The rain came suddenly, catching people off guard as it poured down.
Xie Liangchen raised her head and, through the umbrella handle, saw an official robe in a crabapple red tint, its hem already soaked by the rain.
"General Song."
Xie Liangchen called out, their eyes meeting, and only felt that Song Xian's gaze carried a hint of warmth beneath its clarity.
Raindrops hit the umbrella, crackling loudly.
Chen Zigeng wanted to speak but had an inkling that it wasn't the right moment to open his mouth.
"Miss Xie," He San's voice arrived, "The rain outside is heavy. Perhaps it's better to wait before heading out. If you have urgent matters... we have umbrellas and raincoats here."
He San spoke without looking sideways, following the old master's orders to deliver an umbrella, but did not expect to see a general in an official robe standing beside Miss Xie.
Not knowing the identity of this general nor daring to make assumptions, He San stood by awaiting instructions.
