting the quiet between them say everything her lips could not.
Yangguang paced back and forth, his arms crossed, brows knitted. It had already been three days since Mei'yin slipped away again. The usual playful note she left behind sat crumpled in his hand, the little smiley face mocking his patience.
"Three days… she promised she'd be back in one or two. Where exactly does she keep running off to?" he muttered, his voice carrying the weight of an older brother's worry.
Feng Xiao entered the courtyard with Lingxi, both glancing at Yangguang's restless steps. Xiao exhaled slowly, already knowing what was on his mind.
"She'll come back. She always does."
"That's not the point, sister Xiao. " Yangguang stopped, clenching the note tighter. "What if this time she doesn't? What if something happens out there? How are we supposed to face our parents if Mei gets hurt?"
Lingxi's expression softened. She rarely saw her younger brother like this—Yangguang was usually calm, a steady breeze. But now, worry crackled off him like a brewing storm.
"I understand you," Lingxi said quietly. "We all feel the same… but Mei'yin's never been the type to stay in a cage. Even if we punish her, she'll find a way to fly off again."
Yangguang ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
"Then what do we do? Just let her run wild while danger lurks everywhere? She's not like us—she doesn't even have powers strong enough to defend herself!"
Xiao finally spoke, her voice firmer.
"She has her own way of surviving. Maybe different from ours, but don't underestimate her. Mei has a sharpness in her mischief. She sees things we sometimes miss."
Yangguang fell silent, his jaw tight. Deep down, he knew Xiao was right. Still, the thought of Mei'yin out there, alone for three days, gnawed at him.
"When she comes back…" Yangguang said, his tone heavy, "…I won't let her brush it off with that smile of hers again. She owes us the truth."
The faint glow of lantern light filtered into the quiet room. Mei'yin stirred slightly under the blankets, her body sore from the earlier fight. Her lashes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Yuxi seated beside her—his head leaning against the edge of the bed, arms crossed on the wooden frame.
He had fallen asleep while watching over her.
For a moment, Mei'yin just looked at him. His usual stern expression had softened in sleep, the harsh lines of seriousness replaced with something calmer, almost vulnerable. She bit back a smile, her mischievous heart warming at the sight.
She shifted slightly, testing her sore arm, and the movement made Yuxi stir awake. His eyes opened, sharp even from rest, and immediately focused on her.
"You're awake," he said, voice low, relief threading through the simple words.
Mei'yin tilted her head, a teasing curve on her lips.
"Mm. And I see you fell asleep watching me. "
His jaw tightened, but his ears turned faintly red. He didn't deny it, only leaned closer to check her again.
"You pushed yourself too hard. Half a day's rest isn't enough."
Mei'yin rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed under his hand as he checked her forehead.
"You worry too much, Yuxi. I've survived worse—"
"That's not the point," he cut in firmly, though softer this time. "Next time, don't throw yourself in front of danger like that. If you fall… I—" He stopped, words catching in his throat.
Her mischievous grin faltered into something gentler. Reaching out, she tugged lightly at his sleeve.
"Then don't look so serious. I'm still here, aren't I?"
Yuxi exhaled slowly, staying close.
Before closing her eyes again, Mei'yin whispered almost playfully, "Thank you for staying with me… husband."
Yuxi froze, nearly choking on air, while Mei'yin hid her giggle and drifted back to sleep, leaving him helplessly flustered but quietly relieved.
The door slid open with a sharp sound, and Mo Yuming appeared, her eyes stormy with both worry and irritation. She spotted Mei'yin lying on the bed, Yuxi seated beside her, keeping quiet watch.
Yuming exhaled hard, relief crossing her face before she masked it with her usual playful sneer.
"So this is where you've been. I should've guessed—running around Moya with Qin Yuxi again. Honestly, Mei, do you ever think before you act?"
Mei'yin blinked awake, startled. "Yuming... why are you here?"
Yuming strode closer, arms crossed. "Why am I here? Because your siblings are going insane looking for you. Especially Yang—if you don't come back soon, he'll burst into flames for real."
That made Mei'yin wince. "Ah…" She sat up slowly, trying to hide her guilty look.
Yuming sighed, shaking her head, though a grin tugged at her lips. "You're lucky I found you before he did. If Yangguang saw you sneaking around Moya with Yuxi like this, he'd drag you back by your ear."
Mei'yin pouted, cheeks faintly pink. "It's not like that…"
Yuxi opened his mouth as if to explain, but Yuming cut him off with a teasing laugh.
"Save it. I don't care what excuse you two come up with. What matters is Mei's coming back with me. Tonight. No arguments."
She crouched slightly, looking Mei'yin in the eye. Her voice softened, though her mockery still lingered at the edges.
"You've had your fun, Mei. But your family's worried sick. Don't make them wait any longer."
Mei'yin lowered her gaze, lips pressed together, knowing Yuming was right.
Yuming straightened, glancing between the two of them, then added with a sly smirk:
"Besides… if you keep disappearing with Yuxi like this, people really will start thinking you're husband and wife."
Yuxi sighed deeply, but Mei'yin flushed and buried her face in the blanket.
On the Carriage
The carriage rocked gently as it rolled over the dirt road. Mei'yin leaned against the window, her sleeve tugged low to hide the faint marks of her wound. Yuming sat across from her, arms folded, watching her with a knowing grin.
"So…" Yuming began, dragging out the word. "When are you going to admit it?"
Mei'yin frowned, pretending not to understand. "Admit what?"
"That you've been sneaking around, fighting spirits, and helping your husband," Yuming said, smirking as she put extra weight on the last word.
Mei'yin's face heated instantly. "He's not my husband! I was just—"
"Just risking your neck," Yuming interrupted, her voice teasing but her eyes sharp with concern. "Do you think I didn't notice the scratches? Mei, you may fool others, but not me. Don't think I can't read that silly grin you get whenever Yuxi's name comes up."
Mei'yin turned away, cheeks puffed, clearly flustered. "You're making things up."
Yuming chuckled, leaning back with satisfaction. "Mhm. Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
The rest of the ride passed with Yuming's quiet laughter and Mei'yin sulking silently, clutching her cloak tighter.
At Baoli Zong – Arrival
As soon as the carriage pulled up to the gates, Feng Yangguang was already there, pacing with a stormy look on his face. Feng Xiao and Lingxi flanked him, both tense.
The moment Mei'yin stepped down, Yangguang's expression shifted—anger melting instantly into shock, then worry. His eyes landed on the faint wounds peeking from under her sleeve.
"Mei…" His voice was low, tight with concern. He quickly moved to her side, gripping her shoulders gently. "You're hurt."
Mei'yin blinked, surprised. "Yang… you're not angry?"
Yangguang shook his head, his jaw clenched. "I don't care about being angry right now. You've been gone for days, and now you come back with injuries? Do you have any idea how worried we've been?"
Mei'yin's lips trembled, the mischievous defiance she usually wore fading under his genuine concern.
Xiao sighed softly, her eyes flicking to Yuming as if to silently thank her for bringing Mei back. Lingxi, meanwhile, folded her arms, her stern gaze softening just a little as she watched Yangguang fuss over their youngest sister.
Yangguang gently guided Mei'yin inside, not letting her walk too quickly. His brows were furrowed, his tone calm but firm.
"Now tell me, Mei. What were you doing in Moya for three days?"
Mei'yin bit her lip, eyes darting to Xiao and Lingxi. They both stood nearby, silent, but the weight of their gazes pressed on her. She tried a weak smile.
"I was… just having fun, that's all."
Yangguang stopped walking, turning her to face him fully. His eyes searched hers, sharp but filled with worry.
"Fun? Fun doesn't leave you with wounds like these." His hand hovered near her arm where the scratches peeked through her sleeve. "You've been fighting, haven't you?"
Mei'yin looked down, guilt flickering across her face. Before she could answer, Yuming spoke up with her usual mockery.
"Oh, she wasn't just fighting, Yangguang. She was fighting with someone. Guess who?"
Mei'yin snapped her head toward her friend, cheeks blazing. "Yuming!"
Xiao's eyes narrowed in realization, while Lingxi's lips curved into the faintest smirk. Yangguang's expression, however, only darkened further.
"You weren't alone…" His voice dropped lower, more serious. "Mei'yin, who were you with?"
Mei'yin froze, her heart pounding. She wanted to say it—Yuxi's name almost left her lips—but her throat locked up.
Xiao stepped closer, her tone gentler than expected.
"Yang, she'll tell us when she's ready. Right now, she needs rest."
Yangguang clenched his jaw, clearly unsatisfied but unwilling to push her while she was weak. He finally sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Fine. But Mei…" He looked her straight in the eyes, his voice heavy. "If you sneak out like this again, I won't just be worried. I'll be furious."
Mei'yin lowered her gaze, nodding silently.
Yuming, meanwhile, only smirked behind them, whispering to Lingxi, "She'll crack soon enough. That girl can't hide forever." Lingxi gave her a stern looked.
Wu Ziyi's spear cut through the air with sharp precision. Each strike landed harder than the last, her breath ragged, her frustration spilling into every movement.
Qin Yijun stepped into the courtyard, his usual calm aura settling over the place. He watched for a moment, then spoke evenly:
"Ziyi, your form is good… but your emotions are clouding your focus."
She stopped, planting the spear into the ground, her eyes flashing.
"Of course I'm emotional! Every day, someone hovers around you. And Yuming—" she spat the name bitterly,
"—she's always by your side. You don't see how much it bothers me?"
Yijun's expression didn't change. His tone was cool, almost detached.
"What others do has nothing to do with you. And it certainly has nothing to do with me."
Her heart twisted, but she pressed forward, her voice rising.
"It has everything to do with me! I won't let anyone take you away."
For the first time, Yijun's eyes hardened, his voice sharp as steel.
"Ziyi, you're mistaking closeness for ownership. I am not something you can guard, nor someone you can claim."
The words struck her harder than any blow. She froze, gripping her spear so tightly her knuckles whitened.
"So… you don't care at all?" she whispered.
Yijun turned slightly, already walking past her.
"My path doesn't include such feelings. Stop wasting your strength fighting shadows. If you truly respect me—then respect yourself enough not to chase what isn't there."
He left the courtyard with steady steps, leaving Wu Ziyi behind, her chest heaving with a storm of emotions. Admiration, jealousy, and heartbreak all tangled within her—but one thing was clear: Qin Yijun's heart was as distant and untouchable as ever.
The moonlight spilled over the courtyard stones, silvering the stillness. Qin Yijun walked with measured steps, leaving behind the sharp echoes of Wu Ziyi's frustrated voice. He needed air, and perhaps… clarity.
He found Yuming where he expected her—in the quiet corner of the courtyard, seated by the lotus pond. She turned when she heard him, the corners of her lips tilting into a teasing smile.
"You look like you just escaped a storm. Don't tell me Ziyi cornered you again?"
Yijun gave a faint sigh, lowering himself to sit beside her.
"As always. She doesn't give up. But she doesn't understand—my heart isn't there."
Yuming tilted her head, studying him with amused eyes.
"And where is your heart, Young Master Qin? Still tangled with me, perhaps?"
Her tone was light, but Yijun's gaze turned steady, unflinching.
"It was. For a long time, Yuming. That's partly why our engagement… it had to be cancelled."
Yuming's expression softened, sensing the weight behind his words.
"Yes. Our masters thought it was fitting, that it was duty and tradition. But neither of us—nor our hearts—were ready for it. The engagement was never truly ours, was it?"
"No," Yijun admitted quietly. "And I respect your choice, even if it hurt. I would never force what wasn't there, not love, not trust."
She looked away, the reflection of the moon dancing in the pond.
"I couldn't let us be bound by something hollow, Yijun. Duty is one thing, love is another. And it would've been cruel to pretend otherwise."
He nodded slowly, thinking of the months spent under the expectations of their clans, the whispered rumors, the stares from those who assumed an engagement meant a bond of hearts. The cancellation was a relief—and a wound—but it was the right choice.
"I respected your choice. I always will. But sometimes… it still lingers," he admitted, his voice low.
Yuming chuckled, nudging his shoulder lightly to break the heaviness.
"You'll find someone who makes your heart restless, not just steady. And when you do, don't hold back because of me. Don't wait for me to find my own path before you choose yours. Love her fully, Yijun. Promise me that."
From the shadowed balcony above, Feng Lingxi watched silently, her gaze fixed on the two. Her chest ached in a way she didn't allow herself to admit. She liked Yijun—not with the fire of obsession like Wu Ziyi, but with a quiet, steadfast admiration that made every word he spoke linger in her mind.
Lingxi's hand clenched lightly, hidden behind her back. She could not step forward, could not reveal the fluttering ache in her heart. But she understood. She respected the bond they had, the unspoken truths that Yijun and Yuming shared.
As Yijun and Yuming's laughter faded into the night, Lingxi turned away, swallowing her own feelings, whispering silently,
"I will let this be… for now."
And somewhere in that quiet distance, the engagement that never was remained a shadow over them, a past choice that shaped the present, witnessed by a heart too careful to speak.