Outside the room was the internet café.
Ei was fully focused on gaming.
Ping was also playing, though her gaze kept drifting toward the practice room.
Mr. Xia had been inside with that woman for a long time.
And after reading that romance novel before bed… her imagination was running wild.
She honestly disliked this feeling.
She kind of wanted to barge in and see what was happening.
Ping turned to Cloud Retainer.
She was calmly gaming, completely unconcerned with whatever was happening in the other room.
"I say, Cloud Retainer."
"Hm?"
"Fujin has already recovered her strength."
"I know."
"You know?"
"She told me earlier, and even thanked me. After all, I asked Xiao to deliver that bottle of Essence of Sun and Moon to her."
"Oh… she told me she's bored."
"Chenyu Vale is pretty empty now. Herblord isn't around either. Of course she's bored. But she can leave the water now, right? She can go visit Lingyuan, the Ancient Lord of the Mountains."
"With their past relationship, do you think that's fun?"
"…Fair point. Lingyuan never understood Fujin and Herblord's fondness for humans… so you're suggesting what?"
"Let's bring Fujin here to game with us. You know Mr. Xia well. If you ask him, he'll agree."
"Of course he'll agree."
"Then go."
"Right now?"
"Obviously."
Cloud Retainer looked toward the practice room, hesitating. "But he's busy."
Ping replied seriously, "Didn't you say he's just teaching her music? That's not a big deal. If you're scared, I'll go with you. It's been years since I last saw Fujin. Video calls can't compare to seeing her face-to-face."
Cloud Retainer thought about it. "Alright."
Ping stood up immediately. "Let's go."
Cloud Retainer pulled her back. "After this match."
"…Fine."
Maybe she was too eager.
But at least she now had a proper excuse.
They finished the game sooner than expected.
Ping and Cloud Retainer won.
Cloud Retainer glanced at the summary screen. "You actually got a pentakill."
Ping stood up. "I know."
Cloud Retainer replayed the footage. "How were your hands that fast just now? You suddenly got amazing."
Ping tugged her. "My rhythm just clicked. Stop watching. Move."
"What's the rush?"
"I want to see an old friend."
"…Honestly."
Ping dragged her to the small room.
Once they reached the door, though, Ping suddenly stopped rushing. She just stood there.
Cloud Retainer frowned. "Well? Open the door. Weren't you the one in a hurry?"
"You open it."
"What difference does it make?"
"You're closer to Mr. Xia."
"Tch…"
The room was well soundproofed. They couldn't hear a thing.
Cloud Retainer sighed, then knocked.
A moment later, the door opened.
Xia Zhi looked at them in mild surprise. "Something wrong?"
Cloud Retainer murmured, "We didn't interrupt you, did we?"
Xia Zhi smiled. "Not at all."
"It's like this… can you bring Fujin into the dream too?"
"Fujin the adeptus?"
"Mm."
"She's in Chenyu Vale, right?"
"Right."
"I'll try."
Xia Zhi used the dream authority he'd learned from Xia Ci.
Because Fujin had a phone, there was at least a point of connection.
But after a moment, he shook his head.
"No good. She hasn't fallen asleep yet."
Ping remembered. "She's probably still sitting on the tea tree, watching the moon."
"Watching the moon?"
"Mm. We chatted earlier tonight. She said she was doing that."
"Oh…"
Cloud Retainer said, "Then I'll exit the dream and call her. Tell her to hurry and sleep."
"Okay."
Cloud Retainer vanished.
In reality she'd only need a couple of minutes, but with the twelve-fold time difference, they'd be waiting ten minutes here.
They couldn't just stand at the door.
Ping glanced inside.
Xia Ying sat there gently brushing the strings.
Ping asked quietly, "Mr. Xia is teaching her music?"
Xia Zhi nodded. "Mm."
Ping lowered her eyes. "May I sit in and learn too?"
Xia Zhi looked surprised. "Learn?"
She sighed softly. "Yes… Mr. Xia knows I'm quite interested in music. Ever since I heard that piece you played, I haven't been able to forget it. I tried practicing alone, but I just can't recreate that feeling."
Xia Zhi thought it over. "Sure. Come in."
Joy flickered in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Xia."
She entered and closed the door.
Xia Ying looked up at her, thoughtful.
"Streetward Rambler…"
Ping bowed slightly. "Shogun, forgive the intrusion."
If you know you're intruding, then don't come in!
Xia Ying shook her head. "I have another name now. Call me Xia Ying. No need for honorifics."
Ping hesitated. "Xia Ying…"
"Just act the way you do with Xia Ci."
Ping lowered her gaze. "I understand."
Xia Ying turned her focus back to Xia Zhi. "Cousin, that last melody, I'm still confused."
Xia Zhi sat beside her. "Which part?"
"This one…"
Xia Ying played a small fragment.
"It sounds off…"
Ping frowned.
Really? You're messing up something this simple?
Xia Zhi didn't judge her. He already knew Xia Ying was hopeless at music.
"Mm. You played two notes wrong."
"I did?"
"Yes. I'll show you."
He didn't take the instrument from her. Instead, he leaned close, reached across her lap, and played directly.
Their bodies brushed.
Their hands touched.
Ping froze.
Ah???
So THIS is how you two "learn music" in here?
Xia Zhi pulled back. "Understand now?"
Xia Ying brightened. "Yes. Cousin, you're amazing."
"It's nothing. This piece is easy. Practice a bit and you'll get it. I believe in you."
"Mm!"
After a moment, Xia Ying frowned again.
"Cousin…"
"Hm?"
"This part… can you play it once more? I still don't get it."
"This one? It's a little tricky. I'll show you again."
Ping stared, numb.
Tricky?
Where?!
I could play this with one hand and my eyes closed.
She watched Xia Zhi lean close to Xia Ying again, their shoulders pressed tightly, hands moving together.
Ping fell into silence.
Cloud Retainer…
Your house is being stolen.
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