The laughter from the mahjong game slowly faded into soft murmurs.
The night had grown deep.
Lantern flames burned lower, their golden glow dimmer than before.
Even the lively Duke residence had begun to settle.
—
Servants moved more quietly now.
Footsteps softened.
Voices lowered.
—
Around the hall, everyone looked… tired.
But it was a good kind of tired.
The kind that comes after joy.
After warmth.
After moments shared without restraint.
—
Lian Hua stretched dramatically, leaning back against her chair.
"I can't move anymore…"
"You didn't do anything," Lian Rou replied.
"I supported emotionally."
"That's not a thing."
"It is."
—
Chen Ruyi laughed softly, her eyes slightly tired but warm.
"You both never stop, do you?"
—
"Never," Lian Hua said proudly.
—
At that moment—
The Aunt (Lian Rou's mother) stepped forward.
Her gaze moved gently toward Chen Ruyi.
"It's late."
Her tone was soft but firm.
"Your parents will be worried."
—
