The Xiao Clan market was bustling with life, merchants calling out their wares, children darting between stalls, and the fragrance of fresh herbs and roasted meats drifting through the air. Amidst this lively scene, Tianzun walked calmly at Xun'er's side, his hands folded behind his back as she eagerly pointed out ornaments displayed in a jeweler's stall.
"This one is lovely, isn't it, Tian?" Xun'er's golden eyes sparkled as she gestured toward a delicate hairpin studded with jade. Her voice carried a playful tone, testing the name she had decided to use for him.
Tianzun's lips curved faintly. "You've been calling me Tian for a while now… yet each time it still sounds new."
Xun'er laughed softly, brushing her hair back. "Do you have any problem with it?"
He shook his head. "No problem at all. It suits us."
Their walk continued, Xun'er recalling memories of the past. "Do you remember the first gift you gave me when I came to the Xiao Clan? You slipped that ornament into my hands without saying a word. I only discovered it later. That was so like you."
Tianzun chuckled, his gaze soft. "I remember. You seemed so happy when you found out."
Before Xun'er could reply, Tianzun's eyes caught sight of a young woman standing near a fabric stall. She had her back to them, but the aura she carried was familiar enough to stir his memory. Without hesitation, he called out—his voice firm, warm, and filled with recognition.
"Yian!"
The girl turned, and her eyes lit up with joy. The moment she saw Tianzun, she ran forward, her steps light, and without hesitation, she threw herself into his embrace. Her arms wrapped tightly around him as if she had been waiting for this reunion for far too long.
Xun'er, standing beside Tianzun, raised her brows. Her gaze shifted between the two, and though she smiled faintly, a quiet spark glimmered in her golden eyes.
"Yian," Tianzun said gently, smiling as he released her. "It's been too long." Then, turning slightly, he introduced her. "Xun'er, this is Yian. She has stood by me in the past, and we share a bond that has lasted years."
The two girls met each other's gaze. They exchanged polite smiles as their hands clasped together briefly. In that instant, Tianzun noticed something invisible—a current between them, a spark of rivalry that was not hostile but undeniably real. It was not malice, only the faint jealousy of two hearts competing for the same place.
Before it could grow heavier, Tianzun stepped between them, his tone calm. "Let me explain. Yian has walked a path with me for years. She knows much of my past, and it is thanks to her help that I stand here today. There is no reason for doubt."
But before he could continue further, Yian cut in with a cheerful smile, her voice filled with sincerity. "So, you are Xun'er? Tianzun always spoke about you. I've heard so much already."
The words startled Tianzun slightly, but they softened the air immediately. Xun'er blinked, then her smile grew warmer. "Is that so? Then it seems we've both been in his heart for some time."
The two laughed, their earlier tension fading away. What began as a rivalry subtly transformed into the spark of a new friendship. They turned their attention to each other, speaking animatedly as though they had known each other for years.
Meanwhile, Tianzun, who had expected a clash of jealousy, simply watched in relief. Women truly are difficult to predict, he mused inwardly, a wry smile touching his lips.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the streets in shades of gold, Tianzun guided them toward his residence. Once inside, he busied himself in the kitchen, his movements swift and precise as he prepared several fragrant dishes. The sizzling of pans and the aroma of spices soon filled the air.
Just as he was plating the final dish, there came a knock at the door. Wiping his hands, Tianzun went to open it. There stood Xun'er and Yian, both smiling and chatting with the ease of close friends.
"Dinner is ready," Tianzun said, stepping aside.
At his words, Yian swallowed hard, the sound of her throat betraying her eagerness. Xun'er noticed and raised a brow, amused, but her thoughts lingered on something else—So, Tianzun can cook like this… She entered with quiet surprise, while Yian followed with unconcealed delight.
And so, beneath the roof of Tianzun's home, the three of them gathered for their first meal together, unaware of the subtle bonds that had begun to intertwine their fates.