"Yeah, yeah, yeah... you're always the one with the grand principles."
Shin waved her hand dismissively, then let out a long breath before standing and heading toward the door.
"Get ready. By tomorrow night, Tyce will have everything prepared. He'll arrive at Hollow Zero, and that's when we'll begin our operation."
Without turning back, she tossed the words over her shoulder. Zane, however, called out curiously,
"Why stop now?"
"You still have a chance to win this game."
At that, Shin paused at the doorway. She turned her head slightly, her bright eyes glinting as a faint smile curved her lips.
"I suppose I've been overthinking it... Sometimes, winning isn't everything."
Then, in a lighter tone, she added,
"Record the game. Once everything's over, we'll pick up where we left off."
She turned and walked away, her final words drifting faintly back to Zane.
"If we're both still alive."
Her coat fluttered as she disappeared from sight.
Watching her go, Qingyi couldn't shake the feeling there was more to Shin's words than she had said aloud—but it wasn't something she could ask directly.
"Zane, what do you think?"
Qingyi spoke softly, offering no further explanation. But Zane understood what she meant. After a moment of thought, he replied,
"Maybe she's just preoccupied. Even though she's been through a lot, facing a plan of this scale... it's only natural to feel some tension."
"Is that really all?"
Qingyi raised a brow, her gaze lingering on him as she questioned gently.
"Who can really figure out what you women are thinking?"
Zane sighed helplessly, spreading his hands. He honestly wasn't good with such things—playing chess alone was enough of a mental strain. Trying to read hearts on top of that would just make him feel foolish.
Qingyi gave him a brief glance but said nothing more. Instead, she rose, walked over to his side, and extended her hand.
"Hm? What's this?"
In Qingyi's palm rested a small black cube, its surface smooth and glossy, gleaming faintly under the light.
"Here. A gift for you."
"As for what it is... you'll find out soon enough."
"Keep it safe, alright~"
Qingyi winked playfully, her usual calm composure replaced by a rare, charming playfulness.
The sudden change caught Zane off guard for a moment. He reached out and took the small object from her hand. It seemed to be nothing more than a sleek black rectangular prism—simple, unadorned, and ordinary.
"Take it."
Qingyi didn't elaborate further, simply insisting he keep it. Once she saw him put it away, a faint smile returned to her face.
"Let's go. The grand show you've been planning is about to begin."
"As for whether it'll end perfectly..."
"That depends on what happens next."
Qingyi turned and walked toward the exit. Since Shin had already begun her preparations, there was no reason for the two of them to stay any longer.
Zane rose and followed her, his eyes tracing the soft movement of her dark hair.
"Master."
The word left his lips softly, like a falling leaf caught in the air.
Qingyi's steps faltered slightly, though she didn't stop. She turned her head with a light smile.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
Zane shook his head, his lips lifting in a faint grin as he quickened his pace to walk beside her.
"Just wanted you to wait for me."
Hearing that, Qingyi paused briefly. When Zane caught up and matched her stride, she began walking again.
The two left together. The chessboard and tea set had already been tidied away by Qingyi. In the now-empty room, only the small, verdant tea tree remained.
Here, deep underground where no light reached, perhaps it would wither after Zane's departure. Or perhaps, one day, it would see the sun again.
But whatever the outcome—whatever fate decided—in this moment, it stood full of life, straight and unwavering.
Without the slightest hint of fear.
Sunlight or not, it would still reach toward the light.
...