'She's stubborn…'
He gently released her onto the bed, then stepped back slightly, crossing his arms. Zhulan, still breathless, glared at him with frustration. Far from mocking her, his expression remained unreadable.
Night had fallen by the time she opened her eyes again. The air was crisp, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves around the campsite. BaiShe sat perched on a massive tree branch, gazing at the starry sky. The moons cast a silvery light on his face, lending him an air of both mystery and distance.
"Thank you…" she whispered.
BaiShe glanced down at her briefly, nodded once, then returned his gaze to the stars.
Zhulan slowly sat up, her aching muscles protesting every movement. She watched BaiShe for a long time before finally breaking the silence.
"I still lack power…"
BaiShe raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Zhulan took a deep breath before continuing, her voice tinged with bitterness she couldn't conceal.
