Li Yuan walked toward the Harmony Inn with a relaxed pace, his eyes observing the details of life around the port while his ears caught the conversations in various mixed languages. His gray hanfu swayed gently with the rhythm of his steps, attracting occasional glances from the people he passed, but not causing a stir.
The Harmony Inn was located on a street corner slightly away from the main port noise, but still close enough to feel the energy of commerce. The two-story building had a unique architecture—a blend of Kuatri and Zuwa styles that created an interesting visual harmony. The basic structure was Kuatri-style with neatly arranged wooden beams and a tiled roof, but with added Zuwa elements like flowing wood carvings and a welcoming open terrace.
Before entering the main door, Li Yuan paused to read the sign hanging in front of the inn. The words "Harmony Inn" were written in three languages—Kuatri, Luxen, and Zuwa—with different but balanced calligraphic styles.
Unintentional symbolism, Li Yuan thought with a faint smile. Or perhaps it was intentional.
Li Yuan pushed open the sturdy wooden door and stepped inside. The inn's interior immediately made him feel... comfortable. Not because of luxury—on the contrary, the decor was simple—but because there was something warm and genuine in its atmosphere.
In the left corner, there was a seating area with Zuwa-style cushions placed on a woven mat. In the right corner, there were neatly arranged Kuatri-style wooden tables with simple chairs. In the middle, there was a reception counter adorned with delicate carvings that blended motifs from both cultures.
What was most interesting was how light entered through strategically placed windows, creating a play of light and shadow that made the room feel alive and breathing.
Behind the counter, Li Yuan saw a middle-aged woman with the glowing dark skin characteristic of the Zuwa, writing something in a ledger. Her hair was braided with small colorful beads, and she wore a simple but elegant tunic. When she heard the door open, she looked up and smiled warmly.
"Welcome to Harmony Inn," she greeted in Kuatri with a slightly different accent—a sign that it was not her first language. "I am Kesi. How may I help you?"
Through the small radius of his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan heard the intention behind the greeting: genuine warmth, professional hospitality, mild curiosity. There was no prejudice or judgment based on his appearance—just the sincere friendliness of a good innkeeper.
"Greetings, Madame Kesi," Li Yuan nodded politely. "I am Li Yuan. Zhang Wei from the port recommended this inn for a stay. I'm looking for a room for a few days."
Kesi's expression brightened when she heard Zhang Wei's name. "Ah, Zhang Wei. He often sends quality guests here." She looked at Li Yuan with sharp but friendly eyes. "Are you a wanderer?"
"Yes," Li Yuan answered simply. "I'm interested in learning about new places and meeting people with different perspectives."
Kesi nodded with an understanding expression. Through his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan caught a change in intention: recognition, respect, personal connection. There was something in the woman's response that showed she recognized and valued such a motivation.
"A noble motivation," Kesi said, opening the reservation book. "We have several empty rooms. One faces the port with a view of the commercial activity, one faces the quieter back garden. Which do you prefer?"
She didn't immediately offer the most expensive room or try to sell extra amenities, Li Yuan appreciated the non-aggressive approach. She was truly trying to understand the guest's needs.
"The one facing the garden, if you don't mind," Li Yuan replied. "I prefer tranquility for reflection after a long day."
"A good choice," Kesi smiled, making a note. "Room 7 on the second floor. A large window, a view of the garden with an old mango tree, very quiet but still gets enough light."
As Kesi was writing down the registration details, the entrance door opened again and a man of medium build with typical Kuatri features came in, carrying a basket of fresh vegetables. His hair was starting to gray at the temples, but his eyes were still sharp and energetic. He wore simple but neat work clothes.
"Kesi, I've bought... oh," the man stopped when he saw Li Yuan. "We have a guest."
"Liu, come here," Kesi called with a smile. "This is Li Yuan, our new guest. Li Yuan, this is my husband, Liu Ming."
Li Yuan stood and gave a deep, respectful nod. "Pleased to meet you, Sir Liu."
Liu Ming put down his basket of vegetables and returned the nod politely. Through his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan heard an interesting intention from the man: assessment, protectiveness towards wife, cautious but not hostile.
He is assessing whether I am a threat to his family, Li Yuan thought. A normal reaction for a caring husband.
"Zhang Wei recommended him," Kesi added to her husband. "A wanderer interested in learning about different cultures."
Liu Ming's expression softened slightly. "Ah, Zhang Wei. He has a good eye for people." He looked at Li Yuan more openly. "Welcome to Sancheng, Li Yuan. It's a... unique place."
There's something in the way he said 'unique', Li Yuan caught a deeper nuance. Through his Wenjing Realm, he felt a complexity of emotions: pride, frustration, hope, realism.
"I've already started to see it," Li Yuan replied with an understanding smile. "And I'm already starting to appreciate its complexity."
Liu Ming and Kesi exchanged a look—a silent communication that only couples who have been together for a long time possess. Then Liu Ming nodded with a warmer expression.
"Complicated is the right word," he said. "Did Zhang Wei tell you about tomorrow's festival?"
"Briefly," Li Yuan replied. "The Day of Unity, he said. I'm interested to see how three communities can celebrate together."
Kesi and Liu Ming exchanged another look, this time with a slightly different nuance. Through his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan caught a complex mixture of intentions: hope mixed with cynicism, love for the community mixed with an awareness of its flaws.
"That festival..." Kesi began to speak, then paused for a moment. "How to explain it?"
"It's beautiful and sad at the same time," Liu Ming continued. "For three days, we all pretend that differences don't matter. We dance together, eat together, laugh together. But after that..."
"After that, we go back to our respective boxes," Kesi finished with a slightly bitter tone.
Li Yuan contemplated that statement for a moment. There was a painful honesty there, but also... something else.
"But at least for those three days, you prove that it's possible," Li Yuan said slowly. "That differences don't have to be a barrier. Isn't that valuable?"
The couple fell silent, looking at Li Yuan with a changed expression. Through his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan heard an interesting shift in intention: surprise at the perspective, reconsideration, tentative hope.
"You know," Liu Ming said finally, "not many people see it from that point of view."
"Most people see the hypocrisy in that festival," Kesi added. "They say it's just a mask to cover up the real problems."
Li Yuan nodded in understanding. "Perhaps there is some truth to that. But perhaps the festival is also... practice. Like a person learning to play music—awkward and unnatural at first, but with repeated practice, it eventually becomes natural."
Liu Ming looked at his wife, then smiled faintly. "Did you hear that, Kesi? He says our festival is 'practice' for becoming better."
Kesi laughed softly—a warm and genuine sound. "I like that way of thinking. Practice for becoming a better version of ourselves."
They have both experienced frustration with the social dynamics in Sancheng, Li Yuan observed. But they haven't given up. There is still hope there.
"By the way," Kesi said, returning her focus to the registration, "we haven't told you—we are a living example of the 'practice' you mentioned."
"What do you mean?" Li Yuan asked, although he could already guess.
"I'm Zuwa, he's Kuatri," Kesi pointed to herself and her husband. "Twenty years ago, a marriage like this was still considered... controversial. It's a little more accepted now, but there are still those who look at it cynically."
Liu Ming nodded. "We founded this inn partly to prove that differences can be a strength, not a weakness. Kesi brings the warmth and creativity of the Zuwa culture, I bring the structure and efficiency of the Kuatri culture."
And the result is a place that feels balanced and comfortable, Li Yuan observed the inn's interior with new eyes. They didn't try to eliminate the differences, but to integrate them.
"That explains why this inn feels so... harmonious," Li Yuan said sincerely. "Not harmony in the sense of uniformity, but harmony in the sense of balance."
The couple's expressions became warmer. Through his Wenjing Realm, Li Yuan heard a clear intention: validation, appreciation, connection.
"Exactly," Kesi said, her eyes sparkling. "You truly understand the philosophy behind this place."
Liu Ming nodded enthusiastically. "Most guests just see the inn as a place to sleep and shower. Few understand the deeper concept."
Li Yuan smiled. "Perhaps it's because I am also a wanderer who seeks harmony, not uniformity. I have learned that difference can create a beauty that uniformity cannot achieve."
These two are wise people, Li Yuan reflected. They have found a way to create something beautiful from their differences, and they haven't given in to cynicism despite facing social challenges.
"Alright," Kesi said, finishing the registration, "Room 7 is ready. Dinner is served from 6 to 9, a mixed menu of both our cultures. And if you'd like to join us to see the festival preparations tomorrow morning, you are very welcome."
"I would love that," Li Yuan replied, accepting the room key from Kesi's hand.
Liu Ming lifted his basket of vegetables. "I have to prepare the ingredients for dinner. Kesi, please show Li Yuan to his room."
"Of course," Kesi came out from behind the counter. "This way, Li Yuan. Room 7 is at the end of the corridor, very quiet."
As they climbed the sturdy wooden stairs, Li Yuan felt something he hadn't felt in a long time: the warmth of a home that truly felt like a home. Not just a building or a business, but a place where caring people created a space for mutual acceptance and appreciation.
Harmony Inn, Li Yuan thought, following Kesi up the stairs. A fitting name for a place run by people who understand that true harmony comes from accepting and integrating differences, not eliminating them.