The night had quieted. Yuming had dragged Dushen away with her laughter and reckless insistence, leaving the room still and heavy with the scent of wine.
Mei'yin sat at the low table, cheeks flushed, her fingers tracing lazy circles on the rim of her cup. Her head drooped, but her eyes glimmered faintly when she turned toward Yuxi, who stood by the window, his back rigid as if he were holding back the storm inside him.
For a long time, silence stretched between them. Finally, Yuxi spoke, his voice low and rough.
"You think I don't care." He turned, his eyes locking onto hers. "But if I didn't… I wouldn't be here."
Mei'yin blinked, a hiccup catching her breath. "Then why do you let me hurt like this?" Her words slurred but carried raw pain. "Why do you… look at me, but never reach for me?"
Yuxi stepped closer, his cold aura wavering like cracked ice. He crouched before her, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Her lips trembled, tears spilling despite her drunken attempt to smile. "Fool… I'm already yours… even if I shouldn't be."
Something inside Yuxi broke. He lifted his hand, brushing away her tears with a gentleness that betrayed his usual reserve. His thumb lingered on her cheek, and for once, his mask of control slipped away.
"You drive me insane," he murmured, almost to himself. "And yet… I can't stop wanting you."
Mei'yin's breath hitched, her heart hammering wildly. Her drunken courage betrayed her—she leaned forward slightly, her face so close to his. "Then… stop thinking. Just… love me."
For the first time, Yuxi didn't pull back. His lips met hers, hesitant at first, then deeper—firm, aching, a kiss that tasted of wine and years of unspoken longing.
Mei'yin melted against him, her hands clutching his sleeve, her tears mixing with the heat of his lips.
It was clumsy, desperate, but real—their first kiss.
When they parted, Mei'yin's eyes were heavy, her words barely a whisper. "Don't let go this time…"
Yuxi held her close, his forehead against hers. "I won't.
I am telling you what I feel. Linyan and I… we are nothing now. She is my past. You—" He pressed his forehead to hers, his breath uneven. "You are the one I can't stop looking for, even when you run from me."
Mei'yin's lips parted, trembling, her drunken courage faltering into raw vulnerability. "And if… if I break again? If I'm not enough?"
Yuxi's thumb brushed her lips, silencing her. "Then I'll hold the pieces. Every single one. I won't let you go, Mei'yin… not anymore."
Her tears spilled fresh, but this time, her smile bloomed through the ache. She leaned into him, their lips meeting once more—messy, aching, but full of everything they could no longer deny.
As she slumped against his chest, drunk and exhausted, Yuxi wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if she were the only truth left in his world.
And with her breathing steady against him, he whispered into the night—words he had buried too long.
"Linyan was my past… but A'yin, you are my forever."
Yuming and Dushen were drinking in another room, far away from Mei'yin.
"She wouldn't have been hurt if that Yuming had just said the girl's name!" slurred Dushen, swaying on his chair.
Yuming raised an eyebrow, confused. "I don't understand… What do you mean?"
"Ah! That Yuming! That's why Mei'yin embarrassed that girl! Because that Yuming didn't say it was the girl who was supposed to marry Yuxi! If she had just said her name, none of this would have happened!" Dushen shouted, eyes half-closed, flailing his hands. "You! As Mei'yin's friend, what can you say about that Yuming?!"
Yuming could only grin, amused at the misunderstanding. Seems like I sound worse in Mei's story than I thought… she thought.
"Ahhy!" Dushen shouted, suddenly snapping back to awareness.
"You—would you hit Yuming?!"
"Huh? Hehe, of course… um… ah…"
"Would you hit Yuming? Maybe you're Yuming, aren't you?!" Dushen demanded again, leaning forward. Yuming shook her head.
Dushen blinked, baffled. "Then… who are you?!"
Yuming smirked, playing along, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "N-no! I'm Mo Tian… That's my name, not Yuming. "
The first light of dawn filtered softly through the paper windows, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The scent of pine and faint incense lingered in the air.
Mei'yin stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, the world was blurred, and then she realized where she was—curled against Yuxi's chest, his steady heartbeat a quiet rhythm beneath her ear. His arm was draped loosely around her shoulders, protective and possessive in the most natural way.
She froze, heart thudding. Did I… fall asleep like this?
Yuxi shifted slightly, his deep, steady voice breaking the silence. "You're awake," he said, calm but edged with something softer, almost tender.
Mei'yin's cheeks flushed pink. "I… I must have…" she stammered, words failing her as she pressed closer, feeling the warmth radiating from him.
Yuxi's hand tilted her chin gently up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're warm," he murmured, a quiet note of amusement hidden beneath the calm. "And heavy."
Mei'yin couldn't help but giggle softly, the sound like music in the quiet room. "I… I'm not heavy," she protested, though her voice wavered.
"You fit perfectly here," he said simply, the words more intimate than any grand declaration. His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, lingering as though memorizing the moment.
Mei'yin's heart raced. She reached up, daring to brush her hand against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of life beneath his robes. "Yuxi… I—"
He silenced her with a soft, lingering kiss, slow and deliberate, tasting faintly of sleep and warmth. Mei'yin, still a little drunk on the previous night's emotions and the intimacy of the moment, melted into it, pressing closer, letting herself forget the world outside.
And in that quiet morning, wrapped in each other's arms, the chaos of the past, the misunderstandings, and the world beyond the walls of the room seemed to vanish entirely. Only the two of them remained, bound by trust, warmth, and something far deeper than words.
The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of Ye Residence, casting a warm glow over the room. Dushen was still slumped on the floor, fast asleep after last night's drinking, his snores soft and unsteady.
Yuxi and Mei'yin entered quietly, careful not to wake him. Mei'yin's gaze immediately landed on Yuming, who sat nearby, still fully awake and watching over Dushen with a mix of exasperation and quiet amusement.
"Yuming, Look at him," Mei'yin whispered, a sly grin spreading across her face. "He really can't hold his liquor, can he?"
Yuming's lips twitched in a smile, but she pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle it. "Quiet, you've made up, already." her eyes flicking to Mei'yin. "And call me Mo Tian, not Yuming. I sound… antagonistic in your story."
Mei'yin's grin only widened. "Mo Tian, huh? Fine," she said, her voice teasing. She leaned slightly forward, tiptoeing near the sleeping Dushen, deliberately trying to provoke a reaction.
Yuxi, standing behind her, crossed his arms, his dark eyes following every subtle movement. There was a faint smirk on his face, though his posture remained composed. "You're lucky she's just teasing," he murmured, his voice low, only for Mei'yin and Yuming to hear.
Mei'yin glanced up at him, her grin softening into something warmer. "Lucky?" she repeated, the corners of her eyes crinkling as her laughter threatened to escape.
Yuming shook her head, trying to maintain her composure, though a faint smile betrayed her. "You're annoying," she murmured. "Even in the morning."
Mei'yin leaned closer to Yuxi, brushing slightly against his side, her voice playful but gentle. "And yet… mornings like this aren't so bad, right?"
Yuxi's eyes softened for a fleeting moment, his usual cold composure breaking ever so slightly. He allowed a tiny smile, just enough to reach her. Yuming rolled her eyes, shaking her head.
Dushen stirred, a groggy frown knitting his brows as he slowly opened one eye… then the other. His head lolled slightly to the side, and he blinked at the scene before him: Mei'yin grinning mischievously, Yuxi standing silently behind her, and Yuming trying (and failing) to keep a straight face.
"What… what are you—" Dushen's words slurred as he pushed himself up, only to spot Mei'yin leaning just a little too close to Yuxi. His face flushed red, a mix of embarrassment and indignation.
"Ahhh!" he groaned dramatically, waving a hand. "This—this is—! Why—why are you teasing her? Why are you with him!?"
Mei'yin laughed softly, tilting her head. "Teasing? Oh no, Dushen, I'm just having some fun while you sleep. Don't be so dramatic."
Yuming, now fully awake, folded her arms, though a faint smile played on her lips. "Careful, Mighty Dushen. If you make a scene, you might wake the entire residence."
Dushen flailed, trying to gather composure, but his drunk haze made it clumsy. "I… I can't let this happen! She's… she's—" He pointed erratically at Mei'yin, then Yuxi, then back at Mei'yin. "She's my responsibility! She can't just..."
Yuxi, still calm as ever, took a step forward, his voice low and smooth but carrying unmistakable authority: "She's safe. No harm will come to her."
Dushen froze, blinking at Yuxi as if seeing him for the first time. "Safe…?"
"Yes," Yuming said, her tone clipped but not unkind. "Let's all calm down. She's fine, and no one is in danger. You were the one who left her alone yesterday."
Dushen's mouth opened as if to argue, but no words came. Instead, he sank back slightly, muttering incoherently under his breath, while Mei'yin nudged Yuxi with a cheeky grin.
"See? Nothing to worry about," she whispered, her voice teasing yet intimate. "Now go back to sleep, Dushen, or I'll start telling everyone what you were mumbling in your dreams."
Dushen groaned, throwing a blanket over his head, while Yuming shook her head in disbelief. "Unbelievable," she muttered. "He's more dramatic than any child I've ever met."
Mei'yin's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, come on, Mo Yum—.... I mean Mo Tian."
Yuming just groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Birds chirped faintly, the air crisp with early warmth. Mei'yin stood at the entrance, her small bag slung over her shoulder, Yuxi beside her, and Yuming watching quietly from a short distance.
Ye Dushen appeared, rubbing his eyes from sleep but still maintaining a faint grin. Despite his drunken antics the night before, his loyalty and care for Mei'yin were clear in every gesture.
"You really have to go back now?" he asked, voice slightly rough but holding an undertone of sadness.
Mei'yin nodded, her usual playful smile softened into something warmer, tinged with genuine appreciation. She stepped forward, lightly bowing her head in respect before wrapping her arms around Dushen in a firm, heartfelt hug.
"Thank you… for everything, Ye shen," she whispered, her voice quiet but heavy with sincerity. "For taking care of me, for letting me stay here, and for… well, everything."
Dushen stiffened for a moment, then hugged her back tightly, his eyes glimmering despite the morning haze. "You… you take care of yourself too, Mei'yin," he said, his tone softer than usual. "Don't get into trouble… and don't drink too much."
She chuckled lightly, the sound gentle and comforting. "I'll try… but I can't make any promises."
Yuxi stepped forward, bowing slightly in a formal yet protective manner. "Thank you, for looking after her. She is safe with you."
Dushen waved a hand dismissively, though his expression softened. "She's stubborn, but… she's lucky to have you too, Yuxi. Take good care of her."
Mei'yin gave a small laugh, leaning into Yuxi's side as she glanced back at Dushen one last time. "I'll remember everything," she said, her eyes glinting with warmth and a little sadness. "I won't forget this place… or you."
Dushen finally nodded, a proud yet slightly wistful smile spreading across his face. "Go on then. Don't let me keep you."
Yuming, observing silently, gave Mei'yin a small, approving nod. "Let's go," she said softly, though her eyes lingered on Dushen a moment longer.
With one last wave, Mei'yin and Yuxi stepped out of the Ye residence, the doors closing behind them with a gentle click.
The evening at Baoli Zong was calm, lanterns swaying gently outside while the siblings gathered around the dinner table. Mei'yin sat among them, her hair carefully done, a small shawl draped over her shoulders. She peeked from under it like a mischievous child hiding from a playful scolding.
Lingxi leaned back, smirking. "Look at you, Mei'yin. All prim and proper now, hiding under that shawl. Acting like you're still a little child."
Mei'yin pouted, hiding deeper. "I'm not acting like a child! I'm… protecting my hair from falling into the soup," she said, her voice muffled but teasing.
Yangguang snorted, nudging her with his elbow. "Sure, sure. And I suppose that 'childlike' behavior includes running off without telling anyone and shocking all of Baoli Zong with your grand entrance?"
Mei'yin peeked out, a small, guilty smile tugging at her lips. "That was… necessary," she said in a mock-serious tone. "To… make things more interesting."
Xiaoyan chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Necessary, indeed. You've never lost your flair for drama, Mei'yin. But at least you're back safe, and that's what matters."
Lingxi leaned closer, her grin playful. "And now we get the full story. You and Yuxi—oh, that look on everyone's faces when you appeared at Baoli Zong. Priceless. You were enjoying that, weren't you?"
Mei'yin's cheeks warmed, and she ducked lower under her shawl, letting out a tiny giggle. "Maybe… a little. But it's not my fault everyone's so dramatic."
Xiaoyan smiled warmly, glancing at her siblings. "Exactly. You may act like a child sometimes, Mei'yin, but your heart… that's what reminds us of family. We care for you, always."
Mei'yin's eyes shone under the soft glow of the lanterns. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands like a child seeking comfort. "I… I'm glad I'm with all of you."
The siblings laughed together, the warmth and affection flowing freely, covering the playful teasing, the gentle scolds, and the little dramas. Tonight, in Baoli Zong, family was simple, safe, and beautifully imperfect.
The next morning, the Baoli Zong classrooms were filled with the usual chatter, but a noticeable undercurrent of tension hung in the air. Mei'yin, still wrapped in the comfort of the previous night's warmth with her siblings, walked into the classroom with a quiet confidence. Her eyes scanned the room, lingering on the usual spots — Yuxi and Yuming.
Across the room, Bai Linyan entered with her calm, poised elegance, robes perfectly arranged, her expression unreadable as always. But today, her eyes flickered toward Mei'yin almost immediately. A flash of something—annoyance, confusion, perhaps lingering hurt—passed over her features.
Mei'yin noticed instantly. Her heart skipped, and a quiet, sharp edge settled in her chest. So, she's here…
As the teacher called the class to order, the students settled, but the two girls' glances continued to cross, each silent exchange heavy with meaning.
Finally, during a break between lessons, Bai Linyan approached, her footsteps soft but deliberate. "Lady Mei," she said, her voice smooth yet carrying a subtle undertone of challenge, "may I ask… why did you announce your engagement so publicly?"
Mei'yin's head lifted slowly, eyes meeting Linyan's with a mixture of calm defiance and faint amusement. "Was it so surprising, Lady Bai? Or was it… disappointing?" she replied, the corner of her lips curling slightly.
Linyan's hands clenched lightly at her sides. "It was none of my business… yet you forced it into the open. Do you enjoy humiliating others?"
Mei'yin's gaze softened for a split second, then hardened again. "I didn't humiliate anyone. I merely… claimed what is mine. Perhaps you misunderstand."
Linyan's voice dropped, quiet but cutting. "And what exactly is yours? Young Master Qin Yuxi's attention? His affection? Or just the idea of him?"
The classroom around them seemed to fade as Mei'yin stepped closer, her tone low, deliberate. "He's mine because he chooses me. Not you. Not your past, not your charm, not your presence. Do you understand, Lady Bai? Don't start an argument over man! Pathetic!"
Linyan's eyes glimmered, a mix of hurt and something sharp like fire. "I understand perfectly… but you should know, pride alone doesn't make someone truly… loved."
Mei'yin's jaw tightened, her fingers clenching slightly. "And neither does past affection. Don't mistake history for destiny."
The tension in the air was thick enough that a few classmates glanced nervously at the two, sensing the silent storm brewing. Yet neither girl looked away.
A bell rang, signaling the end of class, but their silent war continued as they gathered their things. Their eyes met across the room one last time—Mei'yin's daring, Linyan's composed but simmering—and the promise of another confrontation lingered like electricity in the air.
Outside, the sunlight streamed into Baoli Zong, oblivious to the subtle battle of wills unfolding within the classroom.
The late afternoon sun spilled into the courtyard of Baoli Zong. Feng Xiaoyan leaned against the stone railing, arms folded, eyes calm but observant. Beside her, Bai Yujing held a cup of tea, her expression relaxed yet thoughtful.
"It's… amusing, isn't it?" Yujing said with a small smile. "How Mei'yin arrived back with Yuxi, causing such a stir. And how Bai Linyan reacted… like a perfectly poised storm."
Xiaoyan chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Amusing, yes, but also dangerous. Young hearts can be reckless, especially when engagements and old feelings collide. Mei'yin… she's bold, maybe too bold for her own good."
Yujing sipped her tea, eyes narrowing slightly. "And Linyan. Composed on the surface, but… the past still lingers. She's proud, but there's a sharpness beneath it. If she senses a threat, it will flare."
Xiaoyan's gaze softened as she looked toward the courtyard. "And Yuxi… his heart is unsteady, passionate. Mei'yin being nearby only amplifies it. But unlike them, we must remain… balanced. Engaged as we are, we set examples, not chaos."
Yujing laughed lightly, the sound carrying warmth. "Indeed. Our engagement may be formal, but at least we understand each other. It's easier to guide from the sidelines than to fight the fires ourselves."
Xiaoyan inclined her head, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Exactly. Let them burn a little—it teaches. But we must watch carefully, lest the flames consume more than they should."
Yujing's eyes softened, and she touched her cup lightly. "Then we observe, we support, and perhaps we intervene when absolutely necessary."
Xiaoyan's smile widened, serene and confident. "Agreed. Love and tension… and lessons hidden between the lines."