After their cheerful breakfast, Yichen and his mother made their way to the temple with Zhaoyan walking quietly beside them. As they reached the entrance, Zhaoyan stopped just outside the gate.
Yichen noticed and turned to him, concern flickering across his face. "Zhaoyan, what's wrong?"
Zhaoyan lowered his eyes, his expression heavy with sadness. "Yichen… I can't enter."
Yichen's heart sank, his face paling instantly. "What do you mean? You said you were pure and good."
Zhaoyan nodded slowly, hesitation in his eyes. "I am, but—"
Before Yichen could press further, Zhaoyan suddenly laughed, his lips curving into a playful smile. With a smooth step, he crossed into the temple grounds. "I'm just kidding."
Yichen's chest tightened with frustration, his voice sharp with worry. "Zhaoyan! This isn't the time to joke around."
Behind them, Yichen's mother turned and called out, her voice slightly impatient. "What are you two doing? Come quickly."
